Green Guidelines: How You Can Help Us Care for Nature and Keep Good Vibes with the Neighbors
Would we call our tips a set of rules? Nah, that sounds like a chore—or worse, a threat. And we’re not here to wag a finger at you—no penalties or mind-numbing lectures on ancient maritime laws!
Instead, we’d rather show you how little actions can make a big impact on the environment. And most importantly, we want you to get why these actions matter.
Why bother? Well, imagine this: you’re soaking in the vibrant green landscape, filling your lungs with crisp forest air, all without worrying about stepping on litter or wrinkling your nose at stray trash. The healthier our environment, the better the experience for ALL OF US. After all, where else can you soothe an overstimulated mind if not in the peaceful embrace of unspoiled nature? We want you to bask in its beauty with us—today, next year, and every time you return to recharge your senses.
Below are some easy ways to help. By following these, you’re making it a whole lot easier for us to keep this place—and your experience—magical. Thank you in advance!
Waste Management
- Sorting waste here is kind of a big deal, but don’t worry, we’ve made it easy and (dare we say) a little fun! You’ll find recycling bins right in the kitchen under the sink, and the general waste containers are chilling out in the bin shed by the entrance.
- Each bin is clearly labeled to keep things simple. Not sure where your sandwich wrapper belongs? Just check the stickers on the bins or the handy instructions hanging by the sink (#ecohint: dirty paper goes in the mixed waste bin).
- And hey, unless you’re planning on sharing the litter box with our cat, please make sure to only dispose of toilet paper in the toilet. We’ve even got a graphic to help make it crystal clear.
- For all those personal hygiene items, there’s a dedicated bin in the bathroom. But if you’ve got something recyclable, like a plastic shampoo bottle, be sure to toss it into the plastics recycling bin. Thanks a million!
- We’re serious about separating out electronic waste and medications, too. Got used batteries, a broken electronic toy, or leftover antibiotics (because the wine’s calling and your friends are waiting)? Just drop them in the “other” box next to the fridge, and we’ll take care of its safe disposal.
Why is this important? For example, a single small battery from an electronic watch can contaminate up to 400 liters of water. Electronic devices that are damaged or not properly disposed of can release harmful substances like mercury, bromine, chromium, lead, or freon into the environment. So, please leave electronics and medications separately, and we’ll make sure they get to the right place.
- Please don’t leave waste bags “loose” outside. Wild animals can’t resist a free buffet, and we’d rather not turn our garden into a pop-up landfill!
- We run an eco-friendly wastewater treatment system here, and the good bacteria doing all the hard work are a bit picky. To keep them happy and our system running smoothly, please don’t pour food scraps, fats/oils, hygiene products, or anything similar down the drain. Instead, toss food scraps (except for...) into the bio-waste bin.
- If you’re the kind of person who can’t stand seeing trash in nature, we salute you! Whether you’re a dedicated plogger or just someone who cringes at every piece of litter like it’s a whiff of grandpa’s strongest brew, we’ve got your back.
Feel free to grab some extra bags and gloves (they’re in the cupboard under the sink) and bring any litter you collect back to our waste shed. As a thank you for keeping our place pristine, we’ll reward you with a treat/a cold beer/a x% discount on your next stay/or any other reward you’re willing to consider for guests who help tidy up the area.
Transportation
- We’re big fans of public transport and would love it if you could be too! Here’s how you can reach us: …..
- If you’re more of a free spirit and want to explore the area on your own terms, we’ve got two bikes/scooters waiting for you in the garage (free/for a fee of … zł/day). Perfect for breezy rides through the countryside!
- Driving an electric vehicle? You’re in luck! We’ve got a charging station right in our yard, powered by the sun, of course. The charger comes with a … connector and has a capacity of about …, and we charge … zł/…. kW to keep your wheels rolling green.
Garden and Wild Animals
- Ever wondered why some of our green spaces look like they’re straight out of “The Secret Garden”? We’re all about letting nature do its thing—leaving leaves, letting wildflowers flourish, and creating cozy spots for our feathered and fuzzy friends.The payoff? You'll enjoy vibrant flower carpets, serenades from our feathered friends, and a picturesque backdrop that's way more charming than a plain old hedge.
- We’ve cleared paths for easy strolling, but if you’re worried about ticks, feel free to use the natural tick repellent found in the entryway cupboard.
- Love wildlife watching? We do too! That’s why we’ve got binoculars (check the shelf by the entrance) and a bird guide (on the living room bookshelf) to help you get up close with nature.
Just remember, observe from a safe distance and never lure animals with food. Feeding them can disrupt their natural habits and sometimes lead to poisoning or unwanted interactions. We all want to avoid any unpleasant encounters.
- Also, please take any organic waste like banana peels with you while strolling in nature (you can stash them in the food containers available in the kitchen cupboard). Even apple cores should come back with us and be thrown away properly, as they aren’t a natural part of the forest ecosystem and can attract wildlife.
- Our garden is home to a bunch of beneficial herbs. If you’re curious, we’d be happy to tell you more, or you can find an edible weeds guide on the bookshelf for some culinary inspiration.
- Many quirky plants and mushrooms you spot are vital food sources for local wildlife. We’d appreciate it if you could avoid disturbing them (especially those funny-shaped mushrooms).
- For the sake of our woodland neighbors, keep the music mellow and savor the natural symphonies around you.
- Spiders? They’re our allies in keeping mosquitoes and flies at bay. Please don’t harm them. You can either gently move them outside yourself or let us know if they’re in the way.
- Bats and toads? See above. They’re the unsung heroes of bug control.Thanks to them, you can enjoy pastel sunsets on the terrace without a fog of DEET or bug sprays. They might be a bit visually challenging, but they’re the reason you get fewer bites during your stay.
Our Furry Crew & Your Four-Legged Friends
- Got a soft spot for furry friends? You’re in luck! We have some adorable pets around here. While not all of them are big fans of cuddles—some are real introverts—give them their space and you’ll be able to enjoy their company and snap some awesome photos without a hitch.
- Here’s the scoop on hanging out with our pets:
- Think about how you'd feel if a stranger was shadowing your every move. If our pets dart away from you, just give them a little space and time to warm up.
- Ever been startled by an unexpected touch? Our animals feel the same way. If they seem skittish, hold off on touching them, even if they look like they’d love a snuggle.
- Sure, our pets might act like they haven’t eaten in ages and beg for treats, but resist the urge to feed them. Unless we give you the thumbs up, keep human food away—even though they may act like huge fans, most probably it will make them sick.
- If you stay calm and move gently, you probably won’t find out whether those teeth are sharp or just for show :)
- Avoid separating baby animals from their parents for that perfect shot or petting session. If a pet comes up to you and seems up for some affection, feel free to give them a scratch—just make sure it’s a happy experience for both of you.
- If you’ve come with kids, make sure to explain the rules of interacting with animals and never leave them unsupervised with our furry or feathered friends.
- Bringing your own pet along? They need to be well-behaved and shouldn’t pose any trouble for other guests, staff, or wildlife. Keep dogs and cats on a leash, especially during forest strolls, and please clean up after them.
Neighbors & Etiquette
Our neighborhood vibe is all about keeping things friendly and harmonious—think of it as our very own diplomatic mission! So, here’s how you can help us keep the peace:
- Quiet Hours: We’re not enforcing a strict curfew, but let’s keep it chill. If you’re planning a late-night dance party, move the action indoors and keep those windows and doors closed. This way, you’ll have all the fun while our neighbors get their beauty sleep.
- Visiting Local Places of Worship: If you're heading to a nearby church or chapel, remember to dress appropriately. While you might not get an official dress code violation, it's always nice to show respect and blend in with the locals.
- Love Photography? Awesome! Our neighbors will likely appreciate beautiful portraits, but please remember to ask for their permission first, rather than sneaking around like paparazzi. This is especially important if their faces will be visible in the photos.
Water, Light, & Heat
- Cozy Fireside Moments: Dreaming of a crackling fire that warms both your toes and your soul? We’ve got the know-how to keep the flames dancing without burning through a forest’s worth of wood. Peep our easy-to-follow guide + safety tips below: ….
- The secret to a dreamy sleep? A cool 18-20°C. There’s a handy thermometer on the bookshelf to help you keep tabs. Need a quick cool-down? Pop open the windows for a fresh burst of air, then close them up to lock in the perfect cozy.
- We’re big fans of saving resources, and we bet you are too. So, give that tap a break while brushing, keep sunny windows shaded to stay cool, and start your day with a morning breeze. These simple moves do wonders for conserving energy and water.
- Motion sensors take care of hallway and entrance lights, but for the stairs and terrace, a quick flick off when you’re done keeps the vibes right for our batty friends and lets wildlife chill without a spotlight.
- Ditch the disposable grills—they’re bad news for the planet and your nervous system. Instead, fire up our grill or cozy fire pit for your culinary adventures.
- And for the tea lovers, there’s a thermos in the cupboard so you can enjoy endless refills without constantly boiling the kettle. Go ahead, get steeping!
- Need to freshen up your wardrobe? We’ve got a gentle detergent right by the washer. A half capful at 30°C (or 40°C for those stubborn stains) does the trick. For those extra-tough spots, a pre-soak in the basin behind the washer and a spin on eco-friendly program #3 will have your clothes looking fresh as new.
Kitchen
- Our tap water is crystal clear and ready to drink, so you don’t need to bring any plastic bottles. We also provide a handy filter jug for extra peace of mind.
- You’ll find reusable water bottles in the upper cabinet above the fridge. Feel free to take them on your neighborhood strolls or workouts.
- The same cabinet also holds food containers. Pack them for meals out or for carrying local market finds, especially bulk items.
- Our coffee and teas have FairTrade/EU Organic/other certifications/come from our garden and our neighbors'. Help yourselves!
- Choose the eco mode (second button from the left) while using the dishwasher. You’ll find eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, salt, and rinse aid in the drawer next to the sink. The dish soap is Ecolabel-certified, and the sponges are made from cellulose. To support our eco efforts, please use the dishwasher fully loaded and save water when washing dishes by hand.
- We’re committed to reducing food waste and encourage you to do the same:
- If you have leftover food that you don’t want to take with you (like open butter or a few eggs), leave it in the fridge.
- For scraps from your meals, toss them in the compost bin (they’ll go to our compost or bio-waste system).
- Our chickens will happily eat your eggshells. Please put them in the small plastic bucket under the sink. Thanks!
Fun Boosters
- We’ve got the scoop on spots where you can shop locally and healthily while supporting our neighbors, cool initiatives, and values we hold dear. Check out these recommendations for ethical attractions and shopping: .....
Create a list of local, eco-friendly businesses that care about the environment. Gather addresses for green eateries, cafés offering discounts for bringing your own cup, ethical tourist spots, eco-friendly accommodations, stores with bulk products, and places selling local crafts. This isn't just about supporting places with a similar philosophy and promoting sustainable development; it’s also invaluable advice for your guests. You might also include contacts for neighbors who sell their own preserves, wooden toys, buckwheat pillows, or garden lavender. Let them join in on the tourism benefits so your guests leave with unique souvenirs!
- For Bookworms: If you’re in the mood for some light reading, check out the shelf in the living room. We’ve got a collection of nature classics, including Simona Kossak’s biography, Palmy na biegunie północnym, and a book on trees illustrated by Piotr Socha, among others.
- Planning a picnic worthy of Winnie the Pooh? Skip the disposable dishes and cutlery. We’ve got a picnic basket in the kitchen that you can fill with your goodies (or treats from our recommended local vendors) along with our plates and utensils. You’ll also find a bag for small items and a blanket in the pantry.
- Craving some local culture but short on time? Just let us know, and we’ll point you to the best events happening during your stay and where to find works by local artists, like [Artist X]’s paintings.
Other Stuff:
- We’re big fans of the circular economy and love giving things a second life. So, if you have any gently used and undamaged items (like books on [specific topics]/eco-friendly seedlings and seeds/decorations/whatever you collect or might need), bring them our way!
We’d be thrilled to thank you with a free [smoothie/lunch/a bowl of garden raspberries/honey from our apiary/a discount on your stay/free access to electric bikes for a day/whatever else you’d like to share with our guests].
And that's it! Enjoy your stay, and thank you for helping us keep our spot green and serene! 🌿
