We have always tried to be "Green".

Our vegetable, herb and flower gardens in Dallas were always organic. We always felt that while pesticides were effective, there were way too many unintended side effects. And we always thought that recycling what we could was better than filling landfills. So, while we have never been militant about it, we have always tried to be conscious about the little things we could do to help.

A million people each doing a little to help adds up. So, we have always been just one in a million.

Our Green philosophy:
In general, it is a basic abiding concern for the earth and all the creatures that inhabit it.

We brought that same philosophy to Mountain Thyme. Decisions we made in the construction and maintenance have always included the thought. Listed below are some of the ways we have tried to contribute:

• Purchase organic produce, coffee and tea when possible.
• Grow our own herbs organically.
• Use only organic fertilizers and pest control in yard and all gardens.
• Use only phosphate free, biodegradable cleaning supplies when possible.
• Recycle whenever possible.
• Paper from office and junk mail.
• Aluminum, glass and paper.
• Kitchen scraps composted or fed to animals
• Brochures and stationary printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper with soy ink
• Utilize flow control on sinks, showers and in toilets
• Utilize fluorescents, including mini-fluorescents, wherever possible
• Have a “Change only when needed” linen policy.
• Purchase unbleached, undyed, natural towels and washcloths
• Purchase high thread count, 100% pima cotton sheets (which need replacing less often)
• Are a registered Backyard Wildlife Habitat (furnishing food, water and shelter to wildlife)
• Make purchasing decisions with environmental concerns in mind.

In addition, we are proactive about eliminating other "pollutants" from our immediate environment which cause discomfort to our guests:

• We post signs in every room requesting that guests defer the use of colognes and perfumes until after breakfast, as we have found that an increasing number of people are allergic or have aversions to some types of commercial scents.
• We use scent free detergents in the laundry for the same reason.
• We always ask about individual allergies or dietary restrictions when making reservations. Although we have cats and dogs, we recognise that allergies and personal aversions are not uncommon. In addition to the constant cleaning and vacuuming, we make special efforts to keep the animals out of guest areas when their presence may be of particular concern.

  In short, while we recognize that we use the natural resources around us to live, and enjoy life, we make every effort not to squander those resources. We make every effort to appreciate what we have and to avoid unnecessary waste.

  "A human being is a part of the whole, called by us 'Universe', a part limited in time and space.

  He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.

  Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

  Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security."

      -Albert Einstein