The Timber Rose is blessed to be located next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  However, this beautiful natural resource requires stewardship not only from those that live and work here, but from those that visit this unique place as well.  We will continue to explore more sustainable business practices in order to provide our guests the ultimate, luxurious “green” experience.  We are dedicated to preserving and protecting the National Park for future generations to enjoy.  During your stay at the Timber Rose, we hope you will join us in our efforts.

Our Environmental History

When George and Debra Moye acquired the Lodge in 2000, they implemented several initiatives to reduce the Lodge’s impact on the environment by installing low-flow shower heads and sink aerators, changing the shower curtain liners to cotton instead of plastic, trading out 80% of the incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent, purchasing a front-loading washing machine, and initiating a towel and linen reuse program that was just beginning in the lodging industry at that time.  George’s lifelong passion for gardening allowed them to expand and enhance the Timber Rose gardens utilizing sustainable gardening practices.

Prior to the Lodge, Debra had an extensive background in the environmental and ecotourism fields.  From working for American Wildlands, a non-profit dedicated to keeping the U.S. Northern Rockies ecologically intact; to Myths and Mountains, creator of international custom eco-journeys and whose owner also founded READ Global, a non-profit dedicated to building libraries and promoting sustainability in rural communities across the globe.  Debra also had the opportunity to work as Congress Director for the Adventure Travel Society, an organization that promoted the integration of environmentally responsible natural resource management, economic viability and the protection of social values and cultural integrity through tourism.  She was responsible for the organization of an annual international conference held in a different country each year.

Due to the technological advancements in environmentally-sensitive products, George and Debra have been able to expand on their efforts to make the Timber Rose live in harmony with the abundant nature that surrounds it.

Water Conservation and Wastewater Management

Low-flow shower heads: 1.7gpm; low-flow kitchen and bathroom sink aerators: 1.5gpm; toilet tank fill diverters; towel and linen reuse program; front loading washing machine; ice makers are turned off in the suite’s refrigerator between guests; rain water is collected in rain barrels and utilized for landscape irrigation.  All of our cleaning products are natural, bio-degradable, and phosphate-free.

 Waste Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling

Recycling bins are provided in each suite for the guest’s use.  The Timber Rose currently recycles paper, magazines, newspapers, plastics 1-7, aluminum cans and cardboard.  The Annual Hazardous Waste Collection Drive is utilized for disposal of any hazardous waste.  Products are bought in bulk whenever possible.  Refillable hand soap containers, cleaning bottles, sugar and salt and pepper dispensers.  Antique furniture and lamps are utilized instead of purchasing new furniture that depletes natural resources.  Leftover bar soap, old towels and linens, and discarded furniture are donated to a local ministry.

Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Management

We are a subscriber of Green Power Switch – 750 kilowatts of our monthly energy is provided by our local electric company from either Wind, Solar or Geothermal energy sources.  100% of our lights are compact fluorescents.  Hot water heaters are wrapped with blankets.  Guest rooms have operable windows if guests wish to utilize them.  Small appliances are unplugged between guests.  Fireplaces were sealed and insulated to reduce energy loss through the chimneys.  Beautiful fireplace candelabras are provided for guest enjoyment. Ceiling fans are provided in each penthouse living room and bedroom.  Heat, air and lights are adjusted between guests.

Air Quality

The Lodge is a non-smoking facility.  Low-VOC paints and finishes are used whenever necessary.  Low fragrance or fragrance-free cleaning and laundering products are used to reduce allergens for guests.  The fireplaces were sealed and insulated to reduce energy loss through the chimneys, eliminate fireplace emissions, and improve indoor air quality and appearance.

Structural Design

The Lodge was built in 1993 by a woman from England who incorporated some very innovative design features.  Walls of windows and glass doors utilize passive solar heat, stained glass or leaded glass windows in some interior walls allow additional natural light in otherwise dark rooms.  The suites are designed in a circular loop which minimizes the need to heat and cool inefficient hall space.  Double-pane windows and doors are used throughout the building.

 Purchasing

Fair Trade products are purchased whenever possible.  The coffee at the Timber Rose is Green Tree Coffee which is Rainforest Alliance Certified.  The bar soap in the bathroom is Green Natura from Brazil which is all natural and comes in a recycled box that can be recycled upon use.  Left-over bar soap is donated to a local ministry.  Bio-degradable trash can liners are used in the kitchen and bathroom trash cans in each suite.  Recycled products are purchased such as paper towels, toilet paper, paper, etc.  All of the indoor cleaning products are natural, phosphate-free and biodegradable.  Our hot tub cleaning supplies are environmentally-friendly and we are exploring alternatives for our hot tubs to reduce or eliminate the use of Bromine.  All of our sheets are 100% cotton or a bamboo/cotton blend.  Natural coffee filters are provided in the kitchen.  We use local suppliers, businesses and services whenever possible.

 Communication, Education and Community Outreach

Debra implemented a “Go Green” initiative at the local Elementary School and started a paper recycling program at the school.  Guests are provided in their suites with information on how they can participate in our programs during their stay and steps they can continue once they return home.  Customer Comment Cards are provided in each suite.  Owners are members of Elementary School PTA and coordinate special school projects that promote awareness of worldwide cultures, and participate in fundraising activities for the school.  Owners also organize local fundraisers to benefit environmental programs and participate in local community service projects for the National Park – trash pick-up, trail maintenance, etc.

 

 

Our son, Cameron, tagging Monarch Butterflies in the National Park