Casa do Calhau Grande

Environment - Environmental Measures

Casa do Calhau Grande is a century construction of the traditional style of Madeira.
It has a panoramic view of 180 ° on the Atlantic, is framed in natural environment, in perfect harmony with typical architecture of the region.
It offers a calm, healthy and very happy stay.
It was acquired by the current owner, in 1995, and carefully rebuilt by him in 1997 and 2004, respecting the original outlines, the harmony and integration in landscape.
Defending the environment, live in harmony with nature is a concern. We back respect for the environment as a premise of quality.  
Some of our practices:


ENERGY

  • We use solar plates for the production of hot water.
  • We use, progressively, lamps of low consumption.
  • Use natural light whenever possible, to avoid the light lamps during the day.
  • Ask guests and staff to save electricity.
  • Do not use microwave.
  • Instruct the staff to use a washing machine with greater capacity possible.
  • The clothes are dried in the sun and only use the dryer as a last resort.
  • Use of motion sensors and clocks to reduce the time of illumination in common spaces outside.

WATER

  • The drinking water is controlled and disinfected, as the parameters of the law, to ensure their quality.
  • We avoid the waste of water.
  • We ask guests to save water.
  • Towels and bed linen are changed, weekly, or, exceptionally, at the request of guests.
  • We use the machine to wash with the increased capacity possible.
  • We use water taken from the mountain in the garden irrigation.
  • We collect, accumulate and use the water from our water sources for irrigation of the garden and the vegetable garden.
  • Systems use in a drip irrigation and micro irrigation in the spraying of plants and gardens.
  • We treat the water of the pool with "Aquabromo", derivative product of the sea, instead of chlorine that is a product considered dangerous.

RESIDUES

  • We collect selectively glass, paper and cardboard, batteries and organic waste.
  • We collect small waste generated by our guests.
  • We treat ecological the organic waste.
  • We alert the local authorities for the placement of a new eco-point in the area.
  • We use the ecological compound that we have produced, for fertilization of the plants in our orchard and garden.
  • We use recycled and ecological paper.
  • We re-use the reverse of roles for blocks of notes and others.
  • We use the remains of the roll of toilet paper.
  • Old and used clothing is used  for the cleaning cloth.
  • We do not use cutlery, dishes and disposable packaging.
  • We use recyclable packaging and / or reusable.
  • We use detergents and cleaning products manufactured under environmental management systems.
  • We prefer suppliers with ecological criteria.
  • We buy in bulk, avoiding portions.
  • We value the consumption of natural products, fresh and of the season (in our garden).
  • We value the consumption of products of local farmers (Prazeres Farmers Market).
  • We value the purchase of packaging products in glass, instead of metal, paper and plastic.
  • We avoid the consumption of colorful toilet paper made with chlorine.
  • We avoid the purchase of non-reusable products packaging in small portions or individuals.
  • Use ecological systems of the pool chlorination.
  • We use e-mail with consequent savings in paper.
  • We have a well to wash the hiking materials, to avoid the cleaning on the bathroom with fresh towels.

EXTERIORES

  • We are part of the natural habitat of the area (respect the architecture of the region).
  • Build, predominantly in stone, iron and wood.
  • Use craft products decor.
  • We re-use many pieces of antique furniture.
  • Build many pieces of furniture with use of objects and wood quality.
  • We have no asphalt areas.
  • The furniture from the outside is all wood.
  • We do not use any plastic furniture.
  • The parking is made of stone and hidden with hedges and trees.
  • We use indigenous plants.
  • We use to maximum the green areas. 
  • We avoid the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
  • We integrated in our garden an ecological orchard.

ACTIVITIES

  • Inform excursions and activities that respect the environment.
  • We encourage ecological transports: bike rental, covers for rain, “Cana” Sticks, walks.
  • We inform the cultural offer of the area: Culture House of Calheta, Monuments, popular parties…).

ATMOSPHERIC AND SOUND QUALITY

  • We are non smokers.
  • The non-smokers are very welcome.
  • We are situated in the country, with clean and fresh air.
  • We take advantage of natural ventilation.
  • We do not have air conditioning.
  • On the access of our house, circulate, only, about ten cars.
  • We have a car fleet 50 meters from the House.
  • We recommend the use of moderate volume on the sound equipment.
  • We advice the local authorities for the need to decrease the speed of vehicles.