Sustainability

Our Green Efforts

Our Company has been passionate about doing our part for the environment for many years. Beginning in the 1980’s, Managing Partner, Dick Carleton collected the weeks glass recycling every Saturday in his old pickup, and took it to the dirt parking lot across the street from St Mary’s Church to the weekly drop off spot. 

Upon purchase of the Hearthstone building in 1989 we installed insulation to the crawl space, exterior walls and attic. We also added a layer of sheetrock to the exterior walls in an effort to mitigate cold drafts. 

Our current Director of Operations, Jen Cawley joined the team in 1994 and brought her energy and passion for the environment to our Company. With her leadership, we are proud to be recognized at the Gold Level in the Resource Wise Sustainable Business Program from High Country Conservation Center.  Jen also sits on the Zero Waste Task force, alongside government officials, waste haulers and sustainability experts; directing our community policies and programs that impact our environment.

Some of the key initiatives we undertake:

Recycling Programs: We not only recycle paper, plastic, cardboard and glass; but we also seek out programs that recycle hard to recycle materials.  We actively recycle corks and crayons, ensuring these materials are repurposed rather than ending up in landfills.

Composting Food Scraps: In 2015, we were one of the first local restaurants to undertake a composting program. Each month, we compost approximately 4 tons of food scraps. This initiative helps to reduce waste and provides valuable nutrients back to the soil, promoting a healthier ecosystem.

Local Sourcing: We prioritize sourcing our ingredients from local purveyors. This not only supports local farmers and businesses but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances.

Facility: We make every effort to purchase Energy Smart appliances, energy efficient lighting, and consider energy usage whenever we remodel. We invested in an extensive insulation project which has drastically affected our heating and cooling efficiencies.

Eco-friendly Transportation: Many of our staff members choose to ride their bikes to work whenever possible. A few even do this year round, believe it or not! This effort reduces carbon emissions, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and aligns with our community’s commitment “More Boots and Bikes, Less Cars .  es-earns-

At the Hearthstone Restaurant, we believe that every small effort contributes to a larger positive impact on our environment. We are proud to implement these sustainable practices and continue exploring new ways to enhance our stewardship efforts.