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Leigh Ann's more then just a Coffee House
Leigh Ann's is going green
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 When the world was thinking about it, we are doing it!
Mission Statement For our new Location on KCB Weve accomplished our goal to go green at the original location, now we have a new challange ahead with this new location. Step 1: Have local garbage service provide recycling bins, this must be approved by KCB and landlords Step 2: Change all 100 or so light bulbs to energy effecient lighting, time and money, it will be done Step 3: We have inherited alot of styrofoam products from the previous owners, what do we do? This is what I learned, am I skeptical, yes, DART Styrofoam products is now earth friendly. So we will sift through and keep the good stuff, do a little more research about Dart, and the rest do what, does anyone have any ideas. Our goal by year end, all take out products will be earth freindly, no matter what. Step 4: Compose Bin, this will be difficult, limited space ? Our goal, this year will be to at least accomplish Step 4, then keep on going. |
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Living in Eugene, Oregon 6 months of the year, living green is
easy, a way of life. I learned living in the Florida Keys the other 6 months, being sustainable is more difficult then
it should be. We are blessed with an abundance
of sunshine and lots of water, why aren't we using them? Instead we are destroying the paradise we live in.
I unfortunately rent my building, and cant convince my landlord to put up solar panels, however we are contracting to do a
reclaimed watering system. We offer both garbage and recycling bins to our customers, we compost, and use 90% compos-table
or recyclable products. We have installed all our compressors out doors to conserve energy. Installed all GE Energy Smart
bulbs, insulated all doors,windows and duct work. We are not perfect, but doing our best to get there.
Wow, dilemma's. Do we buy corn base products ? The
world is struggling with fuel consumption, if we use ethanol,made from corn, and we purchase compos-table products made from
corn, then ,are we depleting our corn supply ? Most plastics are made from petroleum, but not all plastic is recyclable,
and the ones that are, our only MGS company doesn't except them all. If you run a small business in the Florida Keys, you know cost is high.
It is a struggle to achieve that bottom line, the question is, how high can we keep raising our prices to accommodate the
cost of recycling ,and still not offend the customer. Our goal at Leigh Ann's is to find this out, make it simple and affordable,
once we got it, we will proudly share with the rest of the Florida Keys. As for now, if you have your own coffee cup,
bring it in and we will gladly fill it . Or we do offer plastic travel mugs made from recycled material., as well
as thermal travel mugs. If you don't want or need a plastic recyclable bag or the unwaxed brown kraft bag for carry out, tell us and we wont bother. We do offer reusable shopping
bags, made locally in Big Pine Key. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated in helping us achieve out goal, going totally
green!!!!
We are on a mission to find sustainable products, to use and sell
in our coffee shop. We have successfully found and purchased a few new wines,check out the wine cellar on line or come
in to browse our selections. Please note, Leigh Ann's does not sell Organic Labeled wine, however we do carry true Artisan
wines, that practice sustainable farming, and will not add sulfite's. Our Coffee bean selection varies from estate
coffee beans to 100% Arabic flavored beans, we have several organic, as well as Kosher certified,rain forest alliance
and certificates of authenticity's. Most of our produce is purchased locally, depending on the growing season, we usually
have fresh tomatoes and oranges in a baskets by the register,to offer to our customers . As far as the cheese selections,
this year, we will make a point to use local domestic cheeses, however I cant disregard some of the wonderful imported french
cheeses, I love them so. I am constantly seeking more, and will keep you informed. Also remember, Leigh Ann brings back every
year, straight from the garden and canned just for you, jams and sauces.
These are our compost bins, and gardens. By next year 2010 we will
have a reclaimed water system.
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We started our compost bin in 2004, and surprise to us, our
bin was full in a very short time, mostly egg shells and coffee grinds, fresh fruit and vegetable peels. We where forced to
build a 2nd much larger bin. To our benefit we cut our garbage disposal from 2 yrds 4 times a week to 1 yrd twice
a week, it was a substantial saving. What we didn't account for was the flies, easily, we installed fly catchers and solved
that problem, but also learned about Vermititech, if you add worms to your bin, the bin will compost quicker and less flies.
Our goal is learn what we can and pass it on. We also learned to stir the compost regularly and keep it wet,due to the hot
hot hot weather. We have successfully planted and grown, tomatoes,peppers,melons and fresh herbs. This year before I left
for Oregon, we pulled all plants, added new compost to the bed, turned it several times, so when i return in October, I hope
to increase our harvest 2 fold, and allow our customers to reap the benefits, of locally grown. If anyone is need of compost,
we have plenty, just bring your buckets and help your self, please inquire inside, as to which bin to use.
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