Stewardship

We strive to play a leading role in our region’s increasing awareness of environmental and social issues. Among the steps we’ve taken toward promoting strong community ties and environmental responsibility in Northern Michigan are:

Our approach to healthy skin care begins by eliminating harmful synthetics or skin irritants such as parabens, glycols or sulfates, and then adding clinically proven ingredients like antioxidants and peptides that provide real benefits to the skin.

Lillyjade, a salon

Kemon Yo and NaYo Hair Coloring – Ammonia, PPD and fragrance-free hair color containing organic ingredients

NEUMA - Hair products – “Our collection of exceptional performance, natural, healthy, organic and sustainable hair care products utilize raw materials which above all, do no harm… because like you… we care for earth and hair. NEUMA formulas are free of synthetic fragrances and of toxic ingredients, especially those suspected of contributing to human or environmental health problems.”

Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup – Natural sunscreen, paraben and phthalate free mineral makeup

Spa Ritual - Nail polish and nail care products – Use vegan ingredients from around the world, including many specially sourced and selected plant essences that are wildcrafted OR organic. The formulations are naturally colored and free of synthetic dyes.

Room Amenities

Concept Amenities – Environmentally Responsible Products

“Our commitment to minimizing harm against the environment has led us to discover there is only one shade of green. We have developed a unique ‘green’ range of in-room guest amenities, made with an organic-based additive, which is fully biodegradable.”

Room Energy Control-  We use highly sophisticated Room Energy Control systems that sense when the hotel room is or is not occupied and acts on its own to balance guest comfort and energy expenditures.

Laundry Products

We offer our resort guests a linen and towel reuse program.

Formula One – Used for laundering linens, it promotes a healthier and cleaner environment through minimal packages, uses less energy and water and is Green Seal recognized chemistry (Meets GS-33 lodging standards).

Water Reclamation System

The Homestead’s wastewater reclamation and reuse system, in accordance with the national goals of the Federal Clean Water Act, discharges no pollutants into Michigan’s waters. In this system, the highly-treated water is applied to the agricultural crops chosen by scientists at Michigan State University at a rate that is consistent with the plants’ needs for nutrients. There is no effluent disposal or discharge site. Rather, there is a utilization site where treated pathogen-free water containing basic plant nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – is used to irrigate and fertilize growing plants. Purified water is reclaimed for recharge and / or reuse.

Lighting / Fluorescent Recycle Dark Skies

Compact fluorescents in guest hotel rooms and public spaces.

The Homestead retained Illuminart, one of the leading lighting design firms, to carry out two assignments. One was to create a Master Lamping Schedule for all interior and exterior lighting that utilizes lamps that improve lighting quality and efficiency, protect the environment, and respect dark sky concepts. The other was to act as the lighting consultant on all new and upgrade projects to improve aesthetic quality while using environmentally responsible technology.

“Our designers work to balance energy efficiency and lighting quality, both of which add value to projects and protect the environment and the public good. To this end, our designers are active members of the U.S. Green Building Council, and endeavor to create cost-effective lighting solutions that stimulate and motivate people while conserving natural resources.”

Recycling

The Homestead has partnered with Bay Area Recycling for Charities (BARC) on recycling paper, metal, plastics, and glass. Recycling containers are located throughout the resort for guest use.

Electronic waste is recycled at E Waste Recycling, 686 Mizar Court, Traverse City, Michigan, a local vendor.

The resort strives to recycle as many plastic containers No 1 & 2 only, glass containers, aluminum and tin cans, newspapers, brochures and magazines, paperboard (e.g. cereal boxes), alkaline and rechargeable batteries, plastic shopping bags, electronic equipment, and monofilament fishing line as possible. Thank you for helping to preserve our natural environment.

Give Something Back Office Supplies

Purchases for office supplies are through Give Something Back Office Supplies. Thanks to their giving model, Give Something Back Office Supplies’ profits go to hard-working nonprofit organizations who share in the Give Something Back mission to improve local communities and help the environment thrive.