A vacation in the White Mountains is all about experiencing nature — the views from Mount Lafayette, blooming lady slippers and laurel, brilliant fall foliage, and snowy ravines in winter. Hobblebush House is committed to being environmentally conscious.
This page discusses
- The environmental challenges the White Mountains face
- Actions Hobblebush House has taken
- What you can do to help
What are the environmental concerns for the White Mountains
Every region has its own concerns. These are the biggest issues for nature in the White Mountains
Climate change
- Snow for backcountry skiing is less reliable.
- Fall foliage will dull as temperatures warm.
- The tree line is creeping up the summits.
Habitat disruption
- Housing development in rural forests decreases native wildlife, hurts water quality, and risks introducing invasive species.
- Habitat loss and pollution both threaten New Hampshire’s endangered and threatened wildlife.
- Invasive pests are brought in with firewood.
Is renting a vacation house sustainable?
It is important to come visit the mountains. People have to experience something to understand it is worth protecting. The best thing you can do is bring back photos and stories to your friends to motivate them to care for the earth also.
20% of US CO2 emissions comes from powering and heating houses. If you were to buy a vacation house, it would sit empty most of the time. Yet it would still need to be heated. The refrigerator would still run. The cable TV box would still pull power. The grass would still need mowing. By renting, you are sharing the house. That means the house spends less time empty, wasting resources. Furthermore, by renting a small house in town, you have less impact on habitat.
How is the Hobblebush House protecting the environment
Being environmentally conscious is a journey. Here are some of the steps Hobblebush House has taken so far.
Transportation
The Hobblebush House is in a walkable neighborhood blocks from Bethlehem’s quaint main street. You can find most everything you need without getting in your car. To help you choose, the guide to local activities lists walking and driving distances.
HVAC
The house has generous windows for natural lighting and ventilation. The Veranda Suite has a lovely screened porch for summer relaxation. No need to turn on the lights during the day or listen to the racket of an air conditioner. Instead you can enjoying the quiet tree filled neighborhood.
To reduce winter heating fuel we recently installed Ecobee smart thermostats. They will automatically set the temperature cooler when you are out and at night. The attic also has an extra layer of blown in cellulose insulation.
Because of the invasive bug concern, and heat loss through a drafty chimney, the Hobblebush House does not have any fireplaces or wood stoves.
Landscaping
New for 2022 we are using all electric lawn mowing.
Other green amenities
- low flow shower head
- All LED and CFL light bulbs
- zero sort recycling bin. Casella has information on what can be recycled.
- reusable cloth napkins and dish towel.
The Hobblebush House is located in New England where electricity has lower carbon intensity.
How you can protect the environment while on your vacation
Leave no trace
Follow the Leave No Trace guidelines while out on the trails. They have concrete steps to minimize our impact on wildlife and make the woods stay more wild for other visitors.
Pick less popular trails so you do not contribute to overcrowding, waste management problems, and trail erosion. Here LINK are some excellent nearby destinations that are less traveled.
Choose activities that require less driving
Consider touring Franconia Notch by bicycle instead of by car. If you want to do a through hike, use the AMC shuttle instead of bringing a separate car.
Pick your weekend activities near the house. And walk to the nearby restaurants and shops.
Turn down the thermostat when you leave
And, of course, when you leave the Hobblebush House, switch off the lights, check the windows are closed, and turn down the thermostat.
With just a little bit of care, we can all help out.