Vunique Vacations commits to operating sustainably in whatever way we are able. With two of our homes already Green Certified and the others currently in process, we want our guests to know that vacationing with Vunique not only provides an unforgettable experience but also isn’t negatively impacting the local environment. We outlined what keeps our homes sustainable in both their interior and exterior, but we also take measures operationally to ensure our regular operations are as well.
Home Cleaning
Our housekeepers utilize Eco-Friendly cleaning products as often as possible, so that you don’t have to worry about toxic fumes or substance residue on surfaces or floors for those family members who are still crawling! Our housekeepers follow a thorough checklist to ensure that the home is properly sanitized after each guest departs. After the home has been cleaned, an additional inspection takes place, mirroring our housekeeper’s checklist, making comments, and documenting the cleaning to ensure our homes are pristine and free of fumes to guarantee our guests’ enjoyment!
Linen Service
All of our linens are replaced with professionally laundered linens prior to every guest’s arrival utilizing our OZONE systems. These systems are effective in killing over 99.9% of bacteria, mold, mildew, and other pathogens, all without the use of harmful chemicals found commonly in detergents. These machines also sterilize your laundry without the use of, or by using significantly less hot water, adding to their eco-friendliness.
Appliances
In addition to the construction of our homes, we select high-quality, energy-efficient appliances throughout. This starts in the heart of the home, the kitchen, with energy-efficient refrigerators, freezers, stoves, and ovens. But it also extends to the water-saving washing machines available at every home, the low-flow shower heads and sink faucets, and high-efficiency dual or single-flush toilets. Additionally, our utilization of on-demand gas water heaters cuts down on energy usage not only due to the use of natural gas but also due to the lack of a stand alone hot water tank. Instead, these tankless water heaters produce only the amount of hot water needed immediately, on demand. It’s better for the environment and our guests!
Not only do we select high-quality appliances to ensure lifespan and cut down on the need for replacements, but we also take preventative measures to ensure that our guests don’t deal with malfunctioning equipment. Our Appliance Preventative Maintenance Program was deployed as a monthly inspection performed by our Vunique Vacations Maintenance Department, where-in they assess air filters that might need changing, inspection of the entire property for any potential issues on the interior or exterior of the homes, and perform cleaning of any appliances that might be necessary.
Landscaping
Our attention to detail is present not only inside our homes but extends to our homes’ exteriors as well. We only use native and noninvasive plant species in our landscaping, ensuring less soil erosion and more habitats for our local pollinators and insect life. Native plants also naturally require less water and fertilization due to their natural acclimation to our climate. Our team maintains the landscaping of each property through the use of a local, industry leading fertilization company, utilizing eco-friendly fertilizers and energy-saving and water-efficient irrigation processes. These fertilizers are slow-release leading to reduced runoff into the waterways, meaning a happier and safer environment for both our guests and our plants!
Swimming Pools
Swim easy knowing that our pools use only the most environmentally safe maintenance practices. All of our pools are salt water which, unlike traditional chlorine pools, utilizes a salt chlorinator system that produces chlorine naturally from salt, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals, making them safer for skin, hair, and the environment. All of our pools also contain EcoStar variable-speed pumps that are not only quieter but are engineered for energy efficiency(some save up to 90% on energy costs with this switch), safety, and long-term sustainability. Safety is always a top priority for our homes, and these pool pumps also provide a safer environment for families with children due to the reduced suction and natural release of the pump upon obstruction to the drains on the bottom of the pool.
Our Homes
As we previously mentioned, Vunique Vacations has a vested interest in building and operating our homes sustainably. Our team is made of locals who grew up or who have lived in the area for many years, and we want to see it preserved so others can enjoy this paradise that we are fortunate enough to call home. We are proud that some of our homes have already received their Green Certification, and we cannot wait to update you all as we work to achieve this certification for all of our homes, ensuring that they stand out for more than just their design and amenities! Click here to stay up to date on our latest Green Certifications and commitment to sustainability.