Cedar House Inn & Yurts | home
An Eco-Friendly Bed & Breakfast Inn & Permaculture Demonstration Site in the Mountains & Wine Country Near Dahlonega
Eco Store
At the Cedar House Inn and Yurts we try to be good stewards of the earth's natural resources. This page provides sources for some of the products we have installed for conservation and gives information on other products that are good for the environment.
Get Your Own YurtIf you are considering purchasing your own yurt for a weekend or permanent home visit Yurt Information. Other places that offer yurts for lodging can be found at Yurt Lodging.
Solar Food ComposterFor disposal of our leftover cooked food we use a Green Cone tm composter at our bed and breakfast inn. The system digests all of our household food waste, including vegetable scraps, raw and cooked meat or fish, bones, dairy products and other organic waste such as bread and pasta. 
It works 
by creating high temperatures (from the sun), maintaining aerobic conditions and stimulating the growth of microorganisms. It is much more sanitary and eco friendly than placing food scraps in the trash can or garbage disposal. Less garbage is also sent to the public landfill or sewage treatment plant. Pets and wild animals cannot access the system unlike traditional trash cans.
It works by creating high temperatures (from the sun), maintaining aerobic conditions and stimulating the growth of microorganisms. It is much more sanitary and eco friendly than placing food scraps in the trash can or garbage disposal. Less garbage is also sent to the public landfill or sewage treatment plant. Pets and wild animals cannot access the system unlike traditional trash cans.For more information on this exciting eco-friendly product and how to order visit http://www.foodcomposter.com
Green Johanna Food ComposterThis product is similar to the Green Cone above but allows you to compost in colder climates
and in shady areas. It also produces compost that can be used in your garden. Meat, fish, bones and other items can be placed in the composter without concern for rodents. For complete information visit http://www.foodcomposter.com.
and in shady areas. It also produces compost that can be used in your garden. Meat, fish, bones and other items can be placed in the composter without concern for rodents. For complete information visit http://www.foodcomposter.com.Composting ToiletsWe use Sun Mar composting toilets in our yurts and plan to use them in our personal
bathroom area in the future. They also work well in cabins, boats, RV's, pool cabanas and anywhere you want a toilet without adding septic or water connections. There is even a Space Saver model that can be placed in a closet to create another bathroom easily. Information at http://www.composttoilets.net
bathroom area in the future. They also work well in cabins, boats, RV's, pool cabanas and anywhere you want a toilet without adding septic or water connections. There is even a Space Saver model that can be placed in a closet to create another bathroom easily. Information at http://www.composttoilets.netGreywater Systems for Gardens or Toilet FlushingWe have a great opportunity to conserve water by reusing the water from shower, bathtub and 
washing machine use. Such water is called greywater or graywater depending on who you talk to. An average four person household sends well over 38,000 gallons of reusable water down the drain each year from bathrooms and laundries. This water could be used for watering lawns and gardens. Fresh drinking water is not a finite resource. It's been said that in the near future water will become the next oil in terms of scarcity and worldwide demand. Why do we need to water our water hogging St Augustine grass yards with water suitable for drinking?
washing machine use. Such water is called greywater or graywater depending on who you talk to. An average four person household sends well over 38,000 gallons of reusable water down the drain each year from bathrooms and laundries. This water could be used for watering lawns and gardens. Fresh drinking water is not a finite resource. It's been said that in the near future water will become the next oil in terms of scarcity and worldwide demand. Why do we need to water our water hogging St Augustine grass yards with water suitable for drinking?We have found an affordable and simple to install/use greywater reuse system made for yard and garden
irrigation. During those wet weather times you can divert the greywater back into the septic system with a built in valve. The unit (picture above right) has a unique multi stage filtering system that uses Matala Filters proven for their effectiveness in over 40 countries.
irrigation. During those wet weather times you can divert the greywater back into the septic system with a built in valve. The unit (picture above right) has a unique multi stage filtering system that uses Matala Filters proven for their effectiveness in over 40 countries. If you would rather collect greywater to flush your toilet check out the Water Legacy WL55 (picture at right). It collects greywater in a tank and filters it for reuse in the flush toilets of your home. Very simple to use as well.
For more information on both systems and other greywater reuse methods visit Greywater.
Oxygenics Shower HeadIn all of our rooms and in the yurt bath house we use these showerheads that use less water than conventional shower heads but provide a great shower. Our guests love them.
Compost PailAt the inn we compost all kitchen food scraps for the garden. Before we take it to the garden composters we place the scraps in a compost pail like the one shown below. Our is made of stainless steel and has a filter to prevent odors. It is also easy to clean.
BooksThe Vegan cookbook is one of Mary Beth's favorites. She has used many of the recipes at the inn. She has also served some of the dinner dishes and they were excellent. Hard to tell that you are actually eating healthy vegan meals.
Becky Kemery's "Yurts-Living in the Round" is a great resource for anyone who wants to get their own yurt for a vacation or permanent home.
The Yurt book (Mongolian Cloud Houses) is great for someone wanting to build their own homemade yurt cheaply and live simply.
Jim Merkel's book talks about living in a more sustainable way and how to reduce your impact on the Earth.
Ecopreneuring and Rural Renaissance are written by a couple who left the city life to start an eco friendly bed and breakfast inn in Wisconsin. Both books are inspiring and informational for anyone seeking the good life in a sustainable way. Mary Beth and Fred relate well to both books.
Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan is a great book that makes you mindful about where you food comes from. What we eat not only effects our health but the environment as well.
The Liquid Gold Book talks about using urine for fertilizer. In Sweden urine has been used for many years. Very high in nitrogen it can replace synthetic fertilizer and is great for leafy vegetables and the environment. Fred is using the 8:1 concentration on the trees.
Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA