We don't believe in long-winded 'eco' policies that simply don't ring true. Each year we look at every element to a Slow Chalets stay that has the potential to impact upon the environment, whether that be before, during or after, and taken steps to minimize this impact wherever possible. It's what we do rather than just what we'd like to, and it's a start. We're constantly looking to improve our performance.

Before

Travel. We'd encourage every guest to take the train here. Not only does it produce less CO2 (0.033 tonnes), but it carries a sense of calm and relaxation for the traveler that only rail travel can afford. The nearest station is Thonon-le-Bains, a mere 40 minutes from Morzine. You'll need to take the Eurostar to Paris, and a separate train on to Thonon but then visiting Paris is never a chore (have a look at www.seat61.com).

Assuming your not driving by yourself, the next best alternative is driving (a return journey will emit around 0.28 tonnes per car). This also gives you a certain amount of freedom when you arrive here, and the chance to enjoy a few sights along the way.

Of course, we recognize that flying remains the most convenient and affordable way for many of us (incidentally, a return flight to Geneva emits around 0.19 tonnes). And whilst we don't believe carbon off-setting is the answer, it's a start if you do travel by plane. That's why we automatically off-set your journey through an accredited DEFRA scheme.

Our Chalets. Not only do the antique and industrial pieces give our chalets a real sense of the place within which they sit, reusing furniture in this way removes the impact caused by producing new stuff. Where feel we do need to provide new furniture, we look for FSC timber.

During our property selection we look for chalets that have been built to minimise energy use, and where possible, sustainable building practices.

Business operations. We'll try and do as much of our business online as possible. Doing our bookings, marketing and correspondence in this way removes the need for reams of paper and ink.

The resort. We can't take any credit for it, but Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz are resorts with some of the most progressive environmental policies around.

Avoriaz in particular has always been at the forefront of environmental performance and remains one of the most eco-friendly in the world. Morzine scores well for its use of green power, recycling schemes and transport reduction initiatives. Les Gets has recently been awarded the ISO 9001 award for good environmental practice thanks to solar powered lifts, piste bashers run on bio-degradable diesel fuel and chemical-free snowmaking equipment.

We're lucky that the resorts we choose to be in take their environmental responsibility seriously. But all three have room for improvement. We aim to use our role within the local business community to push both resorts to maintain and improve their environmental performance.

During

Energy. As far as possible, all our facilities and activities are designed to minimize energy consumption, pollution and waste. It's not always possible to provide renewable energy at the chalets themselves, but in the meantime we buy our electricity from a green energy tariff.

Going local. We go out of our way to ensure as many of our supplies as possible are locally sourced. Whether it's keeping the food miles down in our welcome packs, or finding a linen supplier; if we can find a local supplier that matches the quality and environmental credentials we're after, then we'll use them.

Cleaning. We're pleased to use Method cleaning equipment. Nowadays, there are several eco-cleaners on the market but we feel that Method's naturally-derived, biodegradable range of products are the ones to beat.

Toiletries. Lush have been making good stuff well from the very beginning. They're an example to us all, so the least we could do is provide our guests with their products. Plus, they're a good deal more fun than Molton Brown.

Slow Catering. In keep with the Slow philosophy, our Slow Catering partners are committed to using organic, local produce wherever possible.

You. We can only do so much. Slow makes a plea to all our guests to be equally considerate during their time in the Alps.

After

Recycling. Unfortunately, schemes for the recycling of household waste are not as widespread in France. Currently, we have to rely on using 'centralised' facilities, We ask you to try and sort your waste in such a way that we can ensure it is recycled after your stay and try to help you do this with a variety of bins at each chalet.

Equipment store. For those who would rather leave their skis, snowboard or other mountain equipment in the resort we offer a free out-of-season store. Just leave your kit with us and we'll store it safely and securely, so that it's ready for your return the following season. Less hassle for you, and less for the planes and trains to cart around.

If you've any suggestion as to other ways we can improve our environmental performance, we'd love to hear from you.