Karon Roseveare – July 2007 Star of the Month

July's Star of the Month is Karon Roseveare, deputy housekeeper at Bedruthan Steps hotel in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall. Nominated by marketing co-ordinator Michelle Robertson, Roseveare has been spearheading a staff-led initiative to improve the hotel's environmental credentials. She speaks to Kerstin Kühn

Why did you nominate Karon?

Michelle Robertson Karon has been one of the driving forces behind our Green Team initiative and is always coming up with new ways to help the environment in her own and other departments. She is so passionate that she has volunteered her own time to go on courses to learn more, and she always comes back with great ideas that she wants to implement while still ensuring the quality of the hotel is not diluted.

How does it feel to win?

Karon Roseveare I had no idea I had been nominated, so I feel quite shocked. But it's also exciting, and I'm pleased and proud to have won.

Why do you think you were nominated?

KR I guess I was nominated because of my commitment to the Green Team and for my strong belief in protecting the environment. Everything I do, I do for the company as well as the surrounding area. It's really all about the community - making use of local produce and supporting local suppliers - and also about promoting Cornwall and keeping it as it is. People have been coming to Cornwall for such a long time, and it's important to protect its heritage.

You mention "keeping it as it is". What's your view on the Cornish Liberation Army attacking celebrity chefs Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver for being "outsiders"?

KR I don't agree with it at all. I think it's wrong to behave in such an aggressive manner, and it does nothing to promote Cornwall but only makes us look bad.

What drives you to be so dedicated?

KR For me it's all about learning as much as I can and taking an active part in protecting the environment. During each course I go on I learn something new about how we can implement changes, and often the smallest thing can make the biggest difference.

What schemes have you implemented at the hotel?

KR We have changed all of our cleaning products to environmentally friendly ones made from citrus fruits and have started to place locally produced soaps in all of the rooms. All of our light bulbs are energy-saving, and we place little notes with the towels encouraging guests to use them for longer so we can save energy and water by not washing them every day.

What will you do with the money?

KR I'm going on a holiday to Portugal next month and I will use it as spending money while I'm there. I'm really looking forward to just relaxing and winding down for a few days, and the money will come in very handy.

To nominate someone for this award visit www.caterersearch.com/starofthemonth