Conservation is at the forefront of many people these days. We want to conserve time, energy, resources and money. There ways to do that in every day life, as well as when you stay in a hotel, bed and breakfast, resort or inn. Green hotels are on the rise as even corporations and private companies worldwide strive to make the world a better place.
To remain or become environmentally friendly, hotels and lodgings of all types are going green. They wish to save water, energy, and money while overall reducing waste. There are several basic factors to look at when seeking a green hotel. First, check and see if they are locally owned and operated, it takes money and fuel to bring people in so if they are locals it is better for the environment. Second, check and see if the property has any recycling programs be it aluminum cans, plastic, paper, gray water or composting. All of these choices are ways to reduce waste. Thirdly, can you reuse towels and sheets daily during your stay? You can save thousands of gallons of water, not to mention all the labor and energy require to wash and dry, daily if you simply use your linens throughout your entire stay. If the hotel doesn’t have a reuse program, leave a note for housekeeping or tell the front desk yourself that you wish to reuse the linens while you are there.
Hotels can do several things to be kind to our planet. Below is a list of some items to look for.
Power: A solar and wind power are two renewable energy sources that can produce enough electricity that the properties may even be able to go off grid and sell power back to the power company. CLF light bulbs last longer and burn less electricity. Low-e or recessed windows can keep the heat out while retaining a comfortable temperature indoors. Low emission clean burning diesel generators may also be used. More energy can be saved if instead of leaving lights on in rooms that are not being used (including restrooms) motion detectors are used to turn lights on when someone enters the room. Straw bale or gunash constructed buildings are great on the environment, too!
Bathrooms: Water usage, toiletries and glasses: Toiletries and glasses cost money, burn fuel and don’t necessarily biodegrade. If you take your own with you or bring what you have used back, it can do some good for the planet. Short showers, turning the water off while you’re brushing your teeth and low flow plumbing all add to the green effect. Hotels can recycle gray water and reuse it for watering their landscaping, or hydropower.
Organic and Natural: By its very nature, these are good for the planet. A hotel may use organic food, organically grown cotton or jute for its paper products, organic cotton or natural wool for their linens. Fair trade coffees and teas indicate they have not been destroying rain forests to harvest them. Native plants allow for best growth and less strain on the environment.
There are many other ideas, such as the use of trees for shade and composting, that we can add to our tally here of what makes green hotels. The list isn’t limitless, but we could go on for hours about ways to protect the planet. Now you will have a better understanding of how you and your hotel can go green.
To find a green hotel, check out GreenLodge.org!
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