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You may conserve at home but how do
you follow that philosophy on the road when it is out of your control? Or is
it? Staying at a eco-friendly hotel, also known as green lodging, is one way
enforce your own viewpoint.
Hotels around the world are massive consumers of water and producers of
waste. It is up to the hotel to set their own policies and practices about
how they deal with the environment. Of course you change the sheets after
having houseguests, but do you change your sheets every day on your own bed?
Many hotels, even ones that aren't a eco-friendly hotel otherwise, give you
the option of re-using your bedding while at your hotel for a few nights. It
is usually done by positioning a card left in the room or leaving towels and
linens in a particular manner. Or you may just throw the towels on the floor
if you want them washed every time they are used. We've all felt those
abrasive sandpaper-like towels in some chains so perhaps this would actually
help them stay a towel longer as well.
A hotel may use fluorescent light bulbs, which do not waste most of their
energy producing heat like incandescent bulbs do. This change is the most
significant big money saver on the utility bill. Fluorescent bulbs also
rarely need to be replaced, saving the eco-friendly hotel on maintenance in
addition to electricity. A eco-friendly hotel policy may conserve water and
reduce carbon dioxide gas emissions.
Many common cleaning products can hazardous to both consumers and the
environment, so a eco-friendly hotel may use eco-friendly products similar
to consumer lines by
Seventh Generation or
Ecover.
"Most guests do not know or pay close attention to what is happening behind
closed doors of the back rooms, but they may feel better about staying at a
place that is concerned for their welfare and the environment," says Adam
Longfellow of
AllStays.com, a worldwide hotel lodging directory with a focus
on green lodging.
"It may be just the owners or staff that feel strongly about these issues,
but more and more guests are paying attention to this whenever possible. The
hard part is finding the properties that have implemented good practices.
We've made it a priority to help with that information."
Going to green lodging doesn't have to be more costly. It will most likely
save the eco-friendly hotel big money every year. They could save up to 40
percent on energy bills with another 20 percent savings on waste and water
bills. And from a consumer standpoint, there are eco-friendly hotels in all
price ranges. From a small bed and breakfast to a large luxury hotel, you
can find something to make you sleep easier at night.
Almost every aspect of lodging can be improved upon for both guests and the
environment. Most of which can save money as well and that is a ingredient
in the foundation of any world change. Hotels can go green from the ground
up if they are built more efficiently from the start. From orientation of
the building to the sun to the use of environmentally friendly and locally
sourced building materials. Instead of watering a plain lawn, water fruits
and vegetables that can be given to guests. Or use natural landscaping that
doesn't require extra watering at all. A better use of technology and
insulation can mean for lower bills and a more quiet guest environment.
Hotels can use low or no-VOC (Volatile Organic Chemicals) paints for a more
healthy interior. Providing recycle bins for guests to use makes for a more
visible statement. Buying "energy star" appliances whenever possible is good for all and saves on utility bills. Use
solar water heaters and pumps for pools. Providing maps, information on
public transportation and things within walking distance encourages less
consumption of fuel. Skylights can save on energy and provide for more
pleasant public areas. Use Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights whenever
possible, such as exit signage and night lights. They use almost no
electricity and last thousands of hours.
If this can become more of a trend, everyone will benefit. Look for a green
hotel next time you travel. You may or may not find one where you need to
sleep but it's worth a moment to check first. Ask about environmental
policies and show appreciation to the staff when you see green policies in
implementation.
What's the next step? Perhaps a major car rental company can start renting
hybrid cars on a large scale basis. |
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