How To Know You Are Staying At A Sustainable Hotel
The essential guide to eco-friendly travel
This week I am excited to share some essential tips on how to identify sustainable hotels. As a travel enthusiast, I am more aware than ever of the impact our choices have on the environment. That's why it's crucial to make informed decisions when selecting accommodations. So, let's dive into the world of eco-friendly travel and explore how to ensure your next hotel stay is as green as possible!
Check the website
Facilities that are eco-friendly and sustainable are excited to share this information with potential customers and it is usually displayed prominently on their website. Look for certifications like LEED, Green Globe, or Green Key which indicate that the hotel follows strict environmental standards. Keep in mind that smaller establishments may not have the funds to make the costly changes that many certificates require but don't let that turn you off of small, locally run hotels. If this information is not available online give the staff a call to inquire and if they are unwilling to provide details on their sustainability efforts take that as a stop sign!
Supporting Local
Some of my favorite places to stay have had an on site, farm to table restaurant. Not only are you eating seasonally fresh food but supporting the local community of farmers and suppliers. Supporting the community doesn't only have to come in the form of food. Look for hotels that hire locally with fair pay, offer community driven activities like tours, or work with local preservation efforts.
Lights
Inside the room, look for hotels that operate the lights with the key card. This assumes that the occupant is in the room since the card must stay in the light for it to function and when you leave, the card goes with you. Outside of the room, look for motion sensing lights in communal areas. Both of these ensure that energy is not wasted during times when guests are out enjoying the town.
Reusable over single use
When you think "sustainable" most likely you think "reusable". This is no different when selecting an eco-friendly hotel. This could look like ceramic mugs over paper, metal straws over plastic, and encouraging guests to use their towels more than once.
Recycling
This may seem like a simple one but hotels focused on sustainability will offer recycling bins next to the trash cans in every guest room as well as the dining room. They will also encourage food scraps to be composted rather than placed in a bin destined for the landfill.
Amenities
Refillable amenities are becoming more popular and are a great way for a hotel to reduce single use plastic. Rather than small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, larger bottles are placed in the shower and refilled as needed. Often these are sourced locally and are a great way for those businesses to advertise.