How to make your stay at the hotel environmentally friendly: 7 ways
Staying in a hotel during your vacation can have more far-reaching consequences than just the nightly cost. Certain actions may contribute to the carbon footprint of your trip.
However, there are simple steps you can take at your hotel to make your vacation more environmentally friendly. Here are some expert-approved suggestions, as reported by the Huffington Post.
Choose an environmentally friendly hotel
Some hotels prioritize environmentally friendly practices during the construction phase, affecting both the structures and the interior. Jesse Lytle, vice president, chief human resources officer, and chief sustainability officer at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, suggests looking for these features when selecting a place to stay.
Such establishments often incorporate efficient building designs, energy systems, and good environmental practices, and many undergo certification programs to showcase their commitment to the environment.
Book a hotel in a walkable area
Opt for a hotel in an area where you can avoid using a car. Andrew Stuhl, an assistant professor of environmental studies and sciences at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, recommends choosing a hotel close to your planned activities, allowing you to walk or bike, reducing your environmental impact.
Manage heating and cooling settings responsibly
Heating and cooling systems, including room temperature and bathroom water heating, are significant sources of energy consumption in hotels.
To minimize environmental impact, practice mindful use of these systems by taking shorter showers and adjusting the thermostat, according to experts.
Make sustainable food choices
Whether your hotel has a restaurant, continental breakfast, or buffet, experts say there are several eco-friendly choices you can make about food.
This could look like choosing plant-based foods that are easier on the planet, or making "reductionist" choices, which means reducing the amount of meat you consume.
Avoid disposable cleaning products
Resist using disposable toiletry products provided in the hotel bathroom, such as mini soaps, lotions, shampoos, or conditioners. This helps reduce your environmental footprint.
Skip daily cleaning services
Many hotels offer daily cleaning services for sheets and towels, but this practice has a negative impact on the environment.
Laundering bedding and towels daily consumes significant water and electricity, along with soap, bleach, and other detergents. Consider declining daily cleaning to minimize this environmental impact.
Raise sustainability concerns at the front desk
If you notice a lack of environmentally friendly options at your hotel, such as no refill stations for reusable water bottles or the absence of recycling bins in your room, don't hesitate to bring it up with the hotel staff or management.