Sleep Easy at Green Hotels
Use this guide to choose the environmentally friendly accommodation that’s right for your honeymoon.
Vacations are a time when we tend to throw out the rules and relax, but that doesn't mean we should stop being green. In fact, it’s easier than ever to have a great escape while staying true to your green principles. For instance, the travel industry has created a network of environmentally friendly hotels, B & Bs, resorts, motels, lodges and inns where we can enjoy our creature comforts without spoiling the environment. Read on to learn what makes a more sustainable stay, as well as how to be a greener guest.
Green guidelines for hotels
Green hotels are a hot trend in the travel industry, and naturally, everyone is eager to slap on the green label. But check out their claims before you book. International organizations such as the Green Hotels Association have accreditation programs for hotels following certain sustainability standards and practices. In Canada, consult the Hotel Association of Canada's (HAC) Green Key Eco-Rating Program, which audits the environmental performance of Canadian hotels, motels and resorts. It will let you know how various establishments are reducing their environmental impact—and operating costs—by cutting utility consumption, and improving employee training and supply chain management. Trail Canada also maintains a list environmentally friendly accommodation to fit any budget.
Lodging hierarchy
Sustainable tourism is arguably taken most seriously by eco-lodges. They combine a carefully preserved natural setting with architecture that reflects local culture and heritage. The lodges themselves are usually made using locally harvested and other sustainable or recycled material, and they should have enviro-friendly energy, water and waste systems. “Green hotels” and eco spas are two other hospitality categories that are rapidly expanding.
No matter what type of accommodation you choose, here are the environmental criteria to look for. The best green hotels should meet all these criteria; the better choices should meet at least half:
• Conserving water through using low-flow showerheads and toilets.
• Offering linen and towel reuse programs on a two- to three-day cycle.
• Using ENERGY STAR efficient appliances.
• Using refillable hair and skin-care dispensers.
• Using lights which are compact fluorescents and on sensors or timers.
• Using recycled paper and chlorine-free paper products behind the desk and in your room.
• Using an energy-management system (EMS) for the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system with a solar water-heating system for pools and hot tubs.
• Using non-toxic cleaners, sanitizers, paints and pesticides throughout the hotel.
• Room Service that includes cloth napkins, glass cups, ceramic dishes and other reusable items.
• Offering organic, locally grown food in the hotel restaurant along with composting food waste.
Be a green guest
Once you’ve book your green accommodation, there’s lots of ways you can further minimize the environmental cost of your stay. For starters, let housekeeping know they don't need to change your sheets and towels every day. Try to remember to turn off the AC, heat, lights and TV when you leave your room. Leave the little bottles of shampoo and soaps alone, and ask for non-disposable dishes, cutlery and glasses when ordering room service. Make sure to turn off the sauna, whirlpool, exercise equipment and Jacuzzi when you're finished with them.
Ultimately, remember that your voice counts, so let hotel management know that you prefer to spend your money at hotels that have been approved by a third party, such as the Green Hotels Association or TerraChoice Environmental Marketing (which oversees the Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program.
