Essential Tips for Eco-Friendly Hotel Stays

As environmental awareness grows, many travelers are looking for ways to minimize their ecological footprint while traveling. Staying at a hotel doesn’t have to mean compromising on your eco-friendly principles. Here are essential tips to ensure your hotel stay is as green as possible, expanded with detailed descriptions and recommendations.

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Hotels: Look for hotels with credible eco-certifications. These hotels implement sustainable practices such as energy-efficient lighting, water-saving devices, and recycling programs. Certifications to look for include LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Green Key, and EarthCheck. Websites like Green Key Global and EcoHotels.com can help you find environmentally friendly accommodations. Research the hotel’s sustainability policies and practices, such as using renewable energy sources, implementing waste reduction programs, and supporting local conservation efforts.

2. Use Public Transportation or Walk: Reduce your carbon emissions by using public transportation or walking to nearby attractions instead of renting a car or taking taxis. Many cities offer efficient public transit systems, bike-sharing programs, and pedestrian-friendly routes. Apps like Citymapper and Google Maps can help you navigate local transportation options. Walking or biking not only reduces your environmental impact but also allows you to experience the destination more intimately.

3. Reuse Towels and Linens: Opt to reuse your towels and linens instead of having them changed daily. This helps reduce water and energy used in laundry services. Most hotels provide the option to skip daily linen changes; if not, you can request it upon check-in. Reusing towels and bed linens for a few days is a simple yet effective way to conserve resources and reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint.

4. Turn Off Lights and Electronics: Be conscious of your energy use. Turn off the lights, air conditioning, and television when they are not needed or when you leave the room. Many hotels now offer key card systems that automatically control room lighting and climate when you’re not present. If your hotel doesn’t have this feature, make it a habit to check that everything is turned off before you leave. Unplug chargers and electronics to avoid energy vampires that consume power even when not in use.

5. Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Refuse single-use plastics by bringing your own reusable water bottle, toiletry containers, and shopping bags. Many hotels are moving away from single-use plastic amenities and offering alternatives like refillable dispensers for shampoo and body wash. Carry a stainless steel or BPA-free water bottle, which can often be refilled at water stations in the hotel. Use silicone travel containers for toiletries to avoid plastic waste from small hotel bottles.

6. Support Local Businesses: Choose to eat at local restaurants and shop at local markets, which helps reduce transportation emissions and supports the local economy. Dining at locally-owned eateries and purchasing locally-made products reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods and ingredients. Additionally, you’ll be contributing to the financial well-being of the community you’re visiting, fostering economic sustainability.

7. Participate in Hotel Recycling Programs: Make use of the hotel’s recycling bins for paper, plastic, and metal waste. If your room doesn’t have a recycling bin, ask the front desk about the hotel’s recycling policy and the nearest recycling locations. Separate your waste accordingly to ensure recyclable materials are properly disposed of. This small effort can significantly impact reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

8. Use Digital Tickets and Confirmations: Opt for digital boarding passes, hotel check-in, and tourist tickets to reduce paper waste. Many airlines, hotels, and attractions offer mobile-friendly options for tickets and confirmations. Using apps like Apple Wallet or Google Pay can help keep all your travel documents organized and easily accessible on your phone. Going paperless not only saves trees but also reduces the waste generated from printed materials.

9. Control Room Temperature Wisely: Adjust the thermostat to a moderate setting to avoid excessive energy use for heating or cooling. Setting the thermostat a few degrees higher in summer and lower in winter can significantly reduce energy consumption. When you’re not in the room, set the thermostat to an energy-saving temperature. Close curtains or blinds to keep the room cool in hot climates and retain heat in colder environments.

10. Provide Feedback: Encourage hotels to continue or improve their green initiatives by providing feedback about their environmental practices. After your stay, take a few minutes to fill out the hotel’s feedback form or leave a review online. Mention specific green practices you appreciated and suggest areas for improvement. Positive feedback can reinforce sustainable practices, while constructive criticism can help hotels identify and address gaps in their eco-friendly initiatives.

11. Bring Your Own Toiletries: While many hotels provide toiletries, bringing your own in reusable containers helps reduce waste. Use products that are environmentally friendly and come in biodegradable or recyclable packaging. Avoid single-use packets or individually wrapped items. Brands like Ethique and Lush offer solid shampoo and conditioner bars, which are plastic-free and last longer than liquid versions.

12. Opt for Digital Check-In and Check-Out: Many hotels offer digital check-in and check-out options, reducing the need for paper and physical contact. Use the hotel’s app or website to manage your reservation, check-in, and check-out processes. This not only streamlines your experience but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with paper receipts and forms.

13. Participate in Local Environmental Programs: Some hotels partner with local environmental organizations for activities like beach cleanups or tree planting. Participating in these programs can enhance your travel experience and contribute positively to the local environment. Ask the hotel about any ongoing environmental initiatives you can join during your stay.

14. Choose Plant-Based Meals: Opt for plant-based meals during your stay to reduce your carbon footprint. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so choosing vegetarian or vegan options can make a difference. Many hotels and local restaurants offer delicious and nutritious plant-based meals. Exploring these options can also introduce you to new and exciting flavors.

By following these essential tips, you can ensure that your hotel stay is as green as possible. Small changes in your travel habits can collectively make a significant impact on reducing your ecological footprint, allowing you to enjoy your travels while being mindful of the environment.