In today’s modern green-focused, eco-friendly era, hotels must remain at the forefront of innovation. Although this may seem like a daunting task, there are many ways, both large and small, to achieve this. The key to environmental and eco-friendly efficiency appears to be one simple word: reduction. The reduction of energy usage, waste output, and many more environmentally impactful by-products of hotel operation not only helps to protect the environment but provides financial benefits as well.
Change is possible through the removal of some practices and updating products and services with green alternatives. Even simple changes like low flow showerheads, linen reuse programs, and switching to LED lights can make all the difference.
Energy and Water Saving Eco-Friendly Products and Services
Being both energy and water efficient is an excellent starting point for any hotel looking to reduced its environmental impact. Starting with no-cost measures, like those on Energy Star’s website, can help set a baseline for your hotel’s energy efficiency. Once a baseline is established, then your company can invest in products that will save energy even further.
Cleaning room linens requires significant use of energy and resources in the operation of any hotel. By pairing up with Project Planet, your hotel can take part in the world’s best-known hotel linen reuse service. The program offers training kits and materials and door hangers that outline the plan and details for guests.
Another simple change in upgrading energy efficiency is installing low-flow showerheads and toilets in guests’ rooms. According to the EPA, low-flow showerheads with the WaterSense label can save up to 2,700 gallons of water a year. This reduction in water usage will also reduce strain on water heaters, resulting in even further energy savings.
Potential brands of WaterSense low-flow showerheads and toilets include:
- Waterpik
- Pfister
- Niagara Conservation
- Symmons
Not all improvements need to be made inside of your hotel to further advertise your establishment as eco-friendly. Installing hybrid charging stations in the parking lot of your business can help support and attract eco-friendly guests. Once these stations are available, list your business on map services like plugshare.com to raise awareness to potential customers.
Plant a Garden, Save the Planet
Investing in an on-premise garden has many benefits for your hotel, such as an organic food source, guest entertainment, and environmental sustainability. Well-kept gardens provide the opportunity to enhance local ecosystems while allowing your business to provide eco-friendly services to increase efficiency. Companies like PlantNative and EarthEasy offer products and services to create beautiful Naturescapes and Xeriscapes, promoting planting efficient local greenery.
Having a garden at your business’ disposal also allows the opportunity to source local produce for your hotel’s kitchen directly. To protect this resource, you could consider working with the Beyond Pesticides program to repel pests naturally. They also offer eco-friendly methods of repelling indoor pests like bed bugs and rats, benefitting your business inside and out.
Once consumed, your hotel garden’s final benefit can begin: composting. By composting food waste, such as coffee grounds, food scraps, and yard trimmings, you can provide nutrients to the soil. Investing in composting programs and kits also offers the opportunity to dispose of such waste by-products in an eco-friendly fashion.
Buying Green to Save Green
Although big switches can show significant results for great products, even smaller adjustments can make a difference. A perfect example is swapping out disposable mini toiletries for refillable bottles. Companies like Soapbox and Pharmacopia provide eco-friendly amenities that don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients, both available at pineapplehospitality.net.
An easy way to find eco-friendly products is to look at the EPA’s Safer Choice product guide. This guide lists green alternatives for everything from all-purpose cleaners and soap to laundry products and floor cleaners. Safer Choice also offers programs for things like workplace best practices and life-cycle assessments.
If you’re looking to do a significant overhaul, or are already renovating, consider purchasing flooring that passes green certifications. Certifications like FloorScore, CRI Green Label, and GreenGuard distinct flooring use recycled or salvaged materials and are locally produced. Even new eco-friendly floor options like cork, bamboo, and Polyester Berber carpet all provide greener ways to decorate your hotel.
Green decorating can also happen above the ground floor, with salvaged and reclaimed wood furniture decreasing your rooms’ carbon footprint. Companies like Eco Relics and Urban Wood Goods provide reclaimed options that won’t be an eyesore for your business. Even if the price point is a concern, there are plenty of eco-conscious options in the market for commercial business.
Sustainability One Step at a Time
Making a move towards eco-conscious business practices can start with even the simplest of steps, but every step counts. Whether it’s a full overhaul or just following best practices, these measures will pay off for you and the earth. For more resources on how to go green, visit epa.gov or any of the resources listed above.
Make sure to visit our Supplier Network to learn more about products and services that can help you make the leap to eco-friendly conservation.