3 Things You Can Do To Make Hotel Stays Greener, Not Less Comfortable

3 Things You Can Do To Make Hotel Stays Greener, Not Less Comfortable, Recommend Article Article Comments Print ArticleShare this article on FacebookShare this article on TwitterShare this article on LinkedinShare this article on DeliciousShare this article on DiggShare this article on RedditShare this article on PinterestExpert Author Steve Stillwater
Hotels are making strides in reducing waste, energy use, and sustainability. Most major chains have put in place eco-friendly operating policies.  Some hotels even offer guests green options such as skipping linen and towel service, with bonuses of extra points in the chain's loyalty plan as an incentive if you do. My favorite incentive for green behavior offered by a hotel is allowing guests to earn meals in return for generating electricity from a specially-equipped exercise bike in the health club.

But as a temporary resident of a hotel, there are things you can do on your own as well to make your stay more eco-friendly and greener. Here are three suggestions.

1) Re-use your towels and linens for 2-3 days rather than having them changed every day. A lot of water, energy, and detergent can be saved if most guests would reuse towels and linens even for 1 extra day. Usually you only need to hang up your towels after use, and the housekeeping staff will understand that you will reuse your towels. Leaving them on the floor or in the bath tub will get them changed automatically.

2) Don't leave the lights and AC going in the room while you are away. European hotels are learning to do this automatically with key-card slots that activate the air conditioning and lighting while you are in the room and deactivate them when you leave, but in the USA and UK the guest typically must do this on their own. Cooling an empty room is a collassal waste of energy.

3) Walk or take public transportation in cities when possible rather than taking taxis or driving. You can use the exercise and the environment can use less congestion on the roads and fewer emissions.

Some green gurus advocate not using the toiletries provided, but I don't agree. First of all, you paid for them, so they are yours to use to take with you as you see fit. Furthermore, since miniature shampoos and conditioners are required if you carry on your bags on a flight.  I often take the unused portion with me as it makes an ideal carry-on size: less than three ounces and fitting easily in a small plastic zip-lock bag.

And now I would like to invite you to claim Free Instant Access to two of my Living Green Reports that will help you save money as you go green when you subscribe to the Living Green and Saving Energy Newsletter at [http://livinggreenandsavingenergy.com]

The newsletter brings you practical tips and information on how to create and enjoy a green lifestyle and save money at the same time. The newsletter is absolutely free! For the latest Green News, updated continuously 24/7, check out the Green Newsfeed.

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