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Eco-friendly Hotels Are More Green Than Ever
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Added: 10/11/2005
Type: Summary
Viewed: 814 time(s)
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Eco-friendly Hotels Are More Green Than Ever
You may conserve at home but how do you follow that philosophy on the road when it is out of your control? Or is it? Staying at a eco-friendly hotel, also known as green lodging, is one way enforce your own viewpoint.
Hotels around the world are massive consumers of water and producers of waste. It is up to the hotel to set their own policies and practices about how they deal with the environment. Of course you change the sheets after having houseguests, but do you change your sheets every day on your own bed? Many hotels, even ones that aren't a eco-friendly hotel otherwise, give you the option of re-using your bedding while at your hotel for a few nights. It is usually done by positioning a card left in the room or leaving towels and linens in a particular manner. Or you may just throw the towels on the floor if you want them washed every time they are used. We've all felt those abrasive sandpaper-like towels in some chains so perhaps this would actually help them stay a towel longer as well.
A hotel may use fluorescent light bulbs, which do not waste most of their energy producing heat like incandescent bulbs do. This change is the most significant big money saver on the utility bill. Fluorescent bulbs also rarely need to be replaced, saving the eco-friendly hotel on maintenance in addition to electricity. A eco-friendly hotel policy may conserve water and reduce carbon dioxide gas emissions.
Many common cleaning products can hazardous to both consumers and the environment, so a eco-friendly hotel may use eco-friendly products similar to consumer lines by Seventh Generation (http://www.seventhgeneration.com) or Ecover (http://www.ecover.com).
"Most guests do not know or pay close attention to what is happening behind closed doors of the back rooms, but they may feel better about staying at a place that is concerned for their welfare and the environment," says Adam Longfellow of AllStays.com, a worldwide hotel lodging directory with a focus on green lodging (http://www.allstays.com/green-hotels/green-hotels.htm). "It may be just the owners or staff that feel strongly about these issues, but more and more guests are paying attention to this whenever possible. The hard part is finding the properties that have implemented good practices. We've made it a priority to help with that information."
Going to green lodging doesn't have to be more costly. It will most likely save the eco-friendly hotel big money every year. They could save up to 40 percent on energy bills with another 20 percent savings on waste and water bills. And from a consumer standpoint, there are eco-friendly hotels in all price ranges. From a small bed and breakfast to a large luxury hotel, you can find something to make you sleep easier at night.
Almost every aspect of lodging can be improved upon for both guests and the environment. Most of which can save money as well and that is a ingredient in the foundation of any world change. Hotels can go green from the ground up if they are built more efficiently from the start. From orientation of the building to the sun to the use of environmentally friendly and locally sourced building materials. Instead of watering a plain lawn, water fruits and vegetables that can be given to guests. Or use natural landscaping that doesn't require extra watering at all. A better use of technology and insulation can mean for lower bills and a more quiet guest environment. Hotels can use low or no-VOC (Volatile Organic Chemicals) paints for a more healthy interior. Providing recycle bins for guests to use makes for a more visible statement. Buying "energy star" (http://www.energystar.gov) appliances whenever possible is good for all and saves on utility bills. Use solar water heaters and pumps for pools. Providing maps, information on public transportation and things within walking distance encourages less consumption of fuel. Skylights can save on energy and provide for more pleasant public areas. Use Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights whenever possible, such as exit signage and night lights. They use almost no electricity and last thousands of hours.
If this can become more of a trend, everyone will benefit. Look for a green hotel next time you travel. You may or may not find one where you need to sleep but it's worth a moment to check first. Ask about environmental policies and show appreciation to the staff when you see green policies in implementation.
What's the next step? Perhaps a major car rental company can start renting hybrid cars on a large scale basis.
AllStays.com, online since 2000 and based in Arizona (US), lists all kinds of lodging, from bed & breakfasts to yoga retreats and luxury hotels, from primitive campgrounds to motels, haunted hotels and spa resorts. AllStays also links directly to official websites to make sure you have the real scoop on the latest and most accurate information from around the world.
Research, Browse, and book online to stay anywhere on Earth. http://www.allstays.com
AllStays.com
8824 Ironwood Drive
Kingman, AZ 86401
Phone (928) 727-1312
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