HOW TO CHOOSE A SUSTAINABLE HOTEL
Choosing a sustainable hotel or eco-friendly hotel is quite daunting. This trend of preferring an eco-friendly hotel seems to be getting strong. However, in real life it might be hard sifting through the noise and finding hotels that are honestly being responsible.
There are ways to help travelers determine whether hotels and other holiday accommodations are sustainable. From hotels being certified to hotels allowing integration with local communities. Hotel certifications don’t come cheap, as a result, small hotels might not be able to afford them. It is imperative that people look at sustainable practices of the hotel to understand its commitment to saving the planet and advancing workers and local communities.
1| IS THE HOTEL CERTIFIED?
A certified hotel means that certification companies have approved a certain standard criteria. Usually, certification companies look at how energy, water, and other resources are not wasted. When constructing and operating the hotel, it’s best to use materials and practices that have minimal environmental impact.
There are so many certification companies. Some companies such as LEED are better known than others. LEED checks the energy efficiency and environmental design of the hotel. Apart from that, we have Green Globe. This company covers areas of cultural heritage and environment. Some companies look at the waste management policies and water consumption. Some even go further and consider how the hotel treats its workers and supports local communities.
For more information see this article on platforms assisting travelers to book green hotels. As stated above, small hotels might not afford certification. Take time to look at their websites to see how they practice sustainability.
2| WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE HOTELS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT?
A sustainability report contains positive or negative information about the performance of hotels. This information is important to visitors looking for accommodations. Browse through their website and find these reports. Sustainability reports cover a lot of details. Most hotels report on how they train their staff and whether the building is bioclimatic.
3| HOW DO THEY MANAGE AND RECYCLE WASTE?
Sustainable hotels should have a better waste management process. Find out about the composition of different food waste. For this process to work, find out which equipment they use. Apart from that, look up on how they get rid of plastic waste. To be a green hotel, it is imperative that the hotel opts for more natural and sustainable ways to operate. Thus, only using what is needed and reusing materials than buying new things all the time.
4| WHAT IS THEIR INITIATIVE PLAN TO REDUCE PLASTIC USE?
Plastic takes time to decompose. Throughout its life cycle, it releases toxins which are harmful to the environment. A lot of hotels have made it a mission to stop using disposable plastics. This includes plastic straws, water bottles and trash bags. Some Hotels have found alternatives to plastic drinking straws. They use reusable straws made of glass, silicone, and stainless steel. Apart from that, they use glass bottles and biodegradable trash bags. This information should be available on the hotel’s website. Otherwise, call any hotel and find out which plans they have made to stop using so much plastic.
5| DO THEY HAVE A HOMEGROWN MENU?
Most hotels have gardens. They usually grow herbs and vegetables. Find out if the hotel has a garden—preferably an organic garden. What do they grow? Ask if the produce is local. If produce is local, it means the food products are produced within the area. As a result, most menus in hotels are based on seasonal produce. Apart from that, find out if they follow sustainable seafood guidelines. These guidelines recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices.
6| HOW DO THEY CONSERVE WATER AND ENERGY?
Find out how the hotel reserves water. Reducing the usage of water requires installing low-flow showerheads and toilets. Water and energy management is the heart of a sustainable bathroom. Harvesting rainwater is another way to reserve water usage. Some hotels have rainwater catchment tanks. The system has a pump that directs water to a specific point of use. Asking guests to hang their towels instead of washing them everyday is another way to save water. Apart from that, check how the hotel conserves energy. Ask if the hotel is using solar energy, LEDs and low energy bulbs.
7| DO THEY OFFER CAR-FREE ITINERARIES?
The commendable hotels are those that allow you to ditch your car. They offer two-wheelers and bicycles. This allows visitors to relax and explore the surrounding areas. For that reason, look for hotels that offer car- free itineraries. Eco-friendly hotels discourage excess car use.
8| DOES THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT FROM THE HOTEL?
Hotels have to give back to the community. Research on how the hotel shares its profits to the community. A Sustainability hotel hires local people and builds skill development centers. Does the hotel take part in supporting charities? Does it pioneer community/tourism related developmental programs?
9| HOW DO GUESTS GET INVOLVED AS PART OF SUSTAINABILITY?
It is important for hotels to encourage guests to get involved in the daily activities that promote sustainable tourism. Guests can be helpful by offering reusable water bottles and renting bicycles. Guests can also get involved by taking part or hosting environment clean-up events. In other ways, guests can address any issues or concerns about the hotel. They should be free to give positive or negative comments.
CONCLUSION ON SUSTAINABLE HOTELS
There are so many moving parts that all create a big puzzle that may ultimately solve the climate change problem. Sustainable tourism is one big way that hotels and other holiday accommodations can take part in. It is up to responsible travelers to demand environmentally friendly practices from hotels they book. Both hotel owners and hotel guests create a sustainable hotel—if the traveler demands responsible tourism, the hotels will favor practices that promote that.
