Green Action Tip of the Month:
This Summer Cast a Vote for Green Hotels

Ecstatic guests are praising conservation measures under way at green hoteliers around the country. They’re choosing to save water, energy and resources while reducing solid waste. It’s a rare traveler who hasn’t seen the "Green" Hotel Association’s eco-friendly towel rack hangers and sheet changing cards asking guests to consider using linens more than once. At least 70 percent of guests participate. But that’s only the start.

By caring for the local and larger environment, community conscious innkeepers can take better care of visitors, there to enjoy the beauties of their destination. So guests like us are urging them on. Each time we travel we have an opportunity to support and expand the green hotel movement. Here’s a dozen easy ways to do so:

• Let hotel services know it’s not necessary to daily change sheets and towels.

• Take shorter showers.

• Turn off the AC/heat, lights and TV, and close drapes
 when leaving the room.

• Participate in hotel recycling programs.

• Bring favorite toiletries from home rather than consuming courtesy sundries.

• Leave unopened mini-toiletries in the room, but wrap soap in its original wrapper to take home.

• Pack night-lights instead of leaving bathroom lights on all night.

• Pass along complimentary newspapers to lobby readers.

• Turn off exercise equipment, sauna, whirlpool and tennis court lights when done.

• Keep only brochures and maps needed.

• Reduce paperwork via e-reservations and in-room cable checkout.

• Tell friends about great green hotels.

Superior environmental performance also comprises a competitive advantage for hoteliers. One place saved $200 its first month by using low-flow shower heads and ink refill kits. Another reduced solid waste by 24 tons, water by 1.2 million gallons and electricity by 500,000 kilowatts. Another cut 90 percent of its fossil fuel consumption by switching to renewable onsite solar, wind and wood energies. Post-consumer paper products are appearing in letterhead, menus and toilet tissue in many green hotels. And it’s all generating positive press and goodwill in the local community.

For more tips visit GreenHotels.com and click on Green Travel.