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How to Find a Hotel Thats Eco-Friendly


From Washingtonpost.com

“Travelers seeking a hotel that leaves a minimal carbon imprint often end up in a place that falls short of their expectations. The problem is that in the United States, “we don’t have one single source that clearly defines what is or is not a green hotel,” Nor are there many guidebooks or comprehensive directories devoted to the subject.”

This article lists a few of the things to look for when shopping for a green hotel such as the hotel’s recycling program and their use of “green cleaners. An easier solution to doing this kind of research yourself is to find an eco-friendly hotel from some other guide or rating source.

Here are a few of the resources that we found in the article:

  • Sustainable Travel International, based in Colorado, is one of the most reliable sources to search. Includes several hundred accommodations worldwide.
  • Rainforest Alliance lists a few exemplary properties in Central America and the Caribbean.
  • Green Hotels Association lists 350 properties, including hotels, lodges and B&Bs throughout the United States and in a dozen foreign countries. Some of the hotels listed have only modest environmental programs
  • Environmentally Friendly Hotels contains links to more than 2,300 hotels worldwide, mostly in the United States and the tropics. The mix of environmental practices among properties ranges widely.

Click here to read the full article at washingtonpost.com
Ideal Bite gives bite-sized ideas for light green living.

Discussion

7 comments for “How to Find a Hotel Thats Eco-Friendly”

  1. Before traveling I always check if hotel where I’m staying is practicing sustainable living. Check if hotel is using alternate energy sources, how they wash laundry, is their stuff educated etc.

    Posted by Martin | July 13, 2009, 5:08 pm
  2. I wonder why more hotels don’t go green. It cuts the energy costs and makes your hotel more desirable. There’s no downside.

    Posted by Recenzje | July 24, 2009, 7:08 am
  3. The Chambers of Commerce in cities is a great resource on green businesses and industries among their membership. It is something they are enthused to promote because it’s a magnet.

    Posted by Rick from Tamrac Camera Cases | August 25, 2009, 2:10 pm
  4. maybe caribbean..i dont think so in europe…

    Posted by otel puan | September 11, 2009, 12:55 pm
  5. Environmentally Friendly doesnt always mean the hotel is in the woods somewhere.

    I saw plenty of beautiful hotels and hostels in Europe who really respect for the environment. However you are right, there should be guidebooks or directories for them…

    Posted by Peter from Hostelio | September 30, 2009, 4:09 am
  6. In Belgium they use a label for green hotels (Milieulabel Groene Sleutel /Green Key). There main focus group are people from Belgium. They promote eco friendly vacations close to home.

    Posted by Arno from travel video's | November 20, 2009, 5:41 am
  7. The only problem with always traveling to eco-friendly hotels is that you do not get the opportunity to spread the concept.

    Next time, consider taking some information to a hotel that is ‘not green’ and leaving it with the manager. Putting together the basics in terms of money saved by not laundering the towels to using alternative energy sources can have a much bigger impact than just not giving them the business.

    At some point, we have to get involved in the game and start making a difference – not just supporting those that are already doing the ‘good’.

    Just a thought…

    Posted by "Sam from Eco Friendly Water Bottles" | January 11, 2010, 5:41 pm

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