NATIONAL REPORT—Over the years, there has been a considerable rise in the number of people who have shunned their carefree lifestyle and embraced a more sustainable one. Right from volunteering for community cleanups to monitoring their carbon footprint, people are going at great lengths to protect the blessings bestowed upon them by Mother Nature. They are also reconsidering the way they travel. More and more people are now flying less and driving less to keep their carbon footprint in check. This sudden surge in the number of people thinking green has compelled the hospitality industry to change its norms to accommodate the changing needs of their eco-conscious guests.
The leading hotels across the world have already adopted a green blueprint. If you are in the same industry but have not yet embraced a sustainable roadmap, it’s time for you to do so.
Here is how you can make your hotel more sustainable:
Recycle and Reuse
Start by embracing a recycling plan. Collect all the junk and segregate the waste based on what can be reused and what needs to go to the landfill. If you do not know where to start, reach out to a reliable junk removal service. These special services collect, recycle, and dump the junk to reduce its effect on the environment.
Offer recycling options to your guests in their rooms. Consider providing three bins to your guests—one for food waste for composting, one for recycling, and one for landfill.
Instead of using plastic waste bags or liners in the cans, use paper bags or leave them as they are.
Replace the Lights
To reduce energy waste, install energy-efficient lights throughout your property. Consider installing the lights with special sensors that sense the presence or absence of a person in the room and turn on and off accordingly.
Get solar panels installed and reduce the wastage of non-renewable energy.
Use Environment-Friendly Cleaning Products
Most cleaning agents carry harsh chemicals that not only harm the environment but also imperil your health. They contain harmful toxins that get dispersed in air, ground, and water tempering them and cause health issues like asthma, skin allergies, eye damage, etc.
Instead of using these synthetic cleaning products, use natural products that do not harm the environment.
Reuse Sheets and Towels
Curate a sheet and towel reuse program to cut down the water expenditure at your hotel. Provide your guests with the option of reusing their sheets and towels. Place a card in every room to know the preference of your guests in this respect.
This simple program will result in less laundry, less water wastage, less use of detergent, less work for your housekeeping staff, and less expenditure of money.
Provide Large Toiletries
Providing small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotions means generating a lot of plastic waste. Alternatively, you can provide built-in refillable dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap.
Provide Reusable Water Containers
Single-use plastic water bottles harm the environment. To reduce this plastic waste through at least your property, provide reusable glass water bottles or present your guests with reusable water bottles to take home.
Buy Local Food
Sourcing food locally is another way of making your property more sustainable. By buying food from your local vendors, you sabotage food transport that contributes a big fraction of carbon emission. Plus, local food is always a delight for the guests. Your guests will love the authentic and unique local experience that you will provide them.
The Bottom Line
The hospitality industry is no less than a battleground where hundreds and thousands of hotels compete to win the love and confidence of the traveler. By making your property sustainable, you score several points with your guests while doing your bit for the environment.
