NATIONAL REPORT—For hotel and lodge owners, plumbing and waste management are always a concern. Hotels alone produce 289,700 tons of waste each year, 79,000 of which is food waste. That’s not only detrimental to the environment, but it’s incredibly costly as well. That is why it’s highly beneficial for lodge and hotel owners to preserve as much as possible. Luckily, there are many ways that lodges and hotels can reduce waste and water usage. Read on to learn some about the top tips for waste reduction and sustainable plumbing.
Limiting Food Waste
Food waste is costly and damaging to the environment. In fact, it’s a global issue that causes the release of leachate and methane. Both are harmful to the environment, and leachate is toxic to humans. It’s wise for hotel and lodge owners to minimize food waste as much as possible. To do so, owners should implement a food waste reduction policy. To start, a food waste audit can be conducted. Identifying the largest sources of food waste is a must for minimizing it, and a food waste log can be invaluable here. Owners should carefully monitor where food waste is coming from and how frequently since that’s one of the best ways to spot inefficiencies in your operations.
There are many ways that hotels can improve the habits of their staff to reduce waste. An example would be doing away with garnishes. While they can add visual appeal, they’re often immediately discarded. Owners should train staff to prepare foods that produce as little waste as possible. Moreover, donating uneaten food should also be prioritized. Instead of throwing it out, owners can donate it to charities such as Feeding America. Another option is to repurpose food waste into another commodity, like soil. Composting is a fantastic way to repurpose the use of wasted food. Instead of going into a landfill, hotel food waste can become nutrient-rich soil supporting the growth of new food.
Plastic Waste Reduction
For green B2B lodge and hotel owners, reducing plastic waste is essential. Since plastics make up a large portion of landfills (91 percent of plastic still isn’t recycled), owners should implement the 4 Rs of plastic waste reduction. They are to reduce, reuse, replace, and recycle plastic products.
Hotels and lodges should strive to reduce single-use plastic products. Efforts should also go toward reducing the overall number of plastic products ordered each month. Instead of single use, aim for plastic products that you can reuse. Another alternative is to replace single-use items like plastic straws with cleanable, reusable glass straws. Lastly, hotels and lodges should invest in a modern recycling program with clear instructions for staff and guests.
Sustainable Plumbing Tips
Food and plastic waste are only one piece of the puzzle for hotel and lodge owners. Water usage is a huge concern for these properties as well. According to a study by the EPA, hotels and lodges account for 15 percent of the total commercial water use in the United States. It’s beneficial for owners to preserve water for financial reasons, and there are several ways to do this. First, it’s wise to convert all showerheads, faucets, and toilets to modern, water-efficient units. Working with an efficient and affordable plumbing company is another must. Owners should do in-depth research to find the best plumbers in their area. Next, staff should conduct regular plumbing audits to identify leaks and other issues. It’s also a good idea to upgrade all washing machines in the hotel to modern, water-efficient appliances. Finally, owners should strive to make water-saving habits standard company policy at their hotel or lodge.
Food, plastic, and water waste are significant concerns for hotels and lodges. For their owners, the best course of action is to practice sustainability. Limiting food and plastic waste and incorporating sustainable plumbing practices into your everyday operations not only protects the environment but doing so also saves money in the long run.
