16 May EcoTip #5 Your Next Hotel Stay: Conserve & Recycle

When you stay in a hotel are you conscious of the energy and water you use or waste?  It’s easy to walk out of a room and leave the light and the AC on when you stay in a hotel. After all, you are paying for the use of those resources. Right? But think about it this way. If we all do our part to conserve resources, no matter where we are, we will make a big difference in improving the environment and sustaining the quality of life we enjoy.

There are many ways you can conserve resources during your next hotel stay. First, select a hotel that is part of a green program and makes an effort to conserve energy and water. Let the hotel know that it's not necessary to change your linens and towels every day.

•  Participate in hotel recycling programs by placing recyclables in appropriate bins. Leave any little bottles of unopened shampoos, lotions or soaps in the room.

• When you leave your hotel room, turn off the AC or heat, lights, TV and radio, and close the drapes. Instead of leaving bathroom lights on all night, pack night lights for hotel stays. And don’t forget to turn off exercise equipment, sauna, or the whirlpool, when you're through.

• 
Take only the brochures and maps you need. If the hotel provides complimentary newspapers, pass yours on to someone else, or leave it in the lobby for another reader. Ask the hotel to see that it's recycled.

• Let hotel management know, that you want them to conserve and that you want to participate.

Of course, our own Habitat Suites in Austin is an award-winning green hotel. When you are traveling out of town try the "Green" Hotels Association® for hotels that are interested in conserving resources and caring for the environment.

"Green" Hotels Association®

http://greenhotels.com/members.php