Staying Green: Practical Tips for Reducing Your Impact While Staying in Hotels

17 February 2025

Ah, the joy of staying in hotels! Crisp white sheets, fluffy towels, complimentary little soaps – what’s not to love? But all that luxury often comes at a cost, and I’m not talking about your wallet. Hotels can leave a pretty big carbon footprint behind. The good news? There are simple, practical ways you can reduce your impact while enjoying your stay. Let’s dive into some easy, actionable tips to help you stay green on your next hotel adventure.

Why Should You Care About Being Green While Traveling?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s answer the big “why.” Why should you go out of your way to be environmentally conscious while staying in a hotel?

Well, think about this: every guest who stays in a hotel uses water, energy, and produces waste. Multiply that by thousands of guests every year, and you’ve got a significant environmental impact. But here’s the kicker – small changes from every guest can add up to a massive difference. It's like throwing pebbles into a pond – the ripples spread far and wide. If we want to preserve the beautiful places we visit, it starts with being mindful travelers.

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Let’s kick things off with where you stay. Picking the right hotel is one of the easiest ways to travel more sustainably. Many hotels these days boast eco-certifications or sustainability programs. Look out for certifications like Green Key, LEED, or EarthCheck – they’re like gold stars for environmentally friendly practices.

Hotels with strong eco credentials often use renewable energy, conserve water, and actively reduce waste. Some even grow their own food or use locally sourced ingredients. By choosing these accommodations, you’re already making a big impact before you even set foot in your room!

Pro Tip:

If you’re booking online, filter for “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” properties. Or better yet, call the hotel directly and ask about their green initiatives.

2. Say "No Thanks" to Daily Housekeeping

Do you really need fresh sheets and towels every single day? Let’s be honest – probably not. Washing linens uses a crazy amount of water and energy. Skipping daily housekeeping is one of the simplest ways to reduce your footprint. Plus, it’s not like your sheets are this fragile relic that disintegrates after one night!

Hang your towels up to signal you’ll use them again, and let the hotel know you’d like to opt out of daily cleanings. Many places even reward you for this, offering perks like discounts or meal vouchers.

3. Bring Reusable Items (Because Single-Use is Old News)

Want to be a green traveler MVP? Pack your reusable essentials. Single-use plastics are a major environmental villain, and hotels – bless their hearts – often contribute by providing plastic water bottles, straws, and bathroom amenities.

Here’s what you can pack to counteract that:

- Reusable Water Bottle: If the tap water’s safe to drink, fill up from the sink. If not, use water refilling stations or bring a portable water filter.
- Travel Mug: Great for your morning coffee or tea without the waste of disposable cups.
- Reusable Shopping Bags: Perfect for storing snacks or carrying souvenirs.
- Toiletry Bottles: Fill travel-sized containers with your own soap, shampoo, and conditioner instead of using the hotel’s tiny plastic bottles.

Not only does this cut down on waste, but it also makes you feel like a sustainability superhero.

4. Turn Off the Lights and Electronics

This one’s a no-brainer, yet so easy to forget. When you step out of your hotel room, make sure everything’s switched off – lights, TV, air conditioning, and even charging devices. It’s like leaving a trail of good karma behind you.

If your hotel uses key card systems to power the room, bravo! These automatically save energy when you leave. Otherwise, it’s up to you to channel your inner eco-conscious self and flip those switches.

5. Use Water Wisely (Spoiler: It’s Scarce in Many Places)

Water may seem abundant when it’s gushing from the hotel’s shower, but in reality, it's a finite resource. Here’s how to be a water-saving champ:

- Keep your showers short. (Sing one song, rinse, and you’re done!)
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Skip the bathtub – luxurious, yes, but it guzzles way more water than a shower.

Hotels in some parts of the world even have notices asking guests to conserve water due to local shortages. Be mindful, and don’t overindulge.

6. Eat Local, Seasonal, and Sustainable

When you travel, eating isn’t just about satisfying hunger – it’s a way to experience the culture! But instead of defaulting to hotel buffets or chains, why not venture out and support local restaurants that serve seasonal and sustainable foods? You’ll reduce your food miles (the distance your food travels from farm to plate) and, bonus, probably enjoy fresher, tastier dishes.

If your hotel has a restaurant, ask whether their menu includes local and organic ingredients. You might just start a conversation that encourages them to source greener options if they haven’t already!

7. Recycle, Even If It’s Not Convenient

Let’s face it – some hotels aren’t great at recycling. But that doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel (pun intended). If there’s no recycling bin in your room, ask the front desk about where to dispose of recyclables. Alternatively, you can carry small recyclables (like cans or paper) with you and recycle them somewhere else later.

And if you’re feeling extra motivated, minimize your waste from the get-go by avoiding over-packaged products and saying no to things like plastic straws or stirrers.

8. Support Hotels with Community Initiatives

Some hotels go the extra mile by giving back to their local communities. Maybe they employ locals, fund environmental conservation projects, or support local artisans by displaying and selling handmade goods. By staying at hotels with community-focused programs, you’re spreading positive vibes beyond yourself and contributing to something bigger.

9. Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Even the greenest traveler will leave some carbon footprint behind. Nobody’s perfect! But you can offset it through carbon offset programs. Many hotels and airlines offer these programs during booking, or you can use independent platforms.

Carbon offsets involve funding eco-friendly projects like reforestation, clean energy development, or conservation. It’s a way to “balance out” the emissions you can’t avoid.

10. Share and Inspire Others

Last but not least, shout it from the rooftops. When you make greener choices, share them with friends, family, and even fellow travelers. Post about your eco-friendly hotel stays on social media, write reviews, and encourage others to do the same. Sustainability is contagious – the more people see it in action, the more they’ll want to get involved.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact

Reducing your environmental impact while staying in hotels doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. If anything, it’s a chance to challenge yourself, try new things, and feel good knowing you’re traveling responsibly. Sustainability isn’t about being perfect – it’s about making mindful choices. Like they say, “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.”

So the next time you’re packing for a getaway, remember these tips. Your favorite destination – and Mother Earth – will thank you.