How to find green vacation lodging

No matter where you stay while on vacation (a hotel, motel, B&B, a ship, hostel, or so on) it’s easy to play detective and find out if where you’re staying is green or not so much. Whenever you book a place to stay ask yourself the following questions about the place. If you’re not sure off the top of your head call or email the place with a list of questions. Is the lodging locally owned? Does the lodging staff local employees when possible - note that at some resorts winter weather makes local staffing impossible. People may travel in to work during the vacation season. What sort of energy does the lodging rely on? It is powered by an alternative energy sources such as wind or solar? Do they offset any energy? What’s the eco-credentials of the building itself? Is it LEED certified ? What’s the water situation? Are there low-flow shower heads or rain barrels systems in place? Is there a no wash / no clean option. For example if you ask will your towel be left in your room for a second or third use, or will housekeeping grab it anyhow? If food is offered or there’s a restaurant on premise do they offer local and organic meal choices? If it’s an ocean or beach resort see if they have sustainable seafood criteria. Are organic

towels, bedding, and other textiles used? Is the furniture sustainable? How do they dispose of trash - for example, do they compost, have a recycling program, have a clean-up program if they’re a camp-minded site? What sorts of extras do they have and how eco-friendly are they - i.e. energy star fridges in the rooms, a natural swimming pool vs. chlorine pool, natural spa treatments, tours that respect the nature areas surrounding the lodging, etc. Does the hotel support any community organizations, eco-organizations, or other socially ethical non-profits? Keep in mind that it’s highly unlikely you will find all of the best eco-components at one lodging destination. You’ll have to pick and choose which aspects matter the most too you. For example, a green B&B may not have organic sheets, but they may offer all organic meals and have rain barrels for watering the garden and washing cars. Weigh all the questions before deciding if a particular place is right for your vacation and eco-ethics. [image via stock.xchng]

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How to find green vacation lodging

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