Are you looking for eco-friendly lodgings during your next vacation or getaway? With environmental awareness on the rise, many travelers are increasingly conscious of their choices and wish to reduce their overall environmental footprint. Finding a great hotel that is also eco-friendly can sometimes be a challenge, however. Thankfully, more options are now available than ever for travelers hoping to stay in eco-conscious lodgings. To help make your search easier, Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI, sustainability expert, shares tips for finding the perfect eco-friendly hotel or travel lodging.
Table of Contents
Look For Certifications
When considering your lodging options, look for hotels that have sustainability certifications. Organizations like Green Seal and LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certify hotels based on their commitment to environmental responsibility. Hotels certified by these organizations have been assessed for their use of energy-efficient appliances, waste reduction and water conservation methods, and other factors determining the hotel’s sustainability.
The certifications also indicate that the hotel employs green cleaning practices, such as using non-toxic cleaners and avoiding harsh chemicals. These certifications also serve as a guarantee that the lodging you select meets specific standards for environmental stewardship.
Minimize Your Impact On Your Trip
One of the best ways to travel responsibly is to minimize your impact on the area you’re traveling to. Choose green transportation whenever possible. If you can’t walk to bike in an area, opt for public transit over renting a car. You can also make green choices while in the hotel, such as using energy-efficient appliances and lights and reducing water consumption.
Even small steps like bringing reusable shopping bags and purchasing locally-sourced food during your trip can significantly reduce your overall carbon footprint. Avoiding single-use plastics as much as possible can also help reduce your environmental impact.
Research Your Options
Before booking a hotel, research to ensure that it is truly eco-friendly. Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI recommends starting your research by looking at websites that prioritize sustainable lodgings, such as EcoHotels.org or ResponsibleTravel.com. These websites are great resources for finding hotels committed to sustainability and can help you quickly narrow down your options.
It also helps to read reviews from other travelers who have stayed in the hotel and get their opinion on how eco-friendly it is. Reading reviews can also provide valuable information about different aspects of the hotel, such as its amenities and services.
Another way to find the right hotel is to seek out a travel agent who specializes in eco-friendly vacations. These agents may be able to provide you with more detailed information about the hotel you’re considering and even suggest other nearby lodging options that are committed to eco-friendly practices.
Review The Hotels Policies
It’s essential to review the hotel’s policies before making your decision. Does the hotel have a procedure to reduce or eliminate energy and water usage? Is its cleaning staff trained in green practices? Does the hotel offer perks like reusable bottles, refillable shampoo and conditioner containers, or even electric car charging stations?
These are all critical questions when deciding if a hotel is truly eco-friendly. You can usually find this information on the hotel’s website or by contacting their customer service team directly.
Ask Questions
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions when booking your stay. Directly contacting the hotel can help you better understand its sustainability policies and practices. Remember that the general staff may not be as familiar with all of the sustainability features the hotel offers, so you may need to ask to be connected to a manager or other staff member who can provide you with more detailed information.
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to decide and book your stay! By taking the time to research green hotels and ask questions about their sustainability practices, you can help ensure that your lodging choice is eco-friendly and responsible. A little bit of research can go a long way in helping you travel responsibly and make an impact on the planet.
Support Local Businesses
Try to support local businesses during your travels. This helps ensure that the money you spend goes directly into the local economy and promotes sustainable tourism. Look for locally-owned hotels, restaurants, and stores whenever possible. Not only will you support locals in the area, but you’ll also get to experience authentic culture and cuisine.
By taking a few simple steps to research your lodging options and supporting sustainable tourism, you can help reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying all that travel offers. So don’t be afraid to explore and make the most of your next eco-friendly vacation!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, responsible travel involves taking the time to research lodging options that prioritize sustainability and ask questions about their green practices. It also means supporting local businesses whenever possible to ensure that money spent goes directly into the local economy. By following these tips from Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI, you can positively impact the planet while still enjoying your travels.
