The most common and oftentimes
ignored effort of hotels to save the environment is requesting guests to reuse
their towels. After all, we don’t change towels every day at home. But going
eco-friendly is not confined in the hotel bathroom only (which I believe where
most of the unnecessary wastage comes from).
Over the years, hotels are going green not just to save water.
As a traveler who stays at hotels
several times a year, I have noticed that hotels are more aggressive with their
green initiatives over the years. This is in response to travelers who are now
more responsible and conscious with how they contribute to the preservation of
the environment.
Environmental Preservation
Siloso Beach Resort on the island
of Sentosa has taken seriously the term being one with nature. You will feel
the positive energy of the earth while having a refreshing dip at the
landscaped pool filled with natural spring water. I have experienced having
breakfast with squirrels and the strolling along the hotel’s rich foliage was
always a delightful break from city touring and shopping.
The hotel was designed and built
in a way that natural terrain was preserved and the trees were not removed.
Staying at Siloso Beach Resort makes guests partners in reducing carbon
footprint.
Every time you request for
housekeeping, the staff will replace the entire set of toiletries and dispose
the half-used bottles. Hotels like Red Planet and Greenhills Elan Modern are
now using bulk dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and liquid soap.
Pico Sands Hotel provides toiletries in biodegradable plastic packaging.
Complimentary Bottled Water
Instead of supplying drinking
water in plastic bottle, Harbour Ville Hotel Singapore have a set of Go Green
Glass Bottle in every room. A hot and cold filtered water dispenser is
strategically placed in every floor. This also encourages guests to opt for
refilling their own water bottles instead of buying expensive bottled water.
Walking tours are becoming
popular. It is a healthier way for tourists to marvel at the beauty of
attraction they are visiting. It also gives them more time to appreciate what
the place has to offer. Also, hotels are now offering bicycles for those who are
not fond of touring around on foot. Some tour packages include bike rentals
whether you want an unforgettable bike adventure or simply want to see the city
in your own pace.
Dining Experience
The hotel restaurant menu now
offers healthier cuisine using fresh and local produce sourced from organic
farms. Using these products does not only give travelers a unique dining
experience but it also helps the farmers and local food providers.
Recycling and Waste Reduction
Some hotels discontinued daily
supply of newspaper unless requested. Instead, access to online publications is
provided as an alternative. Paper napkin was replaced with cloth napkins in an
effort to reduce the use of paper. Trash bins for recyclable wastes are also
provided for proper segregation.
Green is the way to go
Hotels going eco-friendly is like
giving the guests an extra perk. They still give the guests the comfort and
luxury of the accommodation without harming the environment.
