All small accommodation providers have a responsibility to be environmentally conscious.
After all, your inn is part of the local community, and you should be invested in the growth and success of your destination!
However, unlike the big hotel chains, you have limited dollars to spend. Here are wikiHow’s easy-to-implement ways to reduce your carbon footprint at your small hotel, bed and breakfast, inn or guesthouse.
It’s easy to lose track of how much water you use at your inn. To conserve water,
Energy consumption can be very costly in the long run. To conserve energy,
While the previous methods of ‘going green’ are a bit more difficult to implement, nothing is stopping you from being more mindful of the kinds of products you buy.
Make sure that everything from your bedding to your office stationary to your food is locally sourced, cruelty-free, and environmentally sustainable.
Avoid using disposable products where possible.
Besides having recycling bins in your common areas and guest rooms, you can donate leftover food, amenities, furniture, and appliances to local charities.
Try to reduce the amount of paper you use in general. For example, you can use an electronic reservation system instead of a physical diary, and send guests electronic invoices instead of printing them out each time.
Sustainable tourism is not just about saving money and reducing carbon emissions. It’s part of a much greater philosophy that includes improving the local economy and preserving cultural heritage.
This is why having a ‘green’ inn appeals to such a large segment of the market. In fact, Phocuswright reports that over 40% of travelers consider the environment when making travel choices, and a third will pay top dollar for eco friendly options.
In all of your marketing materials – whether it be brochures, your website, or your listings on third party distribution sites – communicate how you help preserve the environment. If you are on TripAdvisor, you can participate in the GreenLeaders program that they offer.
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