Green practice… in practice

Green credentials, however effective, can be nullified by guest or staff behaviour, so keep your eyes peeled for the level of enforcement of eco initiatives. For example, operating the aircon with open windows renders the energy efficiency of the aircon or the double-glazed and insulated windows redundant.

ISSUES TO FOCUS ON

The travel and tourism sector accounts for 5 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, with accommodation comprising 20 per cent of that, according to the UN World Tourism Organization.

Water is a major concern in most destinations, as is waste recycling. Other issues are energy production and conservation; biodiversity that protects and encourages multiple plant and animal species; social sustainability including employee and community wellbeing, and the use of local and fair trade produce.

THE SOLUTION

The solution is in the hands (and purse) of the traveller. Ask questions when booking and when in residence. It’s an issue of buyer be aware, buyer be pro-active, buyer take responsibility and push suppliers to provide innovative green solutions. Travellers should develop some expertise and start to be green smart.

“Consumers can make a difference by engaging with the hotel management about the way they run the hotel. You need to get beyond the label, ask about specifics and expect to see the evidence. Ask before you book, when you check in, while you are resident,” Dr Goodwin encourages.

KEY QUESTIONS:

WATER: Do the rooms have aerated showers? If so, request a room with one. Is recycled water used for the garden?

WASTE: Does the property recycle or reuse its waste? Does the hotel provide refillable toiletries or do they create waste with lots of packaging?

Insist on a choice about how often your towels and bed linen is changed. If your choice is not respected, complain to management.

ENERGY: When you book and check in ask for an ecoroom. If the TV and lights are on when you enter the room, ask why. Is there a key card operated switch by the door? If not, ask why.

BIODIVERSITY: Ask whether the hotel’s grounds have been planted with local species and what birds and butterflies you might expect to see in the grounds.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Ask whether the local employees are paid the same as the agency staff.

Ask how many hours room-cleaners work and how many rooms they are expected to clean in a shift.

Ask what food and beverage materials and soft furnishings have been purchased within 10 km of the hotel. Ask for details and make a point of choosing those particular items while in the hotel.