You make an effort to live green at home, but what happens when you go traveling?

Fortunately, more and more motels and hotels are embracing the green movement.

Don’t assume that they all are, however. As you plan your trip – so simple now that practically every motel and hotel, and every tourist spot now has its own website to tell you everything you need to know – simply check to make sure that your lodgings will be as green as you want them to be.

What kinds of things do motels and hotels do to be green?

1. Towel and Sheet Program
It used to be that lodgings would change towels and sheets every day. At green hotels, they do this only if the guest asks. Otherwise, guests reuse towels for a couple of days, and sleep on the same sheets, before replacement. (Obviously, once a guest checks out, new sheets and towels are provided for the next visitor.)

By doing this, hotels save on labor costs, as well as water and detergent costs. Towels and sheets last longer, too, by not having to be washed quite so often.

2. Alternative Energy
Does the hotel use alternative energy sources and practice energy conservation?

3. Newspaper Program
Instead of delivering a newspaper to every single room, typically a few copies are for use in the lobby.

4. Organic Food Served
More and more hotels are adding organic food in their menus.

5. Non-Smoking Rooms
More and more hotels and motels are going totally non-smokeless, which helps out a great deal when it comes to having fresh sheets to sleep on, and no draperies with that tobacco smell absorbed within. Those hotels that aren’t non-smokeless will nevertheless have non-smoking rooms – and charge hefty fines if someone is found to have smoked in there.

6. Environmental Cleaning
Does the hotel or motel use environmentally safe cleaning products?

7. Recycling
Does the hotel practice an extensive recycling campaign? Are there guest room recycling bins?

8. Durable Service Items
Does the hotel provide dishes, cups, glasses, mugs, tableware and serving pieces that are long-lasting, rather than disposable?

9. Pets Welcome?
Many people like to travel with pets. Unfortunately, many other people are allergic to pet dander. So many green hotels won’t allow them – not to be mean to the pet owner, but rather to keep their future guests safe from possible allergic reactions.

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