33 Ways To "Green" Your Hotel

1. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.

2. Turn off electronics when they are not in use. This goes for lights, computers, televisions, etc.

3. Use fans instead of air conditioning when possible.

4. Make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed. Caulk areas where air leaks are present.

5. During winter, cover windows with plastic to retain as much heat as possible.

6. Closing the drapes during summer to keep the heat out. During winter, it will help keep heat inside.

7. Put lights on motion sensors to eliminate unnecessary electricity consumption.

8. Install programmable thermostats to avoid unnecessary heating and cooling costs.

9. Use daylight to light rooms as much as possible.

10. When the time comes to purchase new equipment, buy Energy Star rated products.

11. Use “smart power strips” that automatically shut down when electronics are not in use.

12. Wash linens with cold water.

13. Lower the temperature of your hot water heat.

14. Hang dry linens to cut down on drying costs. Hang drying also extends the life of linens.

15. Wash towels and linens after each guest rather than each day.

16. Install low-flow shower heads.

17. Install toilet tank diverters which can save as much as 3/4 gallon per flush.

18. Install sink aerators.

19. Fix leaking toilets and sinks.

20. Direct downspouts to gardens or other areas that requiring watering.

21. Use rain barrels to collect rain water and water gardens.

22. Donate used soap to organizations such as Clean the World (www.cleantheworld.org)

23. Put recycling bins in guest rooms.

24. Recycle / donate old equipment, linens, etc.

25. Use old sheets as cleaning rags.

26. Reuse plastic shopping bags for wastebasket liners.

27. Reuse printed paper as scrap paper.

28. Go paperless by going online. Get paperless billing statements, order online, & pay bills from the convenience of your computer. Many credit cards will even give you a few dollars for switching to paperless.

29. Signs–install signs that direct guests to turn lights off, reuse towels, reuse linens, etc.

30. Use less laundry detergent. You can usually get away with using 1/2 to 2/3 of the recommended amount.

31. Use biodegradable cleaners. Your housekeepers will appreciate it too - no more burning eyes & dry hands.

32. Use low VOC paints - short for “volatile organic compounds” - they don't smell as bad and they're better for the environment.

33. Use rechargeable batteries in television remotes and other remote controlled items around your hotel.