How to Choose Sustainable Lodging
Sustainability concerns have increased in the past year. Fifty-one percent of global consumers in 2022 said sustainability was more important to them now than last year. If you’ve committed to eco-consciousness, you’re well aware of the effort it takes. Part of that commitment is choosing the most environmentally friendly businesses and activities. When planning your next vacation, there are some helpful tips you can use to ensure you’re not only selecting premier properties, but also ones that prioritize sustainable practices.
Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry
To maximize your eco-friendly impact when traveling, consider these three main ecological concerns:
1. Plastics and Single-Use Packaging
Plastic waste is a global problem. In the U.S. alone, the volume of packaging waste is estimated at 14.8 megatonnes. Only a fraction of plastic created—8.7%—actually gets recycled. Plus, plastic is the second most common waste sent to landfills. The hospitality industry has been known to use single-use plastics in the form of mini-toiletries such as shampoo, lotion, and body wash.
Lodging Solutions: You don’t have to give up luxurious bath items when on vacation. Choose a rental property that offers bulk soaps, shampoos, and other beauty products. You can help reduce single-use items while still being able to pamper yourself on holiday.
Another contributing factor to unnecessary waste is plastic grocery bags. If shopping or cooking is part of your vacation plans, you could end up with a plethora of plastic bags. No one wants to devote extra luggage space to packing totes for a shopping excursion. Instead, ask your property concierge if they provide reusable grocery bags during your stay.
2. Water
Water scarcity affects a large part of our global population. In fact, 40% are affected by water scarcity, and those numbers are expected to climb. Plus, one in 10 people don’t have access to clean water near their homes. When that data is compared to average hotel use—between 100-400 gallons per room per day—water use in the hospitality industry looks excessive. Luckily, thanks to organizations like Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, more and more hospitality companies are making beneficial changes to their water use.
Lodging Solutions: There are myriad ways rentals are addressing water concerns. If you want your vacation to help make a positive environmental impact, look for properties with low water use appliances, like in-room washers/dryers and dishwashers. Forgo the towel refresh every day if you’re staying in a hotel that offers in-house laundry services. Reusing towels can save thousands of gallons of water every day.
3. Renewable Energy
Energy conservation and alternative energy sources can significantly reduce greenhouse gasses and preserve our natural resources. As one of the largest consumers of fossil fuels, the hotel industry can have a huge impact on energy conservation.
Lodging Solutions: The hospitality industry is making great strides in reducing energy consumption and switching to renewable energy sources. Check with the lodging property and ask if their buildings or offices rely on wind or solar power. Also, inquire about their in-room appliances. Are they energy efficient, saving on both water use and electricity?
Sustainable Lodging in Park City, Utah
Park City Lodging properties offer custom blended bulk amenities and an ozonating laundry system to save water and energy, in addition to other cutting edge sustainability measures. Here are a few examples of exceptional rentals that are working towards a better future. In fact, these vacation rentals are walkable to the town lift and free town shuttle route or offer ski-in/ski-out access, which means you won’t need a car to enjoy all the perks of Park City.
Choosing Sustainable Lodging for Your Next Vacation
If you want to make a larger environmental impact and feel good about where you stay on vacation, choose Park City Lodging. We support community efforts, recycling programs, and sustainability initiatives. Most recently, we were awarded the Shortyz International Vacation Rental Award in Sustainability in 2021 and named Utah Green Business of the Year in 2018. Our green operations building features 52 solar panels and an organic rooftop. We invite you to explore our properties and contact us for bookings.
Published on Wednesday, February 1, 2023