‘Go Green’ is the norm these days. To put less strain on our planet every industry, every sector wants to add a dash of ‘green’ aka ‘eco-friendly’ quotient to their entities. Initially when the hospitality sector stepped in this drive the max hotels did was provide eco-friendly sanitary ware, towels, linen and so-on. Back then, the awareness among customers was also limited. But now, things have started changing. With ever more concern towards issues like climate change, global warming, carbon footprint etc. hotels need to step-up their eco-friendliness.

Although, out of 47,000+ U.S. hotels only a small number are currently enrolled in green programs in a formal way. Only eleven hotels are constructed as per the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED standards. The number of Energy Star-certified properties has now become 314. These properties are aptly designed so as to reduce the energy consumption in best possible manner. Newer trends are emerging in such hotels and properties to upscale their eco-friendly quotient.

Latest trends include:
· Adopting such eco-friendly habits like using biodegradable paper cups instead of Styrofoam.
· Installing furniture, carpeting made from recycled products.
· Retrofitting with low-flow showers and toilets (to save water).
· Offering “Eco-chic” suites including upholstery made from organic materials, eco-friendly toiletries and cosmetics, organic wine/coffee and snacks. ( available at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in San Francisco and Washington).
·Having eco-friendly oasis & ponds with recycled water at hotels (LEED-certified: the Orchard Garden Hotel in San Francisco and the 133-room Gaia Napa Valley Hotel in American Canyon).
· Eco-friendly organic food in restaurants & mini-bars (items like Tom’s Natural Toothpaste, organic crackers and organic licorice logs are offered).

While these moves are surely promising the number of hotels implementing these need to be increased. So far as the conscious and eco-friendly tourists are concerned, they just need to make intelligent choices. Rest, most of the things in the “go green” drive are looked after by the hotels themselves.

Via LaTimes