Eco-Friendly Accommodations: A Guide to Green Stays

Hey everyone, Mette here! Liam and I have always believed that travel should be a force for good. That means being mindful of our impact on the environment and the communities we visit. One of the biggest ways we can do this is by choosing eco-friendly accommodations. It's not just a trend; it's a responsibility. So, I wanted to share some insights and tips on finding those hidden green gems around the world.

The Growing Importance of Sustainable Tourism

It's incredible to see how much awareness has grown around sustainable travel. More and more people are realizing that our travel choices have a real impact. Traditional tourism can put a strain on the environment through pollution, overuse of resources, and damage to natural habitats. Socially, it can sometimes disrupt local cultures and economies. Eco-friendly accommodations play a vital role in lessening these negative effects.

I was just reading Booking.com's Sustainable Travel Report 2023, and it's pretty clear that travelers are eager to make a difference. The report highlights that a significant percentage of travelers want to travel more sustainably and are actively looking for eco-friendly options. It's encouraging to see this shift in mindset, and it motivates me even more to seek out and support businesses that are doing their part.

What Defines Eco-Friendly Accommodations?

So, what exactly makes accommodation eco-friendly? It's more than just a buzzword; it's about a commitment to minimizing environmental impact and operating in a sustainable way. These accommodations prioritize energy efficiency, often using renewable energy sources like solar power and energy-efficient lighting like LEDs. They also focus on water conservation through water-saving fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens. Waste reduction is another key area, with robust recycling and composting programs in place.

Beyond these basics, many eco-friendly accommodations go further by using sustainable materials in their construction and operation. Think bamboo flooring, furniture made from reclaimed wood, and linens made from organic cotton. All these choices add up to a smaller carbon footprint and a more responsible approach to hospitality.

Certifications and Eco-Labels: Navigating the Green Maze

With so many places claiming to be green, it can be tricky to know which ones are truly committed to sustainability. That's where certifications and eco-labels come in. These are like seals of approval that indicate accommodation has met certain environmental standards.

Some well-known certifications include LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which focuses on the design, construction, and operation of buildings; Green Key, which assesses environmental management and sustainability education; Green Globe, which certifies companies in the travel and tourism industry; the EU Ecolabel, which covers a wide range of products and services; and EarthCheck, which provides benchmarking and certification for sustainable tourism operators.

It's also worth noting the role of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). They don't directly certify accommodations, but they set the global standards for sustainable tourism. Many certification programs use GSTC criteria as their foundation.

My advice is to always check the accommodation's website for a sustainability section. Look for mentions of these certifications and any details about their specific green initiatives. It's a great way to separate the genuine eco-warriors from those just greenwashing.

Finding Green Hotels, Hostels, and Lodges: Practical Tips

Okay, so how do you actually find these eco-friendly places? Here are a few practical tips that Liam and I use:

• Use online booking platforms that offer sustainable travel filters. Booking.com, for example, has a Travel Sustainable filter that lets you search for accommodations that have implemented various sustainability practices.


• Check for sustainability certifications on third-party websites. Look for those LEED, Green Key, or Green Globe logos.


• Read guest reviews. Sometimes, other travelers will mention the accommodation's sustainability efforts (or lack thereof) in their reviews.


• Look for accommodations that support local economies. Do they source products locally? Do they engage with the community? These are good signs.


• Don't be afraid to contact the accommodation directly. Ask them about their sustainability practices. A truly eco-conscious place will be happy to share that information.


• Consider smaller, locally-owned establishments. They often have a deeper connection to the environment and the community.

Mette's Favorite Eco-Friendly Stays: Personal Examples

Over the years, I've had the pleasure of staying in some truly amazing eco-friendly accommodations. Here are a couple of my favorites:

First, there's a small, family-run lodge near Glacier National Park. It's built with reclaimed timber and powered by solar panels. They have a huge organic garden where they grow their own produce, and they compost all food waste. What I loved most was how they worked with local indigenous communities to offer guided hikes and cultural experiences. It felt like we were truly giving back to the area.

Another memorable stay was at a wildlife conservation lodge in Costa Rica. They were deeply committed to protecting the rainforest and its inhabitants. The lodge was designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding environment, and they ran various conservation programs, including reforestation and wildlife monitoring. It was incredible to wake up to the sounds of the jungle and know that our stay was helping to protect it.

Beyond the Stay: Supporting Sustainable Tourism

Choosing eco-friendly accommodations is a great start, but there are many other ways we can support sustainable tourism. During your stay, be mindful of your resource use. Turn off lights and air conditioning when you leave your room. Take shorter showers. Avoid single-use plastics.

Support local businesses by buying souvenirs and eating at local restaurants. Participate in community-based tourism initiatives, such as guided tours led by local residents. And most importantly, leave a positive impact on the destinations you visit. Pick up litter, respect local cultures, and be a responsible traveler.

By making conscious choices, we can all help ensure that travel remains a force for good, preserving the planet and its cultures for future generations.