How hotels can become more environmentally friendly
Every year, hotels and resorts produce hundreds of thousands of tons of waste — and yet this is where travelers expect maximum comfort. How big is the hospitality industry's real impact on the planet's ecology? Why are more and more guests looking for a green leaf on a hotel logo and willing to pay for sustainable service? In a world where caring for the environment is becoming the norm, hotels are facing a challenge: how to quickly and effectively transition to eco-standards in order to attract environmentally conscious guests?
Why sustainability is important to modern guests
Data from a TripAdvisor study (2023) clearly reflects a shift in consumer attitudes: 57% of respondents often make sustainable decisions when choosing a hotel and transportation. At the same time, almost 50% of travelers are willing to pay more for an eco-hotel if it supports sustainable initiatives. Similar conclusions are confirmed by the British organization BPF: 4 out of 5 respondents choose brands with a strong environmental stance, and 87% want businesses to start taking action now.
Hotel industry experts note: “Guests are literally voting with their wallets for hotels that share and support their values in practice” (from a speech by A. Reed, manager of a large hotel chain, according to HotelManagement.com). This is not just a tribute to fashion. For many guests, sustainable practices are becoming a criterion for brand trust, the basis for their loyalty, and a topic of discussion on social media.
The main environmental problems of the hotel industry
According to recent reports, hotels in the UK generate around 289,700 tons of waste annually, a significant portion of which is single-use plastic. At the same time, the plastic recycling rate in the country is only 37%. The main reasons for this are the widespread use of individual packaging for cosmetics and food, traditional cleaning products, and a lack of recycling infrastructure.
Such challenges are familiar not only to large chains but also to small hotels. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that similar trends have previously been observed in restaurants, delivery services, and transportation, but these sectors have already begun to switch en masse to alternative materials and disposal systems.
One example is the iGaming industry, which has almost completely switched to a digital format and now accepts players online. This approach has reduced harmful waste emissions and significantly reduced the carbon footprint. The trend has proven to be a success: online iGaming games are very popular. Among them is Aviatrix, a crash game for money that is available in almost every online casino. You can find a suitable platform for the game on information sites such as aviatrix.com.in .
Five eco-friendly solutions for hotels
- Alternative hygiene products: shampoo bars and reusable packaging
A shampoo bar is a solid hair cleanser that replaces plastic mini bottles. The advantages of this approach are obvious:
- No single-use plastic
- Lower water consumption during production
- No harmful chemicals
- Easy to transport and store
- Positive feedback from guests
After switching to shampoo bars, the Moscow boutique hotel Zeleny Dvor has seen an increase in guest reviews expressing gratitude for its commitment to the environment. Such solutions are easy to personalize — the packaging can be branded, and guests can take the remaining piece home with them, thereby continuing their acquaintance with the brand.
- Bamboo products and accessories
Bamboo is considered the gold standard of eco-friendly raw materials: it is rapidly renewable, produces more oxygen than most trees, and decomposes naturally without harming the environment. The following items are increasingly appearing in hotel arsenals:
- Bamboo toothbrushes and cotton swabs
- Cleaning accessories and cosmetic accessories
- Organizers and trays for placement in rooms
The practice of leading Asian and European hotels has shown that switching to bamboo products reduces the amount of plastic used, emphasizing a sustainable business strategy. Guests notice such details and mention them in their reviews.
- Eco-friendly cleaning and laundry products
Modern eco-friendly products are made from safe ingredients, contain no toxic substances, and come in biodegradable or recycled packaging. Unlike traditional household chemicals, they:
- Do not pollute water or air
- Are safe for staff and guests
- Are often more cost-effective in the long term
The Bright Earth brand offers a line of plant-based cleaning products, and eco-mate produces biodegradable laundry detergents. They are chosen by leading European chains for their health benefits, cost savings, and opportunity to participate in social initiatives (10% of profits are donated to charitable foundations).
- Eco-hygiene: toothpaste tablets and other innovations
Toothpaste tablets are a solid alternative to regular toothpaste: you chew them, brush your teeth, and then rinse your mouth. Advantages for hotels:
- Minimal plastic packaging
- No microplastics or harmful additives
- Easy to store and distribute to guests
The eco-kit can also include biodegradable toothbrushes and reusable containers for personal hygiene products, which will be especially appreciated by frequent travelers.
- Reducing plastic waste: reusable bottles, eco-friendly packaging, and guest kits
Disposable bottles and cups still account for the lion's share of plastic in hotels. To solve this problem, the following measures are being implemented:
- Drinking water filling stations on each floor
- Reusable bottles with the hotel logo as gifts for guests
- Bio-packaging for small items (cotton buds, slippers, souvenirs)
In their reviews, guests note not only the convenience, but also the joy of making a personal contribution to reducing waste when they are offered such solutions.
Additional tips for an eco-friendly hotel: step by step
To move towards sustainability, hotels are switching to:
- Electronic forms and online surveys for guests (QR codes on tables and in rooms)
- Collaboration with local suppliers and organizations fighting food waste
- Selection of partners who share environmental values
It is recommended to study successful cases of colleagues in the market, conduct pilot projects, and closely monitor their effectiveness.
