In recent years, many individuals and businesses in Colorado have been making a conscious effort to go green. This green movement promotes using eco-friendly, energy efficient products and services and that's precisely what green hotels do. Lodging is one industry where both businesses and individuals can work together to make the earth a cleaner, greener place.
Any kind of lodging can be deemed a green hotel, from B&Bs to motels to upscale luxury resorts. The one thing they all have in common is that their owners, managers, employees and guests understand the importance of choosing to protect the environment.
Benefits of Choosing Colorado Green Hotels
The most evident benefit of picking a green hotel in Colorado is that you're reducing your impact on the earth. Hotels create a lot of waste, use a lot of energy and put a lot of toxins into the environment. Selecting a green hotel is one decision that makes a big difference.
Beyond feeling good about enhancing the environment, you'll also feel good physically when you choose a green hotel over traditional hotels. Colorado green hotels do not utilize harsh cleaners that are made of toxins that can harm your skin, sinuses and more. The air is clean and fresh, free of aerosols and cigarette smoke.
For the workers who clean the rooms, work the front desk and walk the halls these health benefits are significant. When the employees feel better it will result in better customer service which makes your stay that much more enjoyable.
Most importantly, green hotels support green vendors. This support helps green venders expand and grow their businesses enabling them to provide more people healthier options.
How Colorado Green Hotels Help the Environment
There are many ways that green hotels in CO can make their business more eco-friendly. As soon as you get there using the complementary shuttle service to the time you check out and end your stay basically every experience, product and service needs to be 'green'.
Water Conservation
- Low flow showerheads
- Low flow toilets
- Serving water on request in restaurants
- Using sprinklers at optimal points in the day
- Linen cards that allow guests to use sheets more than once
Energy Conservation
- Installing ceiling fans in rooms
- Using motion sensored lights
- Florescent bulbs
- Linen cards
Reduction of Chemicals and Toxins
- Using organic gardening and pest services
- Using cleaners that exclude, dyes, fragrances and harsh chemicals
- Linen cards
Where to Find Green Hotels in Colorado
Many states, including Colorado, now have green lodging programs which are a great starting point for your search. These programs recognize hotels that have met state standards for providing what they consider to be green lodging.
There are also many organizations that recognize and accredit green hotels. These groups often have green hotel directories that help consumers find eco-friendly lodging options in Colorado.
Another way to find green hotels in a specific city is to get in touch with their chamber of commerce and/or tourism departments. They will have the latest lists of local green hotel options.