In the past few years, many individuals and companies in Idaho have been making a conscious attempt to go green. This green movement promotes using eco-friendly, energy efficient services and products and that is precisely what green hotels do. Lodging is one business where both businesses and individuals can work together to make the world a cleaner, greener place.
Any sort of lodging can be deemed a green hotel, from B&Bs to motels to upscale luxury resorts. The 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 Idaho Green Hotels
The most evident benefit of choosing a green hotel in Idaho is that you are limiting your impact on the earth. Hotels create a lot of waste, use excessive energy and put numerous toxins into the environment. Selecting a green hotel is one decision that can make a significant difference.
Beyond feeling good about enhancing the environment, you'll also feel good physically when you choose a green hotel over traditional hotels. Idaho green hotels don't utilize harsh cleaners that include toxins that can irritate your skin, sinuses and more. The air is clean and fresh, free of aerosols and cigarette smoke.
For the employees who clean the rooms, work the front desk and walk the halls these health advantages are significant. When the employees feel better it will result in better customer service which will make your stay that much more pleasant.
Most importantly, green hotels support green vendors. This support helps green venders grow and expand their businesses enabling them to provide more people healthier options.
How Idaho Green Hotels Help the Environment
There are plenty of ways that green hotels in ID can make their establishment more eco-friendly. As soon as you get to the hotel using the complementary transportation service to the time you check out and end your stay nearly every experience, product and service should be 'green'.
Water Conservation
- Low flow showerheads
- Low flow toilets
- Serving water on request in restaurants
- Employing 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
- Installing motion sensored lights
- Florescent bulbs
- Linen cards
Reduction of Toxins and Chemicals
- Using organic pest and gardening services
- Using cleaners that exclude, dyes, harsh chemicals and fragrances
- Linen cards
Where to Find Green Hotels in Idaho
Many states, including Idaho, now have green lodging programs which are a great place to begin your search. These programs recognize hotels that have met state standards for providing what they consider to be green lodging.
There are also a number of organizations that recognize and accredit green hotels. These organizations often have green hotel directories that help consumers find eco-friendly lodging options in Idaho.
Another way to locate green hotels in a particular city is to call their chamber of commerce and/or tourism departments. They should have current lists of local green hotel options.