In the past few years, many people and businesses in Illinois have been making a conscious attempt to go green. This green movement promotes using environmentally friendly, energy efficient products and services and that's exactly 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 type of lodging can be labeled 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 comprehend the importance of making choices that protect the environment.
Benefits of Choosing Illinois Green Hotels
The most apparent benefit of picking a green hotel in Illinois is that you are reducing your impact on the earth. Hotels produce a lot of garbage, use a lot of energy and put a lot of toxins into the environment. Going with a green hotel is one decision that can make a huge difference.
In addition to feeling good about helping the environment, you will also feel good physically when you pick a green hotel over standard hotels. Illinois green hotels do not use harmful cleaners that include toxins that can aggravate your skin, sinuses and much more. The air is clean and fresh, free of cigarette smoke and aerosols.
For the workers who clean the rooms, work the front desk and walk the halls these health benefits are significant. When the employees feel good 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 grow and expand their businesses enabling them to offer more people healthier options.
How Illinois Green Hotels Help the Environment
There are plenty of ways that green hotels in IL 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 should be 'green'.
Water Conservation
- Low flow showerheads
- Low flow toilets
- Serving water upon 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
- Installing motion sensored lights
- Florescent bulbs
- Linen cards
Reduction of Chemicals and Toxins
- Using organic pest and gardening services
- Using cleaners that exclude, dyes, harsh chemicals and fragrances
- Linen cards
Where to Find Green Hotels in Illinois
Many states, including Illinois, have green lodging programs which are a great place to start your search. These programs recognize hotels that have met state standards for providing what they think of as green lodging.
There are also a number of organizations that accredit and recognize green hotels. These organizations often have green hotel directories that help consumers find eco-friendly lodging options in Illinois.
Another way to locate green hotels in a particular city is to get in touch with their chamber of commerce and/or tourism departments. They should have up-to-date lists of local green hotel options.