In the past few years, many individuals and businesses in Wisconsin have been making a conscious effort to go green. This green movement promotes using environmentally 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 kind 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 are aware of the importance of choosing to protect the environment.
Benefits of Choosing Wisconsin Green Hotels
The most obvious benefit of picking a green hotel in Wisconsin is that you're reducing your impact on the earth. Hotels make a lot of waste, use a lot of energy and put a lot of toxins into the environment. Going with a green hotel is one decision that makes a huge difference.
In addition to feeling good about enhancing the environment, you will also feel good physically when you choose a green hotel over regular hotels. Wisconsin green hotels don't use harmful cleaners that include toxins that can aggravate your skin, sinuses and much 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 lead to a 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 supply more people healthier options.
How Wisconsin Green Hotels Help the Environment
There are plenty of ways that green hotels in WI can make their business more eco-friendly. As soon as you get there using the complementary transportation service to the time you check out and end your stay just about every experience, product and service needs to be 'green'.
Water Conservation
- Low flow showerheads
- Low flow toilets
- Serving water upon 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 gardening and pest services
- Using cleaners that exclude, dyes, fragrances and harsh chemicals
- Linen cards
Where to Find Green Hotels in Wisconsin
Many states, including Wisconsin, now 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 many organizations that accredit and recognize green hotels. These groups often have green hotel directories that help consumers find eco-friendly lodging options in Wisconsin.
Another way to locate green hotels in a specific city is to contact their chamber of commerce and/or tourism departments. They should have current lists of local green hotel options.