30-ish Ways to Go Green…

Behind the Scenes:

• Draft an environmental policy & set of guidelines for your establishment.
• Educate your staff and guests about “green” and why it’s important.
• Promote your efforts on your website.
• Measure your energy and water consumption and benchmark that.
• Analyse your waste management and look for alternatives.
• Get independent consultants to advise you on renewable energy: solar, photovoltaic, hydro, wind turbine, geothermal, biomass all of which exclude fossil fuels.
• Install grey-water systems for your indigenous gardens

 

Be water-wise:

• Recycling: simply separate wet and dry and have the dry sorted by the unemployed. Ask your local Rotarians or Outreach Programme to help manage.
• Change to toxin-free cleaning products.
• Use micro fibre cloths to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid.
• Clean carpets with eco-friendly powders.
• Install water-efficient shower roses and taps and dual flush toilets.
• Set geyser thermostats to 60 deg.
• Décor: display local artist’s work and use natural, local materials.
• Furnishings: Use only wood that is sourced from sustainable certified forests.
• Lighting: use energy saving CFL or LED light bulbs and make better use of daylight.
• Fitness areas: Limit equipment to weight and resistance machines rather than electric.
• Heating: Improve with weather-stripping and insulation - install thermostats to save energy.

 

Kitchen & Dining:

• Convert to energy-efficient appliances, gas or induction cookers.
• Buy fresh food locally and find or grow your own organically without pesticides & using natural compost rather than fertilizers. Mention this on your menus.
• Choose Fair Trade products.
• Choose biodegradable disposable cups, plates and boxes which don’t consume petrochemicals and clog landfills.
• Use unbleached tea bags.

 

Rooms and Baths :

• Invite guests to request towel and linen changes as required.
• Minimize the clutter of brochures etc - one loose-leaf folder is enough.
• Ask guests not to leave appliances on “stand by” - or install a central control system.
• Use good quality airtight containers instead of individually wrapped beverages.
• Place waste-separation bins in the rooms.
• Encourage guests to change their clothes, not the thermostat.
• Use hemp bathrobes and upholstery fabrics. (Cotton is natural, but needs toxic pesticides and chlorine.)
• Try the new knit bed linen: quick drying, non-iron.
• Buy soaps and amenities in bulk. Check for toxic ingredients.
• Try poly/cotton towels (poly not green, but they dry fast.)