5 Eco-Friendly Housekeeping Hacks for Hotels Ready to Go Green

by Jade Piper

The hospitality industry is a significant contributor to environmental pollution. In fact, hotels are responsible for about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The EPA's Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks estimates that the hospitality sector emitted 634.0 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) in 2021. This represents about 10% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. 

However, there are many things that hotels can do to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable starting with their housekeeping practices. Here are 5 eco-friendly housekeeping hacks that you will want to try. 

Educate staff and guests about sustainability

First of all, it’s essential to get your entire leadership and workforce onboard and make them passionate about environmental sustainability. Staff should be trained on how to use eco-friendly cleaning products and how to minimize water and waste. In addition, guests can also play a role in helping hotels go green. For example, your hotel can make towels and other linens available upon request only to help cut down on water consumption required in laundering them. The management can release useful educational material online or in visible areas around the property about the initiative to help guests understand. 

Bringing your staff on board is vital if you want to go green

Minimize water use

Water is a precious and limited resource that is vulnerable to all kinds of pollution and climate change. Hotels can help to conserve water by using water-saving appliances and fixtures in housekeeping operations. For example, install low-flow showerheads and faucets, and use waterless cleaning methods for some tasks, such as dusting and sweeping.

Reduce waste

Is it possible for hotels to go plastic-free? Absolutely. One way to do it is by handing out reusable cloth bags instead of plastic bags whenever possible, (which works as free advertising also if you print it with your hotel name or logo). Stop using toiletries and other products that have plastic or non-biodegradable packaging. In addition, minimize waste by using reusable cleaning supplies, such as microfiber cloths and sponges that can be washed and disinfected after each use, instead of disposable paper towels. There should also be a strong program on recycling paper, plastic, and metal waste, and composting food waste. 

Replace single-use bathroom amenities with plastic-free options.

Conserve energy

• Switch to solar energy. Install solar panels where you can harvest sufficient energy supply whenever possible. 
• Use natural light whenever possible to reduce the need for electricity in common areas. 
• Open windows and doors to ventilate rooms instead of using air conditioning.
• Install automatic sensors that automatically switch off lights and turn off appliances in rooms when keycards are not in use.

Solar panels conserve energy and help your bottom line.

Use eco-friendly cleaning products

Instead of using industrial-grade commercial cleaning products laden with harmful chemicals, switch to wholesome and eco-friendly cleaning alternatives like baking soda that are kinder for the planet, better for your guests and staff’s health, and can save you money in the long run. They also offer other incredible advantages including:

• Safe and healthy - Most eco-friendly cleaning agents are made from all-natural ingredients so are less likely to cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
• Cost-effective - they are more concentrated, so you need to use less of them.
• Versatile - They are less likely to damage surfaces and have multiple cleaning purposes.
• Sustainable - They are often made with renewable resources and are packaged in recyclable or compostable materials.

Eco-friendly cleaning products like baking soda ...

... or lemon are more effective than you think. Give it a try.

Final Thoughts

In summary, going green is not only good for the environment but also for business, because more and more guests are becoming more intentional in pursuing sustainable travel. Their choice of hotel accommodation plays a crucial role in that advocacy. By making small but impactful changes to your housekeeping practices, your hotel can attract more guests and improve your bottom line.