Greenwashing Hotels

I love traveling, and I just love a fun, interesting hotel. I wouldn't run this blog if I didn't. I also love my Prius, my canvas shopping bags, my stainless steel reusable coffee mug and my recycle bin. And I know very well that hotels are almost never green enterprises, despite the appearance of eco-friendly shampoo/conditioning products and little placards telling one to reuse towels. Even the most tony eco-resorts have been busted for making sham claims about their greenness - because we all know it sells. Just check out this article.

However, that's doesn't mean I hate hotels or I think that they are all liars or that eco-programs should be scrapped on the basis of hypocrisy alone. But I do think hotel executives and owners need to take a hard look at their claims and what's realistic for them to actually do, and guests need to make themselves more responsible. Drink water in a reusable glass. Reuse the towel. Don't take a three hour shower just because you can. And believe me, I've been guilty of using ten towels in the past...just because I could. Because isn't that part of the pleasure of a hotel? I'm not knocking pleasure, but I am saying shift that pleasure to the lovely "I'm doing the right thing for the earth" feeling that has become so marketable in the last few years. Because you can't be sure those sheets are really organic cotton.

Comments

[HL]

Great posting and blog.