Simple Swaps for Greener Hotels & Guesthouses

St Ives, Matt Johnson

England has tens of thousands of hotels, guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts. Whether you run a tiny guesthouse or a big corporate hotel, there are many simple affordable swaps that you can make. These ideas will also save money (download this pdf file: 25 tips for reducing plastic for hotels.

Save Energy and Water Bills

• Use this free carbon calculator, to drastically reduce bills. Older listed buildings can order affordable double-glazing and draughtproofing from Mitchell & Dickinson.
• Hotels often have empty rooms off-season. So turn off lights and heating, and switch TVs off standby, when not in use.
• Choose low-flow showerheads and cistern water savers.
• Install solar panels and green energy.
• Use rainwater harvesting and water butts.
• For small hotels, it may be more economical to swap laundry deliveries for an industrial energy-efficient washer/dryer to launder linen and towels (choose unscented eco laundry powder).

Choose Eco-Friendly Guest Soaps (no palm oil)

Friendly Mini Soaps (Northumberland) are all vegan and free from palm oil (made with coconut and rapeseed oil), sold in packs of 24 or 126 (aloe vera unscented is full size only).

Other Swaps for Greener Hotels & Guesthouses)

• Compost food waste (bin citrus/tomato/rhubarb scraps and alliums: onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, chives) as acids could harm compost creatures. Same with coffee/tea grounds (use a sink protector mat, to avoid clogged drains).
• Delphis Eco offers commercial cleaners (choose unscented due to guests who are pregnant/nursing, allergic or have dogs).
• Print public transport info on websites and literature, to discourage car travel.
• Use biodegradable bin bags and eco toilet brush alternatives.
• Swap to a phone company that uses profits to help wildlife.
• Read about pet-friendly gardens and wildlife-friendly gardens. Avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens, to stop birds flying into windows.

Save the Planet, Save Your Hotel Money!

• Sell unsold food at reduced prices through Too Good to Go. These ‘surprise bags’ earn some hoteliers up to £80,000 per year.
• Replace plastic bottled water with mains-fed water coolers.
• Decant ketchup into small glass bowls (or just put bottles on tables) to avoid plastic sachets. Same with toiletries (decant eco-friendly brands into dispensers).
• Earn up to £5,000 a year by renting unused parking spaces with JustPark app). Also let locals use electric charging stations.