As our passion to travel more increases, so does our desire to do good for our planet. According to a 2017 study from booking.com, 65% of global travelers seek out eco-friendly options when booking their hotel accommodations. 

Even if the hotel you choose is not an eco-friendly destination, there are still efforts we can all make as conscious travelers to reduce our environmental impact. Here are eight tips to make your hotel stay as green as possible:

1.TURN OFF THE LIGHTS WHEN YOU LEAVE

This may sound obvious, but how many times have you left the bathroom light on, or the corner lamp when you exit? Before leaving, do a quick “check, check, check” of the room and scan for any bulbs that may still be lit.

A bonus, leave feedback for the hotel to implement the use of LED lights instead of traditional or fluorescents. LEDs use 75% less energy and last much longer than regular lightbulbs.

2. USE THE AC/HEAT ONLY WHEN IN THE ROOM

Same goes for above, the less energy you’re consuming, the less environmental impact you have. Even if you cannot turn the temperature controlling system off completely for weather extremes, you can lower the degree variance a bit to cut back on the power used when you’re not even in the room to need it.

3. BRING YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE

There are so many benefits to bringing your own water bottle and filtered water bottle when you travel. You can read all about them here in 6 Conscious Reasons to Bring Your Own Water Bottle when Traveling. In short, you save money not buying bottled, eliminate the waste of single-use plastic water bottles, and can be sure that the water you’re drinking is pure and clean of any unknown additives.

4. USE THE “DO NOT DISTURB” AND PASS ON NEW TOWELS & LINENS EACH NIGHT

I doubt you change your bed sheets and towels every night when you’re at home. Most likely don’t need to change them every night when you travel either.

Put up the “Do not disturb” sign, or ask just for a room “clean-up” service instead of a full change. This can dramatically reduce the amount of water and energy used for laundry and cleaning in hotels, compounded by more eco-conscious guests, like yourself, taking their part.

5. EAT ONLY WHAT YOU NEED AT THE BUFFET OR WITH INCLUDED/FREE FOOD

It can be easy to overindulge in a buffet, especially if it’s free or included with your stay. Instead of eating with your eyes, or over-consuming, eat mindfully. Think before you take it on your plate, “Do I really need this, and am I really hungry for this?” before taking a full plate back to your table to consume.

Another tip, use smaller plates and make multiple rounds up to the buffet, giving your stomach time to register whether it’s still really hungry, or just eating because it’s there. The environment and your health will thank you for this one.

Read here, 5 Water-Infused Recipes to Detox and Cleanse

6. USE THE FILLABLE WATER FOUNTAINS IN GYMS AND LOBBIES

Having your own refillable water bottle offers you freedom to fill up from just about anywhere. Similar to tip number three, there are many benefits to bringing your own water bottle.

The double benefit of getting the water from the lobby and gym, is you get a bit more exercise in. While you’re there, at the gym, schedule in a quick 30 minutes to stretch, move, sweat and flow!

7. BE OK SAYING “NO THANK YOU” TO PLASTICS

Hotels are designed to function like a fast-paced machine, getting guests in and out with minimal change from one to the next.

I’ve frequently had to politely decline a restock of toiletries in the room, plastic bottled water during meals, and paper handouts of the properties upon check-in. At first, housekeeping, concierge or the waitstaff look at me a bit puzzled. However, after once or twice, politely saying, “No thank you, I’m cutting back on single-use plastics” they get it.

Who knows, you might even inspire the guests near you to do the same, being an eco-leader in travel!

8. BRING YOUR OWN TOILETRIES, PASS ON SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

As mentioned above, pass on the single-use plastic toiletries. Many hotels import their toiletries, not even sourcing local goods. These imports create a heavy footprint on the environment for shipping and waste, in addition to the single-use plastic consumption.

Instead, keep a hair and skincare routine by bringing your own in refillable containers. It’s easy, cheap, and saves a lot of half-empty shampoo and lotion containers from ending up in the trash after your one- or two-night stay.

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Next time you travel, remember the eco-conscious choice is yours to take on, even if the hotel you’re staying at doesn’t. Implement these eight eco-friendly travel tips for your next hotel stay to cut back on your environmental toll. Write us in at Dafi if any of these tips have inspired you to be more conscious, and I’ll feature you (@livefreewarrior https://www.instagram.com/livefreewarrior/) will feature your share in an upcoming story post. Just tag myself @livefreewarrior and @dafi.usa in your Instagram mention.