BUSINESS
Stay Green
There are over 286 bed and breakfasts in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as 136 hotels and motels and 280 cottages and cabins. Combined, they offer 8,140 waste baskets for guests to stash their trash.Being away from home doesn’t mean weary travelers want to ditch their usual green routine. In fact, many eco-conscious travelers seek out greener options when choosing accommodations. One 2009 survey of hotel guests indicated that satisfaction is more than 160 points higher among guests who reported being aware of their hotel’s green programs, compared with guests who were unaware of them - demonstrating a strong impact on satification. From large luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, changes to reduce waste help guests sleep well by putting their eco-conscious minds at ease.
A large hotel can generate as much waste as a small community. On average, each hotel guest in North America produces over 2 pounds of waste each night. Beverage and paper products account for 65% of all hotel waste. If you are looking for somewhere to start, a beverage container recycling program and paper reduction program can really cut down on the waste you send to the landfill.
Bed and breakfast establishments may be smaller, but they can also make a big impact by reducing waste. Smaller establishments often have more decision making power over day-to day operations and policies. Start simple with recycling programs for all of the recyclable materials in your area. Add a green procurement policy or start backyard composting.