Green Lodging - EcoTourism

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Green Lodging - Environmentally Friendly Hotels

Green Logding Programs have become poular in several states in the US in the last few years. This site will spotlight the states with Green Lodging Programs and provide links for more information as well as links to the state certified hotels.

From corporate hotel chains to Inns and Bed and Breakfasts, you can find a great place to stay and be kind to the environment. There's even information here for lodging providers who want their business to be more "green".

GreenLodgingPrograms.com

California Green Lodging Program

California Integrated Waste Management Board

The California Green Lodging Program brings together the lodging industry, business and pleasure travelers and the environment. They have nearly 100 Designated locations throughout the state. Including two corporate partners.

They also have a California State Travel program to encourage state and local governments, universities and community colleges to use green hotels and other sustainable initiatives.

List of participating Hotels in California

Here's a couple California Green Hotels -

Argonaut Hotel
San Francisco, California


Kyoto Grand Hotel
Los Angeles, California


If you've stayed in a California Green Lodging Hotel, fill out the comment form. It will help the state and the facility better serve you and the Green Lodging Program.

Delaware Green Lodging

Green Lodging in the First State

Delaware Green Lodging


Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association have launched a joint initiative to promote pollution prevention practices in the tourism and hospitality industry. A self-certifying program, facilities must verify that they are at least practicing the Green Lodging "Basic Practices" and hopefully are doing much more.

Their "Pollution Prevention Practices" checklist includes - Optional Linen Service to decrease usage of water, energy and harmful detergents; Recycling presenting guests with opportunities to recycle; Water Conservation; Energy Conservation; Green Events Packages of environmentally friendly services for conferences, meetings and other events. Plus many other simple operational changes that can benefit the environment and save the facilities money.

Delaware Green Lodging Industry Participants


Delaware's Green Lodging Program was just announced on June 9, 2008. They have just a few participating facilities but it is growing. If you travel in Delaware and use a "Green Lodging" facility, or just need more information please contact the DNREC and the DHLA. Let them know how much you appreciate it. I'm sure they appreciate helpful suggestions as well.

Florida's Green Lodging Program

Florida's Department Of Environmental Protection

Established in 2004 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with the intent of recognizing and rewarding environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state. The Florida Green Lodging Program has unique environmental initiatives that are specific to protecting and preserving Florida's environment.

More about Florida Green Lodging Program
Designated Green Lodging Properties



Here's a couple green lodging locations in Florida.

Jenks House B&B
Jacksonville, Florida



Disney's All-Star Movie Resort
Orlando, Florida



Have you stayed in Florida Green Lodging Designated Property? Fill out this form and let them know how good of a job they did. Also be sure to let them know that you appreciate the Green Lodging Program and how it influences your travel decisions.

The Best Thing About Green Lodging Programs

Government, Business and Travelers Working Together

The best thing I've seen about state sponsored Green Lodging Programs is that they are voluntary and non-regulatory. This means that government is not coercing the lodging industry to "go green". It is a cooperative effort.

The movement in among hotels, motels and B&B's to go green is strong because it makes good business sense. It saves money, reduces utility costs, appeals to a wider range of potential customers and reduces their impact on the environment. Government provides some incentive by giving information and guidelines on implementation as well as free advertising.

As another incentive, state and local governments are encouraging the use of green lodging facilities by their employees. In Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist signed an executive order requiring state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences at hotels participating in the state's Green Lodging Program whenever possible. California has a state-wide travel program offering special rates and discounts for travelers on official state business.

What a great way to encourage businesses to participate and become more environmentally friendly.

Illinois StayGreen Program

Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association

Illinois Green Lodging ProgramThe Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA) has launched their Illinois StayGreen Program. The IHLA "envision(s) a world in which green lodging is business as usual sooner, rather than later." Designated facilities must earn and display the Green Energy and Green Recycling icons. These ensure that specific standards have been met for saving energy and/or recycling and waste minimization.

Search the list of Illinois StayGreen Hotels.




If you've stayed in an Illinois StayGreen Hotel, let the IHLA know how your experience was. You can contact them here.

Maine Environmental Leader Program

Green Lodging Certification

Maine Green Lodging ProgramThe Maine Green Lodging Certification Program has many certified locations. Participating members receive many benefits from the program including flags, decal and logo to display and use in advertising, listings at relevant websites and in the brochures available at Maine Visitors Centers and free, on-going technical assistance from the Maine DEP.

View the list of Maine Environmental Leader Program Members



Green Lodging Programs
Hampton Inn
South Portland, Maine

Green Lodging Programs
The Blue Hill Inn
Blue Hill, Maine


You can leave a comment about your stay at a Maine Green Lodging location at their "Share Your Maine Memories" section.

Green Lodging Alerts

From Google Alerts

Here's a daily updated feed containing Green Lodging news and blog posts from across the internet.

You can subscribe to this feed here.
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Green Lodging Michigan

Recognizing Michigan's Hospitality Industry

Green Lodging Michigan

Michigan's Energy Office
and the Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) partnered to sponsor the Green Lodging Michigan Program to help hotels, bed & breakfasts, motels, resorts, and others, enjoy and protect the state's resources and environment.
Their website also includes tips for travelers, resources for lodges, application and checklist for the program, newsletters and more.

Green Lodging Michigan Certified Facilities


Here's a couple Michigan Green Facilities to look at -

Kettunen Center Conference Facility
Tustin, Michigan


Kellogg Hotel
East Lansing, Michigan

What Makes A Green Hotel

How To Know You Are Staying Green

I haven't found standardized criteria for what makes a hotel green. Each state featured on this lens has laid out there own parameters and requirements and there are a few independent certifying groups out there as well.

I'll be bringing this info together soon to help you know if you're staying at a green hotel. But in the meantime you can visit any of the state program's websites and find out how they do it.

Environmentally Friendly Travel items

From Amazon.com

The Planet Bottle 24 oz Metal Water Bottle

The Planet Bottle 24 oz Metal Water Bottle

The Planet Bottle 24 oz metal water bottle is like more...1 point

Seventh Generation Baby Wipes Travel Packs, Chlorine Free and Unscented, 40-Count Packages (Pack of 12)(480 Wipes)

Seventh Generation Baby Wipes Travel Packs, Chlorine Free and Unscented, 40-Count Packages (Pack of 12)(480 Wipes)

Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Baby Wipes are made more...1 point

Hiker's Environmentally Friendly Flashlight

Hiker's Environmentally Friendly Flashlight

Now you can light your way and protect the environ more...0 points

New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging

Pampering Their Guests And Protecting Their State

New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging Program


Tourism is New Hampshire's second largest industry. Their program continually evaluates how their operations affect the environment and looks for ways to minimize the impact on natural resources. Visit the web site to learn more about what green properties are doing to preserve and protect New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Green Lodging
Here's a couple of New Hampshire's "Environmental Champions"



Sheraton Harborside
Portsmouth, New Hampshire


Eastern Slope Inn Resort
North Conway, New Hampshire


The NHSLRP web site has a Guest Book for you to leave comments about your stay.

It's Easy Being Green

Things To Do

I travel a lot and even when I'm not in a "green hotel" there's a lot of things I do to try and conserve resources. They're easy and not intrusive or disruptive to your normal daily activities.

You probably have some great ideas too. Add your green travel tips to this list and share them with everyone.

Turn off lights when you leave

4 points

Turn off TV when you leave

4 points

Carry your own shampoos, conditioners, etc

Green Hotels are moving away from the small, indiv more...3 points

Re-use bed linens

It's probably only a couple night, right? Sleep on more...2 points

Re-use your towels

Even if the hotel doesn't have a linen re-use prog more...1 point

Re-use plastic cups

1 point

Close the shower curtain

OK. It doesn't save energy. Do it for me!1 point

Close curtains

Especially when you're gone.0 points

North Carolina Green Plan For Hotels

Pollution Prevention Pays

The North Carolina Green Plan For Hotels is an initiative from the North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance that targets waste reduction, recycling, energy and water conservation for hospitality and lodging facilities throughout North Carolina.
The information for this program is rather vague and spread out so I've included some relevant links to help you find information.


If you live in or are traveling to North Carolina, please let them know you are interested in "Green Lodging" information.

Pennsylvania Green Hotels And Motels

Tourism And The Environment

Pennsylvania Green Hotels Program


Many hotels and motels in Pennsylavania have already implemented programs that are saving money and conserving natural resources. In conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Green Hotels Program web site offers a framework for planning and implementing effective "greening" efforts at hotels and motels.

Pennsylvania's list of Green Hotels

Green Lodging On YouTube.com

Green Travel Videos

Consumers & Green Hotels (Part 1)
by muldrow3 | video info

5 ratings | 2,466 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Rhode Island

Hospitality Green Certification

Rhode Island Hospitality Green Certification
The Rhode Island Hospitality Green Certification Program is a voluntary self-certification program and their web site provides resources to assist in explaining and implementing the program. They don't seem to have a list of certified lodging facilities in the state. So I've include their web sites that will help you find what you need to stay green in Rhode Island. Use the contact links if you'd like to suggest that they compile a list of green lodging facilities.

Rhode Island Hospitality Green Certification
Contact
  • ron.gagnon(at)dem.ri.gov

  • thomas.armstrong(at)dem.ri.gov

RI Hospitality and Tourism Association

VisitRhodeIsland.com

Vermont Green Hotels

In The Green Mountain State

Green Hotels In The Green Mountain State program is providing assistance and encouragement to inkeepers to help reach the goals of this Vermont state program. This statewide, voluntary recognition program is part of the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership and is designed to promote and recognize the work of Vermont lodgers who demonstrate daily that environmental and economic goals can be achieved simultaneously. The lodging industry in Vermont, with nearly 20,000 guest rooms, is already one of the greenest in the nation.
The Green Hotels In The Green Mountain State program is a partnership of the Vermont Small Business Development Center, Vermont Agency Of Natural Resources, Vermont Hospitality Council, and Vermont Department Of Tourism & Marketing.

Find a Green Hotel in Vermont
Here's a couple of their newest members.



Inn At Johnnycake Flats
Roxbury, Vermont



Best Western Windjammer Inn
South Burlington, Vermont

Green Travel Guides

From Amazon.com

Green Travel: The World's Best... by Fodor's

Green Travel: The World's Best... by Fodor's

Green Travel is the must-have guide to eco-lodges more...0 points

Michelin the Green Guide Northern France and Paris Region (Michelin Green Guides)

Michelin the Green Guide Northern France and Paris Region (Michelin Green Guides)

This title in the acclaimed Michelin Green Guide s more...0 points

Special Places to Stay Green Places to Stay: From Beach Huts to Eco-Chic Hotels, All Over the World (Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay Green Places to Stay)

Special Places to Stay Green Places to Stay: From Beach Huts to Eco-Chic Hotels, All Over the World (Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay Green Places to Stay)

Numerous places call themselves "eco" or more...0 points

Michelin the Green Guide New York City (Michelin Green Guide: New York City English Edition)

Michelin the Green Guide New York City (Michelin Green Guide: New York City English Edition)

This title of THE GREEN GUIDE to New York City, an more...0 points

Virginia Green Lodging

Environmentally Friendly Tourism

Virginia Green Lodging was the first of the Virginia Green programs announced in the Fall of 2006. It's an initiative to promote pollution prevention practices in the hospitality and lodging sector. The self-certifying program requires that participants are at least meeting the Virginia Green Lodging "core activities". Visitors are encouraged to provide feedback about their visit to Virginia's Green Lodging facilities. The program will expand to cover all tourism related facilities. They hope that visitors will be anxious to "Go Green" in Virginia.

Virginia Green list of role models for green lodging.


Here's some of their newest certified facilities.
Island Manor House - Chincoteague Island, Virginia
The Jefferson Hotel - Richmond, Virginia
Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center - Harrisburg, Virginia

Travel Green Wisconsin

Leave A Light Footprint


From the Travel Green Wisconsin website:
"Travel Green Wisconsin... certifies and recognizes tourism businesses and organizations that have made a commitment to reducing their environmental impact. Specifically, the program encourages participants to evaluate their operations, set goals and take specific actions towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability."
The Wisconsin program includes other aspects of the tourism industry, besides just lodging, and provides incentives for businesses to "go green" too. Their goals include being entirely voluntary, making good business sense, marketing advantages for participants, increased awareness and measurable improvements.
The website includes a list of Accomodations, Resorts, Campgrounds and lots more. You can even view the results on a map.

Here's a couple Travel Green Wisconsin places to look at -

Arbor House - An Environmental Inn
Madison, Wisconsin


Inn On Main Street
Steven's Point, Wisconsin

Green Lodging Everywhere

The states featured here are the only ones so far with official certification programs. But you can find green hotels, motels, lodges, inns and campgrounds in all states. Use the links below to find green hotels wherever you go.

Green Lodging Guestbook

It's Green - No Paper!

Let me know what you think about green lodging programs, environmentally friendly hotels or if you just have a comment on this lens. All feedback is welcome and appreciated.

  • xprtmrktr Mar 28, 2012 @ 2:44 am | delete
    It's amazing that there are still apartment or hotel entrepreneurs who care for the preservation of the environment. Such great people should really inspire other businessmen. Consider the latest elements in branding your business the smartest way possible.
  • MarkExpert Mar 7, 2012 @ 11:32 pm | delete
    The whole idea of green lodging is truly friendly for the environment. It may not be that practical considering the progress of modernization to date. But surely it is just as ideal if the preservation of natural environment is to be mainly considered. Learn the latest business strategies to lower your marketing costs from the experts.
  • DocGreen Mar 6, 2012 @ 10:08 pm | delete
    For sure it will be safe to assume that any back packers will enjoy a fresh environment in a green-lodging accommodation. A feat which really is something worth anticipating for. Consult with a
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  • J. Andrew Feb 21, 2012 @ 10:52 pm | delete
    Travelers would surely be pleased if such guest accommodation will be available in all the major cities of all countries in the world. It'll be likely for other apartments or hotels to follow the concept of green-lodging. Ensure your civil rights with Tampa Criminal Attorneys today!
  • molly Feb 14, 2012 @ 11:09 pm | delete
    For sure the world is a better place with green-lodging spread all over the big cities in every country. There would be lesser wastes and more sustainable materials. Get your back pains treated at Midtown Manhattan Chiropractor today!
  • Jeffries Feb 7, 2012 @ 3:22 am | delete
    I could really see in my head how cozy it is to stay in a lodge that features green materials. It's likely to also offer peace and not merely a simple accommodation.
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  • samZ Jan 27, 2012 @ 2:02 am | delete
    Such hotels are truly ideal in the present condition of the world's atmosphere. Any place where there are vehicles seems not free of pollution. This lens is surely interesting!
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  • vinTAGE Jan 24, 2012 @ 9:51 pm | delete
    It'll be interesting if such green lodging will be seen withing a progressive city. For sure, backpackers will fall in line like ants.
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  • jackLYN Jan 23, 2012 @ 9:53 pm | delete
    Any tourist who's not experienced green living would surely be attracted with such type of lodging. Green lodging is surely a great way to promote sustainability. Today is just the right time for people to patronize such option.
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  • atchie Jan 20, 2012 @ 12:59 am | delete
    Who could have thought that sustainability could be attained and still lucrative in a way through green-lodging? When you come to think of it, the concept is actually attractive too! Thumbs up for this lens! Find the newest kid themed curtain rods for your windows!
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Award Winner!

July Squids Choice Awards


The Green Lodging Lens was one of July winners
for the Squid's Choice Awards.

Blog Posts from Google

Motel 6: Win a 'green' road trip across the USA
Along the way, the winners will stay at Motel 6 locations that have been updated with green features such as 80% recycled material flooring, low-flow toilets, high-efficiency heating and cooling units and energy-efficient lighting.
Crestline Hotels & Resorts Appoints Chris Tanner as General Manager for the ...
This hotel is a certified member of Virginia Green Lodging, and participates in both the statewide Virginia Green program and EarthPact, a Crestline Hotels & Resorts green initiative focused on sustainable hotel practices. For more information and ...
More green hotels to be encouraged to go organic
The Commerce Ministry plans to promote Thailand as a regional wellness and retreat hub in the medium term, starting with upgrading green hotels and resorts to organic hospitality centres. Piramol Charoenpao, the commerce deputy permanent secretary, ...
Jurys Inn Croydon wins Best Green Business Award
The team had to provide an in-depth account of the hotels carbon footprint, green policies and procedures (including its GTBS accreditation) as well as showing how these are implemented on a day-to-day basis through education and training of both ...

Green Lodging News And Features

From GreenLodgingNews.com

Here's daily updated links to news and features from GreenLodgingNews.com.
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