As awareness of plastic pollution grows, positive changes are emerging, especially in the hospitality and travel sectors. Many hotels worldwide are moving away from single-use plastics, such as replacing toiletries with refillable wall-mounted shampoo and conditioner dispensers. This shift builds on previous successes, like the widespread elimination of plastic straws in hotels and restaurants. This is critical, as research indicates that 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, and by 2050, there could be more plastic in the sea than fish if action is not taken.
As a traveler, here are some practical steps you can consider and adopt to help reduce plastic waste while traveling. Shop our best hotel amenities today!
1. Say No to Plastic Straws – Use Paper or Metal Alternatives
Plastic straws are one of the most common forms of plastic waste and pose a significant threat to marine life. Many places now offer eco-friendly alternatives such as paper, bamboo, or metal straws. A simple step is to bring your own reusable straw or ask for “no straw” when ordering a drink.
Custom hotel amenities suppliers, like Green Suites Hotel Solutions, promote eco-friendly personal care items and encourage guests to reduce plastic waste by avoiding single-use packaging of shower products.
2. Bring Your Own Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic water bottles are a major contributor to environmental pollution, especially in travel settings. Instead of buying bottled water, invest in a durable reusable water bottle. These can be refilled at airports, restaurants, and hotels helping reduce the need for disposable plastic bottles. Many hotels have refill stations to make it easier for guests to refill their bottles.
Similarly, Green Suites as a supplier of eco-friendly shower products, also provides a selection of wall-mounted shampoo and conditioner dispensers.
3. Skip Plastic Bags – Use Reusable Cloth Bags
Plastic bags are ubiquitous in shopping and often end up as litter in natural environments. Bring your own reusable cloth bag for shopping and carrying personal items. Many local stores and hotel gift shops now offer eco-friendly bags, and hotels with green initiatives are phasing out plastic bags in favor of sustainable options.
4. Be Water-Wise – Reuse Towels and Linens
Water conservation is an important aspect of eco-friendly travel. Many hotels now encourage guests to reuse towels and linens to save energy and water and reduce detergent use. Simple actions like skipping fresh bedding daily or reusing towels can significantly lower your environmental impact. Eco-conscious hotels provide clear instructions for guests, making it easy to participate in water-saving initiatives.
5. Buy Locally-Made Souvenirs
Mass-produced souvenirs often come with excessive packaging and contribute to waste. Instead, purchase locally-made crafts or food products that typically have minimal packaging and support small artisans. Buying locally not only reduces packaging waste but also helps preserve traditional crafts and supports local economies.
6. Choose Sustainable Modes of Transport
Transportation is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Whenever possible, opt for sustainable modes of travel like cycling, public transportation, or walking. Many cities now offer bike-sharing programs, and walking can often be the most rewarding way to explore. Eco-conscious accommodation properties may provide bike rentals or partner with sustainable transport options to help minimize guests’ environmental impact.
7. Participate in Local Clean-Up Efforts
Many destinations offer opportunities for travelers to engage in local environmental efforts, such as park beautification projects or beach clean-ups. Volunteering for these initiatives can be a rewarding way to give back to the community and make a positive environmental impact. Hotels focused on sustainability may organize or promote such programs, so it’s worth checking with your accommodation for any eco-friendly volunteer opportunities during your stay.
8. Stay at Eco-Friendly Hotels
One of the most impactful ways to reduce your travel footprint is by choosing eco-conscious accommodations. These hotels implement sustainable practices, such as water-saving measures, energy-efficient lighting, eco-friendly shower products, and green cleaning products.
Green Suites Hotel Solutions, for example, eliminates single-use plastics by offering refillable wall-mounted shampoo and conditioner dispensers. Staying at sustainable hotels not only minimizes your environmental impact but also encourages businesses to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
9. Reduce Plastic on Your Flight
Air travel often generates significant plastic waste through disposable cups, utensils, and food packaging. A simple way to reduce this waste is to bring your own snacks in a zero-waste container and reusable water bottle. Instead of using plastic cups offered during the flight, ask flight attendants to refill your bottle. This helps reduce the amount of plastic waste generated during air travel and ensures you remain hydrated in an environmentally friendly way.
10. Support the Circular Economy with Recycled Goods
Support the circular economy by buying products made from recycled materials. Many clothing brands now offer stylish and sustainable options made from recycled plastics, helping to reduce landfill waste. Additionally, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Many eco-friendly hotels, such as those working with Green Suites, provide sustainable custom hotel amenities like eco-friendly shower products and durable hotel shower dispensers that are refillable. By supporting these products, you contribute to reducing plastic waste and encourage industries to focus on sustainability.
Small changes in your travel habits can significantly reduce plastic waste and encourage more sustainable practices in the travel and hospitality industries. Green Suites Hotel Solutions is among those who are leading the way by offering plastic-free alternatives and promoting eco-friendly initiatives. Whether it’s avoiding plastic straws, bringing your own reusable water bottle, or supporting local artisans, the choices you make while traveling can help protect the environment. By prioritizing sustainability, you contribute to a cleaner planet, ensuring it remains beautiful for future generations. Shop our resort amenities today.
When we think about the environmental footprint of the tourism industry, our minds often go straight to food waste, plastic pollution, and carbon emissions. However,
As the hospitality industry evolves, sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of luxury travel. In 2024, eco-conscious travelers can choose from an array of hotels that
