Traveling can be difficult if you are trying to lower your carbon footprint. While you can lessen your impact by using public transportation rather than driving, eco-friendly hotels are also a good way to keep your trip low impact. No matter where you travel in the country, you’ll find plenty of options. Take a look at the list of 10 eco-friendly hotels in the U.S.
1. Kimpton Hotels
The Kimpton Hotel chain avoids printing if possible, but when uses soy based inks on recycled paper when necessary. The hotel chain also uses eco-friendly materials throughout the rooms, including organic and non-toxic hygiene products. Towels and linens are reused to conserve water and energy, unless the guest needs them washed.
Water efficient bathroom fixtures and energy efficient lights are all part of the ecological appeal of the hotels. You will also find in room recycling bins. The hotels also recycle everything down to the electronics used in the rooms.
2. Hawaii Island Retreat, Hawaii, HI
Photo: hawaiiislandretreat.com
This island retreat is located in one of the top vacation destinations in the United States, yet it is also one of the most eco-friendly hotels you can choose to stay at. The retreat uses wind and solar energy for power and much of its 50 acres is used to produce organic fruit and vegetables for the on-site restaurant. Composting and recycling are also a part of the resort.
The resort features a green spa, with a full line of organic spa products made from plants grown on the resort. Everything in the resort, from shampoo to soap is organic. Guests are even provided with reusable water bottles to preserve the environment upon check in.
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3. Best Western, Spokane, WA
When you think of Best Western, you probably don’t imagine water efficient showers and toilets, or with waste reduction techniques. While the entire chain hasn’t joined the program yet, the Best Western hotel located in the Washington airport goes the extra mile with a linen reuse program and other eco-friendly features. Even the cleaning products used throughout the hotel are non-toxic.
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4. Zion Lodge, Zion, UT
Photo: zionlodge.com
Located near the Zion National Park, Zion Lodge is a beautiful place to visit. The hotel is also dedicated to protecting the environment. All carpets in the hotel are made from recycled materials and the rooms offer LED nightlights to save energy. In 2010, the hotel drastically reduced the number of vehicles used and cut the fleets’ fuel consumption in half. Zion Lodge is one of just three hotels in the country certified at the gold level for Green Seal Lodging.
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5. Habitat Suites, Austin, TX
Habitat Suites is one of the few hotels on this list that uses solar panels. The hotel is also dedicated to preserving air quality through the use of live plants in the rooms, VOC paint, and non-toxic cleaning products. There are also edible gardens around the property, which use composting and natural pesticides and fertilizers. Water conservation and energy efficiency are also priorities, as is recycling. The pool is chlorine free and uses salt instead of chemicals.
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6. Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles, CA
Westin Bonaventure was the first LA hotel to receive Green Seal certification. With a composting and recycling program available, the hotel strives to make its luxury offerings more eco-friendly all the time. If you stay here, you will be offered the option to use your towels and linens more than once to conserve energy and water. All rooms are equipped with water saving fixtures and only non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies are used. Even the lights are energy efficient here.
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7. Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island, FL
Amelia Island is a beautiful vacation spot and the Amelia Island Plantation is the perfect place to spend your nights. Built on 1,350 acres, the resort is a designated Green Lodging site. Eco-friendly measures include natural pest control, reclaimed water for irrigation, motion activated lights, water saving fixtures and a resort-wide recycling program.
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8. Savoy Suites Hotel, Washington, DC
The Savoy Suites Hotel works hard to reduce its carbon footprint and focus on conservation. It uses wind power and prohibits smoking throughout the hotel. There is also a full recycling program, as well as energy saving light fixtures in all rooms. Each room is equipped with organic coffee and eco-friendly bath amenities from Sweden. The hotel does an excellent job of staying green while maintaining a luxury feel.
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9. Starwood
Each room in the Starwood hotel chain is outfitted with completely recycled carpeting and recycling bins. The appliances in the entire hotel are all Energy Star to save on energy and the pools use saline instead of chlorine for a more ecological approach. Even the cleaning supplies here are green. In fact, Starwood was the first hotel chain to aim for LEED certification for the entire chain.
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10. The Beacon Hotel, New York, NY
For an eco-friendly place to stay in New York, you’ll want to check out the Beacon Hotel. It offers a linen reuse program and a full service recycling program. While not at the top of this list, it’s still a good option while in the Big Apple.
Whether you are enjoying a vacation near home or across the country, there’s no reason you can’t make it a low impact one. Green vacations are easier when you have an eco-friendly hotel to stay at.
