Provide a Greener Experience for Your Guests

Hotels, convention centers, and other hospitality businesses can reduce their impact on the environment through any of the following steps.

Waste Minimization

• Offer guests the opportunity to recycle during their stay by placing receptacles in rooms and common areas.
• Start a comprehensive facility-wide recycling program for the business and its employees.
• Separate and compost food and yard waste.
• Use reusable linens, dishes, and cutlery in catering and food service.
• Purchase amenities (shampoos, lotions, condiments, etc.) in bulk and use refillable containers.
• Instruct housekeeping staff to save and reuse unopened items.
• When using disposable items, purchase items that contain at least 30% recycled materials, are biodegradable, or are made from bio-based, renewable materials.
• Ask employees to make double-sided prints and photocopies.
• Use electronic correspondence and forms whenever possible.
• Use water pitchers during meetings and events rather than bottled water.
• Install high-efficiency hand dryers.
• Donate excess food and other items to local charities or shelters.

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Water Conservation

• Implement an optional linen service so guests can opt not to have sheets and towels changed daily.
• Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators.
• Install high-efficiency toilets and urinals.
• Have automated faucets installed in restrooms.
• Switch to drought-resistant native plants in garden areas and replace mowed landscaping
  with native ground cover.
• Water in the early morning or in the evening and use soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system.
• Collect rainwater through the use of rain gardens, rain barrels, and/or cisterns.
• Use pervious paving materials and/or minimize the use of impervious pavement in outdoor areas.
• Reclaim water for things such as irrigation, laundry, and toilets.
• Set a regular maintenance schedule to find and repair leaks.

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Energy Conservation

• Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
• Use lighting sensors and/or timers in areas that are used less frequently.
• Install window film to diminish glare and reduce heating and cooling needs.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR windows, appliances, and electrical equipment whenever possible.
• Put in a solar water heating system for pools and cover pools and hot tubs when the pool area is closed.
• Install light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs.
• Use proper insulation and reflective roof coverings.
• Switch to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, biomass, thermal).
• Install air locks, gust preventers, and/or revolving doors in entryways.
• Use programmable setback thermostats.
• Insulate pipes and water heaters.
• Schedule regular maintenance for all appliances and equipment.

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Other Ideas

• Be prepared to accommodate groups who want to hold “green” events.
• Use environmentally safe cleaning products that are purchased in bulk.
• Minimize the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in landscaping.
• Use low-VOC latex paint.
• Reuse paint thinners and recycle when finished.
• Install carpet made from sustainable or recycled content and use low-VOC adhesive.
• Install downward-facing outdoor lighting.
• Construct using LEED standards or achieve LEED certification for existing buildings.
• Properly dispose of all hazardous wastes according to local regulations.
• Earn the ENERGY STAR building label.
• Use integrated pest management.

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Attract Visitors with Greener Processes

By adopting some of the following practices, attractions can reduce their impact on the environment.

Waste Minimization

• Encourage recycling by placing receptacles in common areas.
• Start a comprehensive facility-wide recycling program for the business and its employees.
• Separate and compost food and yard waste.
• Use reusable linens, dishes, and cutlery in catering and food service.
• Purchase amenities (hand soap, lotions, condiments, etc.) in bulk and use refillable containers.
• When using disposable items, purchase items that contain at least 30% recycled materials, are biodegradable, or are made from bio-based, renewable materials.
• Ask employees to make double-sided prints and photocopies.
• Use electronic correspondence and forms whenever possible.
• Use water pitchers during meetings and events rather than bottled water.
• Install high-efficiency hand dryers.
• Donate excess items to local charities or shelters.

---

Water Conservation

• Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators.
• Have automated faucets installed in restrooms.
• Install high-efficiency toilets and urinals.
• Switch to drought-resistant native plants in garden areas and replace mowed landscaping
  with native ground cover.
• Water in the early morning or in the evening and use soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system.
• Collect rainwater through the use of rain gardens, rain barrels, and/or cisterns.
• Use pervious paving materials and/or minimize the use of impervious pavement in outdoor areas.
• Reclaim water for things such as irrigation, laundry, and toilets.
• Set a regular maintenance schedule to find and repair leaks.

---

Energy Conservation

• Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
• Use lighting sensors and/or timers in areas that are used less frequently.
• Install window film to diminish glare and reduce heating and cooling needs.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR windows, appliances, and electrical equipment whenever possible.
• Install light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs.
• Use proper insulation and reflective roof coverings.
• Switch to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, biomass, thermal).
• Install air locks, gust preventers, and/or revolving doors in entryways.
• Use programmable setback thermostats.
• Insulate pipes and water heaters.
• Schedule regular maintenance for all appliances and equipment.

---

Other Ideas

• Be prepared to accommodate groups who want to hold “green” events.
• Use environmentally safe cleaning products that are purchased in bulk.
• Minimize the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in landscaping.
• Use low-VOC latex paint.
• Reuse paint thinners and recycle when finished.
• Install carpet made from sustainable or recycled content and use low-VOC adhesive.
• Install downward-facing outdoor lighting.
• Construct using LEED standards or achieve LEED certification for existing buildings.
• Properly dispose of all hazardous wastes according to local regulations.
• Earn the ENERGY STAR building label.
• Use integrated pest management.

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Create Greener Festivals and Events

Reduce the effects on the environment by organizing and promoting a green event.

Waste Minimization

• Encourage recycling by placing receptacles in common areas.
• Separate and compost food and other organic waste.
• Employ reusable signage.
• Purchase amenities (hand soap, lotions, condiments, etc.) in bulk and use refillable containers.
• Minimize use of disposable food service items.
• When using disposable items, purchase items that contain at least 30% recycled materials, are biodegradable, or are made from bio-based, renewable materials.
• Make double-sided prints and photocopies.
• Use electronic correspondence and forms whenever possible.
• Install high-efficiency hand dryers.
• Donate excess food and other items to local charities or shelters.
• Ensure site is free of litter after event.

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Other Ideas

• Inform participants of the event’s green activities and ask them to help with the efforts.
• Provide public transportation to and from site.
• Install downward-facing outdoor lighting.

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Serve Up a Greener Dining Experience

Using almost five times more energy per square foot than any other type of commercial building, restaurants are the largest energy consumer within the retail world.* Help protect the environment by following some of these guidelines.

Waste Minimization

• Recycle fryer grease.
• Sort and compost food waste and other compostable items.
• Establish a comprehensive recycling system.
• Use reusable linens, dishes, and cutlery.
• Purchase condiments in bulk and use refillable containers.
• When using disposable items, purchase items that contain at least 30% recycled materials, are biodegradable, or are made from bio-based, renewable materials.
• Ask employees to make double-sided prints and photocopies.
• Use electronic correspondence and forms whenever possible.
• Install high-efficiency hand dryers.
• Donate excess food and other items to local charities or shelters.
• Create reusable menus.
• Implement an effective food inventory system to minimize waste.

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Water Conservation

• Install low-flow sink aerators and high-efficiency dishwashers.
• Install high-efficiency toilets and urinals.
• Have automated faucets installed in restrooms.
• Switch to drought-resistant native plants in garden areas and replace mowed landscaping
  with native ground cover.
• Water in the early morning or in the evening and use soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system.
• Collect rainwater through the use of rain gardens, rain barrels, and/or cisterns.
• Use pervious paving materials and/or minimize the use of impervious pavement in outdoor areas.
• Reclaim water for things such as irrigation and toilets.
• Set a regular maintenance schedule to find and repair leaks.

---

Energy Conservation

• Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
• Use lighting sensors and/or timers in areas that are used less frequently.
• Install window film to diminish glare and reduce heating and cooling needs.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR windows, appliances, and electrical equipment whenever possible.
• Install light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs.
• Use proper insulation and reflective roof coverings.
• Switch to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, biomass, thermal).
• Install air locks, gust preventers, and/or revolving doors in entryways.
• Use programmable setback thermostats.
• Insulate pipes and water heaters.
• Schedule regular maintenance for all appliances and equipment.
• Use energy-efficient or hybrid vehicles for deliveries.
• Install energy curtains in freezer rooms.

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Other Ideas

• Purchase locally grown and seasonal food.
• Use environmentally safe cleaning products that are purchased in bulk.
• Minimize the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in landscaping.
• Use low-VOC latex paint.
• Reuse paint thinners and recycle when finished.
• Install carpet made from sustainable or recycled content and use low-VOC adhesive.
• Install downward-facing outdoor lighting.
• Construct using LEED standards or achieve LEED certification for existing buildings.
• Properly dispose of all hazardous wastes according to local regulations.
• Earn the ENERGY STAR building label.
• Use integrated pest management.

*Source: USA Today/Pacific Gas & Electric’s Food Service Technology Center

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Buy Green, Sell Green, Make Green

Retail shops can reduce their carbon footprint by employing some of the following practices.

Waste Minimization

• Establish a comprehensive recycling system for employees and customers.
• Employ reusable signage.
• When using disposable items, purchase items that contain at least 30% recycled materials, are biodegradable, or are made from bio-based, renewable materials.
• Ask employees to make double-sided prints and photocopies.
• Use electronic correspondence and forms whenever possible.
• Install high-efficiency hand dryers in restrooms.
• Save unsold items for next season or donate to local charities or shelters.
• Reuse hangers.
• Ask customers to reuse, return, or recycle shopping bags and other packaging.
• Print coupons and discount codes on backs of receipts.
• Reuse or recycle shipping and packing materials.

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Water Conservation

• Install high-efficiency toilets and urinals.
• Have automated faucets installed in restrooms.
• Switch to drought-resistant native plants in garden areas and replace mowed landscaping
  with native ground cover.
• Water in the early morning or in the evening and use soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system.
• Collect rainwater through the use of rain gardens, rain barrels, and/or cisterns.
• Use pervious paving materials and/or minimize the use of impervious pavement in outdoor areas.
• Reclaim water for things such as irrigation and toilets.
• Set a regular maintenance schedule to find and repair leaks.

---

Energy Conservation

• Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
• Use lighting sensors and/or timers in areas that are used less frequently.
• nstall window film to diminish glare and reduce heating and cooling needs.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR windows, appliances, and electrical equipment whenever possible.
• Install light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs.
• Use proper insulation and reflective roof coverings.
• Switch to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, biomass, thermal).
• Install air locks, gust preventers, and/or revolving doors in entryways.
• Use programmable setback thermostats.
• Insulate pipes and water heaters.
• Schedule regular maintenance for all appliances and equipment.

---

Other Ideas

• Sell items that are locally made, organic, and/or made from sustainable materials.
• Use environmentally safe cleaning products that are purchased in bulk.
• Minimize the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in landscaping.
• Use low-VOC latex paint.
• Reuse paint thinners and recycle when finished.
• Install carpet made from sustainable or recycled content and use low-VOC adhesive.
• Install downward-facing outdoor lighting.
• Construct using LEED standards or achieve LEED certification for existing buildings.
• Properly dispose of all hazardous wastes according to local regulations.
• Earn the ENERGY STAR building label.
• Use integrated pest management.

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