In recent years, the importance of protecting our planet has gained the attention of people all over the world. More people are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance the environment through growing gardens, planting trees, recycling and creating more environmentally friendly practices in their own homes. While the efforts that individuals make in their homes have an impact, it is crucial to get larger corporations on board.
The Bigger a Building, the Larger the Effect
Companies have greater potential to positively affect the environment, as they often use more energy and water than households, and produce a greater amount of waste. Because of this, we need more businesses to join in the effort to protect our planet. Recently, more hotels and spas have been taking steps in the right direction for the cause.
What to Keep an Eye On
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Water used in hotels and other lodging businesses accounts for approximately 15 percent of the total water use in commercial and institutional facilities in the United States. The largest uses of water in hotels are restrooms, laundry operations, landscaping, and kitchens” (EPA). Companies must understand and target their greatest offenders when it comes to wasting resources. Because so much water is used to wash towels that were used only once, hotels are looking to lower this usage.
Towel Reuse Programs
The EPA continues, informing that hotels can lower their number of washes per day up to 17% by instituting towel reuse programs in guest rooms. Guests that wish to reuse their towels, linens and robes will leave them on the towel rack, out of the way of the cleaning crew. If guests do not wish to reuse these items, they leave them in a pile and the cleaners will take replace these used items with fresh towels, robes, or linens. Some hotels even offer rewards to guests that participate in these programs, to spark interest and build incentive.
Water Softeners
Hotels and spas that do not implement a towel reuse program can still save water on laundry. “The Fairmont Royal York installed a commercial water softener that reduced water use in the laundry to one wash and one rinse per cycle, saving 476,000 liters of water per day – enough water to supply 500 homes” (LOHAS). Such a small step saved hundreds of thousands of liters per day, and the environmental impact made headlines!
Use Less Detergent
To enhance their environmentally friendly efforts, hotels and spas should consider more green measures. Because hotels are likely already using hot water and bleach to brighten their pure, white towels, there is little to no need to use detergent. Bleach is a disinfectant and will remove any oils, bacteria, or other germs found in the fabric. By using less detergent, hotel owners will increase the absorbency in their towels, making for a more effective towel. Detergents are dangerous to our environment, so lowering the use of it benefits our planet. Releasing fewer toxins into our streams, rivers, and soil, promote a healthier ecosystem.
Dry Items for Less Time
By shortening the time that items are in the dryer, linens, towels and robes are likely to last longer; this is because the hot, dry air inside of a dryer weakens fibers over time. While it is unrealistic for hotels and spas to hang bed sheets on a clothesline, there is something they can do. If they simply pay close attention to the amount of time items spend in the dryer, they can take them out one they are ready, rather than allowing dry items to continue being heated. This will help to save energy while lowering operating costs and promoting a healthier environment.
Better Your Business
Environmentally friendly practices are gaining speed and society is perpetuating this. According to a recent survey, “nearly two-thirds of travelers, 62 percent, often or always consider the environment when choosing hotels” (Bender). Hotels and spas promoting eco friendly practices are attracting more travelers. Want to increase business? Go green!
Quality Matters
Long lasting towels, robes, lounge chair covers and blankets are environmentally friendly. Because they are used again and again for years, less cotton is sourced and less towels are manufactured, protecting our environment just a little more. It is important to choose high quality products that will last through several washings.
We Can All Help
When a company came to us looking for environmentally friendly organic bathrobes, we came up with an innovative idea. Rather than just using organic cotton, we offered to develop another way to manufacture green products. We worked with this green hotel client and researched the various materials or compositions available to manufacture environmentally friendly bathrobes without defaulting to organic cotton. Finally, we developed a micro-terry robe solely made from recycled plastic bottles.
Boca Terry: Building Trust
Although other companies might not understand the significance of protecting our environment, Boca Terry does. We value the resources the Earth provides, which is why we have taken steps to develop eco friendly items. If you are interested in purchasing organic bathrobes for your hotel or spa, then contact us today!
Works Cited
Bender, Andrew. “Two-Thirds Of Travelers Want Green Hotels.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 22 Apr. 2013. Web. 19 June 2014.
“Saving Water in Hotels.” (n.d.): n. pag. Environmental Protection Agency Water Sense. Environmental Protection Agecy, Nov. 2012. Web. 19 June 2014.
“Why Green Is Good for Business.” LOHAS: Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability. LOHAS, n.d. Web. 19 June 2014.
— Developing environmentally friendly practices can be beneficial to the environment and your business. Learn more!
