Many people are increasingly concerned about the negative impact they're making on the environment. Maybe you live sustainably at home, but because of business obligations, you travel regularly. Well, you can maintain your sustainable existence, even in a hotel.
Begin with simple things, such as keeping unnecessary appliances--lamps, overhead lights, televisions, coffeemakers, hairdryers, refrigerators--off when you don't need them. Most hotels have sufficient outdoor light to illuminate your bedroom if you keep the blinds open. There's no more sustainable source of power than the sun.
Unplug any appliance you don't intend to use. When an appliance is plugged into a socket, even if it isn't on, it's leaching power from the grid. This phantom power loss is called "vampire" or standby power. If you don't need artificial light during the day, or you don't plan to watch television, unplug anything you can. A mini refrigerator, next to a television, is the most egregious drainer of energy. Unplugging it will certainly save electricity. But before you unplug yours, check that it doesn't contain perishable goods; you don't want to get charged for ruining food you didn't eat.
For the intrepid traveler who really wants to reduce his carbon footprint, a completely carbon-neutral hotel stay is completely possible. It just takes a little planning ahead. You'll need a few candles, local, organic food from home or from a farmers market near your hotel, and some castile soap (for bathing). Upon entering your hotel room, open the blinds. Then unplug all the appliances. This might sound a little uncomfortable, but if you need to shower, don't use hot water. Wash with the soap you brought. Hotel soaps, lotions and conditioners contain chemicals you may not want to pour down the drain. Eat the food you brought, and recycle any refuse from your meal. Ideally, pack your food in reusable containers and eat with metal silverware. When you've exhausted the natural light, light your candles. Granted, the burning of wax emits some pollution into the atmosphere--but candles are more sustainable than light bulbs. Before you use candles in a hotel, though, check with the management. Some establishments may restrict the use of open flames.
