Hotels are not just a place to sleep and relax anymore. Nowadays, travelers have become more conscious about the impact their choices have on the environment. As a result, hotels have to take into account sustainability measures when designing and operating their facilities.
One area where a hotel, guest house or bed and breakfast can make a difference is with the amenities they provide for their guests. In particular they can switch to eco-friendly amenities in the bathroom and spa, both of which have a significant impact on a hotel’s sustainability ranking. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between wet and dry hotel amenities, and look into the advantages of becoming a sustainable vacation stay.
Wet and Dry Hotel Amenities
Hotel amenities can be categorized as either wet or dry. Wet amenities are those that are used in the hotel bathroom or hotel spa and are often disposed of after one use. Examples of wet amenities include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and soap. If not chosen carefully, wet amenities often contain chemicals, that once in the draining systems, are harmful to nature. Besides the use of chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, synthetic cosmetic products are likely to contain nano-plastics.
Examples of dry amenities include towels, linens, slippers, bathrobes, shaving kits, dental kits, combs - thus non-liquid products. Surely, there is a part of dry amenities such as towels and linens that are washed and continuously reused, however the bigger part of dry amenities is disposable.
Both wet and dry disposable hotel amenities have a significant impact on the environment, creating an unnecessary amount of everyday trash.
Eco-Friendly Wet and Dry Amenities
To lower their footprint and become more eco-conscious, hotels can switch to eco-friendly amenities in the bathroom and spa.
Eco-friendly amenities are those that are made from natural and renewable materials and are free from harmful substances. Examples of ecological wet amenities include shampoo and conditioner bars, soap bars or refillable dispenser systems.
100% natural dry amenities such as bamboo combs, bamboo toothbrushes can be taken home by the guests and can be continued to be used. These items will turn into promotional gifts and guests will always be remembered of their vacation stay while using them.
Switching to conscious and plastic-free options, hotel facilities can significantly reduce their environmental impact. For example, using refillable dispensers instead of single-use plastic bottles can reduce plastic waste by up to 90%. Switching to solid solutions like shampoo and conditioner bars can eliminate the need for plastic bottles altogether.
In general, instead of plastic packaging, a natural and highly recyclable option can be paper packaging for dry amenities.
Eco-Friendly Solutions in a Hotel Bathroom
Switching to eco-conscious amenities not only benefits the environment, it especially benefits the hotel. By reducing waste and conserving resources, hotels can save money on their operating costs.
Hotels that are committed to sustainability, obtain a higher ranking in sustainability reports and attract conscious travelers. Nowadays travelers are increasingly choosing hotels that prioritize sustainability, which can lead to increased bookings and higher revenue.
Moreover, hotels that prioritize green amenities can differentiate themselves from their competitors, and build a loyal customer base that values sustainability. By providing guests with high-quality, eco-friendly amenities, sustainable tourism creates a positive guest experience that fosters customer loyalty and increases the likelihood of repeat business.
The Future of Tourism is Sustainable
In conclusion, hotels can obtain a higher ranking in sustainability by switching to eco-friendly amenities in the bathroom and spa. Wet amenities, in particular, have a significant impact on a hotel's sustainability ranking, and hotels can reduce their impact by switching to natural and renewable materials that are free from harmful chemicals. By doing so, they save money on their operating costs, attract sustainability-conscious travelers, and build a loyal customer base that values ecological efforts. Sustainable tourism is the future and choosing hotels that prioritize sustainability makes a holiday experience even more precious.
