On the Road

When you go on vacation, take your energy conservation tips with you.

Turn off the lights, radios and TVs when you leave your hotel room.
If your room has a coffeemaker with a timer or clock, unplug it after use. “Phantom power” or “standby power” is still there even when electronic devised are turned off.
Conserve the use of towels. Do you really need fresh towels every day? Instead leave the towels to be washed in the bath tub and hang the towels you wish to reuse on the rack and leave a note for housekeeping.
To conserve water and electricity, let your hotel know they don’t need to change your bed linen every day. Instead have housekeeping change bed linen every two days during your stay.
If you have control of the heat, turn it down when you leave the room. Why heat an empty room?
Just like home, raise the thermostat setting on the room air conditioner a few degrees.
In the summer, keep curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out. In the winter, keep the blinds and curtains open and let the sun heat and light your room naturally.
Take a quick shower instead of a bath. Did you know a typical occupied hotel room soaks up 218 gallons (825 liters) of water a day?
Report leaky faucets and taps to the front desk. One constant drip can waste up to 182 litres of water a week. If it’s hot water that’s leaking, you’re literally sending energy dollars down the drain.
If you’re booking a meeting or convention, ask the hotel if it has environmental policy. And don’t forget to ask to see it. You might even be able to ask hotel management if there is one further energy conservation measure they could offer to secure your business. For instance, suggest that bed sheets can be changed every two days for your delegates.
Many hotels are committed to environmental measures that include energy conservation. Look for these “green” properties in your vacation choices.
Remember, everybody is a partner in energy conservation. Don’t forget your energy conservation manners when you’re on vacation.
To search for a green-rated hotel check out these sites.

For more information:

Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) Green Key Eco-Rating Program http://www.hacgreenhotels.com/home/default.asp
Environmentally Friendly Hotel http://environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com/