Hotels, by nature, tend to use a lot of electricity and water. Their consumers consistently rely on items to provide their guests with the best experience, often to the point of excess. However, many organizations are now focusing on turning their establishments into a luxury oasis that doesn't produce as much waste, becoming eco-friendly hotels. This process doesn't have to cost a lot or be taxing. Here are seven tips for transforming your hotel into a green location.

1. Use Sensored-Technology

Families check in to the local Westin Richmond for a leisurely stay, seeking comfort and friendliness. They also desire an eco-friendly location that cares about utility usage. Hotels can monitor water and electricity even though they're not in patrons' rooms, finding a happy medium between guest content and utility use.

Sensored technology allows managers to monitor the shower length, lights left on and air temperature. Lights work through sensors, shutting off when people are no longer in the room. Guests can use applications to make modifications, but tech sets timers for the shower duration.

2. Create a Kitchen Garden

Do you have a restaurant or serve a breakfast buffet? Consider building garden boxes and using hydroponic options, establishing lush greeneries that supply nutritious and delicious options for the kitchen staff. Give a green twist by serving home-grown options—section off an area for a garden, growing veggies and fruits.

3. Ditch Plastic Bottles

Many consumers are tossing the water bottles for reusable and refillable options. Go with it. Upgrade your water fountains to have refill stations, making it easy for people to quench their thirst without using tons of plastic. Create a recycle station for easy drop offs if you have a few plastics lingering around.

4. Install Electric Car Charging Stations

Customers aren't just driving a diesel. Many of your patrons now own electric vehicles and need charge stations. Service your eco-friendly guests with parking spots that allow them to re-energize their cars quickly.

5. Watch the Water

You need to clean decks and water greenery, but do all of this with careful consideration. Don't overuse your resources. Instead, create a sprinkler schedule and discuss proper water conservation habits with your team.

For guests staying longer than a day, request they use the same towel for most of the time. Install towel racks that make it easy to allow drying.

6. Transform the Kitchen

Americans love to eat, and kitchens can often be a massive waste spot, with tons of extra food that people didn't consume. It's not because they didn't love it. It's simply a by-product of over-indulgently large platings.

Start by providing reasonable portions and avoiding over-preparation. Determine how much you need and what you aren't using. Cut back on things that aren't ordered, or reconfigure your menu to make options manageable.

Ovens, dishwashers and fridges have undergone significant transformations over the past decade, with many companies producing energy-efficient products. Swap out your utility guzzlers for something that works excellently but doesn't increase the bills.

7. Choose Sustainable Products

Make an effort to select sustainable products whenever possible. These options focus on choosing items that make less impact on the environment, saving energy and providing benefits. For instance, do you use paper plates? These add up over time and hit the landfill. Use silverware and plating that doesn't go to the trash.

Are you putting shampoo bottles in the shower? Opt for something that is refillable rather than single plastic. If you still want to keep the individual option, choose recycled plastic options.

Prioritize your guests and the environment with an eco-friendly platform. It's possible to do both, creating a pleasant stay that impacts nature less.