A rising concern for both Innkeepers and homeowners is the eco-friendly trend in every market – whether we are talking about organic food, renewable fuel, industrial business, or yes, hospitality, the big question on everyone’s mind these days is – is it eco-friendly? With the new awareness and efforts to make a smaller impact on the environment, new and exciting options are becoming available for Innkeepers, providing a plethora of opportunities to switch up your inn’s habits and promote a green and eco-friendly atmosphere. With these new tools, innkeepers can not only start (or continue!) promoting an eco-friendly business, but also notice an economical change – the following eco-friendly tips aren’t just good for the environment; they are good for your bank account too! 
Even small changes make a big impact on the environment, and one of the best things Innkeepers, and homeowners everywhere, can do is to invest in some CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps. These cost on average about $2 more than regular bulbs, but while regular bulbs last about 750 hours, CFLs can last up to 10,000! They also use 75% less energy than regular light bulbs, so your energy bill, as well as your conscience, will be a little brighter for this small change. Replacing high use bulbs is most important – like lights in entry ways or the kitchen – but simply keeping CFLs on hand for the next time a light burns out will make this eco friendly switch completely hassle free! 
Another important aspect of the hospitality business is water – B&B’s, inns, and hotels all use way more water than the average household, with multiple travelling guests enjoying hot showers daily, keeping up the beautiful gardens and landscape, and not to mention the endless laundry of linens innkeepers keep on top of! All three of these expenses add up quickly – but there are ecological ways of cutting down on water use – without sacrificing any of the amenities or comfort of guests. Rising in popularity are ultra-low flow shower heads, which have built in aeration that pulls air in from the entire room. This adds to the pressure of the showerhead while using 2 gallons per minute less than regular low flow showerheads, and 6.5 gallons less than traditional showerheads. As far as your garden goes, adding native flowers and plants to your landscape will not only add to your B&B’s charm, but subtract from the amount of watering necessary to bloom and blossom, since its natural environment is already in your backyard!
When it comes to laundry, a great option is getting back to the basics. Small inns may be able to air dry laundry, which help significantly when considering energy use. But if air drying is not an option, whether because of the volume of laundry or climate issues, front loading washers are a great way to save on water. Front loading washer use up to 50% less water than traditional top loaders, which will cut down your water bill quite a bit! And if air drying and a new washer are simply not in the stars for your B&B right now? Cleaning the lint trap on your dryer every time contributes to efficiency, and washing clothes in cold water whenever possible are quick and easy ways to cut into energy usage. 
If a guestroom is due for a redecoration, see this as a golden opportunity to utilize some great eco-friendly strategies. Using low- to no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, which won’t emit toxic fumes, is a great way to kick off a room renovation, and products like Farrow & Balls paint offer great eco-friendly options, without sacrificing color or style. When decorating your new room, antiques are the most eco-friendly choice – they are already manufactured and create no new pollution or extra energy to make! Refinishing with some low VOC paint can give new life to an old piece of furniture, while eco friendly fabric, like seersucker, a nostalgic yet classic fabric that doesn’t require ironing, can be a quick way to refresh an old lounge, chair or bedroom. There are so many great ways for B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels to embrace the wave of options springing up for those ecologically minded. The obvious benefits to the environment, as well as to your monthly bills, are reason enough. But along with these great rewards go the pride in running a green business, without having to sacrifice any creature comforts or amenities to your family or guests.
