It's Easy 
In May of 2000, Garratt Mansion, in the Gold Coast District of the City of Alameda, became the first hotel to be certified as a Green Business in Alamada County. Innkeeper Betty Gladden had long practiced conservation, conserving energy and water, eliminating harsh chemical cleaners and reducing both household and green waste. Said Gladden, "I do this already, why not have it documented?"


Garratt Mansion innkeeper Betty Gladden proudly displays Green Business Certificate.

How can hotels "green" their businesses? First bring their operations into compliance with all environmental regulations, then adopt pollution prevention and resource conservation practices. The program checklists offer a variety of options for meeting program standards. Here are some examples of what you can do.

Top Ten Green Hotel Practices
Good Housekeeping and Pollution Prevention

1. Monitor, record and post rates of energy and water use. Watch for changes that may indicate a need to repair or change equipment.

2. Evaluate cleaners, sanitizers, paints, pesticides and other chemicals used throughout your facility. Can a safer product be substituted? Can a product be eliminated? Are chemicals being stored safely?

Solid Waste Reduction

3. Buy recycled-content products for the office, construction and remodeling projects.

4. Buy in bulk, whether it's guest amenities or food for the kitchen.

5. Start a recycling program for trash from guest rooms, the kitchen and your business office. Target materials: paper of all kinds, bottles and cans, plastics and cardboard.

 Encourage Green Practices in both Employees and Guests

6. Provide incentives to encourage staff participation in efforts to "green" the establishment.

7. Institute a linen reuse program in guestrooms.

Conserve Energy and Water

8. Install energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs, heating and air conditioning, washers and dryers, and other electrical equipment.

9. Install water conserving showerheads and toilets in guestrooms

Minimize Food Waste

10. Donate leftover food, amenities and other "extras" to local shelters or other recipients.

Contact your county coordinator for more information about becoming "green" in your county.

 

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kmm 04/03/00