Friday, April 22, 2011, will mark its 41st anniversary on Earth Day, which will be celebrated once again by millions of people around the world. A day that honors the planet and all the living things that inhabit it, Earth Day has its roots in the 1960s, with the first such event, then called “environmental education,” taking place on the 22 April 1970. Who would have thought? Did you think that a grassroots effort to inspire environmental awareness in the United States could become a global phenomenon celebrated in more than 175 countries each year?
If you’re an eco-minded traveler, you’ll be happy to know that a host of green hotels are at your disposal, most with programs that promote sustainable practices, including conserving water and using high-quality, environmentally-friendly products. Better yet, select properties have earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, attesting that a hotel’s location and design meet high standards for sustainable and environmentally responsible development.
Go GREEN and read on for a sampling of green hotels that prove that style, comfort and concern for the environment can go hand in hand.
Seaport Hotel Boston: Seaport Hotel Boston offers Seaport Saves, an innovative environmental program dedicated to integrating conservation and sustainability practices into all hotel operations. If you arrive by hybrid or electric vehicle, you can take advantage of a complimentary charging station, the first of its kind available at a Boston hotel, and one night of complimentary valet parking through the end of 2011. Another Green Hotel Achievements include installing an ozone laundry system and purchasing enough renewable energy credits to offset the electricity used to power all 428 rooms, guest floors and elevators year-round. With an annual recycling rate of 43 percent, it’s no wonder Seaport received a 4 out of 5 rating from the Green Key Green Rating Program.
Kimpton Hotels: Kimpton gives green luxury a whole new name. It is the first hotel company to achieve 100% Green Seal certification, and each of its 140 hotels, from 70 Park Avenue Hotel New York to The Onyx Hotel in downtown Boston, has adopted green products and services. As part of its Earthcare program, Kimpton’s towel and bedding reuse policy helps dramatically reduce energy use, as do the energy-efficient lighting fixtures and air conditioners installed throughout the hotels. Interestingly, Kimpton was also the first boutique hotel group to feature in-room recycling bins. Do you want a bite to eat? Head to any Kimpton restaurant and you’ll quickly notice menu options that may seem out of the ordinary but are no less appetizing, from sustainable seafood to in-house purified water and organic tea.
The Orchard Garden Hotel San Francisco: Setting the standard for green hotels in San Francisco is this eco-friendly boutique hotel near the city’s financial district and just steps from Union Square. The Orchard Garden Hotel uses energy efficient lighting, non-toxic paints and Forest Stewardship Council certified wood. In keeping with the eco-theme, all rooms invite relaxation with soothing colors and natural wood-toned fabrics. This San Francisco hotel is proud to be the first hotel in California, the third hotel in the US and only the fourth in the world to receive LEED certification. When hunger kicks in, head to the on-site Roots Restaurant, offering locally sourced organic and sustainable food.
Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago: Determined to lead the adoption of sustainable practices in Chicago hotels, Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago has already implemented several green measures aimed at conserving water and electricity. These include equipping rooms with water-saving showerheads, toilets, and faucets; installation of programmable energy saving thermostats; and ensure that all purchased equipment is EnergyStar compliant. This Chicago luxury hotel at the gateway to the Magnificent Mile also introduced recycling programs and eliminated the use of non-biodegradable Styrofoam cups and spray cans.
ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter Las Vegas – In a city known for its glitz and glamour, hotels are fast going green, and this 61-story resort is certainly no exception. With a spa, 16 restaurants, 150,000 square feet of gaming, and 10 bars and restaurants, the property feels like a world of its own. ARIA Resort & Casino received LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council; it also earned the highest level of recognition, 5 Green Keys, from the Green Key Eco-Rating program, thanks in large part to its water conservation efforts and green initiatives such as migration to alternative fuel options for limousines.