Sustainable travel using green products to attract the Eco-tourist is big news in the travel industry. Recent studies show that more and more tourists 
are drawn to tourism destinations– including hotels, conference centers, and more – that use green products and promote the environment.
The Green Consumer
Consumers are going green in their homes and their offices. They purchase green cleaning products to protect their health and to aid the environment. Naturally, these same consumers will look to sustainable travel when leaving home for business and pleasure.
Reports show that travelers who are environmentally aware actively take the environment into consideration when they travel. These same consumers are more likely to pay higher prices for green products and accommodations that are green.
Sustainable Travel
What is sustainable travel? This form of Eco-tourism is designed to make a positive impact on the environment.
Australia is one of the world’s leading destinations for green consumers. In fact, the travel industry is one of the largest in the country. As the tourism industry in Australia continues to grow it has become of primary importance to stress the use of green products.
According to Craig Brock, a consumer advocate, consumers are increasingly demanding products that are green. This carries over to the travel industry which includes travelers and the businesses accommodating the travelers. As the number of travelers who use green cleaning products in the home increases, the need for green cleaning in hotels and other travel related industries will need to increase also. Travelers will look for accommodations that support their beliefs and practice the same methods they use at home. The Eco-tourist does not want to enjoy the benefits of green living at home only to forfeit them when they travel.
Lodging
Green cleaning and environmental understanding is extremely important when tourists choose their accommodations. Hotels can benefit from this mindset by implementing green cleaning and other Eco-friendly measures to attract tourists.
To attract Eco-tourism hotels can:
• Use green cleaning products throughout the hotel. Harsh chemicals containing toxins such as chlorine bleach and ammonia should be avoided. During a study there was one particularly dangerous toxin, 2-butoxyethanol, found in over 140 cleaning products that are commonly used in homes and hotels. Other chemicals and compounds to stay away from include petroleum based cleaners and cleaners containing fragrances.
Pesticides, paint, and other cleaning agents all come in environmentally friendly forms.
• Conserve water by using low flow shower heads in guest rooms. Install low flow toilets throughout the property. Sink aerators will also reduce water waste.
• Use energy efficient light bulbs, such as LED lighting, in halls, the lobby, and guest rooms. Timers can be placed on lights to further conserve energy.
• Instruct housekeeping that when a guest room is empty, the service workers should adjust the air and heat, in addition to the lights, accordingly.
• Implement a site-wide recycling program.
• Use green products throughout the hotel. This can include guest soaps and shampoos.
• Install energy efficient appliances.
With the implementation of green cleaning and other Eco-friendly measures the tourism industry will continue to prosper. Sustainable travel and Eco-tourism are on the rise and you can be prepared by implementing green products in your establishment.
Eco-tourists set high standards for cleaning in their dedication to environmental sustainability and green living. Envirosafe Solutions (www.evss.com.au) offers a full range of commercial cleaning products that are safe and able to meet the most discriminating Eco-traveler requirements.
References
[1] Cleaning with Toxins Isn’t Really Cleaning. (n.d.). Retrieved from Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/cleaning-with-toxins-isnt-really-cleaning/2007/08/13/1186857429027.html
[1] 2-Butoxyethanol. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Industrial Chemicals Notifications and Assessment Scheme: http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/car/pec/pec6/pec_6_full_report_pdf.pdf
