Am I the only one annoyed by hotels claiming to care?
By nature, I’m a very optimistic, positive person and that’s normally reflected in my posts. But every once in awhile, something gets under my skin and I feel the need to vent.
Here’s an example, this sign, prominently displayed next to the sink at a lovely inn we recently visited.
I might believe that they are interested in preserving the Earth-if the sign were not surrounded by these objects:
First, of course, is the plastic bag sticking out of the ice bucket. Next, three plastic bottles for shampoo, lotion and conditioner (needless to say the contents are not organic). How about the plastic cups (wrapped in more plastic), the tissues, and for good measure, the paper doilies under the glasses.
If you are so concerned about the Earth, why not have a sign requiring people to ask for shampoo, conditioner etc. and provide it in reusable bottles?
Why on earth would I need to line an ice bucket with a plastic bag?
And those doilies? Argggh!
You can guess how the front desk person responded when I asked why the inn doesn’t provide in-room recycling containers. Her eyes read, “What planet did you say you’re from?”
People who run hotels evidently believe we guests are idiots, that no one would ever question the fact that they are asking us to re-use towels “for the sake of the Earth.” Puh-leeze!
If you are trying to save money, go ahead, do it. Cut services or make us pay for them the way the airlines do.
(I’m no pollster, but I’m guessing that the vast majority of people bring shampoo etc. with them, then take the freebies home to offer guests who then-I’m sure in accordance with corporate hotel thinking-will see the name of the hotel emblazoned, and immediately call to make a reservation!)
But don’t pretend you care about the planet with this one money-saver, then provide guests with disposables and no option if they want to recycle other than taking the stuff home!
Here’s a message for hotel owners. We’re not dumb and some of us do care.
(And by the way, I’m not oblivious to the fact that the “Earth-savings” that come with washing fewer towels is a positive step and I do support hotels making the change. It’s the manner in which they choose to pat themselves on the back while mis-labeling the motivation, that I find insulting.)
You?
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.
Couldn’t have said it better! AMEN Sistah!!
WOW. I went on this rant to my husband this weekend when we were traveling. Glad I’m not the only one!
Okay but let’s not totally bash the efforts they are making. It is our job to bring these areas that could be greener to their attention right? Yet we also need to speak with our wallets as well as our mouths. Perhaps send a copy of this post to the Hotel and Motel Assn or whatever their association would be called.
Love the passion and I feel it too.
Love the e-cards BTW…ya’ll are ingenious!
Shane, I hear ya! That’s why I added the bit at the end. It’s not the fact that they are taking the step but the way they are positioning it that I find offensive. Good idea about the association. I’ll have to do that. I did leave a note (in kinder language), at the hotel itself. Glad you like the e-cards!
First let me say I’m enjoying your site. I followed a link from Crafting a Green World this morning and have been stuck here since!
Second, let me thoroughly applaud your skepticism about green/eco/earth-friendly claims. My pet peeve: people who claim to be passionate about some cause and yet blindly follow any associated group-think. Which brings me to this topic. I’ve never been fooled by this nonsense that hotels are being environmentally conscious. This is all about saving money. However, I agree with the notion “You Make the Choice”. What the hoteliers have done, in response to consumer and cultural demand (good ol’ capitalism) is given you ways you can choose. So, you can use the ice bucket with or without the plastic liner. You can use the glass or you can use the plastic cups. You can bring your own toiletries or use theirs. As for me, the heebie-jeebies win out, so I’ll take the disposable plastic when I use their hospitality items. I’ve been in the travel industry (air transport) my entire adult life and I’ve just seen too much.
I agree, it drives me nuts! Also I wish more had recycling!