Simple sustainable strategies to engage guests more in hotels and restaurants

We can see today more than before how consumers are choosing organizations that are taking a more sustainable approach in their business practices; so it is easy to understand why many hospitality organizations are now considering sustainability as a marketing tool to increase their awareness in the market. The hospitality industry is placing efforts in keeping their guests engaged with sustainable initiatives so they can be more aware of environmental matters and at same time understand importance of responsible travel and consumption. There are many little steps that can be taken to engage more guests and push the sustainability agenda forward, here below some simple initiatives to consider:

• Reclaiming materials and reusing equipment: following this direction whenever possible can offer a better bespoke new look, and at same time is helpful in avoiding items and materials to be disposed in landfills if they can be still utilized

• Recycling bins: guests and employees should be encouraged to respect proper recycling practices through a signage, posters, information on websites, and training. This will improve the level of knowledge related to how they can recycle properly 

• Refillable containers and dispensers: sustainable waste management shall respect the rule of “reduce, reuse, and recycle”. Refillable containers for soap, shampoo and cleaning materials for instance will help in reducing plastic waste. Same for a ban on single use plastic take away boxes, straws and so on

• Recycling food waste: this can be achieved by setting up a garden for instance, whenever possible, with composting facilities for organic products coming from kitchens or guests. To a certain extent a section of the garden can also be utilized to grow herbs that end up on dining tables

• Local community: helping the local community is a great way to engage with sustainability. This can be achieved with donations of old furniture, second hand clothing and food. This type of initiative can be highlighted in marketing materials so that guests and patrons find out about sustainability measures in place

• Energy Emissions: there are many ways to reduce energy consumption; for sure running energy audits is a great method to understand associated costs and areas of improvement to reduce energy waste. It is also clear that using energy saving appliances and keep all equipment clean and perfectly functioning with daily maintenance helps a lot. Preventing equipment damage and turning off all appliances, when possible and without impacting in a negative way daily operations, would be already a good start

• Supply Chain: cutting costs by ordering in bulk from a supplier is considered the best option, if we want to make changes and implement sustainable strategies, this is not the best one. Sourcing from local farms and distributors can translate in better quality and boost the local economy, improving freshness pf products and reducing emissions from long-distance transport. Lately consumers realized that locally raised and humanely slaughtered animals is a very important factor in preserving the ecosystems, and in addition knowing where the food on the table comes is for sure a plus point when choosing products.