Choose from hundreds of establishments
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is encouraging summer vacationers to stay at a hotel or motel that participates in the District’s Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program (Water CHAMP).
“July is a popular time of year for family vacations but leaving home doesn’t mean travelers should take a vacation from being environmentally responsible,” said Amy Harroun, Water CHAMP coordinator.
More than 450 hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts within the District’s 16 counties participate in this water conserving program. Last year more than 420 Water CHAMP properties participated in the program and saved more than 177 million gallons of water.
By implementing the program, hotel or motel managers agree to launder linens every third day of a guest’s stay unless the guest requests otherwise. The District also supplies free educational materials for guest rooms and employees as well as leading educational workshops for staff on additional ways to save water.
If your vacation takes you outside the District, almost 500 hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts throughout the state are designated members of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Lodging Program. The program, which began in 2004, recognizes establishments that conserve water and energy and reduce waste.
Here are a few simple tips to make your stay at any hotel or motel a little greener:
- Keep your showers short, and turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth.
- When you leave the room, turn off the air conditioning, heat, television, lights or any other electric devices.
- Reuse your sheets and towels instead of having them changed every day. Many hotels will not replace your towels if you leave them hanging up neatly; if you’re not sure, write a note for the housekeeping staff or notify the front desk.
- Bring your own toiletries and drinking cup rather than using the prepackaged ones provided. If you do use the hotel’s toiletries, take them with you and use them at home or during the rest of your trip.
- Know your hotel’s recycling program and sort your trash accordingly. If your hotel doesn’t recycle, consider taking your empty bottles or other items home with you to recycle them there.
- Give your hotel feedback. Express your appreciation for any eco-friendly programs it currently offers—or if it doesn’t, encourage the management to go green in the future.
To find a hotel or motel that participates in Water CHAMP, visit the District’s web site at www.WaterMatters.org/waterchamp.
To find a hotel or motel that participates in the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit the DEP web site at www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/lodges.htm.