As travelers reemerge from pandemic life, sustainability is more important than ever before. We can help to make their journeys both delightful and mindful as hosts – in many cases, we already have the tools within reach.
Contributed by Ben Farber, Bristol Associates, Manhattan Beach, California
Greet your guests’ renewed sense of wonder and responsibility with opportunities to engage, explore, and feel connected. Here are 10 tips for sustainability initiatives that will further enlighten guests.
Begin at the end by greening your gift shop
It’s time to make retail a mindful, strategic element of the guest experience – and support local artisans while we’re at it. By reviewing your stocking strategy and making a conscious effort to offer one-of-a-kind, small-batch goods specific to your area, you win twice by offering a memorable guest experience and a sustainable, symbiotic relationship with distinctive producers in your region. See how they’re doing it now at Makeready.
Embrace your space
Modern travelers seek specificity: what is it that makes your area, your town, or even your property unique? Part of the joy of building a more sustainable experience is that the ingredients are likely already at your fingertips. Take a step back to evaluate your history, your environment and what makes your part of the world truly special. Have a scroll through these incredibly creative rehabs and reimaginings in New Orleans to spark your sense of place.
Grow forth! Plant a garden that gives back
While the Willows Lodge takes the idea to the next level with herb gardens, orchards and a farm-to-table restaurant, growing on-premise treats isn’t as tricky as it seems. Many popular herbs are hardy and low-care and create a beautiful visual experience for guests (not to mention a delicious cocktail garnish at the bar).
Take out trash: reduce refuse in clever ways
As we’re thinking about bars, waste warfare is in full swing at Penicillin, Hong Kong’s first (aspiring) closed-loop bar. We can take some notes from their creativity: lemons here live three separate lives as juice, garnish, and fermented spirit. Consider ways you can reuse common throwaways – dialing in standard recycling practices is a great way to start.
Team work makes the dream work
Local gifts and efficient systems may set the tone for building a more sustainable experience, but lasting success truly rests on the shoulders of your team. At Bristol Associates, I’ve seen the impact of talented staff first-hand: winning their support from the start is critical to achieving your goals. Consider creating a “green team” or committee to officially emphasize the importance of their involvement.
Bee sweet and host your own hive
Invite a few buzz-worthy guests to join your team by adding a hive to otherwise unused space. Rooftops are a popular choice –– the Radisson Blu Mall of America shares theirs with the University of Minnesota’s Bee Squad, for example. The sweet rewards find their way to guests via skin-care, in-room relaxation, bar service, and much more.
Tap into efficient water offerings
While monitoring large-scale water usage is a great way to make your operation more sustainable, small steps help, too. Wine Enthusiast encourages travelers to hit the road armed with water bottles and reusable coffee cups: help them on their journey by providing easy re-fill stations and quality filtration systems.
Connect with your community
Travel is becoming an increasingly holistic experience and giving the best to our guests means engaging with our amazing community resources. Whether those are merchant offerings, immersive experiences, signature foods or baseline environmental insights, community holds the key to our next chapter.
Dig in! Local food sourcing cuts waste, waits
Thoughtful, small-batch, local, authentic: today’s travelers want more than just a quick bite. Sourcing local food, from the dining table to mini-bar snacks, is a simple way to surprise and delight guests with new and exciting tastes –– Food Network’s “foodie destinations” take it so seriously, in fact, that their unique nosh is a key part of every stay. By sourcing close to home, you also seize the opportunity to cut supply chain stress and reduce your overall footprint.
Om your way: build big experiences with small footprints
Today’s wellness seekers are thinking of more than just a quick yoga flow or casual lift in your fitness facility. Create programming and experiences with a one-of-a-kind style that capitalize on what your area already offers to engage guests and keep your footprint light. The Salt Hotels team builds their entire stay around the idea at the Hutton Brickyards, a lovely new retreat that’s been aptly dubbed “summer camp” for adults.