Green Hostels Project
OUR COMMITMENT TO ECO-FRIENDLY, LOW-IMPACT TRAVEL
We believe that an important part of understanding the
world and its people is to learn about and care for the environment. Our staff
members actively contribute to the care of the environment and empower
hostellers with practical knowledge about what they can do to limit the
environmental impact of their travels.
The Green Hostels Project used Hostelling International’s Environmental Charter as a guide to develop an environmental program with goals to:
- Promote conservation and efficiency in our hostels
- Teach guests about conservation to get them involved when they return home
Our hostels strive to meet the following criteria:
Solid waste reduction
- Refuse to buy products that harm the environment
- Reduce waste and recycle as many materials as possible
- Reuse or give things away
- Compost organics (if appropriate)
Water conservation
- Install low-flow faucets and showerheads
- Reduce the amount of water the toilet uses
- Repair all leaks and drips
Energy conservation
- Arrange energy usage audit with local energy company
- Install energy-efficient lighting
- Weatherproof doors, windows, attics, and basements
- Insulate water heater and pipes, and window coverings
Environmentally friendly products and habits
- Use all-purpose, non-toxic household cleaning products
- Use maintenance products that will not cause damage
- Use phosphate-free dish washing liquid and laundry soap
- Use paper products made from post-consumer recycled paper
Interpretive programming and community outreach
- Display results of retrofits that conserve the environment
- Provide literature about low-impact, eco-friendly travel
- Tell guests about local nature and natural history museums