Eco-hostels: What Makes a Hostel an Eco-hostel?

[Hostels]

There is an earlier thread looking at some "eco hostels". I want to make a section of the Wiki about how to make a hostel more environmentally friendly.

What are some things that a hostel can to do be more environmentally friendly?

Many of these are not practical for most hostels, but just brainstorming some ideas -- some of them come from the earlier thread:

• recycling - separate bins for paper, bottles/cans, trash
• solar power for hot water and/or electricity
• encouraging guests to fill their water bottles at the tap instead of buying a lot of plastic water bottles (which are often just tap water)
• composting food scraps
• low flush toilets
• composting toilets
• organic farm on property
• water saving faucets and showerheads
• electricity-saving lightbulbs
• ceiling fans are better than floor fans, which are both better than air conditioners [source] -- alternatively, build in a way that creates natural ventilation
• post-consumer recycled paper for the office and front desk
• reduce printouts from the computer
• non-toxic cleaning chemicals
• bug prevention instead of pest control (e.g., no food scraps in the rooms to attract cockroaches)
• The forwarding of all unused non-perishable food to charities or food banks
• rainwater harvesting system to supply water to toilets
• roof garden rich in shrubbery to provide extra insulation
• windpower to generate electricity for the hotel
• recycled glass windows
• rurniture and fittings made entirely from recycled materials

Anything else?

[Scotch Argus]

There's a bit of interesing info on here . It's basically the criteria from the visitscotland greeen tourism scheme. I think one thing that could be added to your list would be a policy of encouraging and possibly facilitating the use of public transportation.

[Hostels]

Great info, thanks... I'll use it when I make the Wiki page...

[Hostels]

The new Eco-Hostels Wiki Page is live.

To add information to it, just visit the page and click the "edit" tab at the top.

[PatrickO`D]

Originally Posted by Hostels

There is an earlier thread looking at some "eco hostels". I want to make a section of the Wiki about how to make a hostel more environmentally friendly.

What are some things that a hostel can to do be more environmentally friendly?

Many of these are not practical for most hostels, but just brainstorming some ideas -- some of them come from the earlier thread:

• recycling - separate bins for paper, bottles/cans, trash
• solar power for hot water and/or electricity
• encouraging guests to fill their water bottles at the tap instead of buying a lot of plastic water bottles (which are often just tap water)
• composting food scraps
• low flush toilets
• composting toilets
• organic farm on property
• water saving faucets and showerheads
• electricity-saving lightbulbs
• ceiling fans are better than floor fans, which are both better than air conditioners [source] -- alternatively, build in a way that creates natural ventilation
• post-consumer recycled paper for the office and front desk
• reduce printouts from the computer
• non-toxic cleaning chemicals
• bug prevention instead of pest control (e.g., no food scraps in the rooms to attract cockroaches)
• The forwarding of all unused non-perishable food to charities or food banks
• rainwater harvesting system to supply water to toilets
• roof garden rich in shrubbery to provide extra insulation
• windpower to generate electricity for the hotel
• recycled glass windows
• rurniture and fittings made entirely from recycled materials

Anything else?

What about "reclaimed" water from the showers to the toilet, I read that can save up to 10% in water usage. Organic food bought within a 25 mile radius of the hostel for the F&B operation (if the hostel has one). A vestabul at the front door to help conserve heat (also a good security feature). Challenge your guests to take 5 minute showers, install timers in all of your showers so guests can time themselves.

[Hostels]

Originally Posted by PatrickO`D

A vestabul at the front door to help conserve heat (also a good security feature).

Good idea... I've noticed that many buildings have a vestibule that is heated to a higher temperature than the building. There seems to be a lot of wind coming from the vents too. I wonder if that helps keep the building's heat from escaping outside every time the door is opened.

[PatrickO`D]

Originally Posted by Hostels

Good idea... I've noticed that many buildings have a vestibule that is heated to a higher temperature than the building. There seems to be a lot of wind coming from the vents too. I wonder if that helps keep the building's heat from escaping outside every time the door is opened.

The vents are there to provide positive air pressure, this helps to keep out dust but mostly to ward off flying insects from getting into your lobby. While I am here, you can add cleaning agents that are non-toxic and non-corrosive to that list. TP made from recycled paper is another one.