Traveling is a common experience for most in the Western World who think nothing of jumping on a plane, flying to another city or country to conduct work and business or simply enjoy a holiday away from home.

The impact of travel on the environment is clear with evidence showing airtravel contributes to lethal carbon emissions, alongside the fumes emitted from driving our cars,  buying tourist goods made in factories which pump smoke into our sky and leak runoff into streams, and buying petrol from companies who destroy our oceans with oil leaks.

It would be great to avoid all these terrible evils, but sadly, living in an eco-bubble is not reality for most of us.  It is reassuring to see that many companies, businesses and individuals alike are taking small, and sometimes large, steps towards ensuring they are not damaging our unique environment.

When traveling it is sensible to think green when planning accommodation.  For most travelers hotels and motels are the most common type of residence chosen for sleep.  Largely, they can accommodate large amounts of waste-producing people, at reasonable prices, but not without cost to the environment.  Energy waste, water usage, toxic cleaning products, copious amounts of laundry are all associated with accommodation sites.  Searching for a sustainably run hotel/motel is difficult, as most hotels are slow to fully convert their business practice into the world of green, as the change can be too dramatic for some to handle, and the perceived cost involved too big.

However, it is reassuring to see that many hotels are taking small steps to play a part in the waving the eco banner.

I recently stayed at the Quality Resort Sorrento Beach in Perth, Western Australia.  With breaktaking views of the Indian Ocean straight out my front door, non-stop sunshine in the middle of winter, a nearby marina packed with resturants, cafes, bars and people, and a white sandy surf beach that stretched for miles, it certainly was a dream weekend getaway.

This Resort is not run sustainably by any means, but it is, like many hotels, on the path to taking some responsibility to include practical environmentally sustainable initiatives.  Swapping light bulbs for energy efficient ones, using solar lighting in some areas, implementing a recycled cardboard service and advocating for reduced towel washing among guests are among some of these simple practices implemented here.

Big businesses like these can put huge strains on our environment and natural resources as they strive to meet customer demands- as consumers, we play a part in this as we pay to use such services, often without regard for the effects on our planet.  It is easy to point the finger, but taking small steps ourselves towards sustainability can contribute towards eco-living.  And as consumers we can be mindful when staying in hotels.  Being considerate of the water supply, not leaving heaters or airconditioning units on unnecessarily, reusing towels and bed linen are some examples.  All of these little steps we take as individuals, add up to bigger steps, and they can also set an example for others to follow.