Caring for Our Planet: How to Travel Sustainably and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Earth Day, which falls on April 22, 2023, is a movement that has been growing since 1970 to help drive protection for our planet and precious environment. Part of Earth Day is recognizing that we all have a part to play in protecting our planet and creating positive change. Many of our travelers are becoming much more focused on making eco-friendly decisions and if that sounds like you, we have gathered some of our top tips to help you become a more sustainable traveler. 

choose sustainable transportation

Once you arrive at your destination, consider exploring the area on foot or by bike. Not only is it great for your health, you’ll also be reducing emissions and air pollution caused by motor vehicles - it’s a win-win! Many of the cities where you will find a Coast Hotel property offer affordable bike or scooter rentals nearby that are a really fun way to explore. During your stay, if you need to get to or from a nearby airport, many of our airport hotels offer free shuttle services. This is a great way to conveniently access your destination while also reducing the number of emissions produced. 

If you find yourself traveling by car frequently, electric vehicles are another great option to consider. If you’re booking a stay and plan on driving an electric vehicle, Coast Hotels has 10 locations equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles; so be sure to ask our friendly reservation staff when completing your booking. 

be mindful of energy usage 

When you’re away on a vacation or a business trip, it’s easy to forget about things like energy usage, but you may be surprised at the impact this small adjustment can make in the bigger picture. When leaving your room we encourage guests to turn off lights and electronics such as the TV, and adjust the thermostat to a more energy-efficient temperature. At check-in, guests have the option to select daily housekeeping services for multi-night stays or participate in our Refreshingly Green™ opt-out program, which provides both privacy and eco-friendly benefits.
reduce waste

We know that single-use plastics are a massive contributor to our current environmental crisis and often when people travel, they use even more single-use plastics than they normally do. To combat this, pack a reusable water bottle in your luggage and refill it inside your hotel room or at a refill station. To take it one step further, if you know you’re likely going to be grabbing takeout frequently, consider packing some reusable travel cutlery. Where possible, say no to single-use items such as plastic straws and cups - the earth will thank you! 

When waste is created, make sure to properly recycle your items. Recycling is an important element in reducing garbage that goes to landfills and incinerators. Not only does it save on energy, but recycling also cuts down on the number of new materials we need to take from our environment. Many Coast Hotel locations offer recycling programs, so make sure to ask our friendly staff if you have any questions! Plus, we offer large format, refillable liquid soap and shampoo dispensers to reduce plastic waste and our keycards are made from 40% recycled plastic! 

support local businesses

Another simple way to make a big impact is by supporting local businesses while you travel. Local stores and restaurants tend to get their supplies locally, which means less transportation is required to get those goods to their destination. This helps reduce emissions and lessens the carbon footprint that is associated with packaging and delivery. Eating at local restaurants also helps support local farmers, who are a critical part of the local economy. Plus, eating local means better quality foods that taste amazing! Many of Coast Hotels' onsite restaurants feature sustainable and locally sourced ingredients used to provide our guests with delicious seasonal cuisine. 

By making these small changes to our travel habits, we can all make a big difference in protecting our planet. Coast Hotels is committed to being environmentally responsible and encourages guests to join us in our efforts. Travelers can make their trips more sustainable and contribute to a brighter future by opting for eco-friendly transportation, being conscious of energy consumption, minimizing waste, and supporting local businesses. We invite you to learn more about Coast Hotels' Refreshingly Green™ initiatives.