Choosing a green honeymoon destination is easier than you might think. Before booking your honeymoon destination, call or email each destination with the following list of questions.
- Is the lodging locally owned and staffed? Keep in mind that local is best, but in some cases weather or transportation issues makes local staffing impossible. Staff may live at a lodge during specific seasons.
- What sort of energy does the lodging rely on? It is powered by alternative energy sources such as wind or solar? Do they offset any energy usage?
- Is their water us sustainable? Ask about low-flow shower heads and toilets and rain barrels systems. Don’t forget to ask about laundry as well. Some lodging is holding off washing bedding and towels daily unless specifically asked by the customer. That’s a good thing. No one needs their sheets washed daily.
- Does the building have any eco-credentials; for example is it LEED certified?
- If room service or an on-site restaurant is offered, do they offer local and organic meal choices? If you’re considering an ocean or beach resort they should have some sustainable seafood criteria in place.
- Are organic or other eco-friendly materials used for room textiles like towels, bedding, robes and so on?
- Do they offer organic or eco-friendly body care products such as soap, shampoo and lotion?
- Do they furnish with sustainable furniture such as pieces made with bamboo or FSC certified wood?
- How do they dispose of trash? I know, thinking about trash is not fun but you should find out if the lodging composts, recycles and limits waste when possible.
- What sorts of extra amenities does the lodging feature and is it eco-friendly? For example are energy star refrigerators used in rooms; do they offer a natural swimming pool vs. a chlorine pool; natural spa treatments; and so on.
- Does the lodging respect the earth around it? For example, is nature still intact surrounding the lodging. If tours are given do they also respect the natural area?
- Does the lodging support any community organizations, eco-organizations, local eco-initiatives (think beach clean-ups and animal conservation) or other socially ethical non-profits?
Try not to aim for perfection. Eco-friendly policies are growing among the tourism industry, but they have a long way to go. It’s rare to find 100% green lodging. Decide what matters most to you – organic food or organic sheets? Recycling or offsetting energy use? Many lodging choices offer some but not all of the eco-friendly aspects listed above so aim high but don’t aim for perfection or you may not find a honeymoon destination.
