The importance of sustainability in the foodservice and hospitality industries cannot be overstated. Sustainability saves us money by reducing spending and waste. It helps our environment. And it also gives us a public relations advantage over competing operations that don't care about efforts to be "green."

Consider the data. Studies show that 83 percent of today's travelers think sustainability is vital. In addition, 73 percent of travelers are more likely to choose an accommodation that uses sustainability practices over those that do not. Clearly, this signifies a financial advantage in addition to just perception, primarily driven by one crucial demographic in today's marketplace. No matter where you look in food and beverage, travel and tourism, or hotels and hospitality, today's sustainability-conscious consumers are more likely to be Millennials than any other generation.

The Importance of Sustainability in Hotels and Hospitality According to Millennials

Millennials are demanding sustainability on their vacations, especially in a post-COVID pandemic world. They are driving the ever-expanding ecotourism boom, and they want hotels that embrace green and sustainable practices. 

"Millennials are twice as likely to support brands with strong management of environmental and social issues, and expect brands to not only manage their impact but communicate it," Diana Verde Nieto, co-founder and CEO of Positive Luxury, says.

Need more proof? Statistics show that 63 percent of this demographic are willing to spend more on sustainable goods, and 88 percent of younger consumers would prefer to purchase from brands that are committed to sustainability. So, if we all agree that sustainability is good for cost savings, the environment, positive PR, and enticing a growing demographic, then what can hotels do to engage in these efforts?

How to Make Your Hotel More Sustainable:

REUSE AND RECYCLE.

One of the easiest ways to start -- and the one thing environmentally conscious people look for over just about anything -- is the ability to recycle and reuse. There's nothing worse for a recycling-happy hotel guest than having to throw a soda can into the trash. In addition, towel and sheet reuse programs let guests know you're serious about conserving resources like water and energy. Of course, conserving these things is also more cost-efficient.

One area where hotels can make an immediate impact is by replacing single-use containers with reusable alternatives. Instead of throwing away money and crowding waste bins, hospitality operators can use reusable containers made from materials like melamine. Bauscher Hepp's HU line from Dalebrook provides these types of takeaway and delivery options. With a versatile product line consisting of bowls, plates, and platters -- combined with transparent lids -- foods are protected with packaging that can be reused and not thrown away.

TRAIN STAFF.

Training is a critical part of any sustainability efforts because, at the end of the day, it's people who will have to enact the policies. Teach staff members to turn off lights. Encourage housekeeping to dispose of trash in the proper receptacles. And make sure everyone is on board with your property's overall sustainability efforts. Ultimately, implementing effective sustainability practices in the hospitality industry will require a comprehensive training program for hotel staff. To achieve this, a structured curriculum should cover critical aspects such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and water management. Training should emphasize the importance of reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling initiatives, and adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices such as reusable towel programs.

GO WITH VENDORS WHO GO GREEN.

Finally, the products you use in your hotel will directly impact the overall sustainability efforts of the operation. From commercial refrigeration that cuts down on refrigerant and energy consumption to buying locally sourced ingredients from a regional farmer, sustainable partnerships can provide many of the same benefits described in the passages above.

Another critical partner in sustainability can also be your dinnerware, flatware, and tabletop providers. Selecting socially conscious porcelain can show a commitment to green energy, and replacing buffet linens with alternatives can signal a desire to reduce water consumption. In reality, there are many ways tabletop manufacturers and partners can help hospitality providers become more sustainable in their overall efforts. Consider collections like ReNew from Playground. Made from 90 percent recycled ceramic material, ReNew combines sustainability-minded manufacturing with a beautiful and versatile product line.

How can you know? Be sure to ask your vendors if they carry any certifications for their own company-wide commitments to sustainability. Conduct research to determine how their products are manufactured. And then, consider talking to local representatives to learn more about specific products.