Saving Green by Going Green

Eco-friendly, earth-friendly and sustainability are common terms used on packaging when purchasing goods such as appliances, air-conditioning units, wood materials, and even fabrics. Often, they are associated with saving money. At the same time, the ever-changing climate has created a desire for a more conscientious lifestyle.

Many vacationers are looking for these “green” types of stays. Not only is making your Bed & Breakfast eco-friendly good for business; it also helps leave less of a carbon footprint on Mother Earth, which is beneficial for everyone. Take a look around your Inn and see where you can save money, protect the earth’s resources, and potentially reduce your risks. 

Celebrate Earth Day, by going green using these 12 simple tips.

1. Switch light bulbs to LED and CFL bulbs

They may initially be more expensive than the average halogen, however, these bulbs produce 70 to 90% less heat, reducing the risk of fires or burnt fingers. The use of these type bulbs make it safer for your guests and easier on your wallet long term. In fact, LED bulbs are known to last up to 17 years if used for only 8 hours a day. 

2. Incorporate real plants in your décor

Swap your faux plants for real ones! Studies have shown that plants clean the indoor air by increasing humidity, absorbing toxins, and producing oxygen. They also give off a strong eco-friendly vibe that your guests will love. Plants are where design meets the environment and where eco-friendly travelers reside. 

3. Switch to energy-saving appliances

Upgrade your appliances to Energy Star certified. On average, 13% of your energy bill is from appliances alone. Switching to energy-efficient ones will help cut down on that cost. Additionally, they use less water. 

4. Reduce water use

One of the simplest ways to reduce water is to upgrade your fixtures. By doing so, you eliminate pollution caused from wasting water and help abate our ever-increasing problem of climate change. Upgrading an older toilet is one of the best improvements to prevent water waste. If that is too big of a purchase, look at replacing the toilet flap. This small change can have a large impact on saving water. A low-flow showerhead is another way to reduce water waste. It can reduce water consumption by 40% over the standard shower head without affecting the water pressure.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that on average Americans use 100 gallons of water per day. Reducing water waste will substantially save you money and have a huge positive impact on one of our most precious resources.

5. Look for leaky pipes 

We have all heard the drip, drip, drip sound coming from a faucet that you are positive was turned off. It is so important to make sure that your faucets are in good working order and not wasting water. A leaking tap that drips one drop per second is said to waste 3,000 gallons of water in a year’s time. This can significantly impact our water supply. Improperly working faucets can escalate into other major problems like mold buildup. According to the EPA, don’t ignore the drip as 10% of your current water bill could be going down the drain. Detect these risks before they create a costly issue. 

Not all leaks are created equal. Make sure to check underneath the sink, toilet, and any plumbing at your Inn. By purchasing a leak detector, you will be notified if a leak occurs. It will not only save you money but will also help reduce the risk of property damage.

6. Clean fridge coils

Those dusty coils in the back of your refrigerator can cost you money and add to greenhouse gas emissions. Make sure to unplug your fridge before vacuuming the dust from the coils. Of all the kitchen appliances, the refrigerator uses the most energy. Cleaning the coils will dissipate heat causing your appliance to cool more efficiently. This also can help reduce your chances of having to pay more for a costly repair.

7. Upgrade your thermostat

By switching to a smart thermostat, you can control heating and cooling from your phone, tablet, or even a voice automation device like Alexa. Smart thermostats allow you to have complete control over the indoor temperature of your Bed & Breakfast. Some devices even let you know when you have chosen a temperature that is saving energy. Nest, a well-known smart thermostat, gives the owner the ability to adjust the temperature depending on if there are guests occupying a room or not, therefore saving energy when it is unoccupied. Although these powerful devices sound a little pricey, there are many on the market for every price range and function. 

8. Have recycle bins available

Providing a recycle bin on the premises is one of the easiest eco-friendly upgrades to make to your property. Studies have shown that placing a recycle bin within close proximity to your trash can will encourage guests to recycle. Inform visitors which items can be placed in the bin with a simple sign. This makes it easy for everyone to do a small part in helping the earth.

9. Switch to biodegradable/compostable trash bags

Another small step in the right direction of sustainability is to switch from regular plastic trash bags to biodegradable ones certified compostable. The average plastic trash bag takes 10 years to disintegrate in a landfill. Biodegradable certified compostable trash bags take 3 to 6 months to decompose. The price difference between the greener choice is only a few dollars. It’s a small change that can have a big positive impact on our earth.

10. Prevent air leaks in windows 

Air leaks result in a great amount of unnecessary energy being used to heat and cool your Bed & Breakfast. Repairing leaks can save your energy bill anywhere between 5 to 30%. Take the time to caulk around the windows where the frame meets the exterior of the building. Remember to replace weather stripping so leaks don’t occur. Flashing around doors is the most important factor to prevent moisture intrusion. Locating air leaks in your property can not only save you money but make your Inn more efficient by saving on energy. Taking these precautionary measures to ensure all cracks are sealed will also help with the ever-changing spring weather. 

11. Create an eco-friendly bed

Buying an eco-friendly bedding set might sound very expensive. However, don’t lose sleep over it. Many options are just as affordable as any other comforter, sheets set, or pillowcases on the market. Look for guidelines like Global Organic Textile Standard, Fair Trade, Cradle to Cradle, and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX. These stamps of approval mean the product was ethically sourced, responsibly labeled, organic, and safe. After upgrading your bedding, you may want to consider purchasing an eco-friendly mattress to reduce toxin emissions in the air. The conscious consumer is looking for properties that align with their belief system of reducing toxins/chemicals and conserving the earth’s resources. By upgrading your bedding, you can market your property to a new niche of eco-friendly travelers.

12. Make your landscaping eco-friendly 

Spring is the season for new growth and rejuvenation. Look around your Inn for environmentally friendly ways for you to create sustainable landscaping that will help conserve water and energy. If your area has mandated water restrictions, consider an automatic irrigation system. It allows you to control the amount and length of time you water your lawn, shrubs, and plants. Xeriscaping is drought-tolerant landscaping. This helps dry regions where water is conserved. Choose native plants from the region you live in because they will easily adapt to your environment. Whenever possible, use recycled bricks, stones, or concrete items to design your space instead of buying new. Recycled plastic can be used for fencing and decks. Eco-friendly landscaping is good for the earth and your wallet. 

Sustainable living benefits us all. There are simple ways to make your Bed & Breakfast earth-friendly saving you money and creating a new niche of travelers. Go green to save green! And, remember to take time to check on your insurance so your Inn is fully covered and up to date with CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance. 

Speak with one of our CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance experts or request a consultation!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

How Your Bed & Breakfast Can Help Small Businesses How is Innkeepers Insurance Different from Homeowners Insurance?