Citizen hotelier: hotel chains are developing green initiatives.

• Author: Dethloff, Charles
• Position: COLUMN: HOSPITALITY

ISN'T IT AMAZING HOW nature concentrates its power to create events that humbles humanity and negates our technology? In the aftermath of such occurrences it brings mankind together regardless of politics, borders, or customs.

We now face an event of such magnitude that we can no longer ignore our personal ecological responsibilities. Mankind must make peace with nature to ensure the continuation of our own species. I believe Al Gore's brilliance in his approach in communicating the looming cataclysm that will ensue due to global warming has united people from all walks of life, and given them one common understanding and purpose, survival. If we do not focus our attention on green sustainability, conservation of natural resources and personal reduction of our own carbon footprint then the earth will not sustain us. Mr. Gore has turned the tide of separation and division on this subject with scientists, politicians and board rooms around the globe. Now the responsibility lies with each of us to change our ways. Nature is truly powerful and once again has our full attention.

I am proud to be an American because as a society we' are coming together to shape our future by demanding our institutions to recognize their roles in solving this avoidable disaster. With every green vote we cast in upcoming elections and by patronizing retailers who buy from green manufactures we are shaping the eco-political landscape for our children and grandchildren. Each of us has the power to keep our species alive by making changes in our lifestyle and deciding what is important and what is not.

The hotel industry hears this message loud and clear. Greening of hotels has been in progress for the past several years. The industry has made great strides in this endeavor from water-saving shower heads and low-flow toilets to asking guests to conserve on towel usage in order to save water and reduce the...