How hotels are upgrading their sustainability efforts

Running a more environmentally friendly hotel is becoming part of day-to-day operations for major American hospitality chains, which are exploring new ways to save on costs while giving their properties greater ethical appeal. 

At the Home2 Suites by Hilton, scraps of soap leftover in the shower after guests check out are purified and recycled, preventing 600,000 pounds of soap from heading to landfills.  

Marriott International is aiming to cut food waste in half and electricity usage by 30 percent by 2025, and remove all plastic straws from its 6,500-plus hotels by July this year.  

Westin and Sheraton brands have brought down water and energy usage and reduced carbon emissions across the board.