Ownia vs Greenwashing
First of all… what is greenwashing?
According to Earth.org greenwashing is essentially when a company or organization spends more time and money on marketing themselves as being sustainable than on actually minimizing their environmental impact.
It’s a deceitful advertising method to gain favor with consumers who choose to support businesses that care about bettering the planet. Greenwashing takes up valuable space in the fight against environmental issues, like climate change, plastic ocean pollution, air pollution, and global species extinctions.
Our mission in Ownia Collection is to fight against greenwashing and make sustainable travel as real and accessible for travelers worldwide as possible.
How to identify greenwashing
- Don’t trust the stickers on the door that say the hotel or tour operator is environmentally certified. Instead, look at the corporate disclosure documents on their websites.
- The excessive use of plastic
- Recycled slogans about sustainability
- Focusing their efforts only on towel cards in the bathroom – it’s more an economic saving than an environmentally responsible action and most times housekeeping changes the towels anyway.
How to identify sustainable hotels
- Look for third-party certifications and recognitions. Independent certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Green Globe provide a reliable measure of a hotel’s sustainability practices.
- Hotels offer more recycling and composting options.
- The resort serves more plant-based and local/seasonal foods
- Environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems are installed or use alternative energy sources.
- In bathrooms, water-saving measures such as low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators are telltale signs that a property is serious about helping the environment.
- Corporate culture – employees are strongly committed and live according to the hotel’s green values
- Volunteer programs and activities to support local communities
Check out our member's hotels best sustainability practices
At Ownia Collection, sustainability is based on 12 impact pillars. Every hotel or resort in our collection is committed to each of these pillars focusing not only on not damaging the environment but on regenerating it.
Here are some key practices commonly implemented by sustainable hotels:
- Energy efficiency: Sustainable hotels prioritize energy conservation by using energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems. They may also incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels or geothermal heating to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Water conservation: To minimize water consumption, sustainable hotels employ measures such as low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient landscaping. They may also implement greywater recycling systems to reuse water for non-potable purposes.
- Waste reduction and recycling: These hotels implement comprehensive waste management systems that prioritize waste reduction, recycling, and composting. They encourage guests to participate in these practices through clearly labeled recycling bins and initiatives like towel and linen reuse programs.
- Local and organic sourcing: Sustainable hotels prioritize sourcing locally produced food and products to support local communities and reduce carbon emissions from transportation. They may also incorporate organic and seasonal options, minimizing the use of pesticides and promoting healthier ecosystems.
- Conservation and preservation: Many sustainable hotels actively engage in conservation efforts by protecting and restoring natural habitats, implementing wildlife conservation initiatives, or supporting local conservation organizations. They may offer educational programs or guided tours to raise awareness among guests.
- Community engagement: Sustainable hotels strive to positively impact local communities by providing employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and participating in community development projects. They may collaborate with local organizations to promote cultural exchange and provide guests with authentic local experiences.
By implementing these best practices, sustainable hotels prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and guest satisfaction, creating a holistic approach to sustainable and responsible tourism.
let you green travel journey begin!
When visiting any of our member hotels, don’t forget to ask for the sustainability tour! Here you will be able to see with your own eyes all the efforts and best practices our hotels do in order to become more sustainable.
By booking with us, you have the guarantee that you’re genuinely booking a sustainable vacation, supporting eco-traveling, and making a positive impact on the world.
Click here to start your eco-traveling journey https://owniacollection.com/
