The United Nations and the World at large, today celebrate World Water Day. The event aims to raise activities at both local and international levels to increase awareness as to water consumption and to work on finding new sources of drinking water, especially as it has been estimated that one fifth of the World's population suffer4 water scarcity since 1993. Among the outstanding activities of World Water Day is the promotion of the Green Hotel notion. Al-Massa newspaper of Thursday, March 14, carried a brief news item reporting that a new project is underway to enhance ecotourism through the introduction of environmental requirements that have to be fulfilled by existing and yet to be established hotels. The project shall be jointly launched by the Ministry of Tourim and the Ministry of Environment and shall involve the conversion of existing hotels into Green Hotels, as well as the increased use of new and renewable energy and the integrated waste management, starting from collection to recycling. Green Hotels are environmentally-friendly properties whose managers are eager to institute programs that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste-while saving money-to help protect our one and only one earth. Being green goes directly to hoteliers' bottom line, and a higher long-term value of your property. Being green goes directly to your front doors which open wide to bring guests back again and again. Being green goes directly to keeping staff long-term because management clearly cares for their health and well-being. When energy-saving measures are introduced, such as energy management systems, fluorescent bulbs, ceiling fans, linen cards, lights out cards, motion sensors for public rest rooms, meeting rooms, exercise rooms, etc., energy bills are much reduced. When water-saving equipment and techniques are introduced, such as low-flow showerheads, 1.5 gpm aerators, serving water on request only in restaurants, 1.6 gpm dishwashing valves, low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, toilet tank fill diverters in older toilets and linen cards, water bills are reduced dramatically. Waste hauling is a huge expense for a hotel which can be lowered drastically through recycling and avoiding wastefully-packaged products. Hoteliers can ask vendors to deliver products in minimal wrapping. Vendors can be asked to deliver products one day, and pick up the packaging materials the next day. Being green means guests, staff and management are healthier. When odors, fumes, soot, droplets and residues of toxic, poisonous chemicals are not in the air, on our food or on anything we touch, we are not absorbing or breathing them. Sooner or later all properties will be sold, and any green property will demand a higher price because it is value is much enhanced by lower utility bills per square foot, its healthier aspects and owner care. None of us can be really green without the smart, innovative vendors who provide green products and services. Being green means supporting green vendors, listening to their sales staff, purchasing their products and services and cheering them on.
