Likewise, waste management can be a major headache for many countries, both in terms of transportation and final disposal. As an eco-conscious traveller, you will, of course, have already purged excess packaging and disposable items from your luggage, but it is always worth double-checking – and then throwing as little away on holiday as you can. After all, it is hardly “responsible” to stretch already limited resources that bit nearer to breaking point. The world has lost around 30 per cent of its untouched habitats in about as many years and a significant proportion as a result of tourism. Responsible travelling is not an exercise in being a kill-joy – it simply encourages us all to take a careful look at our holiday plans and be aware of the effect that they are likely to have.

Hotels listed in this area of You Pick the Price must meet at least (1) of the following criteria's:

Green Key Rating Descriptions:

A hotel that has taken first steps to reduce environmental impacts by analyzing its operations and identifying opportunities for improvement. An action plan focusing on resource conservation and waste minimization has been established, and is supported by a firm commitment to continual improvement.

A hotel that has taken considerable strides to identify environmental impacts and implement policies and programs to minimize its ecological footprint. A firm commitment to continual improvement has resulted in programs and actions that have shown effective results.

A hotel that has taken significant steps to protect the environment. b environmental programs, best management practices, training programs, and engineering solutions have been implemented which have benefited the environment and the local community.

 A hotel that has shown national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through its wide-ranging policies and practices. The hotel has mature programs in place that involve management, employees, guests, and the public, and which have shown substantial and measurable results.

A hotel that exemplifies the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations. The hotel employs cutting edge technologies, policies, and programs that set the international standard for sustainable hotel operations.