HotelChatter

Global Soap Project: You know how when you stay at a hotel for one or two nights, you typically come nowhere close to using the whole bar of soap? Or, worse, housekeeping gives you a new one every day? Back in November, the Global Soap Project reached 1,000 participating hotels that donate used soap to be recycled into new bars that are sent to those in need around the world. According to GSP, more than 2.6 million bars of partially-used soap are thrown out every day in the United States. You can find a participating hotel and learn more on their website.

Westin Green Choice:Westin Properties will give you a $5 voucher for select food and beverage outlets or 500 Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints at checkout for each night you decline housekeeping. They've run the numbers, and claim that one night without housekeeping can save 49 gallons of water. Seems like an easy five bucks to us -- is your room really that dirty? Those just wanting housekeeping to run a vacuum should request not to have their sheets washed and simply hang up their towels.

Kimpton Hotels Earthcare Partnerships: By mentioning "The Trust for Public Land" when calling or adding "TPL" to the rate code box, guests will receive a 15% per night discount and $10 of the daily room rate will be donated to The Trust for Public Land, an organization that helps to create parks in cities across the US. Mention "The Nature Conservancy" or put "TNC" in the rate code box, and a tree will be planted on your behalf as part of the Plant A Billion Trees Campaign. The 15% discount also applies here, and ten bucks per night will be donated back to the Nature Conservancy.

Did you recently stay somewhere with a green program that impressed you? Or, are you a hotel owner who recently launched one? Let us know about it in the comments below.

[Photos: GreenHotels.com/Flickr:pauldateh]