BY ANGELA FAIRHURST
In the heart of Washington, D.C., the Marriott Marquis reflects Marriott International’s commitment to environmental stewardship. As one of the city’s largest LEED Silver-certified hotels, the Marriott Marquis has embraced a robust sustainability program, marking its 10th anniversary with the introduction of Sustainability Concierge Stephanie Miller. With Miller’s expertise and a comprehensive array of green initiatives, the hotel offers guests the opportunity to enjoy their travels while making a positive impact on the environment.
THE ROLE OF THE SUSTAINABILITY CONCIERGE
Miller is a local expert on zero waste and she happens to be the founder of Zero Waste in D.C. With a distinguished background as the former director of climate business at the World Bank Group and the author of “Zero Waste Living, the 80/20 Way: The Busy Person’s Guide to a Lighter Footprint,” Miller is well-equipped to guide guests in adopting sustainable practices while traveling and during their stay. Her mission is to help guests understand and reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the amenities of the hotel and exploring the surrounding neighborhoods. Here, Miller shares 10 of her favorite sustainable — and practical — travel tips:
Book Direct Flights: Nearly a quarter of the fuel used in flying is expended during taxi, takeoff, and landing, a figure that can rise to 51% for shorter flights. Opting for direct flights can significantly reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding the extra fuel consumption associated with these phases on connecting flights.
Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: To combat plastic waste, travelers can easily carry a reusable water bottle. The Marriott Marquis provides strategically placed filtered water stations throughout the hotel, ensuring guests have access to clean, sustainable drinking water.
Opt for Digital Receipts: Reducing paper waste is another easy step. Whether you’re booking flights, trains, or event tickets, choose digital receipts and boarding passes.
Bring a Reusable Coffee Mug: Many coffee shops, including the Starbucks at the Marriott Marquis, welcome the use of personal mugs, reducing the reliance on disposable cups.
Pack Your Own Snacks: Avoid the plastic packaging and high costs of airport snacks by bringing your own. This not only reduces waste but also ensures you have your favorite treats on hand.
Eco-Friendly Dining: Work to support eco- friendly restaurants when traveling. The Marriott Marquis helps guests do this by providing a list of establishments with plant-forward menus, locally sourced ingredients, and sustainable practices.
Sustainable Transportation: When traveling, consider how you can best explore the city by using sustainable transportation. Walking, subways and other rail systems, bike shares, and electric scooters can all be effective and fun ways to explore your destination.
Explore Local, Sustainable Attractions: Check with your hotel’s concierge desk for guidance on local tours that emphasize sustainability, including walking, bicycling, Segway, and electric scooters as ways to tour the city.
Reuse Towels and Sheets: By reusing linens during short stays, guests can help conserve water and energy. The Marriott Marquis supports this practice with in-room signage encouraging towel and sheet reuse.
Pack a Reusable Tote: A reusable tote bag can eliminate the need for single-use bags when shopping for souvenirs or groceries.
From Stephanie Miller’s expert tips to the hotel’s thoughtful green initiatives, the Marriott Marquis proves that even small choices can contribute to a more sustainable future for travel and beyond.
