How to Help the Planet from Home
Tips inspired by Fairmont’s Sustainability Programs
Fairmont is committed to providing guests with a luxurious yet eco-friendly experience in Canada’s outdoor playground through various sustainability initiatives. We’ve compiled tips and action-oriented ideas for you to help the planet from home– inspired by four Fairmont properties in Canada’s Western Mountains.
eat more plants
Eating a plant-based diet is one of the easiest ways to have a positive impact on the environment. Try adding a few more plant-heavy meals in your home cooking routine. Need a little inspiration? You’ll love this fresh and delicious strawberry arugula salad recipe from the kitchens at the Fairmont Banff Springs.
recycle, recyle, recycle
Whether you recycle at home or choose products made from recycled materials, you’re helping to save energy and reduce water pollutants. Fairmont partners with Soap for Hope Canada and Clean the World in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Whistler to recycle soap left behind in guest rooms and distribute to vulnerable communities in over 120 countries.
upgrade water-wise fixtures
Faucets, showerheads and toilets in your home could be wasting more water than necessary. The installation of low flush toilets and showerheads could help you save water (and money) every month. Between 2015 and 2021, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise reduced water consumption by 20,000 m³ by upgrading to low flush toilets and showerheads. This breaks down to 3.9 gallons of water saved per flush and 1.5 gallons of water saved per minute from the showers.
REduce plastic use
We are all aware of the harm plastics cause to wildlife in our forests, oceans, and cities. Swapping plastic bags for re-usable totes, traditional toothbrushes for bamboo, and plastic containers for glass jars are examples of small but proven ways to reduce plastic use. Like all Accor hotels, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is committed to eliminating single-use plastics in their guest experience. For example, the hotel has eliminated plastic water bottles from restaurants, banquets and guest rooms, and only compostable to-go food containers are in use.
USE ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTS
For every watt drawn by an incandescent bulb, over 95 percent of the energy is wasted as heat. By swapping these for LED or CFL lightbulbs, you can save energy (and money) each month. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has converted all light fixtures at the resort to energy efficient bulbs.
TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS
We all know turning the lights off when you leave a room will help save electricity and lower your utility bills. But consider other ways to save light, like turning off porch lights and using solar-powered lawn lights instead. Or turn off kitchen lights to enjoy a candle-lit dinner. Jasper Park Lodge takes action to turn off unnecessary lights and protect our night sky from light pollution. After all—Jasper National Park is the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserve in the world!
SOURce locally when possible
The shorter the distance food travels from the farm to your plate, the fewer fuels and energy is used in transportation. Fairmont Banff Springs sources more than 75% of products from Alberta and other Canadian provinces.
GROW herbs and microgreens
Add extra flavor and freshness to your diet by growing herbs, such as basil, parsley, rosemary and mint and microgreens like dill, spinach, arugula and celery. Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s rooftop herb garden and beehives inspire culinary delights while attracting bees and local pollinators.
set visual reminders
Until sustainable actions become routine, visual reminders can help prompt sustainable decisions. A houseplant, landscape painting, or upcycled décor in your home or office will remind you to make better choices for the planet. Check out this living green wall at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise; it is part décor, part reminder to improve air quality.
Find More Inspiration
Click here to learn more about Fairmont’s environmental mission and Accor’s social sustainability program.