An eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the natural environment. The basic definition of an eco-friendly hotel is an environmentally responsible lodging that follows the practices of green living. These hotels have to be certified green by an independent third-party or by the state they are located in. Traditionally, these hotels were mostly presented as ecolodges because of their location, often in jungles, and their design inspired by the use of traditional building methods applied by skilled local craftsmen in areas, such as Costa Rica and Indonesia. These improvements can include non-toxic housekeeping practices, the use of renewable energy, organic soaps, energy-efficient light fixtures, and recycling programs. It is beneficial for these hotels to get certain certifications in order to be environmentally compliant. One beneficial certification specifically for hotels is the LEED certification. A LEED-certified hotel provides benefits to the environment through energy efficient practices. An eco hotel should follow a set of best practices in order to do their part to benefit the environment. Some of these best practices include serving local organic food in restaurants, reusing linens when a guest is staying for more than one night, and incorporating in-room recycling and composting programs. Hotels that have these certifications and best practices can attract environmentally conscious travelers and stand out from other hotels. Criteria An eco hotel must usually meet the following criteria: Dependence on the natural environment Ecological sustainability Proven contribution to conservation Provision of environmental training programs Incorporation of cultural considerations Provision of an economic return to the local community Characteristics Green hotels follow strict green guidelines to ensure that their guests are staying in a safe, non-toxic and energy-efficient accommodation. Here are some basic characteristics of a green hotel: Housekeeping uses non-toxic cleaning agents and laundry detergent 100% organic cotton sheets, towels and mattresses Non-smoking environment Renewable energy sources like solar or wind energy Bulk organic soap and amenities instead of individual packages to reduce waste Guest room and hotel lobby recycling bins Towel and sheet re-use (guests can tell housekeeping to leave these slightly used items to reduce water consumption) Energy-efficient lighting On-site transportation with green vehicles Serve organic and local-grown food Non-disposable dishes Offers a fresh-air exchange system Greywater recycling, which is the reuse of kitchen, bath and laundry water