The Voice of Innkeeping Vol 3 Issue 5 July 2018 | Page 23

Q&A

he guest kitchen is uniquely

different for each inn or B&B. While some properties may have a number of kitchenettes for guests in various rooms or floors, some have a simple snack bar near the lobby for guest use. Whatever the size, shape, or style, each area can be a green oasis in no time at all! These subtle changes in food displays, cleaning products, and low-energy appliances will enhance the feeling of freshness and warmth for each entering guest.

Ditch the Wrappers, Buy in Bulk

Instead of offering an assortment of individually wrapped granola bars or bags of chips, why not stock up on healthier options in bulk for a self-serve experience? Think of the candy station at some grocery stores, where one can scoop their preferred amount of sweets into a baggie for weighing at the register. Leave a stack of unique, lightweight bowls near a line-up of snack jars and, voila, no more extra waste! This is a great opportunity to be creative — for bowls, consider investing in lightweight and reusable bamboo, or start collecting those lonely floral or chinoiserie patterned pieces from thrift stores or yard sales for a

quaint collection

for your guest to

choose from.

For a disposable

option, try to

find bowls made

of recycled

materials!

T

Kermit the Frog once said “it’s not easy being green” — how wrong he was! Going Green at your property is a great way to reduce your impact on the planet and make your guests feel inspired to do the same at home, all while saving you a ton of money! This month, we look at how to make small and substantial changes in the guest kitchen, an oft overlooked aspect of the guest experience.

By Sarah Mahnke