Happy Spring Break! Even while on vacation, I find that I can’t turn it off. Here are some things I’ve noticed:

 
Day 1
Good
From our hotel balcony, I noticed some ”cool roofs” (white in color) on some buildings around us. All the lamps in our room are fluorescent.

Bad
At the nice complimentary evening buffet, the hotel uses disposable table service items (cups, plates, utensils and napkins). They even serve the adult beverages in plastic!

Opportunities
I could use the plastic bin I brought along that contains the family clementine supply to collect compostables and take them back to Austin. Also, the pool-side shade structures might make a good place for solar panels.

Day 2
Good
In the morning when I went to exercise, I noticed that the weight room had a motion sensor for the lights. My husband, son and I shared disposable utensils and bowls/plates at breakfast and returned our unused packages of utensils and condiments at lunch.

Bad
The hotel cleaning staff replaced our towels that we left hanging up, despite the flyer on the bedside table stating that a towel on a rack meant “I will reuse this.” I communicated that this was not acceptable at the front desk, because we DO intend to reuse our towels!

Opportunities
I saved our adult beverage plastic cups to reuse at the buffet and bar tomorrow.

Day 3
Good
We saved our waistlines and prevented food waste at lunch by ordering three dishes for five people. Beyond food and postcards, the only item I purchased was a used fleece jacket at Goodwill. And the towels weren’t changed out in our room!

Bad
We blew our gas-powered vehicle free day, with a diesel-powered boat ride.

Opportunities
My husband and I could play the game called “No More Plastic Cups from Hotel Buffet.” We win, if we use no more than the five “disposable” cups we have currently rinsed and ready to go when we check out.