Your Five Senses - No Greenwashing!

Calling all "greenwashing" poser hotels across the country - you better "Green-Up," because iStayGreen.org is the new environmental/consumer voice watchdog in town.

It can be difficult for consumers to truly know if a hotel is really eco-friendly or just greenwashing with slick PR.  Frustrating and confusing in the least.  This is where Richard Varner, founder of iStayGreen.org, steps in and gives the travel consumer a soapbox for their heartfelt voice.

It's all about accountability.  This accountability will come via a strong iStayGreen social network.  This network will give consumers a powerful grassroots tool to make a difference.  This voice should only grow, as Americans interest and concern for the environment grows.

Richard Varner states, "Our members separate fact from hype. We've created a social network structure, much like Facebook, where our members can rally together to support the cause of environmental sustainability. Our users provide in-depth hotel reviews, but unlike TripAdvisor and other similar review sites, our members review and rate the property's eco-friendliness. Our membership will create tremendous social pressure, forcing hoteliers to be transparent and environmentally responsible."

It is interesting to see the impact of social networking and how people from around the globe will gravitate together for a worthy belief.  As a fellow road warrior, I will now take a closer look at the places I choose to call home while on the road.  I was getting inundated by the concept of green and how do I best participate - but now have found a better clarity of purpose.

Please share your travel stories and your environmental discoveries of properties that are making the effort to do better.