Hostels are growing increasingly aware of the immediate need for conservation and changes in our gluttonous habits towards the Earth’s limited resources. As a result, there are more and eco-friendly hostels emerging around the world. Check out some of our hostels doing their bit to save the planet...
 Hostelling International
Washington DC, USA
This hostel just eight blocks from the White House is one of the greenest hostels in North America and is committed to being a positive force on environmental issues. Each floor has its own recycling centre, where they promote the recycling of aluminum, glass, paper and plastic. But that’s not all…the paper used at reception is 100% recycled; compact fluorescent light bulbs are used throughout the city and the soap used in the kitchen is environmentally friendly. They even show documentaries on environmental topics once a month. If you feel the people at the White House aren’t doing their bit to help the environment but you want to help when you are in town, make sure to stay here.
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 Hedonisia Hawaii
Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii, USA
For those wishing to enjoy an affordable stay on the tropical island of Hawaii and do their bit to help the environment at the same time, Hedonisia Hawaii is the perfect place. Located in Pahoa on Hawaii’s ‘Big Island’, rather than use new materials, the hostel was made from donated and free materials. Most of the products which are used are also recyclable and renewable products such as bamboo. But by far the most interesting feature of Hedonisia Hawaii is their eco-friendly toilet which looks out over the jungle. As Mojo, the hostel’s manager describes it, ‘it’s an eco-friendly toilet with a view!’
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 Hostel One66
Singapore, Singapore
Deep in the heart of Singapore, one of South-East Asia’s most popular cities with travellers, Hostel One66 has decorated its hostel with uniquely recycled materials. The signboard at the entrance is made from a discarded PVC door and children play mat, the lamp is an unwanted Keorsense lamp converted into an electric lamp, while the table holding their computer is a recycled sewing-machine table so you can exercise your legs while on the internet making it the healthiest way to surf the net! The local newspapers have called it "The Karung guni Hostel", ‘Karung guni’ meaning rag and bone men who pay you a small fee for your unwanted stuff.
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 Gyreum
Sligo, Ireland
Direct from Middle-Earth and nestled snugly in the Irish countryside, this solar and wind powered eco-lodge is constructed from renewable resources, including sheep wool insulation and a ‘living roof’. Designed with a reverence to the natural world, the structure aligns to the dawns and dusks of the summer and winter solstices when beams of light enter into the great central hall.
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 Hostelling International Boston Downtown
Boston, USA
Located at the birthplace of the American Revolution in Boston’s Back Bay, H.I. Boston is at the forefront of another uprising – the movement towards environmentally conscious lifestyles in bustling urban jungles. This hostel not only provides guided tours of the Freedom Trail and kayak trips down the Charles River, but also an eco-program that pushes both staff and patrons to be stewards of the earth by offering recycling stations, energy efficient lighting and appliances, recyclable carpet and low-flow plumbing.
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 Grampians YHA Eco-Hostel
Grampians, Australia
Situated in Grampians National Park, the YHA Eco Hostel is the epitome of eco-friendly living, utilizing solar hot water and state-of-the-art energy and water conservation techniques to reduce consumption to approximately 50 percent of the standard hostel. Free-range eggs are available from the resident chickens and seasonal organically grown herbs, vegetables and fruit tantalize the senses. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, Grampians offers its guests park tours, camping and fishing expeditions and, not for the faint of heart, rock climbing and rappelling excursions. For those who prefer serenity to adrenaline, there are wine tastings and constant views of the native wildlife meandering through the hostel’s landscaped gardens. At dusk, kangaroos congregate to eat on the hostel lawn.
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 Reykjavik City Hostel
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a country steeped in natural beauty, from tremendous icecaps and explosive geysers to steaming solfataras and magnificent waterfalls. Reykjavik City Hostel, one of the capital’s top hostels, has received awards for both its responsible treatment of nature and its excellence in service and quality. Located next to one of the great geothermal swimming holes in the city, this hostel promotes energy monitoring, erosion control and extensive recycling services, while offering its pampered guests high-speed internet access, laundry service and fully equipped kitchens.
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 Deepdale Backpackers Hostel
Burnham Deepdale, England
Built around a partially covered stable courtyard and dating back to the seventeenth century, Deepdale transcends time, mixing old world traditions with new age amenities. Located on a working farm, which in 2004 was voted the most beautiful farm in Britain, the hostel engages in all forms of environmental and energy conservation including the use of solar panels for all accommodations. Deepdale is currently working with major universities to explore new forms of environmental approaches such as water recycling, wind turbines and bio-diesel fuel.
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 Enigmata Treehouse Ecolodge
Camiguin, Philippines
Channel your inner Swiss Family Robinson with a stay in this state-of-the-art treehouse, overlooking the ocean and surrounded by white beaches, soaring waterfalls and bubbling hot springs. Operated by a vibrant artist and environmental protection group known as the Enigmata Creative Circle, the treehouse’s existence and operation is a testament to environmental awareness, offering biodiversity workshops and conservation seminars. Visitors can dine in the outdoor garden among the blooming rain trees or spend an evening in the treetop bar and lounge, gazing at the stars. Those seeking personal reflection can retire to the poolside poets’ nook or the meditation corner perched atop the treehouse.
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