"Waste management is becoming a crucial issue for the hotel and guesthouse sector. It's a challenge we must face immediately, before it spirals out of control", said John Power, Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation at its AGM in Kilkenny today. Addressing over 400 delegates, Mr Power said Ireland has developed an international image of being a clean, green, unspoilt tourism destination. However, we have now arrived at the point where all sectors in society must play their part, he said, paying more vigilance to the conservation of the environment. Hotels and guesthouses, as the largest sector in tourism, have a fundamental responsibility to lead by example in environmental issues.

Mr Power urged all hoteliers to implement the IHF's Environmental Code of Practice, which outlines practical measures that can be taken to benefit the environment across all areas of a premises' operations.

"Tourism is Ireland's largest indigenous industry, and with this comes responsibilities - one of which is the need to recognise and participate positively in environmental issues", said John Power. "The time has come for all businesses to take more responsibility for the amounts of waste being generated on their premises and to promote recycling".

He said there is challenge to us all to undertake initiatives, but also to minimise waste being created at source.

"It is time for us to work together with the relevant agencies, including Repak, the industry compliance scheme and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as local authorities, to develop ways to practically contribute to our conservation of the environment. To assist members identify ways in which to achieve this the IHF has produced a Code of Practice for its 900 members, based on the guide issued by the Federation last year, entitled A Natural Shade of Green. This code suggests good environmental practices that can be implemented by the tourist accommodation sector and provides practical guidance," said John Power.

The IHF's Environmental Code of Practice highlights the benefits of an effective environmental management system, focusing not just on the area of solid waste and waste management, but also on energy efficiency; water conservation; effluent and emissions; product purchasing and people.

"Making a difference to sustain our environment is not rocket science. Every hotel and guesthouse regardless of size, can actively reduce, minimise and recycle as part of the national effort. For example, hotels can have a policy to reduce their electricity usage through such methods as setting their lighting on timers; refrain from keeping electrical equipment such as TVs on standby mode; give guests the option of not having linen and towels changed daily; use cloth instead of paper napkins; consider using a water reclaiming unit for laundry; reduce the amount of chemical cleaners and air deodorants used and purchase goods that are packaged using recyclable materials. These are just some of the ways in which we can effectively contribute - small changes can make a tangible, lasting difference - not just to the environment but also to your business", concluded John Power.