Is Going Green at Hotels Going Too Far? Toilet Paper, and Cash?
- Ryan Hookey
- 4 minutes ago
- 2 min read
In recent years going green at, major hotel brands like Marriott have made big pushes toward sustainability — ditching plastic straws, removing single-use toiletry bottles, and even scaling back complimentary water bottles. But for many travelers and employees alike, this raises a cheeky but practical question:

What’s next — no toilet paper, no pools, and no cash?
Let’s take a closer look at these concerns and separate myth from reality.
🧻 Will Hotels Get Rid of Toilet Paper?
Short answer: No.
Toilet paper is a basic hygiene item, and there's zero indication Marriott or any other major chain is planning to remove it. However, some eco-conscious hotels have introduced bidet attachments or dual-flush toilets to help reduce paper and water usage.
You might also notice a switch to recycled or FSC-certified toilet paper, which helps reduce environmental impact without taking away comfort.
So don’t worry — you're not going to be left hanging in the restroom.
Going green can be fun.
🏊 Will Hotels Close Their Pools to Save Water?
Again, very unlikely.
Pools are a top-selling feature for vacationers, families, and business travelers alike. While hotels might be adopting more efficient practices like:
Energy-saving pool pumps
Low-chlorine or saltwater systems
Timed lighting and heating
They’re not draining the pools altogether. In fact, hotels often showcase pools in their marketing because they add serious value to the guest experience.
Water-saving changes may happen behind the scenes, but your morning swim is safe.
💳 Are Hotels Going Cashless?
Now here’s where change is actually happening.
Some Marriott properties — especially in cities or at airports — are moving toward cashless operations for security and efficiency. This includes:
Digital check-in/out via mobile app
Tap-to-pay systems at cafes or gift shops
Credit-only policies at select hotel markets
That said, cash is still widely accepted across most Marriott properties — particularly where local laws require it or in countries where cash is still the norm.
Pro tip: When traveling, always check ahead if your hotel accepts cash.
🌱 The Big Picture
Sustainability at hotels is about reducing waste, cutting energy use, and meeting guest expectations — not removing the basics. Marriott and similar brands are trying to balance eco-responsibility with guest comfort.
Here’s what you might notice more of in the future:
Filtered water stations instead of bottled water
Bulk soap/shampoo dispensers
Optional towel/sheet reuse
Compostable coffee pods or cups
Smart thermostats in rooms
But you’ll still have a clean pool, a roll of toilet paper, and probably a few ways to pay.
Bottom Line: Going green doesn’t mean going without. It just means doing things smarter — and more sustainably. So the next time you check in, bring your reusable water bottle and enjoy the amenities guilt-free.
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