Hotels & Sustainability: Why Lost & Found Policies Matter More Than Ever

PRESS RELEASE

By Susan Shipp, 911 Cell Phone Bank

Travelers today aren’t just booking hotels for cozy beds and scenic views. They want properties that demonstrate genuine care for the planet.  According to an article by Hotel Tech Report, which drew from more than 50 datasets including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and Statista, sustainability is top of mind for today’s travelers. More than 80% say it influences their hotel choice, and nearly 70% are willing to pay more for environmentally responsible accommodations.

From eco-friendly operations to waste reduction programs and green certifications, guests are actively seeking hotels that align with their values. For properties that embrace these practices, the payoff is clear: environmental stewardship paired with guest loyalty, stronger reviews, and even the ability to command higher rates.

One often-overlooked area where hotels can advance sustainability while reducing risk is in how they manage unclaimed items in lost and found,  especially electronic devices. Improperly discarded electronics contribute to the growing global e-waste crisis, while devices that still contain guest data can create serious privacy and liability risks.

This is where a partnership with the 911 Cell Phone Bank (911CPB) makes sense. The 911CPB is a nonprofit that helps hotels and businesses securely dispose of or recycle unclaimed electronic devices. Once personal data has been erased, many of these devices are repurposed to become lifelines for victims and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.

The benefits are threefold:

• Environmental protection: Electronics are kept out of landfills, reducing toxic waste.

• Liability reduction: Strict data erasure safeguards guest privacy and lowers legal risk.

• Reputation building: Supporting nonprofits like 911CPB strengthens a hotel’s CSR/ESG profile and demonstrates authentic sustainability commitments.

In today’s travel landscape, sustainability isn’t just about solar panels or water-saving showerheads. It’s also about how hotels manage what guests leave behind. By adopting responsible lost-and-found practices, hotels can protect the planet, safeguard privacy, and build lasting trust with their guests.

To find out more about, visit 911cellphonebank.org.