For those who support the green movement and pay attention to the size of their carbon footprint, trips for business or pleasure are tough.  Out of our usual environment, it becomes difficult to practice even the simplest and smallest of green routines.

If your destination is Los Angeles, consider the four-star Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites.  Located in the Downtown area it is the first Green Seal certified hotel in the city* (certified in August 2009).

The Bonaventure started scheduled renovations early in 2009 and it proved to be a perfect time to accept the "Green LA" challenge.  The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau works with the local lodging industry to achieve an "Environmental Leadership Standard", and the Bonaventure is the largest hotel in the city and the first in the downtown area to get recognized through this program.

The Bonaventure received a "Silver" rating based on its green practices to minimize waste, recycle, use energy efficiently, conserve and manage energy, conserve and manage water use, eliminate hazardous substances and in environmentally-sensitive purchasing.

Changes that were made include switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs, sorting all solid waste to remove recyclables and organic waste from its waste stream, switching to green-certified cleaning products, encouraging guests to change towels and sheets only when necessary and printing or copying in double-sided mode.

The head chef uses only local produce and is steadily increasing the amount of organic ingredients.

The basic setup for conventions provides recycling bins in addition to waste bins, and water stations with pitchers and reusable glasses instead of bottled water.

Managing Director Michael Czarcinski has received feedback from guests and event organizers that selected the Bonaventure because of its green certification.

Staying at the Bonaventure or other green lodging, allows you to practice your personal green habits, to support a green business, and to support the green movement.  It's almost like being home.

Read more about staying green while on the road: "Living Green on the Go".

*LA got its second Green Seal certified hotel on November 19, 2009 in the Radisson Los Angeles Airport Hotel.