Our Sustainability
Policy 
Northwest Portland International Hostel recognizes the importance
of an ongoing commitment to environmental, socio-cultural, and
economic responsibility.
Environmental Impacts:
Since we opened in 1998,
Northwest Portland International Hostel has implemented policies and
procedures that address waste reduction, reuse of goods, recycling,
wastewater management, environmentally sensitive purchasing, energy
efficiency, and other issues that affect the resources of our planet.
We make every effort to encourage
recycling at our facilities and to prevent waste from reaching the
landfills. We provide blue recycling bins in each dorm and in the
self-service kitchens. The bins are clearly labeled to make recycling an
easy task for everyone. We also provide educational displays to increase
the awareness of recycling. Our staff is well trained in sorting
recyclables from non-recyclables to make sure the recycling program is
successful.
We use low flow faucets, showerheads,
and toilets to reduce water usage. Since our guests don’t expect laundry
service each day when staying on, and often bring their own linen and
towels, we cut down on washer and dryer use, and water and detergent. We
are committed to use environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies,
laundry detergents, and dish soap, and low energy lights where
practical. We provide post-consumer recycled toilet paper and pay
attention to minimize paper usage in our daily operations, for example,
we use both sides of paper.
Only 20% of our guests arrive driving a
car and we encourage all our guests to use public transportation when
staying with us. Upon check-in, each guests gets a brief explanation on
Portland’s great public transportation system (free in the downtown
area!) and we provide maps and schedules for the major bus, light rail,
and streetcar lines. If you need a car, please consider using a
car-sharing service.
Socio-cultural
Impacts:
Northwest Portland International Hostel
is part of the worldwide Hostelling International network with the
mission to “help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding
of the world and its people through hostelling.” We are working hard to
create a world where intercultural dialogue and responsible travel are
part of every individual’s experience.
We provide a safe, clean, and affordable
environment with common areas designed for travelers to interact, so
they can get to know each other, have fun times together, and learn
about other cultures. Beyond that, we are dedicated to offer activities
that encourage interaction. For example, every First Thursday we lead
hostellers on a walking tour through the free Art Gallery Openings in
the Pearl District to expose our international guests or travelers from
other parts of the USA to our local community. We also celebrate American and International
holidays at the hostel. For example, on Thanksgiving we prepare turkeys
and ask each guest to prepare a side dish. And lastly, we offer
educational programs for travel preparedness and cultural sensitivity to
Girl Scouts, high school students, and adults.
Since 1998, we have supported the summer
concerts in our two neighborhood parks financially, and through
representation on the Portland Parks & Recreation Committee that helps
organize the concerts. Each summer around 250-900 neighbors enjoy each
of the six free concerts and children activities that foster a safer
neighborhood and an appreciation for the arts.
Our staff participates in the local
neighborhood clean-ups, and also gets their hands dirty when pulling
English Ivy in nearby Forest Park on No Ivy Day in May. We always invite
hostellers to join our efforts to keep our neighborhood clean and reduce
the adverse consequences from invasive English Ivy in our ecosystem!
Economic impacts:
Over 11,000 travelers stay with us every
year. They save money on lodging when staying with us, however, surveys
show that they spend around $70 daily outside of lodging, supporting
restaurants, shops, and attractions in our community. Our staff is well
trained to provide information on locally owned restaurants and
businesses to encourage patronage. We provide a folder with menus of
restaurants within walking distance. Our local events display boards are
update three times per week to provide the most accurate information on
things to do in Portland and to ensure that our guests will enjoy their
stay with us.
