A growing green movement allows hotel guests to fund tree planting projects simply by opting out of daily room cleans. This approach turns an ordinary hotel stay into a direct contribution to nature.
Founded in the Netherlands, the nonprofit “Hotels for Trees” operates on the principle that one skipped cleaning equals one new tree. It has planted more than 750,000 trees since 2021. Similarly, Sarnia Hotels in Guernsey donates ￡2 per refused clean. Since 2024, over 3,300 services have been cancelled, raising sufficient money to plant 1,100 native trees and hedgerows.
Simplicity has been central to this success. Guests do not need to collect points or follow complex rules. Transparency is another strength, with websites displaying planting progress. Yet without careful planning, trees may be planted in unsuitable areas or left without proper maintenance, reducing their long-term ecological benefit.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片:AdobeStock
一場日益風行的綠色環保運動讓飯店房客只要選擇不進行每日客房清潔，即可資助植樹計畫。這種方式將一次普通的飯店住宿變成對大自然的直接貢獻。
成立於荷蘭的非營利組織「旅宿換樹」，其運作原則是：每取消一次客房清潔，就等同於新種一棵樹。自2021年以來，該組織已種植超過七十五萬棵樹。同樣地，位於根西島的「薩尼亞飯店」集團每當住客拒絕一次客房清潔，就會捐出兩英鎊。自2024年以來，已取消了超過三千三百次客房清潔，籌集到的資金足以種植一千一百棵原生樹木和樹籬。
簡單易行是這場運動成功的關鍵。住客不須累積點數或遵守複雜的規則。透明度也是另一項優勢，網站會展示植樹進度。然而，如果沒有縝密規畫，樹木可能會種植於不當區域或是缺乏適當維護，從而降低其長期的生態效益。
Words in Use
1. skip vt. 不做（常做∕應做的事）；跳過（本文的 skipped 為過去分詞作形容詞用）
Henry skipped the meeting because he was feeling sick.
亨利因為不舒服，所以沒有參加會議。
2. contribution n. 貢獻
The scientist made a major contribution to the field of medicine.
這位科學家對醫學領域做出了重大貢獻。
3. donate vt. 捐贈
Many people donate old clothes to help poor families in winter.
許多人在冬天捐贈舊衣服來幫助貧困家庭。
4. sufficient a. 足夠的，充分的
We need to make sure we have sufficient evidence before the trial.
在進入審理程序之前我們需要確保擁有足夠的證據。
5. unsuitable a. 不合適的
This movie is unsuitable for young children because it is too scary.
因為這部電影太恐怖，所以不適合幼童觀賞。
Practical Phrases
1. take root （某做法∕想法∕觀念等）生根∕萌芽
The idea of “remote work” has taken root in many companies since the pandemic.
自疫情以來，「遠距工作」的觀念已在許多企業開始發展。
2. opt out of. . . 選擇不參加∕退出……
opt vi. 選擇
Jack decided to opt out of the game due to a leg injury.
傑克因為腿傷決定退出比賽。
3. be central to N/V-ing 對……很重要
Hard work is central to achieving your goals in life.
努力是實現人生目標的關鍵。
What Did You Learn?
What might happen if tree planting is done without proper planning?
參考答案 :
Trees may be planted in unsuitable areas or
left without proper maintenance.
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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