The Best Western Rio Grande ownership and staff believe in conservation and supporting vendors and companies that seek alternative energy that does not pollute when possible. We have many policies and procedures in place that make our hotel less of a consumer and more green. Here are some of the green practices in place:                 

• The Rio Grande Inn uses ProTerra soap in all guest rooms: ProTerra soaps are made with all natural and organic ingredients. It contains no artificial colorants, no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil and is cruelty free (never been tested on animals). Shampoos are made with nourishing soy protein and the bath bars are made with kiwi seeds for exfoliation.          
• We have (and have had for 6 years) installed low energy compact fluorescent bulbs in all of our 173 guest rooms. 
• We have draught tolerant plants and desert landscaping to conserve water.  All of plants are on a measured drip irrigation system.
• We recycle all cardboard and newspapers. We recycle over 150 pounds of cardboard per week on average.
• We have a water conservation program available for guest participation in our guest rooms. For guests staying more than one day, bed linens are washed every third day unless the guest specifically requests that we change the sheets. Towels that are hung on the racks are not laundered. If you want the towels exchanged just leave them in the tub.
• We have climate controlled air-conditioning units from Amana.
• We buy local products and produce to reduce the miles on what we purchase as much as possible.
• We print our in-house documents on both sides of the paper and used recycled paper products.
• We gift worn linens, office equipment, mattresses, curtains, and more to our employees and local organizations.
• We have a book and phone charger exchange for guests to take and leave items that may be of interest for other guests.  This is located in our restaurant in the red “pie safe” cabinet.
• We participate in the Mayor’s Keep Albuquerque Beautiful campaigns through the effort put together by the Greater Albuquerque Innkeepers’ Association
• We no longer place bottled water in our meeting rooms, unless specifically requested by the event planners.
• We dispose of all E waste responsibly. Albuquerque offers free E waste recycling on occasion and we take advantage of it.
• We recycle cell phones that hotel and hotel guests no longer use to local charities.
• We offer many vegetarian and meatless menu options on our menu in the Albuquerque Grill. Industrial meat production requires huge energy inputs and creates noxious waste problems. The proliferation of factory farms is damaging the environment, and the global nature of the industry creates conditions that promote the spread of diseases such as avian flu, potentially costing society more than just money.