This eco-friendly hotel offers a ‘climate wake-up call’ to visitors

The phrase “wake-up call” has been used for years in connection with the climate crisis, as policymakers continue to sleep through each new warning sign. Now, a self-described “eco-obsessed” hotel is reclaiming the phrase and offering its guests a literal wake-up call with environmental themes.

In place of the standard wake-up call from its concierge team, Hotel Marcel in New Haven, Connecticut, gives guests the option of a “climate wake-up call,” where they can hear facts about the warming planet from leading voices on the subject, including CBS’s David Pogue and ClimaData’s John Morales.

Hotel Marcel is the country’s first hotel to operate fossil fuel-free, using 100% renewable energy. Kentucky ad agency Cornett developed the wake-up call idea.

Here are the recordings from Pogue and Morales:

Climate Wake-Up Call: David Pogue

Climate Wake-Up Call: John Morales

Hotel Marcel is also launching a website with tips to support a sustainable lifestyle. On-site touchpoints include signage and a lobby phone encouraging guests to schedule their climate wake-up calls.

“Other hotels have hit the snooze button when it comes to our changing climate,” said Bruce Becker, owner and developer of Hotel Marcel. “As the leading fossil-fuel free hotel in the United States, we are committed to being part of the solution. Our ‘Climate Wake-Up Call’ delivers important messages to guests with the help of respected climate change activists who share our hope for a global awakening to the realities of our warming planet.”

As part of the campaign, Hotel Marcel will be donating a portion of proceeds from guest stays to New Haven Climate Movement, a youth-led grassroots organization that promotes climate justice, green jobs and healthy communities. 

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