By Anne Marie Brainard

For the growing number of conscientious travelers who seek to make Earth- and animal-friendly choices , comfort comes with peace of mind .

Now that approximately 8 million Americans identify as vegetarian or vegan — and millions more frequently opt for meat-free meals and buy products that are animal- and eco-friendly — forward-thinking hotels are paying attention . Pillows and comforters are free of down . Bathrooms are stocked with crueltyfree toiletries . Restaurants are offering more plant-based choices . And hotel doors are wide open to guests ’ animal companions .

Pillow Talk

Compassionate consumers can rest easy now that more hotels are moving away from using pillows and comforters filled with down — the soft feathers that grow closest to the skin of geese and ducks .

On farms , frightened birds are often restrained while workers pull out fistfuls of feathers . Some are left with gaping wounds that are stitched up with a needle and thread , and they aren ’ t given any painkillers . These gentle social beings are plucked every six weeks until they ’ re slaughtered .

The industry ’ s claims about using only

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