NATIONAL REPORT—Whether for disposing of trash or for holding items purchased in a hotel or resort gift shop, bags—unless they are used over and over again—have historically been a detriment to the environment. There are not a lot of things that are created just to be thrown away but most bags fall into this category. Plastic bags account for 10,000 tons of landfill space in the United States. It takes a thousand years for a plastic bag to naturally degrade. Less than 1 percent of plastic bags are recycled each year. Plastic bags are blamed for the annual death of more than 1 million birds and 100,000 marine animals. Paper bags are not exactly environmentally efficient either. Compared to a plastic bag, it takes more than four times as much energy to produce a paper bag. In a landfill, paper takes up nine times as much space, and paper bags generate 70 percent more air and 50 times more water pollutants than plastic bags.

CHICAGO—In honor of Earth Day 2010, PoopBags, Inc., which sells 100 percent biodegradable dog waste bags, is giving away an electric bicycle and complimentary reusable bags to help people reduce their carbon footprints and live a greener lifestyle. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for every 500 miles an electric bike is used in place of a car, an average 25 gallons of fuel is saved.

BROOKLYN, N.Y.—JAR Innovations introduces Throwawayz biodegradable disposable bags for used tampons and small pads. Throwawayz’ color and size offers the ultimate in discretion and ease of use. The product contains no chemical additives. The Hepititis Foundation International highly recommends that all used feminine hygiene products be disposed of by enclosing them in a sealed plastic bag.

ORLANDO, FLA.—The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently welcomed the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center into the Florida Green Lodging Program. The resort is one of the largest in the state to participate. In addition, the resort announced the rollout of a new guest communications program, called “We’re Eco-Logical,” designed to share the spirit of the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives with guests and meeting planners. “Together with the citizens of Osceola County, we have created one of the most successful meetings and conventions resorts in Florida,” said Kemp Gallineau, senior vice president and general manager.

WINCHESTER, VA.—Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), a leader in durable facility maintenance solutions, introduces its new Two Stream Glutton Recycling Station. The Two Stream Glutton Recycling Station combines the Glutton and Slim Jim strength and durability into a fully integrated station that provides sorting capability and containment for up to two waste streams.

SEDONA, ARIZ.—The Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel is following in the responsible footsteps of its sister property, the Kings Ransom Inn, by converting 95 guestrooms into EcoRoom Accommodations. The positive guest reviews, good corporate citizenship and savings from reduced utility and waste costs convinced the owners it was the proper path to follow.

LAS VEGAS—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas, two Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., Las Vegas resorts, the agency’s WasteWise New Partner Gold Achievement Award. The Gold Achievement Award is presented to new partners that implement successful comprehensive waste reduction programs that epitomize the objectives of the EPA’s WasteWise program. The first casino entertainment company to be awarded an EPA WasteWise Gold Achievement Award, Harrah’s is also the only national casino entertainment company to belong to the EPA’s WasteWise member list. “Harrah’s Entertainment employees at the Bally’s Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas hotel implemented an impressive array of programs that continue to have a positive impact on the environment and help educate employees and the general public alike,” said Ronald Vance from the EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery.

PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE—The management at Machaca Hill Lodge, located in southern Belize, is offering guests another way to preserve the sensitive environment surrounding the rainforest canopy lodge. The PURE H2O station allows eco-conscious travelers to refill their aluminum water bottles, provided upon check-in, whether they’re heading out on an adventure or spending time by the pool.

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes FoodBizSupply.com as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. FoodBizSupply.com is a source for more than 400 sustainable tableware, paper products, catering supply products, to-go packaging, bags, green cleanup supplies, and much more.

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—Pineapple Hospitality, a distributor of green hotel products and marketing programs for the hospitality industry, has partnered with CynerGreen to provide a “bottle free” solution for hotels and meeting planners looking to reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint. CynerGreen offers a complete line of hydration products and services. CynerGreen is one of several companies that have recently partnered with Pineapple Hospitality.