Development Threatens Endangered Sea Turtles in Los Cabos, Mexico

SAN JOSE DEL CABO, MEXICO—The last private preserve for nesting beaches of endangered sea turtles in Los Cabos is being threatened by a land dispute between the founder of environmental group ASUPMATOMA and a developer from Sinaloa, Mexico. Rene Pinal, owner of the San Cristobal Nature Preserve and founder of the non-profit organization ASUPMATOMA (Association for the Environment and the Marine Turtle in Southern Baja) is battling a Sinaloa-based company from building on his property consisting of more than three miles of pristine shoreline.

> Developers Will Build Michigan Wellness Resort to LEED Standards

BATTLE CREEK, MICH.—Deep Lake, a wellness resort planned here, will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The Battle Creek township has approved the Planned Unit Development for the resort which is situated on 300 rolling and wooded acres with five lakes. The plan includes multiple conference rooms, wellness center, spa, dining room, and 122 guestrooms. The Village at Deep Lake, a community of 137 homes, will surround the resort.

> Great Smoky Mountains Sustainable Tourism Summit Wraps Up

KNOXVILLE, TENN.—The Great Smoky Mountains Sustainable Tourism Summit, designed to kick off and honor the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, recently brought together more than 500 community leaders and tourism professionals for two days of “green” discussions. Governor Phil Bredesen provided key remarks during the opening session, which included the participation of Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Tennessee Congressman John Duncan, North Carolina Congressman Heath Shuler, Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam.

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Carrier Introduces Centurion Rooftop ‘PD’ Series
SYRACUSE, N.Y.—Carrier Corp., a unit of United Technologies Corp., is launching the new Centurion rooftop “PD” series. Based on its award-winning Centurion rooftop product line with environmentally sound Puron refrigerant, the PD series provides single-zone, variable-cooling capacity and fan speed control in one, single-package rooftop.
Master-Bilt to Feature Energy-Saving Products at NRA Show
CHICAGO—Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of premier commercial refrigeration systems, will display their energy-saving equipment and technology at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show May 17-20, 2008 at McCormick Place in Chicago, booth No. 7213.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts to Serve Organic and Fair Trade Certified Starbucks Coffee
PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Beginning this month, a steaming hot cup of coffee at Wyndham hotels not only will taste great, it will feel good, too, especially to guests concerned about preserving the environment and supporting small, family coffee growers.

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Well, I did it. I purchased a flat-screen LCD television. After weeks of research and too many encounters with salesmen at the big box stores, I gave in. Anyone who has tried to shop for these things can relate to what I am talking about. It is not easy to figure out the terminology and abbreviations attached to today’s TVs. There is also a bit of sticker shock. Gone are the days when you could pick up a TV for a couple hundred bucks and still feel like you are keeping up with the times. For those of you who have yet to purchase flat-screen TVs for your guestrooms, all I can say is, “I feel your pain.”

I read an estimate recently that about 18 percent of guestrooms in the U.S. lodging industry now have high-definition (HD) flat-panel displays. Expect that percentage to grow quickly. Today’s travelers, many of whom have HD televisions at home, expect the same on the road. The TV I purchased did have an Energy Star label but right now that does not mean very much. Why is that so?

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FRESH: Reclamation Program to include Bedding Fabrics

Valley Forge Fabrics’ reclamation program will now include FRESH bedding fabrics. High thread count, supple hand and innovative clarity will put this bedding on the desired list of every specifier and guest. Made of 100 percent recycled polyester, 118” wide, soft like cotton & available in 16+ designs. Call (800) 223-7979.

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Valley Forge Fabrics Inc.

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LEED-Pursuing Gaia Hotel Opens in Anderson, California

ANDERSON, CALIF.—Gaia at Anderson, a new 122-room green hotel, has opened here. It is the second Gaia hotel in California to be developed and opened by Wen-I Chang. The first was the Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa in American Canyon. That 133-room hotel property opened in October last year.

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Mexico’s Eco-Resort Boca de Iquanas Hires Sustainability Manager

COSTALEGRE, JALISCO, MEXICO—Boca de Iguanas, the newest eco-resort project along Mexico’s pristine Costalegre, has named Lorena Vargas sustainability manager responsible for eco-friendly programs that reflect the project’s commitment to the environment.

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How to Squeeze Energy Savings Out of Your Laundry Operations

As the manager of your property, you know every inch of it. That’s helped you identify key areas where green practices can be employed to save the facility in expenses and create a better feeling for guests staying on the property. Now be honest, have you taken a close look at your laundry?

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