I recently contacted 30 suppliers of green amenities and asked them to send me a summary of what new and “hot” products they will be making available to the lodging industry in 2013. Eleven companies responded to my query and I put together the collection of responses into an article posted on the Green Lodging News website this past week. While in a perfect green world all properties would be using dispensers to dispense soap, shampoo and conditioner, reality is that just is not going to happen any time soon. (According to the 2012 Lodging Survey, only 6 percent of respondents said they use liquid soap dispensers in the bathroom.)
A lot has changed in the hyper-competitive amenity space in the last 10 years and suppliers of amenities in plastic bottles have certainly gotten more eco-sensitive to what is in their products and how they are packaged. God forbid anyone should find out animal testing was done in a product’s research and the use of many types of ingredients are now considered sinful as well.
Phthalates, for example, are a group of chemicals often used in soap and shampoo. They are suspected to be endocrine disrupters—chemicals that may interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, or elimination of the body’s natural hormones. Two companies mentioned their products are phthalate-free.
The Problem with Parabens
Five companies mentioned their products are free of parabens. Why is that important? Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives. They are becoming increasingly controversial, however, because they have been found in breast cancer tumors. Parabens have also displayed the ability to slightly mimic estrogen—again, not something you should be providing as an “amenity” to your guests.
Several companies now include additives within their plastic tubes or bottles to accelerate the disintegration process in a landfill. Let’s face it, many containers are still ending up there. Companies also mentioned using recycled content in their packaging, recyclable packaging, and less material in packaging. Soy-based ink is also common. Ink made from soy is a much more favorable alternative to ink made from petroleum.
You almost need to be a chemist in order to know what questions to ask of your amenity suppliers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about product ingredients or packaging. Be suspicious of companies that still use questionable ingredients in their non-green product lines.
If you claim to run a green establishment, you need to take your amenities seriously. Like so many other items within your property, they are a reflection of your values. Consider ingredients. Consider packaging. Keep product lifecycle and carbon footprint in mind. And, finally, align your business with suppliers who share your values. Thankfully, you have so many green product lines from which to choose—for every property type.
Got questions or concerns about green amenities? Experienced greenwashing? Been pleased with a product’s performance? I would love to hear from you. I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com, or by phone at (216) 848-1406.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for 2013?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2013. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2013 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. A media kit can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Social Networking Sites
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
