NATIONAL REPORT—With Earth Day (April 22) just a few weeks away, properties around the United States have announced steps they are taking to celebrate—everything from seed giveaways to the unveiling of an ecological quilt. At Andaz San Diego, as part of a Spring Celebration package, guests who arrive in hybrid cars will get free valet parking. The package also includes a free glass of local wine and a packet of assorted seeds to plant. Guests staying at Andaz San Diego on Earth Day can enjoy the 22nd Annual EarthFair at Balboa Park, the largest free environmental fair in the world.
“All it takes is one seed to cultivate an idea that leads to positive environmental change,” said Rachael Giannecchini, marketing manager of Andaz San Diego. “We hope this getaway inspires travelers to live more sustainably and enjoy our green offerings as well as local events commemorating Earth Month and Earth Day.”
As part of the Charles Hotel’s 2011 Earth Day Campaign, the hotel will be launching the following new initiatives: Green Tip of the Day, cork recycling program, thermostat adjustment program, and Down to Earth Package. The Cambridge, Mass.-based hotel’s Green Tip of the Day will be presented to guests every day in April through guestroom TV welcome screens, elevator screens, iPads at check-in, and through social media. The hotel’s ReCork cork recycling program will allow staff to recycle wine bottle corks. They will be placed in a box housed at the in-house restaurant. Staff will adjust the temperature to save energy in all guestrooms and public spaces.
Cookbook Given Away
As part of the Down to Earth package, guests will receive overnight accommodations in a deluxe guestroom; a signed copy of Chef Peter Davis’ cookbook, “Fresh & Honest;” use of the Hotel Bike Program, featuring Electra Amsterdam Classic Bicycles, along with helmet, map of the city and U-style lock and key; and breakfast in bed provided by room service or breakfast for two in the hotel’s restaurant, Henrietta’s Table.
The James hotels are offering their guests an easy way to observe and conserve from April 17 through April 23—public transportation. In New York and Chicago, The James properties are giving away complimentary MTA and CTA transportation cards for guests upon request. Instead of hailing a cab or renting a car, business and leisure travelers can support Earth Day by using public transportation.
The James hotels in New York and Chicago already have environmental programs in place. The hotels provide in-room cards to allow environmentally conscious guests to specify whether they wish to have their linens and towels laundered daily or refreshed every third day. In addition, the properties have implemented an in-room recycling program and print all hotel communications on recycled paper. The hotels have also teamed up with an eco-friendly bedding supplier and offer guests a selection of eco-friendly pillows.
Quilt to Be Unveiled on Earth Day
At the Hotel Monteleone, a press conference will be held on Earth Day to unveil an ecological quilt, “Beyond the Horizon,” commissioned by civic activist Penny Edwards. The event will include an exhibition featuring displays from the Audubon Institute, New Orleans Museum of Art, National Global Green, On Wings of Care, and several other organizations. Click here for more information.
At Grand Velas Riviera Maya, the resort’s Green Escape Package will give travelers the chance to see and learn about the property’s natural cenotes (fresh water sinkholes) and plant a mangrove tree in their name in the resort’s lush jungle area. Guests will receive a certificate with the tree coordinates so they can watch it grow from home on Google Earth. A lecture on reef conservation from a Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (M.A.R.T.I) expert followed by a snorkel tour to the Moc-che Reef is also part of the package.
In addition to Green Globe Certification, Grand Velas Riviera Maya received the 2010 Playas Limpias (Clean Beaches) Certification from the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico in recognition of the resort’s pristine beach as well as its continued preservation efforts to preserve the natural beauty and general condition of the area.
Renewable Energy Credits Will Be Purchased
At the new Embassy Suites Houston-Downtown, management has pledged to purchase renewable energy credits for every room that ends up being occupied on April 22. The credits will support earth-friendly projects around the nation.
At Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba, Earth Day will begin with guests and employees joining to pick up litter along the beach. Guests will receive a free Bucuti T-shirt for participating. During Earth Day, guests can also participate in a nature hike, hotel tour, turtle lecture, and recycled crafts activity. The day will end with a movie on the beach: “An Inconvenient Truth.”
If you are planning an Earth Day activity, be sure to tell us about it. Write to editor@greenlodgingnews.com or call (440) 243-2055.
