I suspect that Earth Day is every day for many of you but its official celebration date is Tuesday, April 22, and many in our industry are planning special events and promotions. A number of them are summarized in an article posted recently on the Green Lodging News site. Aqua Hospitality, for example, will celebrate Earth Day by supporting ocean preservation through both a volunteer cleanup and donation to Hui o Koolaupoko. Hyatt Place Raleigh-West and Southern States Management are hosting an Earth Day event to celebrate the hotel, as it is one of only a few U.S. Green Building Council LEED certified hotel options in the Raleigh (N.C.) area. On Earth Day, L’Auberge Del Mar guests will be provided with souvenir LED flashlights to encourage them to minimize use of lights in their guestrooms. Lights will also be dimmed throughout the property to support Earth Day energy savings. At the Courtyard Kansas City at Briarcliff, there will be a LEED self-certification unveiling and property tour. The hotel is the first Marriott hotel to be self-certified.
Best Western has launched an “Acts of Green” photo sharing contest on Instagram designed to inspire fans of the brand to showcase their eco-friendly habits. One lucky fan has the chance to win a vacation at an eco-friendly Best Western hotel in one of 10 North American destinations. From Earth Day to Mother’s Day at the Shore Hotel, guests who opt into the Green Clean program (towel and linen reuse program) to protect Mother Earth will receive a complimentary breakfast in bed for their mom. Additionally, mom will receive a reusable canvas tote for shopping at the Santa Monica’s Farmers Markets or the Green Light Shopping District.
When travelers make a reservation at the best available rate between Earth Day and Arbor Day on April 25 at any of the five Provenance Hotels in Seattle, Tacoma or Portland (Ore.) using the “Put Down Roots” booking link on the hotels’ websites, the Portland-based hotelier will donate to the nonprofit Friends of Trees and plant an urban tree in their honor.
Hotel Andaluz Activities
The Hotel Andaluz will be hosting a free event open to the public in honor of Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ibiza patio on the second floor. Speakers will be addressing awareness of environment protection and restoration; a wolf from the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary and raptors from Avian Ambassadors will also be on-site. Nonprofits will be displaying Earth Day information and representatives of the Green Chamber of Commerce, Bosque School and the State Land Office will be there. Among the speakers: Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Gary Goodman, owner of Hotel Andaluz.
As in years past, some have extended Earth Day to “Earth Week” or “Earth Month.” Terranea Resort, for example, is holding its Earth Week from April 21 to 25. The oceanfront resort is offering five days of green events and activities, including a pelican release and ocean cleanup by kayak. Hotel Felix Chicago is celebrating Earth Month by offering guests and Chicagoans opportunities to participate in green-friendly programs all month long. Beginning April 8, Hotel Felix Chicago began offering its annual discounted Earth Day room rate for Earth Day.
Earth Day, Week and Month are perfect occasions to be creative to drive more business to your properties while demonstrating your commitment to the preservation of the environment at the same time. Getting guests involved and educated is important. It is also a perfect time to re-energize your staff around green issues and an ideal time to celebrate successes. There is a lot of bad news out there about the state of our planet. I am encouraged not only on Earth Day, but every day, about our industry’s support of Earth stewardship.
Be sure to let me know about the results of your Earth Day activities in the coming week. I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com, or by phone at (813) 510-3868.
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 (813) 510-3868, 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 (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for 2014?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2014. 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 2014 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
