“In a world of disposable beds, it is remarkable how difficult it has been to get folks to buy sustainable beds.” So said Tony Hochschild, President of Sterling Sleep Systems, during my interview with him for my article on greener mattress systems. While I am certainly no expert on mattresses, Tony’s statement does not surprise me. It has got to be a challenge to compete against Serta, Simmons and Sealy. Not to put down those three companies—they are doing some good things in operations, materials and recycling—but it is certainly a David against Goliath world out there.
My challenge to you is to consider all available options. My article mentions almost 20 companies and I know there are many I did not mention. There are some very sustainable mattress systems from which to choose. Some are very cost competitive. Others I came across in my research were in the “you would buy it for royalty” range—beyond the means of most in our industry.
Vendors offering greener mattress systems share a concern about carbon footprint, mattress life and keeping mattresses out of the landfill, eliminating waste in operations, and selecting materials that are healthy for the guest. I give a lot of credit to the companies I mention in my article. They are true innovators.
Mattresses in Pieces Makes Sense
It seems so logical to offer a mattress that comes in pieces so you don’t have to toss the entire thing when there is an issue but only a small number of companies are doing that. Maybe some companies just want to sell more mattresses? Consider a component-based mattress the next time you are shopping for a mattress system.
Give a lot of thought to guest health when you are researching as well. Don’t put your guests in beds that you would not want to sleep in. Take a look at some of the supplier websites I link to in my article. You will learn a lot about why some vendors use natural latex foam, vegetable-based foam, organic cotton, wool and even coconut fiber in their mattress systems. Be sure to ask what about a mattress system makes it fire retardant. Is it the natural qualities of the material or chemicals that have been added?
In my research I learned there are also quirky things to look for. For example, some suppliers add natural substances to mattresses to make them naturally bed bug (and other bugs, mites, etc.) resistant. One supplier puts all-natural green tea in its mattress foam to help keep it fresh.
Be sure to contact me to share your experiences the next time you do some serious sustainable mattress shopping. I would love to hear from you. I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com, or by phone at (813) 510-3868.
GLN Adds Ready Care Industries as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes Ready Care Industries as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Ready Care Industries is the maker of Ecoeclipse, a shower dispenser that holds full sized 8 oz. bottles in a theft and tamper resistant holder. It was created to reduce bottle waste for in-room amenities and reduce in-room costs by up to 60 percent the first year. The dispenser can be filled with a reasonably priced private label to a high end branded spa line like Pure Fiji. The dispenser is offered in both triple and single units. Liquids dispense easily, without having to squeeze bottles or struggle with caps. So far, in 2015, Ecoeclipse dispensers in hotel rooms across the United States have kept 915,046 amenity bottles from entering the environment and landfills. Call (800) 477-4283 for more information. You may also e-mail marketing@totallygreen.com or go to www.ecoeclipsedispenser.com.
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 2015?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2015. 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 2015 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.
Newsletter & Green Supplier Spotlight Circulation
The circulation of our weekly e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlight currently stands at 5,087. Thank you to our new subscribers for signing up. Be sure to encourage your colleagues to do the same. There is a “subscribe” form in the upper left area of the Green Lodging News home page.
Green Lodging News & Social Media
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
