I attended The Clean Show in Orlando, Fla. this past week. Held every two years, it is the premier event for the textile care and laundry industry. It was a great opportunity to learn how the industry is working to add energy and water efficiencies, reduce waste and pollution, and demonstrate its commitment to wellness. A number of companies found in our Green Product & Service Directory exhibited at the show. Click here to access the complete show exhibitor list.
Two industry initiatives caught my attention at the show: the Clean Green, and Hygienically Clean certification programs. Both are managed by TRSA, the association for the linen, uniform and facility services industry. Both can help guide you as you seek to outsource your laundry operations.
Clean Green Certified laundries meet quality standards for resource conservation and environmental responsibility. Clean Green Certified laundries meet stringent water and energy conservation standards, using eco-friendly best-management practices to ensure sustainable laundry operations. Clean Green Certified laundries prioritize reducing their carbon footprint and advancing environmental stewardship.
The Reuse of Water & Heat
Some of the methods employed by Clean Green Certified laundries include water reuse technology, wastewater heat recovery, use of solar or geothermal alternatives, alternative fuel vehicles and route efficiency, and low-temperature and NPE-free detergents. Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) are a type of surfactant that is often used in cleaning products and pesticides. These chemicals are considered harmful to both human health and the environment, particularly aquatic life, and are being phased out of use in many industries.
One can access the points-based Clean Green Standards here. Even if you do not outsource your laundry operations, the Standards provide a list of best practices/technologies to pursue at your own property. You can also access a Directory of commercial laundries where you can search by “Clean Green.” There are currently 98 businesses listed.
While there are four Hygienically Clean certifications, only one is hospitality-specific: the Hygienically Clean Hospitality certification. According to TRSA, partnering with a Hygienically Clean Hospitality certified laundry ensures that your linens and garments meet the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, offering peace of mind to both your employees and customers.
Hygienically Clean Hospitality Standards oversee the entire textile processing cycle—from the handling and transport of soiled textiles to in-plant processing and final delivery. These standards ensure that every step meets the highest levels of hygiene and safety.
A Quality Assurance Manual
Certified laundries are required to develop and maintain a Quality Assurance Manual, outlining compliance with key industry regulations, including:
- Facility layout and workflow to prevent cross-contamination;
- Personnel training to uphold hygiene best management practices;
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) practices; and
- Additional safety and sanitation measures to ensure a consistently clean final product.
One can access the Hygienically Clean Hospitality Standards here. Once again, even if you do not outsource your laundry operations, the Standards provide a list of best practices/technologies to pursue at your own property. You can also access a Directory of commercial laundries where you can search by “Hygienically Clean Hospitality.” There are currently seven businesses listed.
Whether doing your laundry in-house or outsourcing it, vendors are making it easier than ever to run a highly sustainable and hygienic laundry operation.
Green Lodging News Adds Audubon International to Directory
Green Lodging News has added Audubon International to the Certification Programs/Green Hotels section of its Green Product & Service Directory. Established in 1987, Audubon International is one of America’s most respected independent Environmental Best Practices Certification organizations. Through its multi-tiered Green Hospitality Certification program, it supports members and the industry by serving as catalyst for stepped change and authentic sustainability impact. Audubon International’s global science-based standards were donated during the formation of the Global Travel Sustainability Council (GTSC), where Audubon International continues to serve as a member in good standing. Approved by Prince Harry’s Travalyst, Marriott International, Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Hyatt, Audubon International is a Top Tier recognized Eco Certification Body. Call (518) 328-3945 or e-mail greg@auduboninternational.org for information.
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 greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Get in our Green Supplier Spotlights!
Green Lodging News, lodging’s leading environmental news source, publishes the Wednesday Green Supplier Spotlight and Thursday Green Suppliers Spotlight. Green Supplier Spotlight features just one vendor and Green Suppliers Spotlight features multiple vendors. Click here for a Green Supplier Spotlight sample and rate sheet. Click here for a Green Suppliers Spotlight sample and rate sheet. Both e-blasts that reach 19,500 subscribers have been built to generate quick leads. A report is sent a week after each e-blast that includes the number of e-mails sent, number of opens, and number of click-throughs. Contact Glenn Hasek at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com for more information.
Planning Advertising for 2025?
In addition to the Spotlight ads described above, Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for other advertising spots for 2025. Many excellent spots are available on our website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. The Green Lodging News website last month welcomed 55,000 different visitors and experienced 330,000 page views. Interested in receiving a 2025 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com. Thank you to all those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Newsletter & Green Supplier Spotlight Circulation
The circulation of our weekly e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlights currently stands at 19,500. Thank you to our new subscribers for signing up. Be sure to encourage your colleagues to do the same. There are “subscribe” links on the Green Lodging News home page. You may also e-mail greenlodgingnews@gmail.com to be added to our list.
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As always, I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
