NASHVILLE—Gaylord Opryland Resort and The Land Trust for Tennessee announced a partnership aimed at reducing energy and water consumption while promoting the conservation of land in the local community. As part of the company’s towel reuse program “Choose to Reuse,” Opryland has made a donation to The Land Trust for Tennessee to support implementation of Nashville’s Open Space Plan.
“Choose to Reuse” builds on Gaylord’s recently announced corporate sustainability program, GET Green. GET Green, which is designed to integrate within the overall business strategy, focuses on reducing Gaylord’s impact on the environment while improving its interactions with all of its stakeholders—including guests, STARS, shareholders and local communities. The company recently announced the first in a series of long-term goals—pursuing LEED certification for all future developments and reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2015—and is expected to announce similar goals around water and waste.
New hanging cards, placed in all guest bathrooms, give guests the choice: “Hang towels on the rack or door if you wish to use them again.”
“‘Choose to Reuse’ was developed in response to our guests’ desire to play a role in our environmental efforts,” said Andy Mims, vice president of sustainability. “Now, by reusing towels, they will help save energy and water, while also supporting local conservation. We are very excited to work with The Land Trust for Tennessee on this program, and to be able to support the new Open Space Plan for Davidson County.”
Almost 60,000 Acres Protected
Created in 1999, The Land Trust for Tennessee’s mission is to preserve the unique character of Tennessee’s natural and historic landscapes and sites for future generations. To date, the organization has protected nearly 60,000 acres of land in 48 counties across the state.
In April, Mayor Karl Dean and The Land Trust for Tennessee announced Nashville’s Open Space Plan for Davidson County, which calls for the preservation of 22,000 acres of public and private land over the next 25 years. To launch the campaign, The Land Trust for Tennessee is leading efforts to secure private funding for the purchase of the 135-acre Cornelia Fort Airpark, which is adjacent to Shelby Park and immediately across the Cumberland River from Gaylord Opryland.
“I am so pleased to see Gaylord adopt a leadership position in this area and to make such a meaningful commitment to sustainability” said Jeanie Nelson, president and executive director of The Land Trust for Tennessee. “It is an honor to have the support of such a prominent member of the Nashville community, and their lead will make an enormous difference in promoting private partnerships to conserve this beautiful area for generations to come.”
Go to GET Green and The Land Trust for Tennessee.
