(This is the first article in a two-part series of articles on green cleaning.) Many hotels are turning to green cleaning products and practices to improve indoor air quality, reduce risk to building occupants, improve environmental performance and obtain a marketing advantage. This document is intended to help hoteliers determine whether to follow suit at their properties and how to do so. 1. What are the problems associated with traditional cleaning products and practices? The rise of the green cleaning movement stems from health and environmental concerns associated with the traditional cleaning industry and its practices. There is a growing recognition that...

(This is the second article in a two-part series of articles on green cleaning. To read the first article, click here.) 4. How well do green cleaning products work? How much do they cost? The cleaning capability of green products can best be measured by testing them in one’s facility. Still, there are reasons to believe that they hold up well when compared to traditional products. Certifying agencies, such as Green Seal, EcoLogo, or EPA’s Design for the Environment Program test products for effectiveness, besides health and environmental considerations, and only approve products with high marks. Also, the widespread adoption...

NATIONAL REPORT—There are many variables that come into play when deciding the best water treatment solution for your pool—pool size, location (indoor or outdoor), and the average volume of guests that use the water on a daily basis. Chlorine, because of its low cost, is the most commonly used sanitizer. In order for it to be effective, however, the pH of the water has to be monitored closely. If not watched properly, chlorine can cause eye and skin irritation, damage hair, bleach swim suits, and aggravate and cause asthma and other health conditions. Chlorine reacts to bodily proteins to...

LAS VEGAS—Keeping with its commitment to sustainability, CityCenter has commissioned the first stretch-limo fleet powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Developed by Krystal Enterprises, the world’s largest manufacturer of stretch limousines, in collaboration with Clean Energy Fuels, BAF Technologies and Ford engineers, the 26 silver, 72-inch Lincoln Town Cars are 100 percent dedicated to utilizing CNG and will service CityCenter’s ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel. “Commissioning the first CNG stretch-limo fleet is a demonstration of CityCenter’s commitment to environmental responsibility, while never sacrificing guest experience,” said Bill McBeath, president and COO of ARIA Resort & Casino. “Just...

CHICAGO—Tornado Industries has introduced a new, advanced HEPA-filtered upright vacuum cleaner with several features normally found on much more expensive “business class” machines. The new CK 14/1 QD model is a 14-inch-wide machine made of durable polypropylene and metal materials. It features a double ball bearing motor for greater dependability and a Quick Draw (“QD”) system that allows fast, simple access to a variety of on-board tools and attachments. The new machine is specifically designed to clean health-care facilities, schools, hotels, commercial buildings and light industrial locations. “On top of all its features, we are especially pleased that this...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—FreshStay.com will commemorate the addition of its 4,000th certified smoke-free member with a celebration at the St. Charles Comfort Suites on Tuesday, August 4. The team from FreshStay.com, as well as a number of local dignitaries, hotel managers and staff will be on hand to mark the occasion. The St. Charles Comfort Suites joins 3,999 other 100 percent nonsmoking hotels that have reached out to health-minded travelers through FreshStay.com’s search function and integrated online booking option. “We’re proud to join the growing ranks of FreshStay.com and excited to host a smoke-free celebration marking the milestone,” says Natalee Keathley, general...

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The My Green Mind company has introduced its next generation line of eco-friendly cleaning products. Four new My Green Mind solutions cover most cleaning needs, leaving out what eco-conscious consumers don’t want: petroleum-based chemical toxins. The four new products include a glass and Plexiglas cleaner, a soy-based granite and stainless steel cleaner, a mineral zap tile, bowel and shower cleaner—which removes iron, rust, soap scum and mineral buildup—along with a 100 percent active bacteria carpet spotter for stains. “What’s important about the new line is what’s been left out,” said My Green Mind president Michael Grossman. “Take the glass cleaner....

NORTH WALPOLE, N.H.—Len-Tex Corp. announced that its entire line of contract wallcoverings has been certified to meet the indoor air quality (IAQ) standards of California’s Section 01350 for low VOC emissions. This specification developed by the state of California measures key environmental performance in building materials, primarily interior finish products. All Len-Tex wallcoverings meet the standards outlined in the section’s IAQ testing protocol, which stipulates that independent laboratories test materials for chemical emissions. In addition, Len-Tex wallcoverings have also been certified to meet the stringent criteria of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS section 01350) in...

SUNNYVALE, CALIF.—UL Environment Inc. announced it has validated environmental claims for Serious Materials’ new drywall product, EcoRock. This represents the first validation of claims by UL Environment since its launch in January 2009, and the first product in the 115-year history of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to receive an Environmental Claims Validation. UL Environment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UL, a world leader in product safety testing services. UL Environment validated Serious Materials’ environmental claims for EcoRock by performing assessments and laboratory tests. An audit was conducted for recycled content, environmental chamber tests were performed to determine volatile organic compound (VOC)...

GATLINBURG, TENN.—The Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg, adjacent to The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, is on its way to becoming the first LEED certified hotel in Tennessee. The 118-unit property opened on May 28. According to Logan Coykendall, part owner of the hotel and owner of Hospitality Management Solutions, the Sevierville, Tenn.-based management company that operates it, the Hilton Garden Inn should achieve a “solid Silver” LEED rating later this year. LEED, a certification program for new and existing buildings run by the U.S. Green Building Council, offers four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The decision to...