SAINT CHARLES, MO.—With thousands of hotels trying to make the conversion to and maintain a completely smoke-free environment, Pineapple Hospitality’s Nature’s Mist Deodorization System is experiencing a record number of users in its 10th year serving hotels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts and lodges worldwide. “We used to use an ozone machine, but it took too long and only masked room odors,” says Rande Repke, executive assistant for Sybaris Clubs International, which operates about 130 cottages across five locations in Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Within 30 minutes to two hours the smells would return.” “We need to turn around our...

SAN DIEGO—Earth Care Products of San Diego introduces its line of natural non-toxic odor removal products specially designed to tackle the most difficult pet smell challenges left by four-legged guests. Fourteen years ago, creator Bill Vaughn created a special formula of natural and non-toxic minerals that are environmentally friendly and safe to help eliminate pet odors and help with pet odor control. His products are now available in a variety of options based on different applications. Earth Care Products can be used to eliminate odors by simply placing a bag near the odor, or by sprinkling granules...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—FreshStay, an online directory/network of hundreds of nonsmoking lodging properties, continues to attract an ever-growing base of owner/operators and loyal travelers from around the globe. “We were the first resort to go nonsmoking on the Cayman Islands,” says Tom McCallum, director of The Reef Resort, located on the eastern end of Grand Cayman Island, Cayman Islands. “Before we made the move on August 1, 2003, our 110 guestrooms were not designated as smoking or nonsmoking. While that kept our room inventory simple, it led to problems, particularly with our nonsmoking guests.” Nearly three and a...

RIVERWOODS, ILL.—Initial Tropical Plants, a leading provider of interior landscaping, design installation and maintenance services to businesses in North America, introduces Microfresh, a new ambient scent offering that provides odor remediation. “For many years, Initial Tropical Plants has been the leader in enhancing the workplace environment with lush and vibrant interior plants,” says Bob Thomas, president, Initial Tropical Plants, Riverwoods, Ill. “It makes sense that we would take the next step and offer Microfresh, a compact system that represents a major breakthrough in indoor air quality. Microfresh performs far better than conventional systems because its nano-particles float with...

Nothing keeps guests coming back like a fresh, clean, healthy indoor environment. The average hotelier most likely assumes that if the temperature is not too hot or too cold and if the humidity is not overly dry or clammy that they are supplying a sufficient indoor environment for their guests. That mistake could cost you repeat guests or find you on the receiving end of a subpoena. Microscopic bioaerosols such as fungals, bacteria, virals and even chemicals are present everywhere. Temperature, humidity and air movement are tactile. We feel them physically. Microscopic bioaerosols affect us in different ways. We cannot...

HAMILTON, OHIO—Radal Technology Limited, a U.K.-based global market leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of risk management products, introduces the Cig-Arrête system, a unique and innovative product to help eradicate tobacco and drug smoke in hotels. The Cig-Arrête Flame Detector with Voice Messaging detects the naked flame from a match or lighter from 20 feet away within one second of being lit. The system then issues a voice message, alerting the smoker to the no smoking area. It then asks the smoker to extinguish the cigarette. Battery operated and easy to install, hidden and enclosed areas such as guestrooms, washrooms,...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Water & Salt Consulting, Sac City, Iowa, as a Green Product Directory partner. The company’s Wellness Shower system not only removes 99 percent of chlorine from water for up to 24 months but also removes a host of other potentially harmful chemicals. It also enhances the water unlike any other shower system on the market. “The Wellness Shower is the only shower filter on the market that removes contaminants and also enhances the water for healthier and better looking skin and hair,” says Stan Zimmer, owner,...

NATIONAL REPORT—In recent years, ozone air cleaning equipment increasingly has been used in hotels to eliminate odors caused by smoking, mold and mildew, food, garbage, renovations and much more. Used properly, these types of devices can be effective at removing odors without leaving the harmful residue that chemical cleaners can leave. “Used properly” is key. If you are going to use ozone air cleaning equipment, there are some important things to remember. There are several types of ozone generators on the market today. This article will address only those generators brought in temporarily by housekeeping or janitorial staff to quickly...

NORCO, CALIF.—Quick Crete Products Corp. has introduced a virtually smokeless ash receptacle for the disposal of cigarette and other tobacco-related litter in public areas. Through a patent-pending process, the new Halo product virtually eliminates tobacco smoke and odors, keeping the surrounding air cleaner and easier to breathe. The Halo’s covered design also eliminates the unsightly appearance caused by partially smoked or spent cigarette and cigar butts. “Because cigarette litter is becoming such a major environmental issue in communities, customers have been asking us for a better solution to the problems associated with it, especially in public areas frequented...

CHAMPION, PA.—Seven Springs Mountain Resort announced that it will significantly expand its nonsmoking areas through the enactment of a new smoke-free policy. The resort is following feedback from guests and industry trends that show significant demand for smoke-free facilities and dissatisfaction with hotels and restaurants with too much second-hand smoke, according to Scott Bender, chief executive officer of Seven Springs. “We are responding to suggestions from our guests by expanding our nonsmoking areas within the resort’s Main Lodge and other facilities,” Bender says. “The new smoke-free policy demonstrates our absolute commitment to offering the best year-round, family recreation...