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...

NEW YORK—Last week’s International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, which drew more than 35,000 people, was packed with innovative products to help hoteliers clean naturally, save energy and water, and minimize waste generation. Also on hand were vendors offering everything from environmentally friendly wall coverings to nontoxic tub refinishing. Here are a just a few highlights from the 1,250 companies who exhibited at the lodging industry’s No. 1 trade event. Action Comax Environmental Inc., Newark, N.J., introduced its BioX high-volume organic waste decomposition system. Inside of a large steel container, food waste is broken down to liquid through biological decompostion. It...

OTTAWA, ONTARIO—A year and a half after launching its Green Key Eco-Rating program, the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has rated more than 400 hotels and will soon have an additional 400 properties participating. Anthony Pollard, president of HAC, anticipates having 2,000 hotels on board by the end of 2007. With approximately 6,800 hotels in Canada, 2,000 properties would represent almost 30 percent of the total number. Even though there are other rating programs to choose from, hoteliers in Canada appear to have locked in on this one. Several factors are driving the program’s success. The first is...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—An increasing number of organizations are recognizing benefits to their bottom line and the environment by committing to go beyond regulatory requirements. Among the 32 additional facilities added to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Performance Track program is Aspen Skiing Co. “The more organizations that are engaged in the search for continuous improvement, the more we can achieve in terms of environmental results and effective partnerships,” says Performance Track director Dan Fiorino. “We congratulate our newest round of member facilities as they chart new paths toward environmental excellence.” The National Environmental Performance Track program recognizes...