NEW YORK—The total number of exhibitors may have been less than previous years due to the economy and other factors but the number of vendors offering green products and services was stronger than ever at this year’s International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS). The event was held November 8 to 10 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Visitors to the show found exhibitors featuring amenity bottles that biodegrade much faster than traditional plastic bottles; dispensers that eliminate amenity bottles altogether; a nonprofit that matches up hotels with other nonprofits to help eliminate food, toiletry...

NATIONAL REPORT—Efforts to green practices in the lodging industry involve many cutting-edge initiatives. But simple steps can also be effective, especially when dealing with an issue that remains problematic. The disposal of feminine care products is a topic no one wants to talk about but the impact on the environment and the health and safety of guests and employees is significant. Toilets are a convenient and quick way to get rid of personal care products. Out of sight, out of mind. But with each unnecessary flush, between 1 and 3.5 gallons of water is wasted. To be water efficient, according...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Reel Mowers, Etc. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Reel Mowers specializes in reel mower sales. The company’s quiet, non-polluting manual reel mowers provide a superior scissors cut, save money, and are safer and easier to maintain than power mowers. Reel mowers are available in different sizes. Reel Mowers, Etc. also sells other products including blade sharpening kits, wagons, garden cultivators, compost bins, and grass catchers. For golf course putting greens, the company offers several mower styles. For additional information, call (888) 384-1033, e-mail marjorieking@reelmowersetc.com, or...

CINCINNATI—The Procter & Gamble Company has released its 2009 Sustainability Report titled “Designed to Matter.” The report outlines P&G’s progress in improving the environmental profile of products and operations and delivery of several new, sustainable product innovations. The report is available for viewing at www.pg.com/sustainability. “A fundamental reason why P&G has been in business for 172 years is the clarity and constancy of our company’s purpose—to touch and improve consumers’ lives with branded products and services,” said Bob McDonald, P&G chief executive and executive sponsor of sustainability. “To fulfill this purpose, we must grow responsibly and sustainably and ensure that...

CARLSBAD, CALIF.—When Hassan Ghamlouch heard that lotus turned ordinary tap water into a chemical-free cleaner that is faster and stronger than chlorine bleach, he found it hard to believe—until he actually saw what it could do. “I was reluctant at first, but an easy convert after the astonishing results,” said Ghamlouch, director of housing at the University of California at Riverside. The lotus Chemical-free Cleaning System uses standard 110 volt power to turn tap water into liquefied ozone—a powerful natural cleaner. “Our chemical-free system is greener, cleaner, and costs less,” said Davis Gravelsins, vice president of marketing with Tersano Inc....

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Martinson-Nicholls, Inc. and the Andersen Company have rolled out their new Enviro PLUS entrance mats. These mats feature carpet made with 100 percent post consumer recycled PET Polyester fiber reclaimed from plastic bottles, and rubber backing from recycled tires. “Sometimes green means less attractive—not so with Enviro Plus in two attractive patterns and eight designer colors,” states Martinson-Nicholls president, Dan Ruminski. Enviro Plus wipes off moisture and finer dirt particles while providing protection to floor surfaces. It may be used as a wiper mat in a three-mat entrance system, or for spill control and floor protection mat at water fountains,...

PETERBOROUGH, ON.—Green Seal, one of North America’s largest green certification organizations, notified Enviro-Solutions that eight of the manufacturer’s cleaning products have met the organization’s new green criteria: Green Certified GS 37-4th Edition. Enviro-Solutions is a leading manufacturer of professional cleaning products and has been manufacturing only environmentally responsible products for more than 15 years. According to Mike Sawchuk, general manager and vice president of Enviro-Solutions, the company now has greatest number of products and SKUs certified green in the cleaning industry. Close to 40 of the company’s products, which range from floor and carpet cleaning products, all-purpose...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Verde International as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Verde offers chemical-free, natural mineral cleaners for every application. Its products include an All Surface Pro Cleaner, Odor & Dust Control, Super Degreaser, and Concrobium Mold Control. The company’s concentrated powders are more economical for storage and shipping versus liquid solutions containing mostly water. Because Verde’s products include no soaps or detergents, no rinsing is required. To learn more, call David Schwartz at (954) 530-3728, ext. 16, e-mail davids@verdeii.com, or go to www.verdeii.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) released “H1N1 Influenza Management in Hotels,” a guide for lodging businesses to use in managing H1N1 influenza virus situations at their properties. The 26-page manual gives hoteliers guidance for employees and guests who are afflicted with the H1N1 flu and other influenza strains. It also covers basic sanitation practices to use when cleaning guestrooms and public areas. The “H1N1 Influenza Management in Hotels” manual is divided into 10 areas: a basic introduction to H1N1 flu and its treatment, the need for a hotel response plan and its basic components, employee safety, what...

DAVIE, FLA.—In spite of all the supporting data, most organizations underestimate the value of preventive maintenance, especially with HVAC systems, which are out of sight and out of mind until something goes wrong. The condensate drain pain in HVAC systems is the No. 1 source of microbial growth and contamination for air conditioner units. While annual air conditioner cleaning is essential to maintaining the efficiency of your units, it is also important to provide sustained pan protection in between cleanings. Pan Purge Strips are EPA registered condensate pan strips; they are used in hotels nationwide as part of the...