KATY, TEXAS—Designed to replace hazardous chemical pesticides to reduce toxic exposure and costs associated with insect control, DiaSource Crawling Insect Killer is an easy-to-use healthier method that manages crawling insects. It is the most effective and economical solution for hotels where mites (bed bugs, head lice, etc.), cockroaches, ants, earwigs, spiders, fleas and other crawling insects are of concern. DiaSource Crawling Insect Killer combines the power of laboratory testing, field verifications, an EPA Registration, a 100 percent natural product, and application consultation to protect any indoor area. Qualities include being indefinitely effective (until physically removed), an EPA registration...

Many business owners and managers are well aware of the problems caused by hard water—from clogged pipes and iron stains to spotty glassware and inferior drinking water. What they’re not always aware of, however, is the impact of hard water on energy use and the associated costs. In hotels there are several types of equipment that can be affected by hard water, in terms of impaired efficiency and wasted energy: boilers, hot water heaters, cooling towers, humidifiers, washing machines, dishwashers, and shower heads to name a few. Let’s take a look at how hard water affects the energy efficiency of boilers....

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...

NATIONAL REPORT—Over the past few years we have heard a lot about the dangers of mold and mildew and especially what has been termed “toxic mold.” The danger is real. In fact, there are an estimated 64,000 types of mold and fungi, and 90 percent of them have airborne spores. They are present in every breath we take. Fortunately, there is lot you can do to control this problem. Fungi can cause health problems to both humans and animals by several different biological mechanisms: infections, allergenic or hypersensitivity reactions, irritant reactions, toxic reactions, and in certain cases they can even...

CHICAGO—Enviro-Solutions announced that two of its hand soaps—ES 50 Deodorant Lotion Soap and ES 59 Soy and Walnut Shell Hand Cleaner—have just been certified by the EcoLogo Program. The certification, CCD 104 Criteria for Institutional and Industrial Hand Soaps, verifies that these hand soaps: • Perform as well as or better than conventional hand cleaners; • Have limited toxicity, helping protect waterways, aquatic life, and other organisms; • Are biodegradable, producing minimal waste; • Contain no ingredients or have a reduction of ingredients considered likely to negatively affect health and the environment; and • Are derived from...

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...

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...

NATIONAL REPORT—Most everyone has heard of green cleaning, but not everyone is familiar with green floor care. Floor care costs can account for up to 30 percent of the hotel housekeeping budget. Considering the cost and impact floor care has on appearance, safety, indoor air quality, and staff/guest health, it should not be overlooked when implementing a green cleaning program. Green floor care involves the use of preventive measures, more environmentally protective or green certified chemicals, and more advanced floor care equipment. It also includes cleaning processes that help reduce the need and frequency of more hazardous and time-consuming restoration...

DENVER—With the Rocky Mountains and more than 12,000 professionals from all industry and market sectors convening for the U.S. Green Building Council’s GreenBuild Conference as the backdrop, the forming of the Green Cleaning Network was announced. “We are excited to be part of the launch of this important initiative,” says Doug Gatlin, the U.S. Green Building Council’s program manager for LEED for Existing Buildings. “The Green Cleaning Network will play an important role in advancing the green building movement.” “The rapid growth of the green cleaning movement over the past decade has created an urgent need for...