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...

SAN FRANCISCO—Orbeco Inc., a manufacturer of green carpet cleaning products, is the first company in its field to be certified as a Green Business by the city and county of San Francisco and will receive the award in a ceremony on November 6. The certification confirms the safety of Orbeco’s products and environmental practices. The San Francisco Green Business Program is a voluntary program that encourages businesses to take proactive actions that are good for their bottom line and the environment. It is a partnership of city agencies that promote, recognize and provide hands-on support to local businesses...

CINCINNATI—At this year’s International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, Procter & Gamble Professional will reiterate its environmental philosophy by showcasing products backed by P&G Professional’s Green Guarantee. According to P&G, the products offer outstanding performance while meeting high standards for human and environmental safety. All P&G products are held to high human and environmental safety, so products such as Febreze Fabric Refresher and Mr. Clean Finished Floor Cleaner can be used in hotels and motels that require green products. These products meet or exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Preferred Purchasing guidelines and the criteria of the GS-37 standard...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Pineapple Hospitality, Saint Charles, Mo., as a sponsor. Pineapple, led by Ray Burger, president, has been providing green products, programs and services to the hospitality industry for more than 10 years. Pineapple’s products include the following: greenSPA amenity and dispenser system, which includes Neutrogena products; Project Planet towel and linen reuse cards; Oxygenics showerheads; NUMI teas; ecorooms program; General Electric lighting products; Guestat thermostats; Wattstopper Motion Sensor Nightlights; Nature’s Mist deodorizer; Hillyard green cleaning products; Preserve recyclable toothbrushes; Oreck vacuums; and the odor-eating Fresh Bulb. “I...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Project Planet Corp. as a Green Product Directory partner. Project Planet is the lodging industry’s leading provider of promotional materials for linen and towel reuse programs. Project Planet’s colorful in-room materials have a significant impact on guest participation. The Dawsonville, Ga.-based company’s materials can be found in more than 5,000 hotels worldwide. Project Planet’s programs reduce energy, water, labor and chemical costs. The company sells a variety of products including pillow toppers, door hangers and more. Go to Project Planet Corp. for more information or...