OKLAHOMA CITY—Encouraging Conservation in Oklahoma (ECO) announces its newest partnership in sustainability with Tulsa’s Inn at Woodward Park, the first bed and breakfast to qualify for a gold ECO certification. The inn, a renovated 1920s property located in the Swan Lake district of Tulsa, achieved a gold rating by documenting their current sustainable practices and committing to several improvements throughout the year. Their goals include eliminating unnecessary waste and reducing energy consumption by removing plastic water bottles from their operations and monitoring thermostat temperatures.
The inn also contributes to Clean the World, a nonprofit that collects “gently-used” soaps from hotels and sanitizes them for use in impoverished areas.
“The Inn at Woodward Park is breaking ground for all other bed and breakfast properties interested in sustainability,” Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department executive director Hardy Watkins said. “We hope more small business owners will see the value in becoming a part of this movement.”
Inn Opened in 2006
The Inn at Woodward Park opened its doors in 2006 under the ownership of Janet Mobbs. The decision to join ECO came after Mobbs witnessed the amount of waste produced by the hospitality industry. Mobbs said she hopes to give back to her community by shopping locally for food and by mentoring other bed and breakfast owners who want to start down the path of sustainability.
“I am personally committed to the issues of conservation and sustainability as I want to leave a better world for future generations,” Mobbs said. “I feel the small business owner benefits from the green movement because consumers that appreciate and patronize environmentally responsible establishments are very loyal and love to spread the news.”
Since 2009, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department and Department of Environmental Quality’s ECO Certification program has promoted, developed and encouraged sustainable tourism throughout the state. ECO certification requires applicants to meet set criteria and be reviewed by a national certification board. A certification level of silver, gold or platinum can be awarded, based on the level of sustainable practices the applicant chooses to implement.
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