SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLA.—Put a Trump International Beach Resort hat on a walking planet and what have you got? Globie, the resort’s new mascot who is helping to lead the property’s Planet Kids and Planet Little Kids programs. Unlike some mascots who do not talk, Globie is a speaking mascot and helps educate the resort’s young visitors about environment-related issues ranging from recycling to pollution to non-native plants. Along with Planet Kids counselors, Globie participates in skits and there are plans to send the mascot to area schools, events and camps.
Tom Card, director of recreation at the resort in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., says the idea for Globie came out of a discussion following the renaming of the property’s youth program from Just Us Kids to Planet Kids. One of the resort’s managers suggested the idea of a mascot. Card says creating an environmental program that is enjoyable for kids is important.
“Kids are like sponges,” he says. “If we are able to help them experience what is going on in nature first hand—and make it fun—they will learn to be responsible citizens.”
Two people share Globie duties, as the free programs for kids run seven days a week. Card says his staff is also working to put together a nature-themed library for young visitors.
Salon Emphasizes Organic
Planet Kids, Planet Little Kids and Globie are just a few examples of the environment-oriented initiatives that have been launched at the resort managed by International Resorts Management Group. The property’s Debra Ordway Salon recently implemented a plan to make it free of molds, bacteria, viruses, chemical fumes, preservatives, acrylics, dyes and harmful cleaning products. The salon is working exclusively with American companies that package their products in recycled or reusable packaging. The salon is emphasizing organic, fair trade, wild-crafted, pesticide free, preservative and toxic-chemical-free products.
The resort has a green team that includes the assistant housekeeping manager, food and beverage director, resort manager, recreation manager, spa director, and director of engineering. They meet every two weeks and are currently pursuing One Palm status for the resort as part of the Florida Green Lodging Program.
“We are in the final steps of being reviewed,” says Colin Gold, resort manager. “It should happen in the next couple of months.”
Here are some examples of other efforts currently in place at the resort to help minimize its environmental impact:
• Office paper, newspapers, glass bottles, plastic bottles and aluminum cans are recycled.
• The dishwashing equipment has been set to conserve water.
• Guestrooms feature low-flow, high performance showerheads.
• Air handling equipment is inspected on a quarterly basis.
• Compact fluorescents have been installed in all guestrooms, corridors and meeting spaces.
• An Electrolyzer cleaning system that uses water is used by housekeepers throughout the property.
• In the resort’s restaurants, the chef emphasizes local and sustainable products.
• Guests have the option not to have their towels and linens washed.
• Air filters rated MERV 11 help keep the air inside the resort as clean as possible.
Card says that once the resort achieves its One Palm status, it will continue to seek out opportunities to further eliminate waste and reduce resource consumption. Until that time, Globie will continue to “shoulder” the property’s environmental message.
Go to the Trump International Beach Resort.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
