SPARTANBURG, S.C.—Ethisphere Magazine named Milliken & Company to its second annual World’s Most Ethical Companies list for the second year. The Ethisphere Institute, a think-tank dedicated to the research and promotion of profitable best practices in global governance, business ethics, compliance and corporate responsibility, revealed the award at the Ethisphere and Forbes joint-conference, Driving Profit through Ethical Leadership, held on June 3. The list of the World’s Most Ethical companies will also be featured in the Q2 issue of Ethisphere Magazine. “This recognition highlights one of the core philosophies of Milliken—a belief that doing the right things for the...

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.— Thayer Lodging Group CEO Leland C. Pillsbury broke ground here recently on a project that will introduce Florida’s first LEED-certified, PURE-designated conference center that will be approved by The International Association of Conference Centers. Shortly after the ceremonial first shovel of dirt was tossed, Pillsbury escorted the crowd to a ceremonial tree planting in recognition of the project’s commitment to the environment. A few days prior to the event, invited guests received a handcrafted wooden box that contained a 12-inch sapling of a Longleaf Pine tree that would be planted in their name as...

NATIONAL REPORT—Summer-like weather is here and there is nothing better than kicking back on the beach or close to a pool. Why not kick back on some recycled plastic? There are a number of U.S.-based companies that manufacture outdoor furniture from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is made from recycled plastic milk and water jugs. By purchasing furniture made from HDPE, one can help to close the recycling loop. In fact, at the end of its life, the furniture can be recycled and made into new furniture. From a design standpoint, there are literally hundreds of appealing color and style...

VANCOUVER, WASH.—The Hilton Vancouver, Washington, one of America’s first sustainably-designed hotels, is making history again this month as the first hotel in the world to earn both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Seal certifications. The Green Seal environmental certification accolade comes three years after the hotel became the first major U.S. hotel—and the first Hilton Hotel—to earn LEED certification. “The Hilton Vancouver, Washington is the only hotel in the world to achieve environmental sustainability certification from two top universally accepted and independent analysts,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, brand management—Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “This hotel...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes East Teak Fine Hardwoods, Inc. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. East Teak is now approved to stock Forest Stewardship Council certified hardwoods; including FSC 100 percent recycled teak lumber and FSC reclaimed rosewood columns. East Teak’s FSC Recycled Teak is 100 percent reclaimed from post-consumer sources such as old structures and is carefully recovered by hand, thereby avoiding the need to fell living teak trees. East Teak FSC Recycled Teak guarantees buyers both a legal and environmentally sustainable supply chain and also ensures compliance with...

STAR ISLAND, BAHAMAS—There have been many changes in the few years since “travel” and “sustainable” first appeared in the same sentence. Emerging technologies coupled with mounting consumer demand have given us thousands of green travel options—from luxury eco-lodges (that make a negligible impact on their ecosystems) to carbon-neutral resorts, tours and airlines. A new leader in this green revolution is Star Island, a private-island destination currently under development in the Out Islands of the Bahamas. It will open its doors in late 2009. “This is a very exciting time in the field of green technology and, by extension, sustainable tourism,”...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—The hospitality industry has a new resource at its disposal. Eden Textile, one of the country’s leading hospitality suppliers, has launched a unique textile-recycling program aimed at reducing vast amounts of the industry’s post-consumer waste. Now Eden Textile’s clients can take advantage of this recycling program while also alleviating the suffering of families in Africa. Through a nonprofit partnership with the organization Africa We Care, textiles will be diverted from the landfill and donated to a worthy cause each year. The donation of products like bedding, towels, pillows, drapes and duvets to Africa We Care will not only...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Cleveland will be among a select handful of cities—including New York, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Washington D.C.—to be home to the 1 Hotel & Residences. The property will be located in the new Flats neighborhood. 1 is setting a standard in global environmentally-conscious luxury living, by combining five-star service and features with the finest sustainable architecture and interior design. The 16-story 1 Hotel & Residences will include approximately 150 guestrooms, high-tech meeting space, a nature-infused spa and an organic-based restaurant, along with exceptional views of the downtown skyline and the waterfront. Flats East Development LLC, a joint...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes down etc as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. The San Francisco-based company offers myriad products including pillows, mattress pads, down comforters, duvets, feather beds, spa accessories and other items. The company is currently offering a new organic and natural product line: d.o.e. down on earth, Conscious Luxury: Custom Hotel Collections. The collection is manufactured with authentic, certified organic, green processes. For more information, call (415) 348-0084, e-mail downetc@downetc.com, or go to www.downetc.com.

DUBAI, U.A.E.—Zabeel Properties unveiled details of a new five-star landmark hotel and leisure development for Dubai. The Dubai-based luxury developer also confirmed the appointment of innovative LA-based architecture firm, GRAFT, whose team of design consultants for the project will include the Hollywood actor, Brad Pitt. The actor’s involvement in the design for the resort demonstrates his deep-seated interest in the project. It is set to become a flagship hotel complex for Dubai and a world leader in environmental sustainability. The proposed hotel and resort is striving for a minimum of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold status....