One of the most impressive parts of Starwood Capital Group’s new eco-luxury “1” Hotel and Residences concept is the commitment to give back to the local community. In fact, when up and running, each property will donate 1 percent of its revenue to local environmental organizations. Allocation of funds will be guided by a steering committee that includes representation from the Natural Resources Defense Council. I know of no other new eco-brand that has made such a financial commitment.
Starwood got me thinking about what I could do to help the environment. In addition to trying to convey good resource-saving ideas that others can practice, I have decided to make a financial commitment, albeit small, to help plant trees in areas of the United States that have been devastated by forest fires. Each time a company makes an ad purchase in my newsletter or on my website, I will make a small donation—enough to plant at least five trees. I have created a page on my website to report on my tree planting progress. Over time, I hope to help plant what will one day be parts of new forests.
The beneficiary of my donations will be the Arbor Day Foundation’s Trees for America reforestation project. The Arbor Day Foundation is committed to restoring America’s national forests so this and future generations can enjoy their benefits. You can help, too, by supporting the Trees for America program. The trees you help plant will grow to provide habitat and food for wildlife, restore beauty to the landscape, clean rivers and streams, and provide enjoyment for recreational activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. If you choose to donate to the reforestation project, let me know and I will gladly note your tree planting total on my website.
As we approach the end of 2007, I would like to thank all of my readers and sponsors for their support. Have a very happy holiday season!
New Product & Service Directory Partners
Green Lodging News welcomes To Market, LLC and American Hotel Register Co. as advertising partners. To Market’s “Alternative Materials for Interior Spaces” includes product lines such as Atmosphere Recycled Rubber Flooring, Fusion Commercial Carpet, Preserve Bamboo, Formis Solid Surface Flooring, Unicork Flooring, and the Wallware Wallcoating System. To Market, based in Oklahoma City, Okla., was founded in 1998. Go to To Market, write to pwexler@tomkt.com, or call (866) 772-4772 for more information.
American Hotel Register has been a leading supplier to the hospitality industry for more than 140 years, and is a one-stop source for 50,000 items. The company offers 1,600 brands, four private-label brands, plus nearly a thousand eco-friendly products to help keep a property green. Call (800) 323-5686, e-mail info@americanhotel.com, or go to www.americanhotel.com for more information.
2008 Advertising Opportunities
If you are a supplier to the lodging industry and are considering Green Lodging News advertising, I recommend that you plan several months in advance. While there are numerous ad spots currently available, several have already been booked for many months into the New Year. Please give me a call at (440) 243-2055 to discuss advertising opportunities. Click here to access the 2008 media kit.
A Video Not to Miss
And finally, if you have not yet viewed the video produced by an Atlanta TV station that shows housekeepers at several Atlanta hotels improperly cleaning dirty glasses and coffee cups, click here. I guarantee it is worth watching.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
