RICHMOND, CALIF.—Excellent Packaging & Supply, a wholesale distributor of sustainable, biodegradable, and nature-based packaging for foodservice and other applications, has added the complete range of Bridge-Gate compostable serving ware and take-out packaging made from 100 percent renewable resources to its extensive selection of products available through its BioMass Packaging division. Excellent Packaging now carries Bridge-Gate plates, bowls, clamshells and hinged containers, trays, platters and lids—all of which are made entirely from renewable, organic, GMO-free agricultural wheat fibers that are a natural by-product of crop harvests and certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). “Consumers and foodservice businesses are looking for...

NEW YORK—Harvesting crops in Manhattan is tough. So Element New York Times Square West is doing the next best thing. Giving guests and neighbors easy access to fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal farm products, the earth-friendly hotel will launch a pioneering partnership with Holton Farms, an eighth-generation Vermont-based farm and Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSA) program. The partnership makes Element Times Square West the nation’s first hotel to participate in a Community Sponsored Agriculture program. Element will join Holton Farms’ CSA as an active member, supporting the program by purchasing a “share” in this season’s harvest. Memberships are usually available...

TULSA, OKLA.—Totally Green, Inc., a leader in organic food processing systems and compostable packaging alternatives, has installed its ORCA Green Machine at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. The hotel implemented the ORCA Green Machine to establish on-site composting of organic food waste generated by its restaurant and cuisine services. The organic composter saves the hotel tipping or disposal costs. The organic refuse produced by the hotel no longer needs to be hauled away. The ORCA Green Machine composts up to 2,400 pounds of organic refuse per day into harmless, nutrient rich grey-water that can be safely put into the...

RIPON, WIS.—Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, a leading global commercial laundry equipment provider, announced that it has streamlined its in-house loan process with a new online credit application. The credit application will be available through Alliance’s brand financial programs—Speed Queen Financial Services, UniMac Funding, Huebsch Financial Services and IPSO Finance. New investors looking to open a vended laundry, existing store owners and laundry facility managers can apply for loans of up to $100,000 using the new online credit application. Investors will receive a response within one business day. The new credit application is designed for ease of use, safety and security. Using...

ALLENDALE, N.J.—After three years spent as a leading provider of organic waste decomposition equipment, BioHitech America has partnered with Marathon Equipment Company, a leading supplier of solid waste and recycling equipment worldwide. BioHitech and Marathon will be working together to provide their combined customers with green technology that diverts the maximum amount of food waste possible while minimizing environmental impact.   “We are excited about leveraging Marathon’s many years of manufacturing experience and distribution network to increase the presence of our newly branded Eco-Safe Digester (formerly known as the GOHBio 1001) worldwide,” said Frank Celli, CEO for BioHitech America. “BioHitech brings its...

LISLE, ILL.—In this day and age of environmentally-conscious decision making, hotels around the country are trying to do their part to help their local communities. At the Hickory Ridge Marriott Conference Hotel, executive chef Sean Curry and restaurant manager Richard Park have taken this modern age green challenge seriously. This Chicago area hotel has recently begun a number of environmentally friendly initiatives to help reduce its impact on natural resources. Additionally, the Hickory Ridge hotel will use these environmental projects to provide unique services to its guests. Two of the major additions to this Lisle hotel’s property are the herb...

DENVER—The Westin Denver Downtown was recently honored by Host Hotels & Resorts with a sustainability award recognizing the hotel for a tradition of commitment to environmental responsibility. The hotel’s associates have made numerous commitments to reducing impact to the environment such as partnering with a company on a compost program; establishing an online in-room dining menu and guest directory; moving from Styrofoam and plastics to soy or corn-based packaging for to-go/box meals; and recycling in all 430 guestrooms, public and back-of-the-house space. The latest sustainability initiative is providing biodegradable wooden key cards to all hotel guests. “As climate change has...

CHICAGO—Roughly two-thirds of the nation’s restaurateurs have recycling programs as part of their sustainability efforts, according to a new study conducted by the National Restaurant Association in partnership with Georgia-Pacific Professional. The research results, released at the 2011 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, also shows that three out of five consumers prefer to visit restaurants that have recycling practices in place. The study provides a comprehensive overview of restaurant recycling practices that will help restaurant operators meet consumer needs, enhance their environmental programs, and be more profitable.  “Sustainability is more than a fad, it’s the new way of...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—Continental Girbau Inc. recently released the highly programmable Logi Pro Control, now available on the 20-pound capacity E-Series Washers and the complete line-up of M-Series Washer-Extractors. The new Logi Pro Control offers up to 25 individually modifiable programs—each with up to 11 baths, including multiple pre-wash, wash and rinse phases. “The Logi Pro delivers superior control over the wash process,” said Joel Jorgensen, Continental Girbau’s vice president of sales and customer services. “It’s designed to improve productivity and efficiency at a wide array of on-premise laundries. The Logi Pro offers precise control over wash variables to ensure optimum efficiency...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Vaska as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Vaska provides green housekeeping and laundry solutions. Vaska’s products are highly effective at removing dirt, stains and smudges. The three product housekeeping system is efficient, simple, and easy to use. The natural formulation provides superior cleaning results without harming the environment. For laundry, Vaska’s hypo-allergenic, botanical formulations use natural ingredients that provide superior cleaning results without harming the environment, employees, or equipment. In 2008, Vaska was awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “Champion” status, their highest level of sustainability. For...