CHICAGO—The National Restaurant Association announced that the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, originally scheduled for May 19 to 22, 2012 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will be held from May 5 to 8, 2012 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. This change reflects the Association’s decision to avoid overlap with the Global G8 and NATO Summit scheduled to take place in Chicago from May 15 to 22, 2012. “The NRA’s primary goal is to provide our exhibitors and attendees an environment that is conducive to business,” said Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Discussions with the Chicago...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are now recognizing products that have earned the Energy Star label that are the most energy efficient in their categories. This pilot program is part of Energy Star’s overall commitment to protect people’s health and the environment by encouraging energy efficiency. The “Most Efficient” initiative also continues Energy Star’s work to provide consumers with the best efficiency information so they can make investments that will lower their energy bills and environmental impact. The new designation of Most Efficient aims to provide all manufacturers with an incentive...

LAS VEGAS—For the third consecutive year, Caesars Entertainment Corp. is sponsoring Dartmouth College’s Big Green Bus tour across America. The converted Greyhound bus, operated by students, will run on recycled waste vegetable oil (WVO) as it travels the country educating individuals on best sustainability practices. The 11-week, 12,000-mile journey will take the 13 students through 31 states and will make refueling stops at Caesars resorts including Harrah’s New Orleans (July 23), Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino (August 3 in Las Vegas), Harrah’s Rincon Hotel and Casino in North San Diego (August 5), and Cleveland Thistledown (September 3), among other scheduled...

ANGUILLA, BRITISH WEST INDIES—When chefs at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa on the Caribbean island of Anguilla need vegetables or herbs for dishes they are making, they do not have to go far. The 93-room resort has its own one-half acre, 18,000-square-foot hydroponic farm in a greenhouse. Staffed by four people, including hydroponics expert and author Dr. Howard Resh, the farm produces a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, edible flowers, and herbs such as tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli rabe, bok choy, arugula, watercress, parsley, sage, chives, dill, chervil, mint, oregano and more. Only organic bioagents and natural organisms...

LOUISVILLE, KY.—SCHOTT HomeTech announced that SCHOTT CERAN, its glass-ceramic for cooktop applications, has been validated arsenic- and antimony-free through UL Environment’s Environmental Claims Validation program.  SCHOTT CERAN glass-ceramic is the first cooktop glass-ceramic on the market made without the use of arsenic or antimony. These two harmful substances are commonly used to smooth and reduce bubbles during the conventional manufacturing process of glass-ceramic panels. By refining its manufacturing process, SCHOTT is now the only glass manufacturer to eliminate the need for either metal in glass-ceramic manufacturing. The innovations in SCHOTT’s manufacturing process have eliminated more than 180 tons of...

SNOWMASS, COLO.—Viceroy Snowmass, which opened to rave reviews in late 2009, announced that it has been awarded LEED Gold certification, established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Viceroy Snowmass is the first hotel in Aspen/Snowmass to be awarded LEED Gold as well as the first luxury hotel in Colorado to receive this prestigious designation. By incorporating sustainable design and construction, innovative operational practices, and a culture of environmental stewardship, Viceroy Snowmass aims to...

VERNON, ALA.—Marathon Equipment Co. and BioHitech America announced a strategic alliance to promote organic waste processing products worldwide. Industry experts estimate that more than 40 percent of the food produced in the United States—more than $50 billion—is thrown into the garbage every year. This equates to more than 32 million tons of food waste, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates costs more than $1 billion annually in disposal costs. In its commitment to help customers reduce the costs associated with managing solid waste, Marathon, an industry leader in compaction and recycling equipment, has sought the expertise of Allendale, N.J.-based...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—Continental Girbau recently released the new MG-Series hard-mount washer-extractors, available in 40- and 55-pound capacities. Continental’s highest performing hard-mount washers, MG-Series Washers feature up to 200 G-force extract speeds, superior energy-efficiency, and advanced programmability. The new MG-Series Washers—suited for an array of on-premise laundry facilities—are engineered to reduce utility costs and labor, while boosting productivity. Unlike many other hard-mount washers on the market, which typically produce extract speeds between 70 and 120-G-force, MG-Series generates speeds of 200 G-force. In addition to the new 200 G-force MG Series hard-mount line, Continental offers a full array of washers for on-premise laundries, including...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that more than 2,500 products are now authorized by the agency under its Design for the Environment (DfE) Safer Product Labeling Program to carry the DfE label. DfE-labeled products do not contain known chemicals of potential concern, like carcinogens, reproductive or developmental toxicants. Even minor product components, like dyes and fragrances, are screened for safety. EPA also announced that it soon will require manufacturers with products that bear the DfE logo to disclose their ingredients to consumers. “EPA’s DfE Program helps empower people to choose products that are safer for their families...

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...