LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced the publication of its 2021 Social Impact and Sustainability Report and significantly refreshed website. The report and website tell the story of the company’s continuing and steadfast commitment to its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles of embracing humanity and protecting the planet. The report and website (mgmresorts.com/ESG) also highlight the company's strategies, programs and performance focused on creating a more sustainable future and making a positive impact on the lives of employees, guests and communities. “Last year was a time of economic change and disruption, but with it came heightened reflection, ultimately resulting in...

VÄSTRA FRÖLUNDA, SWEDEN—Bowls, cutlery, cups—any packaging that is in contact with food—needs a barrier to prevent water and oil from leaking through. Paper and molded fiber packaging have traditionally relied on a thin plastic film or the addition of fluorochemicals to hold out water and grease. Neither of these solutions is ideal, as plastic layers are not degradable and can be difficult to recycle. Fluorochemicals have been found to migrate into food and accumulate in our bodies, prompting them to be banned in many parts of the world. What is the answer, then, for transitioning to environmentally sustainable fiber-based...

TORONTO—Flow Beverage announced that it has executed an agreement with Accor for Flow Alkaline Spring Water to become Accor’s official water partner in North and Central America. The vendor agreement between Flow and Accor is intended to replace all single-use plastic water bottles across Accor’s properties in the region with Flow water. A world leading hospitality group with more than 5,300 properties in 110 countries, Accor is the second largest luxury hotel operator in North America. Beginning last month, Flow products were launched at more than 70 luxury hotel properties under such globally renowned brands as Fairmont and Sofitel, across...

BUFFALO, N.Y.—Delaware North, a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry, announced a partnership with Sierra Nevada and Impossible Burger for its 2022 Earth Month campaign, “Seeds for Sustainability.” The campaign, part of Delaware North’s award-winning GreenPath program, replaced traditional cardboard drink coasters and beverage napkins with eco-friendly, plantable seed coasters for guests to take home, plant and enjoy. The Earth Day promotion, featuring Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing and plant-based Impossible Burgers, was available at 27 locations across Delaware North’s Parks, Travel, Gaming and Patina Restaurant Group divisions during the month of April, while supplies lasted. In all, more than...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Knowing that traveling responsibly is top of mind for travelers according to Hilton’s latest Global Trends Report, “The 2022 Traveler: Emerging Trends and the Redefined Traveler, a Report from Hilton,” Hilton hotels around the world are prioritizing sustainability at the forefront of their operations as part of Hilton’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, Travel with Purpose, to drive responsible travel and tourism globally. Hilton hotels around the world are catering to a new type of guest—the bees. A critical part of our ecosystem as natural pollinators for our gardens, parks, and communities, beekeeping helps protect their declining population. From...

LONDON—Zeal Hotels is planning a new hotel concept which follows sustainable principles from the build and throughout its operation to hopefully create a carbon net zero property. The company is in the process of acquiring a site for a 140+ room new build hotel and the group is targeting the U.K. for further growth opportunities. Tim Wheeldon, Managing Director, Zeal Hotels, said that the concept has been welcomed “with open arms by planning authorities and we are in discussions regarding several opportunities at the moment.” “We have been working on the idea of a sustainable hotel for over three years,” Wheeldon...

I have reported on Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort numerous times on Green Lodging News. I recently learned that the carbon-neutral property in Eagle Beach, Aruba, plans to go carbon negative this year. The announcement was made on Earth Day. How does the property plan to reach its goal? Here is a list of their latest initiatives: Green loans for employees. To continue the reduction of fossil fuel-dependency, Bucuti & Tara provides employees with loans for electric bicycles, electric automobiles, and solar panels for home use. Charging stations. Guests and staff have complimentary use of the resort’s electric charging stations for...

BETHESDA, MD.—Curator Hotel & Resort Collection announced a new partnership with Tayst Coffee Roaster to provide premium and sustainable coffee products to its members. Through this partnership, members can provide the highest quality coffee to guests using products like sustainably sourced beans from South America and 100 percent compostable single-serve pods, capsules and packaging. “At Curator, we believe in helping our members provide quality experiences that leave guests feeling good about their choice to stay at our properties,” said Jennifer Barnwell, President of Curator Hotel & Resort Collection. “To successfully achieve this, we know that providing thoughtful products and services are...

SAN FRANCISCO—LOLIWARE, the SEA Technology creator, announced that they have developed the first seaweed pellet created from natural biomaterials to replace plastic at scale. The company has partnered with American manufacturer Sinclair and Rush to scale production with a leading plastic-free, high-performing seaweed straw for businesses of all sizes. This announcement is significant because it is the first U.S. production of onshore, seaweed-based product replacements and is an alternative to outsourcing plastics from China—a needed step toward reducing plastic in landfills and oceans. Seaweed captures 5 to 20 times more carbon than land-based forests per unit area, including permanently storing some of it...

NEW HAVEN, CONN.—Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will soon make history as what is believed will be the first net-zero hotel in the United States. The revolutionary hotel will utilize renewable solar power sources on site to generate the electricity needed for its common areas, restaurant, laundry, meeting rooms and 165 guestrooms and suites. Set to debut this spring, the all-electric hotel is currently accepting reservations for May 19, 2022, and beyond. Hotel Marcel New Haven will operate independent of fossil fuels, resulting in zero carbon emissions. It is also expected to be the first Passive House-certified hotel...