Food waste reduction and donation were top of mind this past week for several reasons. First, MGM Resorts International announced that it has donated five million meals into the community since 2016, marking the achievement of a 2025 social impact and sustainability goal well ahead of schedule. In 2023 alone, the company donated more than 1.2 million meals to feed food insecure people in local communities. The five million meals were donated through the MGM Resorts Feeding Forward program. Many were the result of grants to organizations that focus on hunger relief and funded meals donated to local nonprofit organizations. Other...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International announced that it has donated five million meals into the community since 2016, marking the achievement of a 2025 social impact and sustainability goal well ahead of schedule. In 2023 alone, the company donated more than 1.2 million meals to feed food insecure people in local communities. The five million meals were donated through the MGM Resorts Feeding Forward program. Many were the result of grants to organizations that focus on hunger relief and funded meals donated to local nonprofit organizations. Other donations involved rescuing unserved food from multiple points along the company’s food and beverage...

CHICAGO—You’re hoping to become more sustainable, making efforts to cut your carbon footprint—reducing food waste, using energy- and water-efficient equipment, reusing, recycling, and even composting. But what do you know about the products you buy, how they’re grown, raised, manufactured, or processed? While your menu automatically impacts your carbon footprint (a barbecue or burger concept will naturally have a bigger footprint than a salad concept), there are ways to make sustainability a key part of your purchasing criteria. Taking a little extra time to vet your supplies and talk over options with your suppliers can help you build your sustainability...

ITHACA, N.Y.—Join leading experts from the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration and beyond on May 29 as they unveil the latest results from the 10th annual Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Index, which tracks energy, water, and carbon emissions of more than 27,000 hotels from over 40 companies. The results explore differences in performance across and within hotel segments and markets as well as the industrywide pathways of decarbonization. While these KPIs have solidified over the past decade, other sustainability indicators are arising and gaining importance. The breadth of climate change and biodiversity impacts continue to be better understood, mapped, and...

GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA—Rio Perdido, the esteemed eco-luxury boutique hotel tucked away in the vibrantly lush and biodiverse tropical dry forest in the Guanacaste Province of western Costa Rica, introduces the new West Bungalows. Strategically positioned near the breathtaking Rio Blanco Canyon, each bungalow offers an unparalleled connection to nature while providing a haven of comfort, privacy, and tranquility for sustainably minded wellness seekers and adventure travelers looking for a deeply healing forest hideaway. The flagship West Bungalows boast a sophisticated yet understated layout, featuring a spacious roofed area of nearly 950 square feet. Guests will be greeted by a 170-square-foot open-air entrance terrace adorned...

GÖTEBERG, SWEDEN—PulPac and Matrix Pack Group announced their strategic partnership aimed at delivering a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional single-use plastic and wooden cutlery. This innovative collaboration involves PulPac, Matrix Pack, and PA Consulting. PulPac and PA Consulting will lead the development of the cutlery, with MatrixPack acting as a co-developer in the industrialization of the post-processing solution. MatrixPack will be the first producer to introduce Dry Molded Fiber Cutlery to the market, with a fully industrialized cutlery set expected to be available by early 2025. “Our goal within this partnership is to develop a consumer-friendly solution that not only meets...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart has introduced its new CL conveyor type commercial dishwasher series with features designed to save time and money and simplify operation. The series has been awarded the 2024 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award from the National Restaurant Show (NRA) due to its cutting-edge technology. “We are honored to be recognized by NRA for this innovation in commercial dishwashing equipment and are thrilled to introduce our latest innovation in high-volume washing technology,” said Jaehan Kim, Product Manager for Hobart Warewash. “With simplified and improved cleaning and maintenance features, the CL offers unmatched performance, efficiency, and reliability. Whether our customers are...

LAS VEGAS—Wynn Resorts has released its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report and Corporate Responsibility Review outlining the company’s 2023 responsibility programs. The reports showcase ongoing initiatives including nationwide philanthropic efforts and impactful sustainability practices. The Wynn Resorts ESG Report presents information that references select Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and Sustainability Accounting Board Standards (SASB). The Corporate Responsibility Review recounts commitments to employees, the positive impacts of Wynn’s activities in the communities in which it operates, and long-term goals of doing the right thing for the planet. “If you look at our Core Values and Behaviors in this report, you will see that...

CORCOVADO, COSTA RICA—Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good and the environment, announced the grand opening of SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge (CWL). CWL uniquely sits at the intersection of two thriving ecosystems: Corcovado National Park, which is known as the world’s most biologically intense terrestrial ecosystem, and the Isla del Caño Biologic Reserve, a vibrant marine ecosystem. The all-inclusive 189-acre private reserve is 100 percent off the grid, offering a blend of environmentally conscious accommodations, local and sustainably sourced gourmet cuisine, first-class service, and a range of immersive adventures from professionally guided interpretive...

GLENVIEW, ILL.—ITW Food Equipment Group announced it will attend the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show (May 18 to 21) at McCormick Place in Chicago. Restaurant and food service professionals who visit booth 4031 can see the latest in kitchen equipment from the group’s premier brands, including Hobart, Baxter, Traulsen, Vulcan and IBEX. Each piece of equipment displays the brands’ innovative approach to improving efficiency in commercial kitchens. The booth will feature four key focus areas introduced at last year’s show—Kitchen Productivity, Commercial Dishwashing, Leading Innovation and Service and Parts—along with live cooking demonstrations from the Vulcan, Baxter, and IBEX Culinary...