It was 16 years ago, after I had been downsized by a well-known industry publication, that I noticed that other industries had a green publication, but the hospitality industry did not. With enough experience under my belt and some good contacts to help me along the way, I decided to create Green Lodging News. It took me a year to launch it, so this month Green Lodging News turns 15 years old. Happy birthday GLN.
Each year that I mark another year behind me I write about it here because there are no guarantees in this life and to be honest, I am a one-man band (except for my cat who occasionally taps random keys on the keyboard) and few within my immediate vicinity—my wife and son—are going to pat me on the back and say a job well done.
This past year and a half has not always been easy in publishing but I have made it and I thank the many sponsors who have supported Green Lodging News along the way. The pandemic was brutal to our industry, and it hit some suppliers especially hard. Many are still recovering and lagging the industry’s recovery. Do all you can to support those companies that advertise on Green Lodging News.
A big thank you to those readers who find value in what I do. Thank you also to those who volunteer to write or facilitate the generation of content.
What Happened to Retirement?
When I entered this industry, I quickly discovered that it is one that is easy to fall in love with. I frequently chat with guys (almost always guys) who are past retirement age—even in their eighties—who are still out selling widgets to hoteliers. Our industry is a difficult one to leave.
Few people tell me this but what I write about is especially important. Our environment is in trouble and our industry has an important role to play in protecting it. What I have discovered over the years is there are many like me out there and that gives me hope. If there were a Green Lodging News Hall of Fame, many heroes would come to mind.
As much progress as our industry has made, we still have a long way to go, and goals must be bolder. Every hotel built should be at least the level of LEED certified with the goal of zero net impact.
My How Things Have Changed
When I first launched Green Lodging News, launching a recycling program, or eliminating smoking was big news. Today, some news items just amaze me—MGM Resorts launching a 100MW solar array, for example. We could use some more “wow” moments like that. That said, the volume of green lodging news has exploded over the years, and it is a challenge to keep up with it all.
Fifteen years from now I hope to be rocking in a chair with a scenic view, knowing that I had positive impact on this industry and this world.
Thank you for joining me along this magnificent ride these last 15 years.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Get in the Green Suppliers Spotlight!
Green Lodging News, lodging’s leading environmental news source, publishes Green Suppliers Spotlight, an e-blast to 23,444 subscribers that features the lodging industry’s leading green products and services. The e-blast features multiple vendors—unlike the current Green Supplier Spotlight that allows one supplier to “own” the Green Lodging News subscriber list for one e-blast. (Click here for a Green Suppliers Spotlight sample.)
Green Suppliers Spotlight is published weekly on Thursdays to general managers, owners, management companies, directors of sustainability, directors of engineering, facilities managers and many others who are either in purchasing positions or who influence purchasing decisions. Suppliers of green products and services throughout North America and beyond are invited to participate in the e-blast. (Minimum two suppliers per e-blast.) Green Suppliers Spotlight was created to give vendors an opportunity to reach a high number of industry purchasers at a very low cost—as low as $200 per e-mail. (Click here for rate sheet.)
Those advertising in Green Suppliers Spotlight can include up to 100 words, one image, contact information and multiple links to their website in their ad. At the end of each month, a report will be sent to each supplier with information on delivered e-mails, opens and click-throughs.
Planning Advertising for 2021?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2021. Many excellent spots are available on our website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2021 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Newsletter & Green Supplier Spotlight Circulation
The circulation of our weekly e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlight currently stands at 23,444. Thank you to our new subscribers for signing up. Be sure to encourage your colleagues to do the same. There are “subscribe” links on the Green Lodging News home page. You may also e-mail greenlodgingnews@gmail.com to be added to our list.
Green Lodging News & Social Media
Green Lodging News now has 1,757 Twitter followers. Thank you to all of those who follow our tweets. In addition to following us on Twitter, be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. More importantly, participate with your comments. Green Lodging News is also on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” us there. Green Lodging News now has 984 Facebook likes.
As always, I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
