CHICAGO—Marriott Hotels in the Midwest are committed to doing their part in helping the environment by engaging in trending eco-friendly initiatives. These actions span past the hotel guestroom and are incorporated into the property’s meeting spaces and food and beverage outlets, further creating an all-encompassing movement within the hotel to make changes that better the environment. From Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown’s Executive Chef Ross Reed utilizing fresh honey from his rooftop garden in his menus to The Westin Edina Galleria and The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland putting a focus on clean meetings by emphasizing the use of linen-less tables in their event spaces, these trending initiatives are providing a never-before-seen green travel experience for guests.
One of the most substantial ways that Marriott hotels are engaging in eco-friendly initiatives is through their food and beverage outlets. Within these outlets, the culinary teams are working towards providing a restaurant menu that cuts down on food waste. They are also looking to feature a selection of more organically grown product, which has been exemplified through Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown’s Executive Chef Ross Reed, a fourth-generation beekeeper, and his use of the fresh honey that he grows from his rooftop garden in his menu at the property’s restaurant and catering department. Cedar + Stone Restaurant at the JW Marriott Minneapolis only uses ingredients from within 200 miles to create seasonal dishes and reduce carbon footprint.
Another well-known eco-friendly trend in the hospitality industry is sustainable meetings. From using recyclable alternatives in meeting materials to seeking out local vendors for decorations and food product, each property is actively making changes to create a green meeting experience for attendees, including The Westin Edina Galleria and The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland. Properties have also integrated sustainability into their architecture and amenities. Renaissance Schaumburg uses salt water in its pool, which replaces traditional harsh chemicals and aids in preserving the health of guests and the environment.
Hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland and Hotel Ivy in Minneapolis, have implemented electric vehicle charging stations on-property. Properties are also partnering up with environment-focused organizations within their community to make an impact on a local level. The Westin Lombard Yorktown Center serves as an example of this as they are currently partners with SCARCE, an award-winning environmental education nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable communities. Additionally, many properties in the Chicago area are Green Seal Certified Hotels, which means that they develop sustainability standards and programs that empower consumers to make eco-friendly choices. These participating hotels include The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Sheraton Grand Chicago, and The Westin Chicago River North.
