The annual HD Expo + Conference, which I will be attending, will kick off at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas next week. The event will run from April 30 to May 2 and will include many opportunities to learn about sustainable products on the trade show floor with hundreds of exhibitors in attendance—including 145 first-time exhibitors. Conference sessions will touch on topics ranging from equity, inclusion, and diversity to circular design strategies. Among the first-time exhibitors this year are Light and Green (LED architectural lighting), AGIC Energy (energy management systems), Coulee Coffee Co. (self-adapting automated pour-over coffee maker that uses...

NATIONAL REPORT—Are you considering renting out yurts for your hospitality business but are worried about the impact? Here are five reasons yurts are eco-friendly rental options. In the hospitality industry, sustainability has emerged as a key factor influencing consumer choice. Among the various options for eco-friendly accommodations, yurts stand out for several compelling reasons. This blog will explore the reasons yurts are eco-friendly rental options, ideally suited for business owners in the hospitality sector looking to offer environmentally sustainable lodging alternatives. Yurts Are Energy-Efficient Structures One of the core reasons that make yurts an exceptionally eco-friendly option is their energy efficiency. If...

I reported on some innovations I came across at the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in this week’s Publisher’s Point of View column. Here, I would like to highlight some additional news from the annual event.  Each year, AAHOA recognizes the exceptional endeavors of hoteliers who exemplify service and excellence, selected by an esteemed Independent Awards Selection Committee. The following 2024 Award Winners were announced on the final day of the Convention & Trade Show: AAHOA Award of Excellence. This award recognizes a hotelier who has demonstrated strong leadership, has high standards of excellence, and is making a significant contribution to the...

Search on “autism” on Green Lodging News and you will find many articles detailing the efforts of individual properties or entire brands to better accommodate travelers with autism. One organization at the forefront of autism awareness and education in the travel industry is Autism Double-Checked. Autism Double-Checked is changing travel with autism by classifying travel companies into three levels of autism-readiness. At each successive level, the degree of commitment to inclusivity becomes greater but they all show that participants are actively looking to welcome guests traveling with autistic family members. Currently the Autism Double-Checked website lists 16 properties that...

Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS), a global membership organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women across every industry sector and all three tiers in the beverage alcohol industry, has announced 86 Harassment (www.86harassment.com), a groundbreaking industry-wide initiative addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence within the beverage alcohol and hospitality industries. 86 Harassment, which has been in development since 2020 with corporate catalyst funding from Women of the Vine & Spirits and Pernod Ricard North America, was announced at the WOTVS Global CONNECT! Conference hosted in collaboration with the DISCUS Conference, in San Diego. Today, the industry-wide initiative is additionally funded and supported by...

I have written about toilet paper before. Typically, the focus has been on what the toilet paper is made from. But the shape? Turns out the “shape,” or portion I should say, and how it is dispensed, makes a real difference. I came across a company called Fox Fold that sells sustainable tissue solutions for hotels—toilet paper and facial tissue dispensers that they say lower costs and reduce waste. The company sells the dispenser and the paper. According to Fox Fold, hotels throw out millions of unfinished toilet paper rolls and facial tissue boxes each year. With their folded paper system,...

According to a press release from Green Century, Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s leading lodging franchisors, has agreed to take the first step in addressing plastic pollution by conducting a program to measure single-use plastic and develop strategies for single-use plastic reduction after engagement by Green Century. For those of you not familiar with Green Century, it provides “mutual funds for individuals and institutions to keep their money out of the most irresponsible industries while using Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment analysis and portfolio construction.” Choice Hotels, which has a diverse portfolio of 22 brands including...

Most of you have probably never heard of Wyboston Lakes Resort. The resort is in the East of England and sits on 380 acres. The resort describes itself as “Northern Europe’s largest independently owned business and leisure destination.” It has an ambitious sustainability program. Wyboston Lakes Resort just announced that it has implemented phase one of its Green Energy Roadmap and embarked on phase two of its path towards self-sufficiency in green energy. A total of 356KWh of solar panels and a 200KWh storage battery installed at The Willows Training Centre are already helping to make the Centre more self-sufficient in...

A measure that would prohibit smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos—Bill A2143—moved forward late last month. The New Jersey Senate health committee approved a long-delayed bill to impose the smoking ban. The approval is the first step in several necessary approvals. While some business leaders and casino workers expressed disapproval of the ban, many casino workers were elated. Casinos were specifically exempted from New Jersey’s 2006 law that banned smoking in virtually all other workplaces. Smoking is currently permitted on 25 percent of the casino floors in Atlantic City. While smoking areas are set aside for smokers, the smoke drifts into most...

In just two weeks I will be attending the AHLA Responsible Stay Summit in Washington, D.C. Be sure to watch for coverage on Green Lodging News. I have yet to see the agenda for the event, but it will, in AHLA’s words, convene “hotel industry leaders and sustainability experts in a dialogue around what’s next in the landscape of sustainability and the industry’s journey. Through subject matter experts and insightful presentations, we’ll work to advance sustainability discussions around energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing.” I am looking forward to the event at the Four Seasons Hotel. The event...