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News Blog

The News Blog gives Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor of Green Lodging News, an opportunity to comment, in just a few paragraphs, on industry news and trends. A more condensed version of Publisher’s Point of View, the News Blog is updated on either Wednesday or Thursday each week. Want to step in as a guest blogger? Or, have some news to share for the News Blog? To contact Glenn Hasek, call (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

News Blog

Home News Blog
The News Blog gives Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor of Green Lodging News, an opportunity to comment, in just a few paragraphs, on industry news and trends. A more condensed version of Publisher’s Point of View, the News Blog is updated on either Wednesday or Thursday each week. Want to step in as a guest blogger? Or, have some news to share for the News Blog? To contact Glenn Hasek, call (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at: greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.

Study Measures Microfibers Released into Atmosphere by Dryers

Which appliance emits more fibers into the atmosphere? A washer or dryer? Previous research has shown that washer agitation loosens fibers from clothing that ultimately ends up in the environment. Now a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters in early January 2022, and referenced by Treehugger in a recent post, shows that tumble dryers are even more guilty of releasing microfibers into the environment, particularly when clothes are dried at high temperatures. The authors of the study, “Microfibers Released into the Air from a Household Tumble Dryer," wrote that because vented air is usually not...

Wyndham Among Select Group of Hotel Companies on Forbes’ List of America’s Best Employers

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across nearly 95 countries, just announced it has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for 2022. Presented by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, the annual list recognizes Wyndham as a top employer, with team members highly likely to recommend the company to both family and friends. To determine the rankings, Forbes and Statista selected employers through an independent survey applied to more than 60,000 American employees across 25 different industries. The evaluation was based on...

Hawaii Bill Would End Use of Single-Use Plastic Amenity Bottles

A bill now being considered by the Hawaii legislature would prohibit lodging establishments from providing personal care products in small plastic bottles within sleeping room accommodations, any space within sleeping room accommodations, or bathrooms used by the public or guests. The bill, HG 1645, establishes fines and civil penalties for those who do not comply. According to the bill, the use of single—use toiletries in hotels and other lodging establishments contributes to plastic waste locally and globally. California and New York have recently passed laws that prohibit hotels, bed and breakfast homes, and short-term vacation rentals from providing single-use personal...

U.S. Seafood Demand Drives Illegal Fishing Around the World, Says Oceana Report

Green Lodging News has reported on illegal fishing and overfishing in the past—in fact as recently as this past October. It is important that every buyer of fish be aware of the problems as well as the certifications that ensure properly caught fish. Just yesterday, Oceana released a new report showing that the illegal seafood trade, fueled in part by U.S. demand, is hurting local fishing communities around the world. Oceana says this demonstrates the need to expand traceability and transparency requirements for all seafood imports. The United States is the world’s largest seafood importing country, yet around 60 percent of...

Yet Another Shipping Container Hotel Opens, This Time in Silverthorne, Colorado

Hotel and hostels made from shipping containers are becoming more common. Tomorrow, the Pad, a boutique hotel with hostel-style rooms and a high-end mountain modern design, will open its doors officially in the heart of Silverthorne, Colo. along the banks of the Blue River. The Pad began welcoming guests for a soft opening in late November. As the first newly constructed boutique hostel in the Rocky Mountains, The Pad incorporated 18 upcycled shipping containers into its environmentally friendly construction and design. The Pad is on track to becoming the first Colorado-based lodging company to attain B Corporation certification. Do a search using “shipping container” on...

Results of Deloitte’s Survey of 2,000+ C-Suite Executives Regarding Climate Change, Sustainability

During September and October 2021, Deloitte polled over 2,000 C-suite executives across 21 countries to examine business leaders’ and companies’ concerns and actions when it comes to climate change and environmental sustainability. Climate weighs heavily on the minds of the world’s executives. However, there is also a disconnect between ambition and impact. Organizations are struggling to implement actions that demonstrate they have embedded climate considerations into their culture and have the senior leader buy-in and influence to effect meaningful transformation. The report further explores the disconnect between ambition and impact as well as steps CxOs can take to start...

Mastercard, Preferred Hotel Group Partner to Plant Trees

I often come across partnerships that result in the planting of trees. I just learned about another one. Mastercard has teamed up with Preferred Hotel Group, the parent company of independent hotel brand Preferred Hotels & Resorts and new sustainable hotel brand Beyond Green, to support the growing number of travelers who wish to make more eco-conscious accommodation choices as members of the guest loyalty program I Prefer Hotel Rewards. For every I Prefer member rate booked and paid for online with a Mastercard, Preferred Hotel Group will fund the planting of one tree up to a maximum of 17,500 trees. This pledge to support global...

Marriott, Robotics Company Reimagine Hotel Guestroom

When it comes to the carbon footprint of a guestroom space in a hotel, the size of the space is of course critical. I heard today from a PR person informing me that Marriott has partnered with Ori, a robotics and architecture startup, to reimagine guestroom space. The announcement of the partnership was made at CES. The two brands will be working together as part of Marriott’s Design Lab to completely transform the way customers experience travel. Integrating Ori products and technology into Marriott guestrooms will allow travelers flexibility and adaptability and new kinds of rooms and experiences. This is the first large...

Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Certificate Design Launched by Cornell STAMP

A Sustainable Tourism Destination Management certificate is being designed and produced by Cornell STAMP with eCornell to be distributed worldwide, via cooperation with the Travel Foundation and the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and with support from the German Corporation for International Cooperation. Lead instructors are Megan Epler Wood and Dr. Mark Milstein, who will be joined by a wide range of experts from leading institutions and destinations worldwide with illustrative case materials. The certificate will be offered through an 8-module online learning program with 40 hours of video and additional resource materials. The program will challenge professionals and students to advance their skills to document social and environmental...

Trends Worth Watching in 2022, Thanks to EHL Insights

EHL Insights recently released its 2022 top 10 hospitality industry trends. Three of those trends cross over into the space I cover. Here are those three along with EHL Insights’ descriptions: 2. Holistic Hospitality, Health & Well-being  Preventative medicine and self-care are undisputedly trending right now due to the COVID pandemic. The wellness industry is transforming into a booming trillion-dollar market and hospitality venues are well positioned to take a large piece of the pie, especially those with existing spa facilities. In addition to the usual beauty and relaxation spa offering, there is rapidly growing demand for health diagnostic technology and bespoke treatment plans...