NATIONAL REPORT—In recent years, mattress makers have taken steps to extend the life of the mattress—building in removable pillow tops and other replaceable components—but at the end of a mattress’ life there is still a great chance that it will end up in a local landfill. The biggest barrier to mattress (and box spring) recycling, according to Chuck Brickman, owner and president of Willoughby, Ohio-based Ohio Mattress Recovery and Recycling, is hoteliers not knowing there is an option to recycle. Another barrier, although this is slowly beginning to change, is the availability of mattress recycling facilities. The International Sleep...

NATIONAL REPORT—Two Hyatt Hotels Corp. properties have introduced meetings programs that allow guests to give back by volunteering their time. The  (Nev.) recently announced its Groups Giving Back offer, which combines philanthropy with volunteering opportunities. The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa in Hawaii introduced Lokahi Group Meetings, a new package that invites groups to do their part to keep Oahu beautiful while enjoying special perks at the same time. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe ensures group meetings are as successful as they are rewarding by combining a percentage donation from the master bill to a nonprofit organization of...

CHICAGO—The National Restaurant Association recently announced the recipients of the annual 2011 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award, an honor recognizing groundbreaking kitchen equipment in the foodservice market. An independent panel of judges comprised of internationally recognized food facilities consultants, multi-unit executives and design experts selected KI Award recipients for their innovations that provide new solutions to restaurant and foodservice operators. KI products will be showcased in the interactive Kitchen Innovations Pavilion area of the 2011 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place from Saturday, May 21 through Tuesday, May 24. The KI products will enable foodservice operations to run faster and...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing updated standards for light fixtures to qualify for the Energy Star label—an efficiency program that has saved consumers money on their energy bills while contributing to cleaner air and protecting people’s health since 1992. Effective October 1, 2011, to qualify for the Energy Star label light fixtures will need to increase efficiency 30 percent above currently qualified fluorescent-based fixtures. In 2013, performance requirements will increase further, providing 40 percent higher efficiency compared to currently qualified models. Light fixtures that earn the Energy Star save consumers money on their energy bills and...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—A new Four Points by Sheraton in Tallahassee is expected to become the brand’s first LEED-certified property, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced. Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown, which will open this summer, is on track to receive certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program in 2012. The hotel is also working toward earning certification as part of the Florida Green Lodging Program. Located in the heart of Florida’s capital city, Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown will occupy a 12-story round building that has been a...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The Doubletree Hotel Portland announced the grand opening of Gather Food & Drink. In Portland’s newest dining spot, guests will taste the freshest flavors of the Northwest. Inspired seasonal fare is the focus of the restaurant and bar. Gather is about offering selections that reflect the changing array of food and drink that is produced locally. Chef Steven Ward infuses the freshest ingredients from local farmers and showcases them in seasonal menus. Those culinary delights serve as a complement to the regionally inspired wine, beer and spirits offered in Gather. “We’re very excited to offer our guests a unique...

NATIONAL REPORT—With Earth Day (April 22) just a few weeks away, properties around the United States have announced steps they are taking to celebrate—everything from seed giveaways to the unveiling of an ecological quilt. At Andaz San Diego, as part of a Spring Celebration package, guests who arrive in hybrid cars will get free valet parking. The package also includes a free glass of local wine and a packet of assorted seeds to plant. Guests staying at Andaz San Diego on Earth Day can enjoy the 22nd Annual EarthFair at Balboa Park, the largest free environmental fair in the...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than 500 building projects have certified through the LEED Volume Program since the pilot launched in 2006, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED Volume Program streamlines the certification process for high-volume property owners and managers, from commercial real estate firms, national retailers and hospitality providers, to local, state and federal governments.  Utilizing a prototype-based approach, the program enables large-scale organizational builders and operators to deliver a consistent end product, earning LEED certification faster and at a lower cost than would be possible with individual building reviews. The certification program was designed to meet industry...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation announced a pledge of $50 million to address the water needs of more than one million people in sub-Saharan Africa and water stressed areas of India and Mexico. The pledge of $50 million over five years will fund a three-part strategy that will deliver access to sustainable safe water; increased advocacy and capacity; and expand knowledge on global water best practices for communities, governments, NGOs and donors. A total of 900 million people (14 percent of the world population) do not have access to adequate clean water. More than 2.5 billion people (38...

GEILO, NORWAY—The Norwegian Ecotourism Assn. and The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) have announced the second annual European Ecotourism Conference (EuroEco), to be hosted in Geilo, Norway, from May 30 to June 3, 2011. The EuroEco 2011 is expected to bring together 150 ecotourism stakeholders in the region and will offer an effective platform for knowledge sharing, networking and partnership building. The EuroEco conference was first held in September 2010 in Parnu, Estonia, and was attended by more than 120 participants from across Europe and other regions. Conference partners and participants have shown enthusiastic support for EuroEco as an important European-wide...