NATIONAL REPORT—Over the past few years we have heard a lot about the dangers of mold and mildew and especially what has been termed “toxic mold.” The danger is real. In fact, there are an estimated 64,000 types of mold and fungi, and 90 percent of them have airborne spores. They are present in every breath we take. Fortunately, there is lot you can do to control this problem. Fungi can cause health problems to both humans and animals by several different biological mechanisms: infections, allergenic or hypersensitivity reactions, irritant reactions, toxic reactions, and in certain cases they can even...

DENVER—Restaurants around the country are catching on to the health, economic and environmental benefits of offering more locally grown foods, organic cuisine, sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee and other forms of sustainable cuisine. Eating green, however, doesn’t have to be difficult, according to Xanterra Parks & Resorts. The operator of lodges, restaurants and activities in national and state parks and resorts has introduced a variety of innovative sustainable cuisine offerings in its restaurants, and its earth-friendly menus are becoming increasingly popular with guests. “Operating a sustainable kitchen starts with a few simple steps that anyone can take, even people living in...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, has moved into new offices in Washington, D.C. The new offices and workstations are positioned to maximize day lighting, and all light fixtures were selected for their quality of light and high energy efficiency. Of the energy consumed, 100 percent is offset by renewable sources. The materials chosen are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. For example, salvaged wood timbers create a screen forest wall for an elliptical conference room, and rapidly renewable bamboo, linoleum, and...

MADRID, SPAIN—Around a quarter of both business (25.6 percent) and leisure (26.5 percent) travel agents are fielding an increased number of questions from their clients relating to the environmental impact their travel plans are likely to have. This is according to the latest Amadeus snap poll in which more than 115 U.K. leisure and business travel agents were surveyed about the number of customers taking an interest in the environment when booking travel. Amadeus also asked agents what their own agencies are doing to address environmental concerns. A total of 52.5 percent said they are offering customers and...

LOS ANGELES—The Americas Lodging Investment Summit, to be held here in Los Angeles from January 22 to 24, will include a green hotels session entitled, "Is it Finally Time? How to Address Environmental & Sustainable Issues and Still Satisfy the Customer and the Financial Stakeholders." The January event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel. Session leaders will include Lyndall De Marco, executive director, The Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum Tourism Partnership; Phil Hayward, editor, Lodging Magazine; and Jeff Senior, senior vice president, marketing & sales, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. For more...

CARROLLTON, TEXAS—Accor North America, one of the largest hotel chain owners and operators in North America, was recently recognized as an Energy Star Leader by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for improving energy efficiency across its Red Roof Inn, Studio 6 and Motel 6 properties. Energy Star Leaders are recognized as part of the EPA’s Energy Star Building Challenge, a program encouraging building owners and managers to reduce energy use by 10 percent or more. As part of the Energy Star Building Challenge, Accor North America joined 20 others as Energy Star Leaders recognized for improving the...

LEAVENWORTH, WASH.—Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat was recently presented with the 2006 Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices. Governor Christine Gregoire recently presented the award to Sleeping Lady, along with four other businesses and a not-for-profit group, in Olympia. The 2006 award marks the second Governor’s Award for Sleeping Lady, with their first win in 2001. This year’s honor was the Continuing Excellence award, which recognizes the retreat’s continued commitment to the high standards that garnered it the award five years ago. “We are obviously honored, and are grateful that this award exists, to help get the word out about...

PRESIDIO, TEXAS—Recycling is becoming a way of life in the border communities near Big Bend National Park thanks to the generosity of Forever Resorts. Extending their environmental ethic and friendship across the border of Texas to Mexico, Forever Resorts’ Big Bend Resorts, the concessioner in Big Bend National Park, in partnership with J.V. Manufacturing of Arkansas, recently presented a recycling baler to the community of Ojinaga, Mexico. C. Ing. Jorge Jesus Montoya, Presidente Municipal of the city of Ojinaga along with Ing. Ma. Isisdro Olivas, Eduardo Castillo and students from the Cetis 98 School accepted the generous gesture...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Greenbuild conference, the largest green building conference and expo in the world, has selected Los Angeles as the location of the 2007 show. Greenbuild will be held at the L.A. Convention Center from October 17-19, 2007. The theme of next year’s conference is “Accelerating Green Communities,” which also coincides with USGBC’s 2007 educational agenda. “We’re expecting next year to be the Greenbuild conference’s biggest year yet and L.A. is the perfect place for it,” says Peter Templeton, vice president of education & research, USGBC. “Not only is L.A. renowned for...

NATIONAL REPORT—In recent years, ozone air cleaning equipment increasingly has been used in hotels to eliminate odors caused by smoking, mold and mildew, food, garbage, renovations and much more. Used properly, these types of devices can be effective at removing odors without leaving the harmful residue that chemical cleaners can leave. “Used properly” is key. If you are going to use ozone air cleaning equipment, there are some important things to remember. There are several types of ozone generators on the market today. This article will address only those generators brought in temporarily by housekeeping or janitorial staff to quickly...