CHICAGO—Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago announced a new, in-room dining menu at the Chicago hotel that has been certified organic by Oregon Tilth, an international nonprofit research and organic certification organization. A first in the North American hotel industry, the downtown Chicago luxury hotel now provides discerning guests with innovative meal options that utilize the freshest ingredients available, sourced daily from local and sustainable farmers. Divided into five different menu categories for breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night snacks and spa dining, the in-room dining menu at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago features cuisine by executive chef Frank Brunacci. The...

HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLO.—Atmosphere Hospitality Management Services, LLC was recently selected to appear on “Moving America Forward,” a new national television show hosted by William Shatner. Atmosphere presented their recently launched green hotel brand, Adoba Eco Hotel & Suites. The program will be aired over the American Life Television Network and other media. The story will be told of how Adoba will make history as the first independent LEED certified brand design “green from the get go” in its entirety. Adoba Eco Hotel & Suites incorporates sustainability and socially responsible practices into every aspect of the design, while mutually aligning itself...

MCALLEN, TEXAS—The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is stepping up its efforts to green hotels in its southern Texas location by adding a second tier to its Green Hotel Program. Participants in the first tier of the voluntary program are required to implement a minimum of eight practices from a long list provided by the Chamber. After a year of participating in the program, hotels are visited as part of a verification step to ensure they are indeed doing what they said they are doing. The second tier will be for those hotels that have completed one year in the...

LAS VEGAS—Bellagio is world-renowned for the spectacular floral exhibitions found within its sunlit Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Each display memorably showcases tens of thousands of flowers, plants and organic materials in artful vignettes. When an exhibit ends, however, the journey just begins for each planting—all find a new beginning through a composting endeavor that turns them into nutrient-rich mulch, creating an endless circle of life. Actively dedicated to environmentally sustainable practices, Bellagio’s expert horticulture staff composted and recycled more than 600 tons of materials in 2009 alone including flowers, trees, shrubs and plants. In addition, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens...

HORSHAM, PA.—Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has selected the Green Key Eco-Rating program as its preferred green lodging certification program. Green Key, which ranks, certifies and inspects hotels based on their commitment to sustainable operations and practices, will be a part of the latest installment of Carlson Hotel’s Responsible Business initiative to be rolled out in the third quarter of 2010. The initiative includes Carlson Hotels’ Radisson, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Park Inn and Park Plaza brands in The Americas. The company’s managed hotels will join the program immediately. The Radisson brand is planning...

MCLEAN, VA.—An inspiring new trend emerging from many tourism and hospitality industry leaders is the incorporation of environmentally conscious practices in their properties or destinations. As strong supporters of this trend, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), along with National Geographic Traveler, has created the inaugural “Leader in Sustainable Tourism Award” in conjunction with the 2010 HSMAI Adrian Awards competition. The award, which will be presented on Jan. 31, 2011 at the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, recognizes a person, company or community for demonstrable leadership and innovation in preserving and communicating an authentic sense of place through...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to alert consumers that there has been an increase of individuals or companies who offer to control bedbugs with unrealistic promises of effectiveness or low cost. Because bed bug infestations are so difficult to control, there have been situations where pesticides that are not intended for indoor residential applications have been improperly used or applied at greater rates than the label allows. While controlling bedbugs is challenging, consumers should never use, or allow anyone else to use, a pesticide indoors that is intended for outdoor use, as indicated on the label....

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Washington Marriott at Metro Center announced that it has received the 2010 Environmental Excellence Award for “Outstanding Achievement by a Hotel.” The hotel is one of nine District businesses and nonprofit organizations recognized for their environmental stewardship, innovative best practices, pollution prevention and resource conservation. “We are delighted to be recognized by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and the city of Washington, D.C. for our efforts to reduce energy, water, waste and the way we demonstrate how responsible hotel operations can be a positive force for the environment,” said Meg Bobinski, general manager, Washington Marriott at Metro Center. “Our...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—Vancouver City Council recently approved a policy that requires all new building rezonings to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard, the highest green building standard for rezonings in North America. The change takes effect January 31, 2011, and is expected to result in 20 to 30 new green buildings being constructed annually, creating new green job opportunities in the city. “Setting a new standard like LEED Gold for new building rezonings is a significant step for Vancouver,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “This is another example of the innovative leadership our city’s development and tech...

PETER ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS—Boaters have known for decades how to harness the power of wind, and, this past spring, Peter Island Resort & Spa followed their lead by becoming the first to install wind turbines in the Virgin Island territory. “We’ve studied the idea for years as a method to better manage our energy needs while maintaining the beautiful, undisturbed landscapes that Peter Island is known for,” said Van Ande, CEO of the property. “These new state-of-the-art turbines are not only environmentally friendly but also energy efficient, which makes them an ideal option for this geographic location. Many people...