ANN ARBOR, MICH.—NSF International, a leading provider of sustainable business solutions, announced that it has earned accreditation from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) to test plastic materials and products for compostability. “Accredited testing services such as NSF’s evaluate and authenticate green claims, including compostability, helping to cultivate trust and eliminate greenwashing in the marketplace,” said Tom Bruursema, general manager of NSF International’s Engineering and Research Services, which offer research and development testing, validation of product claims, and certification to several protocols. NSF International’s Sustainable Services group verifies environmental claims for consumer products, which includes certification for green chemicals, sustainable furnishing and...

MARKHAM, ONT.—The Algonquin Eco-Lodge—located at the southern tip of Algonquin Provincial Park near Bancroft, Ontario—flipped the switch on a unique project that will use the natural power of water to provide electricity for the lodge. Nestled on the shore of picturesque Moffat Pond, about 2.5 kilometers from the lodge’s parking lot, the lodge boasts true tranquillity as guests hike in and regular vehicle traffic is nonexistent. However, this peacefulness comes at the cost of being off the power grid. With a desire to make the Algonquin Eco-Lodge more comfortable for guests, and to be true to the goal of being...

SHANGHAI—Marriott International will invest $500,000 in seed money over the next two years to support a vital water conservation program that helps protect the largest source of fresh water on the planet, located in the mountains of Southwest China. The program will focus its work in Sichuan Province, the area hit hard by the 2008 earthquake. Concurrently, Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout China have committed to reducing their water and energy use by 25 percent by 2017. The program, called the “Nobility of Nature,” is designed to assist rural communities in Sichuan Province with sustainable businesses, such as mushroom farming...

KEY WEST, FLA.—The Florida Keys & Key West tourism council has added more elements to its website to communicate accurate information about the relationship of the Transocean/BP oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Keys. On the home page is a link to a special spill section and a prominent connection to webcams, so potential visitors can see the area live. The current home page video features Key West Mayor Craig Cates correcting misperceptions that the Florida Keys & Key West have already been impacted by the oil spill. “Our economy has been effected by this...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Green by Wyndham Worldwide announced the sponsorship of The Wyndham Green Paddle 2010 featuring ultra-endurance athlete Tom Jones and his quest to raise public awareness about the great risks to the environment and the world’s oceans from improper and excessive use of plastic. From May 16 to August 12, Tom Jones will attempt to create a new world record by paddling from Key West, Fla., to New York City on a standup paddleboard. Wyndham Green Paddle 2010 is Wyndham’s sustainability program that focuses on social responsibility and the environment as a part of the company’s overall...

OLD SAYBROOK, CONN.—Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, located in Old Saybrook, Conn., one of New England’s most widely recognized resorts for its environmental and sustainable practices, has launched a Green Meetings program to help meeting planners meet the growing demand for environmentally sound meetings and events. Across its resort-wide operational and sustainable practices, including its 120-slip marina, Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is the first full-service hotel in Connecticut to receive the Energy Star rating awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for superior energy performance and is also one of the first hotels in the state to be...

FORT WALTON BEACH, FLA.—Residents along the Gulf Coast planning on getting a haircut last weekend had to hold off until this past Monday (May 17) when they were able to not only get a free haircut but also help stem the flow of pollution from the oil spill disaster that is threatening the entire region. The Hampton Inn Fort Walton Beach in partnership with Matter of Trust, an ecological nonprofit organization, sponsored free haircuts on Monday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The hair clippings will be used to create booms and mats that absorb and contain the...

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—For the fourth consecutive year, RockResorts and Vail Resorts Hospitality are offering a voluntourism “Give & Getaway” package. This rewarding travel option offers discounted lodging rates to guests who ‘give back’ and volunteer at the company’s eight RockResorts, lodging properties in Keystone and Breckenridge, a collection of accommodations in the Grand Tetons, as well as two of the newest RockResorts in Miami and Breckenridge. More than 15 volunteer projects will be offered this year as part of the Give & Getaway package, all of which are focused on natural resource conservation and preservation near the company’s resorts. “Give &...

NEW YORK CITY—The arrival of the InterContinental New York Times Square as New York City’s newest and largest new-build hotel has created an active media buzz from highly respected media outlets in travel and hospitality to design to environmental publications. Situated on 44th Street just west of Times Square, the 607-room hotel is in the heart of the Broadway Theatre district, and a short stroll from Fifth Avenue shopping and Central Park. Articles have appeared in major publications such as The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune. The InterContinental New York Times Square is committed to the environment...

NEWPORT, ORE.—One of Oregon’s greenest inns—The Viking’s Greenstone Inn—is just days away from its May 21 opening. Located in Newport within steps of the Pacific Ocean, the 20-room inn features solar panels positioned on a recyclable metal roof, a waste water heat recovery system, a series of seven on-demand water heaters, a key card-based guestroom energy management system, and carpeting made from recycled materials. According to Brendan Carmody, who owns the inn along with Bonnie, his wife, there are plans to add a charging station for electric vehicles toward the end of this year. The owners also intend to...