HONOLULU, OAHU—Ushering in the green of spring, starting May 1, the Outrigger Condominium Collection will present guests with a free amenity—a reusable “green” travel tote—providing an earth-friendly alternative to single-use paper and plastic bags. The new complimentary tote will be presented to guests staying a minimum of two nights at any of Outrigger’s resort condominiums in Hawaii, allowing them to explore the islands in style while protecting and preserving the state’s resources. “Our goal is to help reduce the millions of plastic and paper bags headed for Hawaii landfills while at the same time creating a more convenient vacation experience...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) will host four fast-paced days of business, professional development, and networking at its third annual Summer Summit, June 8-12. Held at The Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City, highlights of this year’s comprehensive events program will include new and timely presentations on green initiatives, economic analysis and foresight from industry insiders at the Lodging Industry Summit, specialized certification and educational seminars, and AH&LA’s annual Stars of the Industry Awards ceremony. Summer Summit’s green panel representatives from leading certification programs Green Seal, Green Key, the U.S. Green Building Council, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Energy Star award winners Lowe’s Cos. Inc., PepsiCo, Food Lion, LLC, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc., Marriott International Inc., and 3M, are among those showcased in a report released today by EPA for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. The report, “Profiles in Leadership, 2008 Energy Star Award Winners,” highlights 74 award-winning organizations across many sectors of the U.S. economy, including schools, hospitals, real estate, manufacturing, chemicals and home building. “EPA applauds these organizations for preserving our environment and our energy resources,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Whether you are running a business or...

SAN FRANCISCO—Michael Pace, general manager of W San Francisco, announces the kickoff of ECOLICIOUS—the first of a number of new eco-fun programs designed to put W San Francisco’s best green foot forward in 2008. ECOLICIOUS puts the W spin on organic-chic cocktailing, with a groovy green organic drink menu and delicious farm-to-table bites. San Francisco scenesters and green-thumbs alike will delight in this hip new eco-chic cocktail mixer. “We know that people in San Francisco like to have a good time when they get off of work, but we also understand that they like to do what they can...

NAPA VALLEY, CALIF.—Napa Valley’s Silverado Resort has expanded its recycling program to include food scraps and grass clippings. The resort had already been recycling items such as plastic and paper. After six months of testing the program, the resort reports significant results: a reduction in generic garbage of almost 50 percent and a 50 percent savings on composting costs. The brainchild of long-time executive chef Peter Pahk, the program reflects the resort’s evolving and comprehensive approach to sustainability in all aspects of the resort’s operation—from farm to waste stream. The new recycling initiative is made possible with the help of...

HOLLAND, MICH.—Here in the heart of Holland, Mich., a town known for its roots in Dutch culture, a new eco-boutique style hotel has opened that is anything but traditional. The five-story, 56-room CityFlats Hotel is proof that powerful things can happen when sleek, modern design meets environmental coolness. From the exterior, where LED lights provide colorful illumination, to the interior where large windows welcome in natural light, the CityFlats Hotel is unlike any other in the United States. Opened at the very end of last year, the property is owned by Holland, Mich.-based Charter House Holdings, LLC. The owners expect...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—One of the most recognized hotel brands in the world is getting a makeover. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s largest and most global brand, has launched a comprehensive new design of its lobbies and guestsrooms that will significantly enhance its portfolio of hotels and resorts. Included in the new guestroom design are bath and shower fixtures and a dual-flush commode that will reduce water usage by up to 30 percent. Sheraton and its owners are undertaking an aggressive multi-year strategy to improve the quality and consistency of the brand portfolio that includes $1.3...

ATLANTA—For the first time, Hospitality Design magazine will present an entire day of eco-friendly programming, HD Green Day, on Wednesday, May 14, prior to HD Expo at the Sands Expo Center/Venetian Conference Center in Las Vegas. For designers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, architects and other creative professionals dedicated to improving the environment through their work, HD Green Day will offer the opportunity to impact the future of sustainable design through an interactive panel on design standards. Educational panels, award presentations and a keynote address will provide tools for attendees to implement next steps in green design. During Green Day, one of the...

CHEVY CHASE, MD.—Beginning April 1, guests at Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts around the world can volunteer their time to improve and assist the local community where they are vacationing. The program, called “Give Back Getaways,” offers guests a variety of opportunities from helping to protect endangered sea turtles in Cancun, Mexico, to helping with renovations and landscaping at the Children-Hospice SONNENHOF, which offers support for children with critical illnesses in Berlin. Give Back Getaways is the most recent opportunity to volunteer under Community Footprints, The Ritz-Carlton social and environmental responsibility program. “We have come to recognize the interest many of...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—As the price of gas approaches $4 per gallon in parts of the country, travelers are taking notice. For the fifth year in a row, BedandBreakfast.com members are putting money where guests need it most—in their gas tanks. Guests who fill up on hearty breakfasts at participating B&Bs will find themselves treated to their own fill-up through the BedandBreakfast.com “Tanks a Lot!” promotion, in which inns offer free gas to B&B travelers. Knowing that travelers are increasingly interested in traveling green, BedandBreakfast.com members have crafted a number of creative offers to reward guests for conserving gas and to...