TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently welcomed the Staybridge Suites to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The hotel is the second designated in Leon County and 52nd for the state. The Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, and encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving green practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. “Staybridge Suites has shown great environmental leadership by becoming a Florida Green Lodge,” says DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “They are helping conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources for...

ANDOVER, MASS.—In an era of smoke-free spaces, “green” energy, eco-friendly products and environmental health, the Andover Residence Inn recently announced they are offering improved air quality guest accommodations at their hotel. In response to the wellness trends today’s travelers are requesting, the Andover Residence Inn installed the PURE Room system, the most comprehensive allergy-friendly system in the hospitality industry. The hotel now offers guests an environment with cleaner, healthier air. “At the Andover Residence Inn, we aim to perfect the extended stay experience by combining all the comforts of home with all the perks of a hotel,” says Marisa...

PHILADELPHIA—ARAMARK, a professional services organization and leading concessionaire of parks, resorts and hospitality services, has helped secure a $1 million grant to the National Park Foundation as the initial and lead sponsor of the Foundation’s newly unveiled First Bloom project. First Bloom was created in conjunction with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, for children to participate in hands-on natural resource protection activities in national parks. The First Bloom project, honoring the work of Lady Bird Johnson, was launched by the National Park Foundation and Honorary Chair, Mrs. Laura Bush. The donation is the first investment in the First Bloom...

ORLANDO, FLA.—RezHub.com, a brand new travel website, has been launched. With the launch of this new site, travelers can book with green hotels, hybrid rental car companies, and participate in carbon offsetting programs. RezHub.com is donating a portion of its revenue from all travel booked at the Green Travel Hub to a green organization, and that is whether or not the customer was able to book a green specific trip. “The most exciting part about our green travel offering is that you can plan the same trip that you would anywhere else, but when you reserve it with RezHub.com you...

NEW YORK—Green Spa Network, a newly launched organization promoting the natural connection between personal wellness and the health of the planet, has formed an alliance with Organic Spa Magazine. The two advocates for eco-friendly spa experiences are collaborating to help spas and spa goers discover how they can incorporate sustainability into their businesses and everyday lives. Michael Stusser, chair of the Green Spa Network’s board of directors and owner of eco-friendly Osmosis Day Spa says that “green spas are great spas” because: • Green spas are healthier. By limiting toxins and reducing pollution, green spas provide a healthier environment; not just for...

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYO.—It has never been easier or more affordable to take advantage of the world’s best opportunity to observe wolves in the wild. The Yellowstone Association Institute, Yellowstone National Park’s official educational partner, is offering the four-night “Winter Wolf Discovery” featuring accommodations, some meals, expert instruction and more. “Everything comes together in winter to make Yellowstone the best place in the world to see wolves in the wild,” says Jeff Brown, director of education for the Yellowstone Assn. “Wolves are spotted every day in the Lamar Valley. They follow the elk and other prey to the lower elevations near...

A press release is one of the best techniques for publicizing an event or calling attention to a specific issue, your product or service. A well-written, well-distributed and well-timed press release is not difficult or expensive to produce. The key to writing an effective press release is getting it read and the information published. With these objectives in mind, the most important elements of a press release are clear and engaging text, careful selection of recipients, and good timing. When you add “green” into the mix, you should keep in mind the following essentials to getting your release noticed: 1. The...

HARTFORD, CONN.—The estimated $7 trillion travel industry has been among the first to respond to consumers’ demands for environmentally responsible options. Mainstream brands across all categories will have the opportunity to learn how lessons from the green marketing success of the eco-travel industry can be applied to their own green marketing strategies during Good and Green—The Green Marketing Conference, November 29 to 30, 2007, at the Chicago Cultural Center. Led by Kathy Dragon, founder of ActiveWoman.com and recognized travel expert, the panel will include travel industry leaders Hank Stewart, vice-president of Green Team USA; Dave Pflieger, general counsel for Virgin...

BOSTON—Seaport Boston, comprised of the Seaport Hotel and Seaport World Trade Center, has launched its Green Wedding Package, allowing brides and grooms to honor their commitment to the environment while celebrating their commitment to each other. The package is the latest initiative in the property’s Seaport Saves program, a comprehensive program which allows Seaport to continually source and execute innovative ways to improve its operation in an environmentally responsible manner. The Green Wedding Package features a customized seasonal menu showcasing a selection of hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts made with fresh and local organic ingredients by Executive Chef...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News has added its second case study to its new Vendor Case Studies section. The case study focuses on the Best Western Executive Inn and Best Western Loyal Inn, both in Seattle, and how they have successfully implemented Upland, Calif.-based Green Suites International’s EcoRoom® program. EcoRooms® feature more than a dozen different environmental products. They include: compact fluorescent light bulbs; low-flow showerheads and sink faucets; nightlights; digital thermostats; non-toxic cleaning chemicals; Nature’s Mist deodorizer; a linen reuse program; and lotion and liquid soap products dispensed from refillable containers in the shower and at the sink. A pre-installation analysis...