YACHATS, ORE.—The revolution is here, and it’s green. Words like “global warming” and “sustainable”—once just techno-jargon—are now in the mainstream as the environmental movement takes new shape and a sharper focus. We’re reducing carbon footprints. Decreasing chemicals. Increasing organics. We’re protecting the earth’s natural resources and saving the planet. And not just on home turf, but with suitcases and hiking shoes as we travel the globe. What does green really mean? In short, going ‘green’ means to change everyday habits as a way to preserve the earth for future generations. In the lodging industry, green practices have been...

LA TANTE, ST. DAVID’S, GRENADA—The recently opened Paradise Bay Resort & Spa in Grenada, Eastern Caribbean will buy carbon certificates to compensate the CO2 emissions from guest’s flights, as well as the transport on the islands. Guests do not need to sign in for this or pay extra; it is an automatic, externally audited program valid for all guests. Resort prices have not been increased because of this. “We expect the extra costs for this Carbon Free Vacation approach will be compensated by higher guest loyalty,” says James Post, owner. Paradise Bay Resort & Spa is the first resort in the...

LONDON—What do a hip boutique hotel in west London, a luxurious Scottish train and a Welsh B&B—whose owner lives in a trailer called Tracey Puddingstone parked in the back garden—have in common? They are all featured in a new independent guide to eco-friendly places to stay in the U.K. which has just been launched by the website www.ecofriendlytourist.com. It provides details of thousands of rooms in hotels, hostels, guest houses, self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation—plus some other unusual places—throughout the U.K. and across all price ranges. The new guide is the brainchild of former TV producer Eric Rowan and...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes 3Degrees Group, Inc. as a sponsor. The San Francisco-based company delivers customized global climate change solutions to U.S. businesses, utilities and institutions. The company engages customers to develop, execute, and communicate sustainability strategies that add value to their brand. The company’s expertise in sourcing verified carbon offsets and certified renewable energy certificates enables customers to reduce their carbon footprint. The 3Degrees website includes a carbon calculator that enables one to calculate carbon dioxide generated from home electricity consumption, car travel and air travel. As a partner to business efforts...

NATIONAL REPORT—Almost a year ago, Green Lodging News updated its readers on the progress states have made in creating and supporting green lodging efforts. At that time, it identified seven states with active green lodging programs. Today, at least eight states have one form of program or another. Each program is unique in its own way. These initiatives have become increasingly important over the past year; Florida’s governor, for example, will require his state’s employees to stay at Green Lodging Program hotels beginning January 1, 2008. Here is a state-by-state summary of green lodging programs: California—This state’s Green Lodging Program is...

BOSTON—The Doubletree Guest Suites Boston has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s prestigious Energy Star, the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy performance. By earning the Energy Star, the Doubletree Guest Suites Boston is using at least 35 percent less energy than average buildings, while still providing quality service and comfort to its hotel guests and employees. Located near some of the nation’s finest universities overlooking the scenic Charles River and Boston Esplanade recreational trails with panoramic views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines, this upscale, 308-suite hotel joins approximately 930 buildings nationwide that earned the Energy...

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF.—Although nearly three-fourths of hotel guests in North America willingly participate in environmentally friendly programs offered during their hotel stays, many guests remain unaware of whether these programs are offered at the hotel property, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study. In response to growing concern about global warming and conservation issues, being environmentally responsible has become a top trend in the hotel industry, with properties initiating various green programs, such as changing linens and towels only on request and using water-saving bathroom faucets and toilets. When guests were...

DIAMOND BAR, CALIF.—SteamSuite, a high-end steam shower manufacturer, has created an amenity that provides guests with a relaxing spa environment in the privacy of their own room, while also enabling hotels to save exponentially on their water bill while adding an up-charge to guests’ overall room charges. “Steam bathing is clinically proven to release toxins from the body, improve respiration and circulation, and ease tense muscles,” says SteamSuite president Jari Ristola. “The benefits of steam not only improve a guest’s experience at your hotel, but encourage them to return.” It is a fact that the steam shower is a more functional...

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO—The San Juan Marriott has joined forces with Sustainable Travel International (STI) on its pioneering TravelGreen program, which will allow it to offer carbon neutral accommodations—the first hotel in Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, to do so. Carbon neutral means the point at which greenhouse gas emissions have been identified, measured, reduced where possible, and 100 percent of the remaining emissions have been offset through high quality renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. TravelGreen allows San Juan Marriott guests the opportunity to do something proactive and help offset greenhouse gas emissions. A typical one-night hotel stay...

KO OLINA, OAHU, HAWAII—The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina is the first property in Hawaii and one of the first in the nation to adopt the PURE system which creates an allergy-friendly environment. All of the hotel’s 13 guestrooms and Presidential Suite on its 17th (top) floor have been converted to the system, and indoor meeting facilities and the Ihilani Spa will be converted by the end of the year. The allergy-friendly environment can help ease respiratory problems, asthma and allergies that affect more than 70 million Americans. “By providing PURE allergy-friendly hotel rooms and conference...