I wrote my first Green Lodging News Earth Day column 13 years ago. So much has changed on our planet since then. For example, last year was the fifth year in a row that was the hottest on record. We all have different priorities now, but I challenge you to keep your eyes on sustainability this 50th Earth Day (April 22) and every day—even as you fight your way through the current crisis.
When COVID-19 is solved, we will still have global warming, air pollution, a dramatic decline in biodiversity, species extinction, etc. In fact, with recent rollbacks in emissions regulations air pollution may even get worse.
As bleak as things seem currently, I am still encouraged by the thousands of best practices in sustainability in our industry that will live on in the years to come—practiced by people passionate about making a positive difference in our world.
Thanks to the folks at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs for reaching out to me for Earth Day regarding the cool things they are doing at that 5,000-acre property. The Broadmoor has been on the cutting edge of the sustainable food movement, including growing produce at the property’s garden and greenhouse for its 20 restaurants and cafés, as well as harvesting honey from its own hives and raising Wagyu beef at the resort’s ranch. The Broadmoor also leads a “Food Rescue” initiative providing a steady supply of donated food to the Springs Rescue Mission. These meals were originally prepared for buffets and events in hotels across the city that otherwise would have gone to waste—food that has never been out of the kitchen, which has had an environmental impact, as well as a social impact. Since 2017 over 23,000 pounds of food has been repurposed.
Thanks also to Grupo Vidanta, the leading resort and tourism developer in Mexico and Latin America, for contacting me for Earth Day. Last year, Grupo Vidanta produced about 6.1 million kWh of electricity from its more than 12,000 solar panels, which is enough to power approximately 47,732 households per year. Wastewater treatment plants installed at four of the organization’s resort properties treated a total of 6.6 million gallons of water from 2014 to 2019. Vidanta Riviera Maya launched a sargassum removal project to prevent ongoing damage on the coast and beaches and collected 3,578 tons of sargassum seaweed in 2019 through manual operations and with an installed barrier system.
These are just two example of thousands of properties committed to reducing their environmental impact. One of my greatest joys as editor of Green Lodging News is reading such success stories.
Be Better Stewards of Our Planet
No matter how we live our lives and practice business, the Earth will continue to go on for millions of years. There is a lot to be said, however, about leaving the Earth better than we found it—not trashing it and making it worse. That is where we all come in. Choosing to recycle. Choosing to not buy plastic. Choosing to not waste food. Practicing People, Planet, Profit. Supporting our local communities. Helping those in need.
I feel bad for my 8-year-old son today because he cannot play with his friends, he cannot go to his school, he cannot play in his soccer league, etc. What I am most worried about, however, is his future years from now and what life will be like for him here when I am gone. What kind of world will he live in? Will every year still be record hot? How many more species will be lost? How many more forests will be felled? How many more viruses will come along?
I prefer to be an optimist. Stay strong and healthy this Earth Day and every day. May we all share in better days ahead.
Green Lodging News Welcomes GenEon Technologies to Product Directory
Green Lodging News welcomes GenEon Technologies LLC to its Green Product & Service Directory in the Cleaning & Maintenance/Equipment category. GenEon is a visionary corporation that believes that on-site generation (OSG) of electrolyzed water is the future of beyond-green cleaning. The company’s five systems, from a home unit to commercial, high-volume models, produce cleaners, a heavy-duty degreaser, sanitizer and disinfectant that are effective, safe, sustainable and chemical-free. On-site production eliminates repetitive ordering and significantly reduces cost and waste. Made from just water, select minerals and electricity, all products are safe for skin, eyes and lungs, pets, plants and planet. The portable Immerse-A-Clean wand epitomizes the company’s commitment to innovation. Call (978) 985-1116 or e-mail l.smith@geneontech.com for more information.
GLN Adds Sustainable Events Network to Directory
Green Lodging News welcomes The Sustainable Events Network, Florida & Caribbean (SENFC) to its Green Product & Service Directory. SENFC is the sustainability resource for individuals, associations, corporations, event planners and event venues in Florida and the Caribbean. SENFC initiatives include food rescue, materials re-purposing, energy and water conservation, education, CSR and sustainability best practices. SENFC is affiliated with the Events Industry Council (EICsustainability.org). SENFC actively engages with EIC associations in the region to promote sustainability and provide education to members as well as for individuals independently engaged or wanting to be an advocate of sustainability. Call (954) 778-3228 or e-mail fwpurvey@sunlarkassociates.com.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Get in the Green Suppliers Spotlight!
Green Lodging News, lodging’s leading environmental news source, now publishes Green Suppliers Spotlight, an e-blast to 20,310 subscribers that features the lodging industry’s leading green products and services. The e-blast features multiple vendors—unlike the current Green Supplier Spotlight that allows one supplier to “own” the Green Lodging News subscriber list for one e-blast. (Click here for a Green Suppliers Spotlight sample.)
Green Suppliers Spotlight is published weekly on Thursdays to general managers, owners, management companies, directors of sustainability, directors of engineering, facilities managers and many others who are either in purchasing positions or who influence purchasing decisions. Suppliers of green products and services throughout North America and beyond are invited to participate in the e-blast. (Minimum two suppliers per e-blast.) Green Suppliers Spotlight was created to give vendors an opportunity to reach a high number of industry purchasers at a very low cost—as low as $200 per e-mail. (Click here for rate sheet.)
Those advertising in Green Suppliers Spotlight can include up to 100 words, one image, contact information and multiple links to their website in their ad. At the end of each month, a report will be sent to each supplier with information on delivered e-mails, opens and click-throughs.
Planning Advertising for 2020?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2020. Many excellent spots are available on our new website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2020 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com. A media kit can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Newsletter & Green Supplier Spotlight Circulation
The circulation of our weekly e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlight currently stands at 20,310. Thank you to our new subscribers for signing up. Be sure to encourage your colleagues to do the same. There are “subscribe” links on the Green Lodging News home page. You may also e-mail greenlodgingnews@gmail.com to be added to our list.
Green Lodging News & Social Media
Green Lodging News now has 1,803 Twitter followers. Thank you to all of those who follow our tweets. In addition to following us on Twitter, be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. More importantly, participate with your comments. Green Lodging News is also on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” us there. Green Lodging News now has 982 Facebook likes.
As always, I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
