BURBANK, CALIF.—The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) has awarded $6 million in grants to 80 nonprofit organizations working to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. Since the fund’s creation in 1995, Disney has provided nearly $86 million total in grants to protect the magic of nature together with communities around the world. “These Disney award recipients represent a global community dedicated to ensuring a world where people and wildlife thrive together. The Disney Conservation Fund provides not only the opportunity to support these meaningful efforts, but also celebrate them as a point of hope that inspires our audiences around...

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) has launched the Sleep Products Sustainability Program (SP2), a new environmental certification and sustainability initiative for mattress manufacturers in the state of California. SP2 training and certification is offered at no cost to mattress manufacturers that want to improve operations at their manufacturing plants, distribution centers, warehouses and/or offices. “SP2 is designed to reduce waste and energy consumption in the manufacturing process while increasing operational efficiencies and generating cost savings,” says Ryan Trainer, President of the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) and the International Sleep Products Assn. (ISPA). “Developed as part of the bedding industry’s...

Almost every sporting event, wedding, conference, and public gathering has an accommodation partner. Often the accommodation partner is benign and not really part of the organization committee. However, there could be a significant value added for leading facilities to look beyond their own practices and provide leadership and tools for making the hosted event or activity environmentally sustainable. In fact, this could be an important choice decision point in the very competitive accommodation market. We find most caring leaders want to become more considerate of the environment, but don’t know where to start. Below are listed areas of consideration with...

MINNEAPOLIS—CWT Meetings & Events, the global meetings and events division of CWT, says that sustainability will continue to be an ever more important business consideration for the $840 billion industry in 2020, according to the M&E 2020 Future Trends Report bonus feature, The Future of Sustainable Events, published yesterday. As activists protest in some of the world’s best-known destinations—including London, Sydney, Amsterdam, Madrid, New York and Washington, D.C.—demanding action on climate change, companies are increasingly taking notice. “The sustainability of the meetings and events industry, in fact of the entire travel industry, is at the forefront of companies’ and planners’ minds...

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Sands Corp. once again has been recognized by the S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) for its industry-leading performance in environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts. Sands is the only Integrated Resort company included in the DJSI North America. In 2019, Sands made significant performance improvements in human rights, corporate citizenship and philanthropy, and operational eco-efficiency, according to SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) results. The SAM CSA results, derived from financially material ESG factors, alongside S&P DJI’s robust index methodology, form the basis of construction and maintenance of the entire DJSI series. “Sands is driven by delivering strong...

FAIRFAX, VA.—INTUS Windows’ fourth tree planting event was its biggest yet, drawing in architects, developers, builders, government officials, and even an ambassador. As part of their One Window, One Tree program, INTUS holds these plantings biannually near their headquarters in Fairfax, Va. They aim to educate the community and building industry about the importance of trees by getting their hands on them (literally) and giving them a much-needed home. Through a partnership with the City of Alexandria and the Tree Stewards of Alexandria and Arlington, INTUS Windows planted 50 trees at Four Mile Run Park. The Lithuanian Ambassador to the...

MCLEAN, VA.—To mark Global Handwashing Day, Hilton announced the expansion of its soap recycling program, totaling 5,300 properties in more than 70 countries and territories around the globe. Hilton’s decade-long soap recycling program, which is already the largest in the hospitality industry, helps fight the hygiene epidemic plaguing underserved communities where tens of thousands of children die needlessly due to lack of access to basic sanitation. The initiative also contributes to reducing Hilton’s overall environmental impact, which the company has set a goal to cut in half by 2030. Hilton also announced the successful completion of its 2019 Clean the...

BOULDER, COLO.—​EcoVessel, a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly, reusable drinkware, announced that, as of Oct. 1, 2019, they are now a member of 1% For the Planet. Through this partnership, EcoVessel pledges to donate 1% of all sales to support environmentally focused, nonprofit organizations around the globe. This partnership is a natural fit for the company who, since their inception, have been on a mission to reduce single-use plastics worldwide. This partnership allows them to advance their mission by connecting with the 1% For the Planet’s organizations and partners, all working towards a single cause of bettering the planet. “We are constantly looking...

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—Radisson Hotel Group has introduced its new global Responsible Business training program, Living and Leading Responsible Business. Set to be rolled out worldwide over the next 16 months, the new program will cement Radisson Hotel Group’s position as a Responsible Business leader and will give team members the tools they need to drive standards and best practices. Taking responsibility for the environment and local community has long been important to Radisson Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups. It has been a vital part of the group’s broader commitment to sustainable development since the...

NEW YORK—HX: The Hotel Experience and Boutique Design New York (BDNY) are just a month away. Both events will be held concurrently at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City from November 10 to 11. Under the ownership of Emerald Expositions this year, the two shows will together feature hundreds of exhibitors—many of which will be offering products to green up your property’s design and operations. Products available will range from Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee to bicycles to wallcoverings. In addition to the trade shows, HX and BDNY will both offer education sessions. Enhanced by a new partnership...