ANN ARBOR, MICH.—NSF Sustainability, a division of global public health organization NSF International, has certified Downlite to the Global Traceable Down Standard (Global TDS). Downlite, a major down and feather processor and supplier of responsibly-sourced performance fills to the outdoor, home furnishings and hospitality markets, is the first company certified to the Global Traceable Down Standard. Certification to the standard enables an organization to demonstrate the down it processes is from farms that practice the highest levels of animal welfare and that the down is fully traceable throughout its supply chain.Downlite is a supplier to outdoor apparel company Patagonia....

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND—The Global Destination Sustainability Index has launched. It is the first-ever sustainability ranking for event destinations worldwide. Initiated by ICCA’s Scandinavian Chapter and MCI, the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI-Index) is supported by IMEX and ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Assn.).The GDS-Index aims to promote the sustainable growth of international meeting destinations, highlighting best practices and responsible business tourism. In a world increasingly focused on responsible business and environmental impact, the GDS-Index helps destinations to engage clients with sustainability, align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and drive the adoption, promotion and recognition of sustainable practices in...

BETHEDA, MD.—Marriott International announced that it will provide “Made in USA” towels and bath mats in every guest bathroom in nearly 3,000 U.S. hotels. Buying “Made in USA” towels and bath mats benefits U.S. manufacturing communities such as Thomaston, Ga., and Union, S.C., where manufacturing company Standard Textile is producing them with 100 percent cotton fiber grown in the United States.Marriott’s commitment to buy “Made in USA” guestroom terry products creates 150 new jobs in Standard Textile’s facilities in Thomaston and Union, as well as at the company’s Cincinnati headquarters and through its supply chain.“As a global company based...

LAS VEGAS—Sands ECO360°, the global corporate sustainability program of Las Vegas Sands (LVS), is launching its fourth annual “I Will If You Will” (IWIYW) global challenge by collaborating with the company’s team members and encouraging them to take action to reduce their impact on climate change. The annual event is held in conjunction with the global Earth Hour celebration organized by the World Wildlife Foundation, which will take place on March 19. The occasion marks one of LVS’ three global team member engagement events that are conducted annually to support environmental sustainability.During the week of March 13 to 19,...

ATLANTA—American Spa Magazine and the Green Spa Network (GSN) have teamed up to produce the 5th Annual GSN Sustainability Awards. The GSN Sustainability Awards program recognizes efforts that positively impact sustainable business in the spa industry and contribute to a vital future for people and the planet.This year’s achievements will be awarded in nine categories ranging from Green Building and Culinary Excellence to Sustainable Manufacturing and overall Spa Sustainability. Nominations will be accepted through June 15, 2016 and can be submitted through the GSN website at http://www.greenspanetwork.org. Any individual, company or product related to the spa, health and wellness...

PORTLAND, ORE.—Since 2012, visitors to Oregon contributed more than $90,000 to enhance communities across the state through an innovative philanthropy program created by Travel Oregon and Sustainable Travel International. Funds are directed to projects throughout Oregon that improve the environment, support local culture and enrich the destination through the Travel Oregon Forever Fund.The Travel Oregon Forever Fund is the first statewide program of its kind. The goal of the program is to improve experiences for visitors and locals by connecting them to participating businesses that directly improve and enhance Oregon communities.“Travel Oregon not only strives to create economic impact...

SPARTANBURG, S.C.—Milliken & Company, a global innovation company, has been recognized as a 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.This year marks the 10th anniversary of Ethisphere and the World’s Most Ethical Companies designation, which recognizes those companies that align principle with action, work tirelessly to make trust part of their corporate DNA, and in doing so, share future industry standards by introducing tomorrow’s best practices.Milliken is one of just 14 companies to receive this honor every year since Ethisphere’s inception in 2007 and...

OAKLAND, CALIF.—Fair Trade USA, the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in North America, and the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), an international consulting and research firm specializing in health and sustainability, released new data indicating that fifty-nine percent of consumers now recognize the Fair Trade Certified label. This growth is supported by new insights into consumer spending habits—particularly around the role of Millennials in driving ethical purchases—and an abundance of new Fair Trade products hitting store shelves.In addition to the spike in general awareness, up from 55 percent in 2013, the joint research between NMI and Fair Trade...

OTTAWA, ON.—The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announced that Green Key Global’s Green Key Eco-Rating Program has achieved GSTC-Recognized status. The awarded status affirms Green Key Global’s commitment to promote sustainable tourism products and services.Green Key Global’s Eco-Rating Program is a graduated rating system designed to recognize lodging facilities committed to improving their environmental and fiscal performance. Based on the results of a comprehensive environmental self-assessment, lodging facilities are awarded a rating from 1 to 5 Keys, 5 Keys being the highest attainable. In support of their efforts towards becoming a cutting-edge green lodging property, members are provided with...

BERLIN—This year’s ITB CSR Day at the ITB Berlin Convention will address topical issues in connection with sustainable tourism, the refugee situation, climate change and how tourism can further peace. On Friday, March 11, lectures and discussions will provide trade visitors with new ideas and suggestions for greater social and ecological responsibility in tourism. Trade visitors can attend the think tank free of charge.Rika Jean-Francois, in charge of CSR at ITB Berlin, will open the ITB CSR Day 2016 with a keynote panel on “Climate Change: the Challenges Facing the World’s Tourism Industry.” Around the world, tourism contributes to...