PHOENIX, ARIZ.—ARAMARK Parks & Resorts, a division of ARAMARK Harrison Lodging, announced that it has chosen Renewable Choice Energy, the award-winning, full-service provider of renewable energy credits and carbon offsets, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation, to continue its traditional energy offset program. In 2007, ARAMARK began offsetting 100 percent of its traditional energy consumption with alternative energy solutions at its national and state park managed properties. ARAMARK has purchased 17,152,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power in Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that this purchase helps avoid the same amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced...

MARATHON, TEXAS—Newspapers guests read at the Eve’s Garden Organic Bed & Breakfast and Ecology Resource Center will definitely get recycled. In fact, they may even end up in a wall or one of the many domed structures at the five-room inn here in Marathon, Texas. The owners—Kate Thayer and Clyde Curry—don’t like to waste anything. Bottles and cans are recycled, kitchen and yard waste are composted, and energy is saved when sheets and towels are hung out to dry on a clothesline. When you put the words “organic” and “ecology” in your inn’s name, you are expected to deliver and...

DENVER—At Xanterra Parks & Resorts, designing and remodeling buildings are opportunities to minimize environmental impact not only during the construction phase but for the life of those buildings as well. Over the past decade, Xanterra has increased its efforts to be a better steward of the environment, including the area of design and construction. Xanterra has developed “Guidelines for Environmentally Sustainable Design and Construction” which defines Xanterra’s expectations for all contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, consultants and vendors working with Xanterra on the design, construction or rehabilitation of buildings in national parks. Xanterra uses the guidelines to ensure that new construction...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Recognizing that the status of the environment has become a top business and public policy priority, with major implications for travel, the Travel Industry Assn. and American Express announced they have joined forces in the name of travel sustainability. The two organizations are working together to develop the Travel Sustainability Initiative, a comprehensive plan designed to make crucial information available and to guide the travel industry in its response to assuring sustainability in travel and tourism. “Our initiative with American Express is a comprehensive review of domestic and international efforts related to travel and climate change, and the...

NATIONAL REPORT—Summer-like weather is here and there is nothing better than kicking back on the beach or close to a pool. Why not kick back on some recycled plastic? There are a number of U.S.-based companies that manufacture outdoor furniture from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is made from recycled plastic milk and water jugs. By purchasing furniture made from HDPE, one can help to close the recycling loop. In fact, at the end of its life, the furniture can be recycled and made into new furniture. From a design standpoint, there are literally hundreds of appealing color and style...

VANCOUVER, WASH.—The Hilton Vancouver, Washington, one of America’s first sustainably-designed hotels, is making history again this month as the first hotel in the world to earn both Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Seal certifications. The Green Seal environmental certification accolade comes three years after the hotel became the first major U.S. hotel—and the first Hilton Hotel—to earn LEED certification. “The Hilton Vancouver, Washington is the only hotel in the world to achieve environmental sustainability certification from two top universally accepted and independent analysts,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, brand management—Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “This hotel...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes East Teak Fine Hardwoods, Inc. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. East Teak is now approved to stock Forest Stewardship Council certified hardwoods; including FSC 100 percent recycled teak lumber and FSC reclaimed rosewood columns. East Teak’s FSC Recycled Teak is 100 percent reclaimed from post-consumer sources such as old structures and is carefully recovered by hand, thereby avoiding the need to fell living teak trees. East Teak FSC Recycled Teak guarantees buyers both a legal and environmentally sustainable supply chain and also ensures compliance with...

STAR ISLAND, BAHAMAS—There have been many changes in the few years since “travel” and “sustainable” first appeared in the same sentence. Emerging technologies coupled with mounting consumer demand have given us thousands of green travel options—from luxury eco-lodges (that make a negligible impact on their ecosystems) to carbon-neutral resorts, tours and airlines. A new leader in this green revolution is Star Island, a private-island destination currently under development in the Out Islands of the Bahamas. It will open its doors in late 2009. “This is a very exciting time in the field of green technology and, by extension, sustainable tourism,”...

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, BWI—On the heels of the 10th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC-10), the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board announced its upcoming initiatives to maintain an eco-conscious environment throughout the luxurious Islands. Both tourists and residents will benefit from green efforts set forth by Turks & Caicos’ government including development of the world’s first “green island,” the Atlantic Ocean’s first mega-yacht marina, a Ritz-Carlton branded resort community committed to the preservation of West Caicos, and a new environmental center with an on-site naturalist on the private island of Ambergris Cay. “As a destination that...

Green is the new black. Climate change is now embraced by the likes of Wal-Mart. Even Chevron and GMC are feeling the heat. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the food they eat, their children’s toys, and the cleaning products they use at home. Undeniably, sustainability presents one of the hottest business opportunities today. However, the challenges are real. Many hotels are still unsure about what it means to be green and where to begin. They’re uncertain that consumers are really willing to pay more for green rooms, meetings or amenities. Some hoteliers believe that green and a polished guest experience...