FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics, Inc.’s established reclamation program will now include FRESH bedding fabrics. These high thread count fabrics are made from 100 percent recycled polyester. FRESH is an acronym for Fabrics Redefining Environmental Standards (for) Hospitality. The FRESH collection is a group of more than 1,000 fabrics that are made of 100 percent recycled polyester, that are also 100 percent recyclable. Valley Forge is the only textile company to date that has an established reclamation program to facilitate the recycling of textiles. Products made of 100 percent recycled content at a low energy manufacturing platform is important, but...

BOULDER, COLO.—Sustainable Travel International, a leading nonprofit organization committed to sustainable tourism development, has introduced upgrades to the first travel-related carbon footprint calculator, complimenting a globally recognized carbon offset portfolio. “The various ways in which we can offset carbon footprints have evolved since we first introduced the calculator three years ago,” said STI president Brian Mullis. “These upgrades give consumers more flexibility in how they offset the footprint they just calculated and businesses more customized options in the calculators they feature on their own websites.” The calculator has always included options to measure the carbon footprint of air travel, car travel,...

NASHVILLE, TENN.—The inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Sustainable Tourism Summit will be held April 28 to 29 at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tenn. The summit, designed to kick off and honor the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a partnership effort of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina and the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, The University of Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area. Sustainable tourism is defined as sustaining the environment and historical and cultural heritage of a region, while simultaneously sustaining the...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc. announced the publication of its 2007 Sustainability Report, which details the corporation’s efforts in the areas of economic progress, environmental stewardship and social responsibility; and provides data on related activities for 2007. “Sustainability is a critical part of our business at Ecolab, from new product development to the efficiency of our daily operations and those of our customers,” says Dr. Bruce Cords, vice president of Environment, Food Safety and Public Health. Highlights of the report include: • Continued advancements in the sustainability of products and services. From solid formulations to innovative packaging and dispensing methods, Ecolab is a leader...

PARK CITY, UTAH—Powdr Corp. announced that it will offset 100 percent of the grid-supplied electricity consumed at its seven ski and snowboard resorts and one tubing park through the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs) beginning in June 2008. Powdr Corp.’s purchase of nearly 50 million kWh of RECs is the second largest among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) partners in the travel and leisure category. “We are passionate about the snow sports industry and the quality of life it provides to our families, team members and guests,” said Brent Giles, director of environmental affairs for Powdr Corp. “Our...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics, Inc. announces the rollout of a new fabric collection from West Coast designer Thomas Schoos. Schoos’ earthy collection will debut at the Hospitality Design Exposition and Conference in Las Vegas on May 15. The collection will feature approximately 20 different hand-drawn patterns in 20 colorways with complimentary textures. “The FRESH line is a collection combining texture and color with lifestyle,” Schoos said. “Nature, when combined with these elements, is what I used to create the new look and feel of FRESH by Thomas Schoos. I think it’s very important to get this product out. I...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. and the state of Amazonas signed an agreement to support the first project of its kind to help protect 1.4 million acres of endangered rainforest. This innovative partnership between government and the private sector is one of the first in the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. Marriott has committed $2 million to fund an environmental management plan administered by the newly created Amazonas Sustainable Foundation. By year end, Marriott guests and group customers will also be able to offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated from their hotel stays by contributing to this rainforest...

CORONA, CALIF.—DECRA Roofing Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of stone coated steel roofing products, furthers their commitment to the environment with the introduction of a new brochure on sustainability. The new brochure features extensive information about DECRA’s commitment to sustainable building practices and how stone coated steel roofing can positively interact with the environment. Covering the sustainable benefits of a stone coated steel roof, the brochure features an example of environmentally managing existing roofing materials. Other topics discussed are: durability, the recycled content of steel, effects of the product on drinking water, and a synopsis of a study conducted...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Neenah Paper announced that its six flagship Classic Crest, Classic Linen, Classic Laid, Classic Columns, Classic Cotton and Starwhite Brands are now manufactured carbon neutral. That means the company has reduced its carbon footprint—or net greenhouse gas emissions—associated with the manufacturing of these premium uncoated brands. “Neenah is reinforcing its commitment to reducing climate change,” says Greg Maze, senior brand manager for Neenah Paper. “Manufacturing carbon neutral is part of a growing movement among corporations that are working to reduce greenhouse gases. By doing so, we are also responding to needs of the business world and helping our customers...

DENVER—In a move that will significantly reduce its impact on the environment, concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts will provide shampoos, lotions and other amenities in biodegradable containers as well as bars of sustainable soaps in rooms in the national and state park lodges the company operates. More than 1 million bottles will be kept out of the waste stream each year as a result of the new program. Xanterra will be the first national park concessioner to offer sustainable amenities. The sustainable amenity program will be implemented in June in the company’s operations in Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Crater Lake,...