BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.—Hilton Garden Inn, the award-winning mid-priced hotel brand, announced the introduction of the ecotainer, an environmentally friendly coffee cup, in more than 340 locations across North America. Developed by International Paper, the cup is the only all-natural hot beverage paper cup available that is coated with a corn-based plastic that requires less energy and generates less greenhouse gas during manufacturing. The corn-based coating also allows the cups to be composted, rather than landfilled. Features of the ecotainer: • Made from fully renewable resources. • Compostable in municipal and commercial composting systems. • Requires less energy to produce. • Certified by the Biodegradable Products...

ORLANDO, FLA.—RezHub.com, a brand new travel website, has been launched. With the launch of this new site, travelers can book with green hotels, hybrid rental car companies, and participate in carbon offsetting programs. RezHub.com is donating a portion of its revenue from all travel booked at the Green Travel Hub to a green organization, and that is whether or not the customer was able to book a green specific trip. “The most exciting part about our green travel offering is that you can plan the same trip that you would anywhere else, but when you reserve it with RezHub.com you...

RIPON, WISC.—With its new IWF series of washer-extractors, IPSO continues to produce not only high-quality equipment, but machines that take a more environmentally friendly approach to laundry. This new energy- and water-efficient line includes 14-, 18-, 25-, 30-, 40-, 55- and 75-pound models. “We couldn’t be more excited about the IWF series and what it brings to the market,” says Dan Bowe, North American sales manager of IPSO USA. “From high-speed G-force extraction to inverter drives, these IWF models can help on-premises laundries save money. Best of all, laundries that add the washer-extractors are adopting a greener approach to operations.” The...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes American Atelier, Inc. (AAI) as a Founding Sponsor. AAI is committed to manufacturing furniture products with the most environmentally friendly technology in an efficient and responsible manner while maintaining high standards of excellence. Four generations of ownership at AAI have demonstrated the company’s commitment to excellence by continuously improving its manufacturing processes since its founding in 1920. AAI sources raw materials through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Its manufacturing process uses water-based adhesives, finishing solvents and stains. The company also uses recycled materials as specified by its customers...

CHICAGO—The Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability (HCFS) awarded Dickinson College a $5,000 grant for having the most innovative and best-executed foodservice sustainability project of the year. Dickinson College, a liberal arts college in Carlisle, Pa., was judged as having the best sustainability program from among numerous entrants nationwide, which included educational institutions, foodservice establishments and healthcare facilities. The grant was presented to Keith Martin, Dickinson College’s director of dining services, by the four HCFS fellows during the 2007 Greenbuild Expo in Chicago. “While all of the grant entry submissions showed remarkable sustainability initiatives, Dickinson College stood above the rest...

SOLON, OHIO—Energy Focus, Inc., a global leader in energy-efficient lighting technologies, announced that W Hotels has signed contracts to install Energy Focus, Inc.’s energy efficient EFO lighting systems at properties in Chicago and New York City. The W Hotel Brand is part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Luxury Brand Division. The installations, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, come after an extensive test by the W Hotel in Times Square. The systems will be installed throughout the public common areas of the hotels and will replace traditional MR-16 halogen lamps. “All told,...

NEW YORK—Green Spa Network, a newly launched organization promoting the natural connection between personal wellness and the health of the planet, has formed an alliance with Organic Spa Magazine. The two advocates for eco-friendly spa experiences are collaborating to help spas and spa goers discover how they can incorporate sustainability into their businesses and everyday lives. Michael Stusser, chair of the Green Spa Network’s board of directors and owner of eco-friendly Osmosis Day Spa says that “green spas are great spas” because: • Green spas are healthier. By limiting toxins and reducing pollution, green spas provide a healthier environment; not just for...

FAIRFIELD, N.J.—Designed to provide just the right amount of uplight from the most discreet linear profile, Amerlux Lighting Solutions’ new Linea fixture is ideal for indirect, ambient lighting for commercial and retail spaces. Amerlux, a leader in energy-efficient, task-specific lighting solutions, broadens its linear fluorescent systems offering with Linea, giving specifiers and designers more flexibility. This product furthers Amerlux’s commitment to facilitating sustainable strategies recognized by organizations such as the U.S Green Building Council. More effective and appealing than larger obtrusive lighting fixtures, Linea’s diminutive size (1 7/8-inch wide by 2 3/8 inches) integrates a clean, understated look with outstanding...

PORTSMOUTH, N.H.—Newmarket International, Inc., a leader in sales and catering solutions for the hospitality industry, announced the ground breaking on a new building for which it will pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. It will be the first commercial building with this environmental certification in Portsmouth, N.H. Being developed by Two International Group, the building is located at the Pease International Tradeport. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental...

DES PLAINES, ILL.—Originating more than 2000 years ago, the neem tree has been trusted for centuries for its natural antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal properties. Today, bedding manufacturer and marketer United Feather & Down has partnered with the PRONEEM company to bring the benefits of this ancient plant to luxury bedding for the first time. Unlike many other treatments, which are chemical pesticides, PRONEEM is nontoxic and dermatologist-tested to be hypoallergenic and long-lasting, a perfect solution for those looking for powerful, all-natural protection from bacteria and dust mites. Its power comes from neem extract, which has been recognized for years...