NATIONAL REPORT—As a marketing concept, EcoRooms have been around since 1995. It was then that Upland, Calif.-based Green Suites International developed the idea. For whatever reason—confusion in the marketplace caused by the introduction of other Green Room concepts, or a lack of eco-consciousness within the industry—EcoRooms never took hold. Today, however, an increasing number of hotel owners and operators are discovering the value in promoting their environmentally friendly guest rooms as EcoRooms. What exactly is an EcoRoom? According to Dan Bornholdt, president of Green Suites International, an EcoRoom is a guestroom that includes at least a dozen products that are...

KATY, TEXAS—Designed to replace hazardous chemical pesticides to reduce toxic exposure and costs associated with insect control, DiaSource Crawling Insect Killer is an easy-to-use healthier method that manages crawling insects. It is the most effective and economical solution for hotels where mites (bed bugs, head lice, etc.), cockroaches, ants, earwigs, spiders, fleas and other crawling insects are of concern. DiaSource Crawling Insect Killer combines the power of laboratory testing, field verifications, an EPA Registration, a 100 percent natural product, and application consultation to protect any indoor area. Qualities include being indefinitely effective (until physically removed), an EPA registration...

TUALATIN, ORE.—Hartmann & Forbes, fabricator of sustainable handcrafted window coverings, is pleased to announce its PapyrusWeave Collection has won Interior Design Magazine’s Roscoe Award as the top window covering product launched in 2006. The PapyrusWeave Collection is influenced by nearly 20 different cultures and features more than 70 woven jute and pulp fiber patterns, including eight natural woven wall coverings. “We are deeply honored to receive this award from the interior design community,” says Michael Jones, founder and CEO of Hartmann & Forbes. “Their recognition with the Roscoe Award reinforces our efforts to develop innovative products that allow...

NEW ALBANY, MS.—Master-Bilt, a manufacturer of a full line of commercial refrigeration systems for more than 65 years, has unveiled its new Anti-Sweat Module (ASM-115) for glass door walk-ins. The new ASM-115 alleviates condensation buildup on glass doors and frames, for continuous product visibility, while also significantly reducing energy costs. “Master-Bilt is creating simple solutions for our clients’ energy savings,” says Bill Huffman, vice president sales and marketing. “Not only is this unit cost effective, but it’s also unobtrusive and space saving as it only takes up a small part of the door, not hindering the view of...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—With thousands of hotels trying to make the conversion to and maintain a completely smoke-free environment, Pineapple Hospitality’s Nature’s Mist Deodorization System is experiencing a record number of users in its 10th year serving hotels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts and lodges worldwide. “We used to use an ozone machine, but it took too long and only masked room odors,” says Rande Repke, executive assistant for Sybaris Clubs International, which operates about 130 cottages across five locations in Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Within 30 minutes to two hours the smells would return.” “We need to turn around our...

EL DORADO HILLS, CALIF.—Chapeau Inc., d/b/a BluePoint Energy Inc., announced the signing of two discount energy purchase agreements in connection with the Sheraton Kauai Resort Hotel properties, which are owned and operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. These discount energy purchase agreements are intended to serve as the master form of agreement for all properties under the umbrella of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. These initial contracts with the Sheraton Kauai properties represent approximately $1.4 million in project revenue to BluePoint with aggregate potential electricity billings of approximately $4.2 million over...

SAN DIEGO—Earth Care Products of San Diego introduces its line of natural non-toxic odor removal products specially designed to tackle the most difficult pet smell challenges left by four-legged guests. Fourteen years ago, creator Bill Vaughn created a special formula of natural and non-toxic minerals that are environmentally friendly and safe to help eliminate pet odors and help with pet odor control. His products are now available in a variety of options based on different applications. Earth Care Products can be used to eliminate odors by simply placing a bag near the odor, or by sprinkling granules...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—FreshStay, an online directory/network of hundreds of nonsmoking lodging properties, continues to attract an ever-growing base of owner/operators and loyal travelers from around the globe. “We were the first resort to go nonsmoking on the Cayman Islands,” says Tom McCallum, director of The Reef Resort, located on the eastern end of Grand Cayman Island, Cayman Islands. “Before we made the move on August 1, 2003, our 110 guestrooms were not designated as smoking or nonsmoking. While that kept our room inventory simple, it led to problems, particularly with our nonsmoking guests.” Nearly three and a...

RIVERWOODS, ILL.—Initial Tropical Plants, a leading provider of interior landscaping, design installation and maintenance services to businesses in North America, introduces Microfresh, a new ambient scent offering that provides odor remediation. “For many years, Initial Tropical Plants has been the leader in enhancing the workplace environment with lush and vibrant interior plants,” says Bob Thomas, president, Initial Tropical Plants, Riverwoods, Ill. “It makes sense that we would take the next step and offer Microfresh, a compact system that represents a major breakthrough in indoor air quality. Microfresh performs far better than conventional systems because its nano-particles float with...

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS—Dell has launched free recycling in several additional markets worldwide, meeting a timetable set in June to provide free recycling of any Dell-branded product for consumers worldwide as part of its global recycling policy. Dell is the first and only computer manufacturer to offer such a program. This recycling offer is designed for consumers and includes responsible recycling of used Dell-branded computers and peripheral equipment at no cost. The service does not require a replacement purchase. Details are available at www.dell.com/recycling. Dell recently expanded recycling services into several markets to meet its goal, including Brazil,...