SANTA BARBARA, CALIF.—With 81 percent of travelers surveyed recently saying they plan to choose a sustainable lodging option, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, Calif., has announced another major step in its continuing drive toward sustainable operations. FloWater Refill Stations have been installed throughout the luxury property in a move to eliminate single-use plastics and provide guests with a healthier, high-end drinking water experience. “Our guests are keenly aware of sustainability and wellness lifestyles and more and more of them are arriving with their refillable water bottles in hand, expecting that we will have a plastic-free option for hydration,” says Steve Janicek, General Manager at...

SOLNA, SWEDEN—The use of air cleaners has become more frequent during the pandemic, but how effective are they at fighting viruses? A joint study by the Virus Research Centre at Sendai Medical Center and QleanAir Japan center has succeeded in measuring this. The result shows that the QleanAir FS 30 air cleaner can remove over 95 percent of airborne virus particles in only 10 minutes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the question of whether airborne viruses can be eliminated from indoor air was raised. A joint study conducted by Sendai Medical Center and QleanAir Japan has succeeded in measuring the impact...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Renegade Plastics to the “Fabrics/Textiles” section of its Green Product & Service Directory. Renegade Plastics is providing a recyclable fabric solution that is free from lead, phthalates, dioxins, PFAS, VOCs and heavy metals as an alternative to PVC-coated fabrics for the hospitality industry. The outdated unsustainable flexible PVC plastics are used in numerous industries from billboards to sports equipment. Renegade has exclusive rights to a polypropylene-based replacement for PVC-coated fabrics that can improve the environment from farms to school bus seats to fabric structures. By replacing these materials now, Renegade is establishing the foundation...

AMSTERDAM—Skynest is a delicate lamp that nonetheless also has great stage presence, and it marks Marcel Wanders’ return to the theme of the suspended dome. Skynest has the typical pendant light shape, with a central core and with what, at first glance, looks like a lampshade. The light, however, is not emitted by a bulb or by an LED board, but by the elements that form the structure of the lampshade: LED strips covered in fabric. Skynest is in fact composed of 24 LED light sticks covered with a two-tone textile texture. The light is emitted from one side only,...

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF.—Steeped Coffee, a certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation, announced it is partnering with Oakland-based Mr. Espresso to bring its classic Italian oak wood fire roasted coffee to single-serve coffee lovers nationwide. Brewed similarly to tea, Steeped Coffee’s proprietary brewing method delivers the full flavor of Mr. Espresso’s coffee with the convenience of single-serve—no pods, no plugs, and no machines required. Mr. Espresso, a multi-generational family-run roaster, was founded in San Francisco in 1978 by Carlo Di Ruocco, after immigrating from Salerno, Italy—where he learned the art of bean selection and blending, and the craft of roasting by...

GÖTEBERG, SWEDEN—The shift away from single-use plastics continues as U.S.-based manufacturing venture SustainaPac LLC joins PulPac’s growing licensee network. Employing the Dry Molded Fiber technology, SustainaPac intends to establish itself as a source of highly economical natural fiber, single-use food service packaging products for the growing North American QSR sustainability market. As the packaging industry works to balance environmental concerns with business performance, product sustainability is key. The Dry Molded Fiber technology, invented, owned, and licensed by PulPac, enables the replacement of multiple single-use plastic products with sustainable fiber-based alternatives at commercial scale—setting a new standard for sustainable packaging. The...

COMMERCE, CALIF.—Nora Lighting introduces miniature 1” M1+ downlights without any housing needed. Each luminaire includes a pre-wired junction box, making installation simple. IC Air-tight downlights are a perfect solution for commercial and residential applications. M1+ is an upgrade to Nora Lighting’s first generation M1 1” downlights. The downlights are available from 12V to 120V input with Triac or ELV dimming and from 100 lumens to 600 delivered lumens in two color temperatures (2700K or 3000K) @ 90+ CRI. A square trim accessory can easily be installed in matte black, bronze, or matte powder white finishes. M1+ luminaires are cETLus listed for...

JAMESTOWN, N.Y.—Hope’s Windows, Inc., a leading manufacturer of custom-designed, solid hot-rolled steel and solid bronze window and door systems, announced that it will be attending the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas from January 31 to February 3 at booth SU1041. Hope’s Windows, Inc. will be showcasing their Old World Suite Series of steel windows and doors which are designed to mesh the best of both past and present, taking inspiration stylistically from the old world and combining it with the efficient performance of the present. The thin and sophisticated arrow-shaped steel frames of the Old World Suite Series...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Charlie’s Soap to the “Cleaning Products/Laundry/Other Areas” section of its Green Product & Service Directory. Charlie’s Soap offers a premium line of naturally derived cleaning and laundry products that deliver an all-natural clean. They have 40 years of experience built on family, good science, and smart chemistry, resulting in an effective clean for the most delicate laundry and toughest outdoor stains. The products are always safe to use and easy on your skin. Ideal for eco-friendly hotels and resorts, Charlie’s Soap’s professional line features all-purpose cleaners and laundry detergents that are safe, effective, fragrance free, and...

HORSHAM, PENN.—There are only two weeks remaining to nominate a hardworking individual of a small business or facility for the 2022-2023 Sustainable Hygiene Heroes awards, hosted by Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use. The contest honors facility maintenance and cleaning professionals who go above and beyond to provide clean and safe facilities, while implementing sustainable cleaning practices. The grand prize winner will receive $4,000 cash and $500 worth of paper products from Sofidel, and the two runners-up will receive $500 cash each. “We are excited to honor cleaning professionals and facility managers across the country...