HUNTINGTON, N.Y.—Emerald Ecovations, a leader in sustainable solutions for foodservice and janitorial industries, announces the launch of over 50 additional compostable molded fiber and clear PLA Plant to Plastic foodservice items. This innovative lineup furthers Emerald Ecovations’ commitment to supporting green practices across foodservice industries. “We are thrilled to introduce these groundbreaking products, each designed with the dual goals of environmental responsibility and performance excellence,” said Ralph Bianculli, CEO of Emerald Ecovations. “Our molded fiber and PLA solutions help our customers significantly reduce their environmental footprint, directly contributing to measurable savings in trees, water, plastics avoided, and compostable waste diverted from...

EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—Excel Dryer, Inc., the pioneering force behind the touchless, high-efficiency hand dryers, spotlights its partnership with two eco-conscious New York breweries: Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and Big Slide Brewery & Public House. These beloved Adirondack establishments, owned and operated by the same team, are the latest in a growing list of businesses using XLERATOR technology to advance their commitment to sustainability. For the breweries’ operators, environmental stewardship is more than a talking point—it’s woven into every part of their business, from compostable containers to 100 percent wind-powered facilities. But as they looked to make improvements in restroom...

TAMPA, FLA.—With roots going all the way back to 1926, McKibbon Hospitality has a long history of developing and managing hotels. Along the way, the company has guided hotels representing all the major brands through their sustainability initiatives—saving energy, water and reducing waste while building a culture of community and giving. For almost three years, Rafael Ibarcena has led McKibbon Hospitality’s Corporate Social Responsibility program. Green Lodging News interviewed Ibarcena, the company’s Corporate Sustainability Manager, to learn about the unique leadership and services McKibbon Hospitality provides and how it interacts with each brand’s own sustainability initiatives. The following are the...

NATIONAL REPORT—Businesses strive more than ever to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Fortunately, tackling waste doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Smarter waste management lightens your company’s environmental footprint and builds brand credibility with eco-conscious consumers (often with cost savings along the way). This guide to waste management solutions for a better planet outlines effective solutions your business can implement today. Find Your Starting Point with a Waste Audit Every effective waste management plan begins by understanding the problem. A waste audit is a simple yet powerful tool for doing just that. This systematic review of a company’s waste stream involves collecting and...

FAIRBANKS, ARK.—Wilding Hotels, a premier name in wilderness hospitality, has partnered with Volo Solutions to implement in-room concierge tablets across its properties. This collaboration brings a modern, intuitive, and eco-conscious solution to guest engagement while easing operations and enhancing service. “At Wilding Hotels, we focus on providing a seamless and elevated guest experience while fostering sustainability,” said Amy Hansen, Head of Hotel Operations. “Implementing Volo in-room tablets has enhanced guest experience, streamlined operations, and supported our sustainability goals.” Wilding Hotels selected Volo for its user-friendly platform, customization capabilities, and excellent customer service. Real-time updates and tailored content for each location were key...

Whenever my family eats out and we are automatically offered plastic straws for our drinks, we tell the server we do not need them and to take them back. With what we know about plastic straws—they are non-biodegradable and take hundreds of years to decompose and break down into microplastics—you would think they would no longer be used…but no. They are still all too common in hospitality. Numerous hotel companies have pledged to stop buying plastic straws. Six years ago, Marriott phased them out. Five years ago, Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. eliminated single-use straws from its branded properties as part of...

CHICAGO—As the hospitality industry accelerates efforts to modernize IT infrastructure and meet brand-mandated sustainability goals, Cloud5 Communications is bridging the gap between technology upkeep and environmental responsibility. By aligning its Main Frame Distribution (MDF) closet remediation services, an offering of its Managed IT Services division, with its ECO Program for secure, sustainable hardware recycling, Cloud5 is helping hotels improve performance, reduce downtime, and support broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Many properties are challenged by legacy equipment, unmanaged cabling, and outdated hardware housed in their network closets. Cloud5’s Managed IT Services team is responding to growing requests for structured, professional cleanup...

NEW YORK—Hyphyn, the first biodegradable performance vinyl, introduces a breakthrough in sustainable materials, proving that high performance and environmental responsibility can coexist. Engineered with a patented enzyme system and proprietary resin formulation, Hyphyn delivers commercial-grade durability while biodegrading over 90 percent within two years in landfill conditions—a first for performance vinyl. “True innovation isn’t just about creating something new—it’s about rethinking what’s possible,” says Iwan Nassimi, Executive Vice President of Nassimi, makers of Hyphyn. “Hyphyn reimagines vinyl’s lifecycle, offering the performance the industry relies on while solving the long-term environmental impact challenges no other vinyl has addressed.” Redefining Sustainable Performance Traditional vinyl...

MONTEREY, CALIF.—Portola Hotel & Spa, the first LEED-Certified hotel in Central California, has launched its new Reduced Waste Conference Program, advancing its long-standing commitment to sustainable hospitality. Developed in collaboration with Blue Strike Environmental, a mission-driven sustainability consulting firm, the program offers event organizers a seamless way to reduce the environmental footprint of their gatherings while maintaining an elevated guest experience. Portola Hotel & Spa’s Reduced Waste Conference Program sets a new standard for responsible meetings, encouraging collaboration between the hotel, planners, and attendees to reduce landfill waste, lower carbon emissions, and increase the use of reusable and recyclable resources. From behind-the-scenes...

If LD 1928 is passed, Maine will join at least four other states—New York, California, Illinois and Washington—that have phased out or are in the process of phasing out single-use plastic amenity bottles. A big tip of the hat to Rep. Lori Gramlich for sponsoring this legislation. I posted an article this past week about the initiative. Support of the bill has been by no means across the board. The Maine House of Representatives voted just 72 to 70 and the Maine Senate voted 17 to 15 to advance the bill. There will be additional votes in each chamber before LD...