LOS ANGELES—A new single use, zero plastic, powder-based amenity collection is providing hoteliers with a groundbreaking way to deliver shampoo, conditioner and body wash to guests with a lighter carbon footprint than traditional single portion plastic bottles. This new Eco Pod collection from Hotel Emporium also provides an eco-friendly and sustainable option for those not wanting to transition to refillable or non-refillable dispensers. The Eco Pod collection comes in compostable containers made from 60 percent bamboo fiber, 30 percent sugarcane, and 10 percent wood fiber. According to Hotel Emporium, each container provides up to four uses. Andy De Silva, Vice President and...

FREMONT, CALIF.—Power Knot, a market leader in biodigesters that eliminate waste food for commercial foodservice operators, has opened a new 25,000-square-foot facility that significantly expands the company’s manufacturing. The new facility, located just down the road from the Tesla automobile manufacturing plant and with fast access to the major international shipping port of Oakland, positions Power Knot to meet rapidly growing demand for its award-winning LFC biodigester from customers around the world. “Demand for our LFC biodigester has surged dramatically over the past year, driven by large orders from cruise line operators Costa, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, P&O, and Seabourn,...

NASHVILLE, TENN.—The Renaissance Nashville Hotel is moving forward into 2020 with a continued focus on sustainability after being recognized for its efforts, recently winning the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association 2019 Stars of the Industry Award—Good Earth Keeping Award Lodging Property as well as the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association 2019 Stars of the Industry Award—Good Earth Keeping Award Lodging Property. The Good Earth Keeping Award recognizes properties that have developed a culture toward integrating environmental management practices with everyday operations, while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations. “The Renaissance is extremely honored to be recognized for its sustainability efforts by...

LOS ANGELES—In a major step toward sustainability, USC Hotel has achieved certification from the nonprofit Green Seal organization, a national leader in setting environmental standards. To earn certification, the hotel underwent a full year of an in-depth audit of purchasing records, practices and on-site inspections to meet Green Seal’s GS-33 green lodging standard. “We want to be an example of sustainable practices in the hospitality industry,” said Dirk de Jong, Executive Director of USC Hospitality and USC Hotel. “Traditional hospitality practices use a lot of resources and materials and generate substantial waste. When we rebranded the property as the USC Hotel a year...

CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA.—Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), Page Development Group and Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel Collection announced the first ever Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club Hotel. With the conversion expected to be unveiled in the spring of 2020 and sitting on America’s number one beach with 91 rooms, this eco-friendly hotel will be dolphin and marine life themed, featuring the inspiring dolphin made famous by the Dolphin Tale movies—Winter. “The opportunity to partner with Clearwater Marine Aquarium is unique and special,” said Page Development Group President Steve Page. “Our eco-friendly hotel will not only provide a great guest experience, but will...

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF.—Santa Cruz-based startup Steeped, Inc. has launched its Steeped Coffee brewing method to serious coffee drinkers across the nation. Brewed like tea, Steeped Coffee’s nitro sealed Steeped Bags, along with their packaging made using renewable and compostable materials, achieve the unthinkable: freshly ground specialty coffee in a single serving. That’s why it earned the “Best New Product” award for their innovative packaging at the recent Specialty Coffee Expo. Steeped Coffee launched when serial entrepreneur and coffee lover Josh Wilbur decided to combine the convenience of a single-serving brew method with the premium quality of ethically sourced coffee. Wilbur...

DEPOE BAY, ORE.—Soul Community Planet (SCP), a Holistic Hospitality company providing fair-priced lodging centered on the values of personal wellness, social good and the environment, announced the newly renovated SCP Depoe Bay has opened. Located near many of Oregon’s top surf breaks, most picturesque shorelines and best fishing, the new lodge features bohemian-style guestrooms, a communal coworking space, fitness and yoga studio, and Provisions market. “Each SCP venue uniquely embodies the values of Soul, Community and Planet,” said Soul Community Planet Co-Founder and CEO Ken Cruse. “SCP Depoe Bay has been renovated into an intimate surf lodge—ideal for coastal adventure-seekers...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added a Hotel Emporium video to the Vendor Videos section of its website. Hotel Emporium has just introduced Eco Pod by Terra Green, sustainable innovation giving hotels worldwide a one-stop solution to face plastic waste and bacteria contamination arising from bulk liquid dispensers. The packaging is fully compostable with bamboo, sugarcane, and wood fibers, plus soy-based ink printing. It is a waste stackable product containing up to four uses, ensuring a bacteria-free environment and easy disposal. It is a water-activated, powder-based amenity collection allowing lighter transportation and lower carbon footprint. Just add water to...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Scandinavian Spaces introduces Ridge, Kite, and Cloud. The three very different recycling stations each provide unique characteristics to accommodate a diverse range of work environments. More than a recycling station, Ridge provides a stylish interior detail. Designed by Studio Doms, the series is reminiscent of a city skyline with beveled edges and sloped upper frames. Offered in 11 trendy hues and sophisticated neutrals, Ridge also provides eight different recycling symbols to accommodate all waste purposes. Constructed in two versions—one for waste bins and another for hanging bags—both are easily emptied with 180-degree door hinges. User friendly, each unit offers...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. has fulfilled its commitment to eliminate single-use straws from its 34 branded properties as part of its continued effort to reduce its overall environmental footprint. According to the EPA’s Trash-Free Waters Program, one-third to two-thirds of debris found on beaches comes from single-use, disposable plastic packaging from food and beverage-related goods (plastic cups, straws, bottles and utensils). Plastic straws are number five on the top 10 items found during beach cleanups. Of all trash, plastic trash has the greatest potential to harm the environment, wildlife and humans. “As we expand our corporate social responsibility program, HGV...