WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) released the results of a comprehensive Lodging Survey, a detailed assessment of advancements in amenities, guest services, sustainability and technology, in addition to other industry trends. This recent survey underscores how hotels advance, accommodate and innovate the guest experience. Consumers can expect seamless transitions between their everyday lives and their lives on the road thanks to increased mobile compatibility, flexible dining options and welcoming accommodations. This comprehensive survey is conducted every two years by industry data provider and AHLA partner STR, renowned for providing premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for...

This past weekend my family dined at a Mexican restaurant here in Tampa. The food was just fine and as usual I could not eat the entire meal because of the volume of food given to me. I asked for a to-go box and, as most often is the case, I was given one made of Styrofoam (polystyrene). (The server also automatically gave us plastic straws which we declined.) This website lists some of the reasons Styrofoam is bad for the environment and all of us. Did you know that when paired with liquid and heat, a Styrofoam container’s toxins...

ANNAPOLIS, MD.—Maryland is on the brink of becoming the first state to ban expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam food containers, as the State House passed a bill that would ban restaurants, grocery stores, and other food providers from using foam food containers because of their harmful impact on the environment. The bill also bans the retail sale of these products. The bill passed 97-38, with bi-partisan support. Following a pro-forma vote from one chamber on the other chamber’s bill, the legislation only needs Gov. Larry Hogan’s signature to become law. Often referred to as Styrofoam, lightweight littered EPS foam food containers...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added two new videos to its Vendor Videos section. The first video describes the Trapzilla Super-Capacity Grease Interceptor for grease separation and storage. Trapzilla grease interceptors, solids separators, and sampling ports are designed for easy installation while efficiently dealing with grease and solids waste. The second video describes the Big Dipper for capturing and dewatering kitchen grease. Big Dipper’s complete line of grease traps, solid strainers, and accessories give kitchen operators the tools they need to take control of grease and solids. Big Dipper products use stainless steel wraps and inner corrosion-resistant plastic tanks...

CINCINNATI—Cintas Corporation announced that its distribution center in Mason, Ohio has been awarded Platinum under the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Zero Waste certification system. Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), TRUE helps facilities define, pursue and achieve zero waste goals while becoming more resource efficient. The Cintas facility, which distributes first aid and safety products and rental garments, was previously certified at the Gold level. It took steps to earn additional credits within the Zero Waste Analysis section of the application to secure Platinum, the top certification level. “The partners in our Mason facility, led by distribution center...

BOWLER, WIS.—North Star Mohican Casino Resort has received certification to become a member of The Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Travel Green Wisconsin program, a program that supports Wisconsin’s conservation tradition. With Wisconsin’s longstanding conservation and environmental legacy, this program furthers the commitment to sustainability. North Star Mohican Casino Resort shows continued dedication to reducing its environmental footprint in several ways. The installation of ozone infusers throughout the property has allowed North Star to eliminate the need for countless chemical cleaners. Ozone, a highly soluble gas, is dissolved into water and that water works as a powerful disinfectant. Since removing...

ROUND TOP, TEXAS—Shipping containers that used to travel the world have found a perfect home as creative lodgings—the Flophouze Hotel—on nearly eight acres in Round Top, Texas. It makes sense that they would given owner Matt White’s affection toward “recycling the past.” Recycling the Past is the name of White’s architectural salvage business that offers everything from wooden beams and flooring to aircraft parts. The shipping container “hotel” is a natural outgrowth of White’s long-time interest in preserving everything old. Each of the six shipping containers that is currently available for around $250 a night is unique in its design. Wherever...

FORT WASHINGTON, PENN.—More than one-third of Americans are literally flushing profits down the toilet for businesses. According to a new survey commissioned by Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, 35 percent of Americans say they typically use more toilet paper than needed when using a public restroom. The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll from February 1 to 5, 2019 among 2,049 U.S. adults ages 18 and older and revealed Americans’ preferences toward business’ sustainability efforts in public restrooms. “When restroom guests use too much toilet paper, it’s not only wasteful and...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Marriott Vacations Worldwide has committed to the fight to end hunger with its annual Harvest for Hunger food drive. The month-long initiative—which took place from November 1 through 30—encourages associates, owners and guests at participating resorts and Marriott Vacations Worldwide offices around the world to share in the spirit of the holiday season by donating nonperishable food items to benefit local food banks. This year’s donations totaled more than 55 tons—or 110,000 pounds—providing the equivalent of more than 91,500 meals for people in need. The drive once again exceeded its ambitious donation goal, surpassing last year’s collection by...

MONTEREY, CALIF.—Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey’s first U.S. Green Building Council LEED Certified Hotel, is offering meeting and event planners the opportunity to create sustainable and eco-friendly meetings with the addition of new Reduced Waste Conferences. Located on the Monterey Peninsula and surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern California, Portola Hotel & Spa has always taken pride in the environment, making a conscious effort to support the green initiatives of the community in addition to implementing eco-friendly initiatives at the hotel. “Reduced waste conferences are a great way to communicate to meeting attendees the importance to conserve natural resources,” says...