OJAI, CALIF.—Southern California escape Ojai Valley Inn & Spa announced it will become free of single-use plastic items throughout Spa Ojai, its award-winning 30,000 square foot spa. The innovative movement replaces traditional spa amenities with eco-friendly, reusable versions and establishes a new benchmark in the luxury spa space. Stemming from the realization that in 2016 Spa Ojai guests discarded 24,000 plastic snack cups and 107,120 plastic water cups after each use, Spa Director Kate Morrison sourced alternatives that both eliminate waste and support the complete luxury spa experience. As the concept of wellness continues to broaden into everyday life, the...

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.—Committed to sustainability, Boxed Water launches the third year of its ReTree project in partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF). Through the campaign, and in celebration of Earth Day, two trees will be planted for every social media post using the hashtag #ReTree beginning now through the end of July. ReTree is one of Boxed Water’s largest tree planting commitments with a five-year goal of planting one million trees in national forests across the country. “Our ReTree project is one way we can create an avenue for people to make a real difference through simple actions, just like...

BOULDER, COLO.—At the luxurious 201-room St. Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder, Colo., there are many success stories but perhaps the greatest is the property’s waste reduction initiative. According to James P. Farrell, Sustainability Coordinator, in 2007 the property disposed of almost 700,000 pounds of materials. Over the last decade that number has been axed to 400,000 pounds annually thanks to training, recycling, composting, careful purchasing and many different donation programs. A composting program alone has reduced compostable material to landfill from 33 tons a month to just 3.5 tons. The St. Julien Hotel & Spa employs a part-time waste...

I have spoken to a lot of sustainability leaders over the years about their properties’ waste management successes. This week I will be featuring St. Julien Hotel & Spa on the Green Lodging News website—a 201-room, luxury property with one of the most impressive waste management success stories to tell.  Be sure to watch for the article. I spoke with James P. Farrell, the hotel’s Sustainability Coordinator, and he told me that in 2007 the Boulder, Colo. property disposed of almost 700,000 pounds of materials. Over the last decade that number has been axed to 400,000 pounds annually thanks to...

LAS VEGAS—Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) has unveiled its new Resist line of waste receptacles, the latest innovation built to withstand the harshest environments, at the Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas. Launching later this year, Resist receptacles are designed for commercial outdoor environments. Advanced coating technologies and robust materials deliver extreme durability and increased protection against natural elements and common abuse. Key features include: Dent-Resistant Design: Thick gauge material and proprietary design offers protection against dents and other damage often caused by rough contact. Advanced Coatings: Special coating defends surface from rust, corrosion, fading, graffiti and everyday stains caused by sun, wind, rain, snow, permanent marker...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—RCI, a global leader in vacation, announced the latest winners of the RCI Green Awards program. These awards recognize the most environmentally-conscious resorts within the company’s exchange network. The application process includes an audit of green practices in areas including energy and water conservation, waste management and community outreach. The evaluation process, winner selection and verification system was completed by third-party eco-certification expert GreenCircle Certified, LLC. “Hospitality properties have great potential—and great responsibility—to reduce the impact their operations have on the environment,” said Brian Bruno, Vice President of Content and Brand Marketing for RCI and head of the brand’s...

NATIONAL REPORT—During a hotel stay, guests expect their bathrooms to have a fresh and modern look.  Old, dated or damaged bathtubs, wall surrounds, vanities or toilets reflect poorly on the hotel’s brand. As such, many hotels regularly replace bathroom components to maintain customer satisfaction and earn positive reviews and loyalty in return. Fortunately, for the lodging industry the bathroom is also an area with the most opportunity for a “green” remodel. In addition to water and energy saving possibilities, selecting eco-friendly construction materials that are recyclable should also be on every owner or manager’s list of requirements. According to Environmental Protection...

If you are looking to retain Millennials, you may want to pay attention to their preferences for working for companies that pay attention to sustainability. Absent a sustainability program you will not lose everyone but you may lose your best and brightest. According to a new study, “Recycling in the Workplace: A Millennial View”, conducted by Lightspeed, a globally integrated research organization, on behalf of Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), nearly one in 10 Millennials would go so far as quitting their jobs if they found out their current employer was not sustainable. More than 1,000 Millennials participated in the...

NEW YORK—Fil Doux Textiles has enhanced its innovative Vinylife product with the addition of Pro-Tech, the company’s proprietary ink and stain protectant. Available exclusively through Fil Doux Textiles, this vinyl upholstery with enhanced biodegradability is a new industry development and the introduction of an end-of-life story for vinyl textiles. Vinylife is produced with a natural enzyme, which reacts to microorganisms found in biologically active landfills and acts as the catalyst for its decomposition. Featuring the same strength and durability as traditional vinyl, Vinylife is breathable, phthalate free, and exceeds 200,000+ double rubs. “We’re so excited about this revolutionary new product,”...

NEW YORK—The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park and Repeat Roses announced their recent collaboration allowing guests to now enlist the services of the eco-friendly business to remove, repurpose and compost florals from the hotel. As a leader in Lower Manhattan’s meetings, and special events industry The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park is an ideal partner for Repeat Roses’ first exploration in this neighborhood. Together, they are making strides to responsibly reduce waste and protect the planet while bringing joy to many New Yorkers. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to social and environmental responsibility through its Community Footprints Program which is led...