CONCORD, N.H.—IRN-The Reuse+Recycling Network released the results of its surplus asset reuse program for 2014. IRN provided 6 million pounds of furnishings and equipment to 29 different charities active in 23 countries overseas and 20 U.S. states, where the furnishings are used to support disaster relief and economic development.IRN has a simple mission: to keep usable furnishings out of landfills and get them to communities where they are needed. When an organization comes to IRN with an inventory of surplus furnishings, IRN makes a match with its network of dozens of charitable partners. IRN then manages the project to...

Name: Judy PinesTitle: Director Strategic Sourcing Sustainability & Special ProjectsCompany: Hilton WorldwideYears in position: Almost one yearPrimary responsibilities: “I am the lead sustainability resource within Hilton Supply Management with responsibility for the coordination of all global sustainability and corporate responsibility strategy and planning.”   Organization’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment in the area of strategic sourcing: “Implementation of our mattress recycling program.”  Organization’s most significant sustainability-related challenge in the area of strategic sourcing: “Driving awareness and helping owners to see the value of being sustainable. Also, learning how to look at the total cost of ownership.”  MCLEAN, VA.—Last year Hilton Worldwide...

SUFFOLK, VA.—The Fibrex Group Inc. introduces the Revolve Dual Stream Recycling Container. It allows one to automate and optimize recycling and waste collection in public spaces. The Revolve is an innovative housing for wheeled collection carts that fits a wide variety of cart designs. The first model holds two 95 gallon wheeled carts and can be fitted with Enevo smart bin sensor technology. Reduce trips and collect more without any of the heavy lifting involved with manually emptying bags or bins. Revolve is made out of rust resistant galvannealed steel and has no exposed fasteners. All units come with...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the accomplishments of organizations and businesses participating in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge and WasteWise program for reducing their climate footprint, improving efficiency, helping communities and achieving cost savings through waste reduction. These programs save money, protect the environment and feed the hungry. Among those recognized were MGM Resorts International and McCormick Place.  “In 2013, EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted more than 370,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators,” said Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “Of this total, more...

NATIONAL REPORT—Due to the sheer volume of electronic products in hotels, energy consumption and e-waste are big issues, from both environmental and monetary standpoints. There are televisions in every room and lobby, computers throughout administrative offices and business centers, at least one giant copier at each location. That adds up to a lot of potential energy hogging devices plugged in at the same time. At the end of the product’s useful life, figuring out where to recycle 400 televisions can be a daunting undertaking.Sustainability and purchasing professionals are faced with the Herculean task of finding cost-efficient, long lasting products...

TRAVELERS REST, S.C.—EnviroPure Systems Inc., a T&S company, has introduced an ozone recirculation system as an optional addition to its on-site organic food waste disposal systems. The new feature eliminates the need to add fresh water during EnviroPure’s digestion process, relying instead on water that is naturally extracted from food waste as it processes through the system.EnviroPure, an organic food waste disposal system, breaks down food waste in 24 hours through a combination of mechanical processing and aerobic decomposition. The end result is a safe, grey water byproduct that meets, and often surpasses, municipal wastewater requirements. A 100 percent...

TAMPA, FLA.—Hasek Communications, the Tampa, Fla.-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Mountain Plumbing Products as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Mountain Plumbing Products is owned by the third generational, 113 year old, Scottish company McAlpine Plumbing Products. Mountain Plumbing Products specializes in high-end decorative kitchen and bathroom accessories. Mountain Plumbing Products is also a provider of in-room water filtration systems. The Mountain Pure Water Filtration System installs in the guestroom bathroom, directly to the cold side of the lavatory faucet. The Mountain Pure Water Filtration System provides simple installation, simple replacement and fast ROI. It eliminates...

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—Glaro Inc. is offering a new product line: 24” wide low profile half round waste and ash/trash receptacles. According to Executive Vice President Robert Betensky, “Space saving, all metal receptacles are high in demand. In Glaro Inc.’s case, 18” wide receptacles were so popular that Glaro Inc. was compelled to add an even larger capacity model. A 24” model made a 29 gallon capacity possible, simultaneously giving facility managers a larger size model to place strategically throughout their facilities.”The new line is ideal for use in rest rooms, corridors, entrances and exits, vending machine areas, health clubs, by...

TAMPA, FLA.—Hasek Communications, the Tampa, Fla.-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Ready Care Industries as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Ready Care Industries is the maker of Ecoeclipse, a shower dispenser that holds full sized 8 oz. bottles in a theft and tamper resistant holder. It was created to reduce bottle waste for in-room amenities and reduce in-room costs by up to 60 percent the first year. The dispenser can be filled with a reasonably priced private label to a high end branded spa line like Pure Fiji. The dispenser is offered in both triple and...

NATIONAL REPORT—In the auto industry the “Big Three” most generally has been Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. In the world of mattress manufacturing there has also been a big three of sorts—Serta, Sealy and Simmons Bedding. These three companies have historically been the primary suppliers of mattresses to the U.S. lodging industry. Green Lodging News contacted each of these companies to participate in this article on mattresses but for different reasons they chose not to participate (they never responded or said the timing was bad). These companies, in varying degrees, have sustainability initiatives in place. Their websites provide some...