LAFAYETTE, CALIF.—Aquamenities reports that its dispenser fixture is gaining traction in the marketplace with brand approval and installations in properties including Four Seasons (multiple locations), The Nines (Starwood Luxury Collection), several Kimpton hotels, Destination Resorts, and Affinia properties (New York City), as well as numerous other flag, independent and boutique properties.The properties report that feedback they have received from guests and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. The Aquamenites fixture increases savings, decreases a property’s carbon footprint, and increases the productivity of staff while still providing the level of quality that guests have come to expect from a luxury brand....

NOTTINGHAM, PA.—Zandur has relaunched its Cork Rubber Flooring under the Sustain brand name. The new color line features extensive options in cool and warm neutrals as well as brighter primaries. This updated pallet coordinates with current trends in wall coverings, fixtures and other flooring materials. Along with the updated color line, Sustain’s best-in-class slip resistance, low intensity maintenance and underfoot comfort make it a natural choice for commercial facilities that are looking for a safer product that is more durable and contains more recycled content than most other resilient products today.  Sustain Cork Rubber is made from more than 65...

HIGHLAND PARK, ILL.—T2 Site Amenities introduces its nature inspired line of recycling receptacles and matching planters. This San Mateo series is designed for indoor or outdoor use. Constructed from fiberglass, this collection will not rust or corrode and is impervious to salty air and the hot sun.“The organic look of the San Mateo series has been welcomed by many hotel properties,” says Lori Tilkin, president of T2. “Having products that work both indoors and outdoors allows for a more cohesive design across the property.”Tilkin also noted that one large hotel property in Hawaii had purchased more than 100 units...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—The Refinishing Touch, a leader in on-site environmentally safe and sustainable furniture refinishing and re-upholstering for private and public organizations, has completed a guestroom desk preservation project across 143 rooms for  the Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Northeast hotel, in Columbia, S.C. The Refinishing Touch refinished the desks and applied protective edge molding on-site with minimal disruption in room use and environmental impact, and saved the hotel $46,439 compared to buying new assets. As a hotel with a high guest demand, the Hilton Garden Inn saw progressive wear and damage on its frequently used wooden desks, a result of chairs...

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—On Thursday, September 12, 2013, the California State Senate voted to approve SB 254 authored by Senator Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley) and Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) by a 31-8 bipartisan vote. SB 254 now moves to the Governor’s desk for review and signature.SB 254 (Hancock/Correa), which has enjoyed bipartisan support throughout the legislative process, creates a used mattress recycling program that will have a dedicated funding mechanism, reduce the impact of illegally dumped mattresses, harness existing infrastructure for transporting used mattresses to recyclers, create jobs, and minimize costs to both government and consumers.“We are very pleased SB 254...

DOWNERS GROVE, ILL.—Jet, a national leader in gift card production and fulfillment, recently released a new sampling of production specialty cards. The new recyclable, fiber-based cards are made with 100 percent wood fiber and offer an alternative to plastic cards. This material allows the use of special inks, foils, and varnishes to produce a final product that cannot be obtained on traditional plastic cards. “Clients repeatedly ask us to help them find ways to make their gift cards stand out from the crowd,” said Greg Nye, vice president of sales at Jet. “With our new specialty cards, clients can...

BOSTON—With the public comment period closing on August 23, only a few steps remain for the approval of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) proposed commercial food waste ban set to take effect by July 1, 2014. According to Greg Cooper, division director of Business Compliance for MassDEP’s Bureau of Waste Prevention, an initial review of the public comments showed little opposition to the ban. “My hope is that we can move the package fairly quickly and stay on track with our intended schedule of implementation,” Cooper says. The commercial food waste ban initially will impact hotels in...

LOS ANGELES—L’Heure Bleue, the eco-chic resort of Nosy Be, in Madagascar, has been created as a model for sustainable tourism: Everything is designed from the outset, in a spirit of respect for the environment and sustainable development, in harmony with local people. L’Heure Bleue was recently awarded Green Globe certification.“L’Heure Bleue wants to demonstrate that another type of tourism is achievable, based on ethical values and respect,” said Yves Benouaich, general manager. “We would like to prove that responsible tourism brings together pleasure and well-being, without impacting on the quality of services and benefits. We are committed to fight...

ATLANTA—Simmons Bedding Co. and its Hospitality Division (Simmons Hospitality) announced the implementation of a new mattress recycling program. The company recently partnered with Global Sustainability Solutions (GSS) to handle recycling services for hospitality sales. This initiative marks one of the most significant milestones in Simmons’ sustainability efforts.The new Simmons Hospitality/GSS program will provide mattress installation, removal and recycling services, including delivery coordination and installation of the new product, as well as removal and transportation of the old bed sets—including bedframes—to a designated recycling plant.Under this new program, hospitality clientele purchasing new product from Simmons, such as the new Simmons...

ALPHARETTA, CA.—The Refinishing Touch, a leader in on-site, environmentally safe and cost-effective furniture asset management services for private and public organizations, has announced its preferred vendor partnership with Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI), and its contract to provide furniture asset management services to each of the hotel group’s premier locations. FRHI encompasses three distinct brands—Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts—and provides travelers with access to luxury, world-class lodging accommodations through its 139 properties worldwide.Through its new relationship with FRHI, The Refinishing Touch is contracted to provide its award-winning furniture asset management solutions...