PORTLAND, ORE.—Viridian Reclaimed Wood announced the introduction of Siberian Spruce paneling milled from reclaimed Russian crating material, according to Viridian co-owner Joe Mitchoff. A mix of slow-growing spruce and pine from the frigid climate of subarctic Russia, the paneling is reminiscent of the walls of an alpine lodge, but its light color also lends itself to contemporary interiors. “This paneling’s rustic character hints of its rough-and-tumble past,” Mitchoff said. “But it’s really beautiful, and it’s an extremely affordable way to use reclaimed wood on a project.”Siberian Spruce is available in 5/8″ or 3/4″ thicknesses, with a face width of...

CHATTANOOGA, TENN.—Outdoors-oriented travelers headed to the Chattanooga area for rock climbing, bicycling, kayaking and other activities can now stay in a hostel that is officially among the world’s greenest. Opened in June 2011, The Crash Pad just recently earned its LEED Platinum designation. According to the hostel’s owners, Max Poppel and Dan Rose, The Crash Pad is the only hostel on the planet to earn LEED Platinum. Only three other lodging establishments in the United States have earned LEED Platinum through the U.S. Green Building Council.Located on one acre in downtown Chattanooga, The Crash Pad sits on a site...

MANKATO, MINN.—A new compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) recycling container from VaporLok Products LLC, Mankato, Minn., can safely hold up to four 13-watt, or up to three 23-watt used CFLs, protecting consumers from hazardous mercury vapors if the fragile bulbs inside are broken from mishandling. With the average CFL containing approximately 4 milligrams of mercury, a single broken bulb can release vapor levels dangerous to consumers’ health. Exposure to mercury can cause neurological, kidney and brain damage in adults, children and fetuses.Especially significant, this CFL recycling solution is the only one that adsorbs mercury vapor inside the container to protect...

DALTON, GA.—Aqua Hospitality Carpets and Zeftron nylon, a premium branded nylon 6 fiber system, announced the introduction of their latest joint collection, Bloom. The three styles—Flora, Pure Petal and Just Leafy—take their cues from the beauty of nature discovered through the unexpected design lens of x-ray technology. The organic patterns, coloration and texture come to life through Zeftron nylon’s clear crisp solution dyed color palette of fully renewable nylon 6 yarn systems. All three styles are available in both broadloom and tile.Ideal for hospitality environments such as guestrooms, lobby areas or corridors, the collection also provides the best in...

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—When you have 744 guestrooms in multiple buildings, a spa, restaurants, and three 18-hole golf courses—all on 3,000 acres—maintaining a high level of operational efficiency is always a challenge. At The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., however, the management team has been able to keep up with aging infrastructure thanks to owners who have poured $300 million into the property since 1995. It was in 1995 that renovations began on the historic hotel that was first constructed in 1918.“The main hotel building was built to 1918 energy standards,” says Terry McHale, The Broadmoor’s director of facilities. “It...

NEW YORK—New York City-based hoteliers looking to find a home for items ranging from furniture to unopened amenities can use the services of NYC WasteMatch. Created and funded by the NYC Department of Sanitation’s Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse & Recycling, WasteMatch facilitates the exchange of used and surplus goods with the approximately 4,000 nonprofits and businesses in NYC. For hotels there are many benefits: reduced waste hauling costs, reduced tax burden, increased green standing in the NYC community, and knowing that their efforts are having a positive impact on the environment.Adanna Roberts, NYC WasteMatch program manager, says WasteMatch...

ROCKVILLE, MD.—EcoDomo introduces the Phoenix Leather Collection of repurposed leather belts made for walls, panels, and rugs. EcoDomo collects used leather belts from Goodwill stores in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., as well as from collectors before sorting, processing, and adhering them onto panels with their group of artisans.The creative journey has led to amazing discoveries. For examples, Mr. Alan was a Nazi forced-labor camp survivor who collected leather belts all his life. Forced to work during World War II in the excavation of tunnels for the production of V2 rockets with his bare hands, he designed special...

AVALON, N.J.—Anyone walking by the Concord Suites at street level would have no idea there is a 434-panel, 104 kW solar system on the property’s rooftop. The panels lie flat on the roof to take full advantage of the sun that shines down on the 90-suite hotel in Avalon, N.J. Since the $500,000 system was turned on late last December, it has performed great and with no problems, says Susan Cawley, general manager. In fact, from its turn-on date through June 30 of this year, the system generated all of the electricity the hotel needed. The expectation is that...

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF.—LittleFootprint Lighting, a producer of sustainably designed LED task lighting products made in the United States from recycled e-waste, announced it has signed a Master Distributor agreement with Pineapple Hospitality, a distributor of environmentally friendly products to the hospitality industry. The agreement will cover the nationwide distribution of LittleFootprint Lighting’s HeronLED Personal Task Light, the first and only desk lamp made in the United States from e-Waste. As Master Distributor, Pineapple Hospitality will extend the availability of LittleFootprint Lighting’s ultra high-efficiency desktop lighting to all of Pineapple Hospitality’s lodging industry clients.“Pineapple Hospitality is proud to add LittleFootprint...

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Champion Industries, manufacturer of a full line of premier commercial ware washing systems, introduces the EnviroPure Commercial Food Waste Solution System. Champion’s EnviroPure system, properly sized and operated within simple operational guidelines, will turn organic waste into wastewater that meets wastewater discharge standards. Champion will refund the purchase price and remove the system if it does not perform as guaranteed within the first 60 days.Unlike disposers that merely grind waste, EnviroPure uses a proprietary, all natural Bio-Mix additive, to break down food waste daily into safe, clean water that can be used for agricultural needs or just sent...