CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.—Worrell Water Technologies announced enhancements to its Next Generation Living Machine system, a proprietary ecological wastewater treatment system. Unlike today’s approach to wastewater treatment, the Living Machine operates as a decentralized, on-site system for water treatment and recycling, creating quality fresh water without chemicals, odor or nasty by-products. The Living Machine is a ‘turbo-charged’ engineered wetland system which combines the compact footprint of traditional wastewater treatment technologies with the energy efficiency of conventional constructed wetlands. In operation in more than two dozen locations worldwide, the Living Machine system is a patented and trademarked technology offered only by Worrell...

PORTLAND, ORE.—What was once a vacant bank building in downtown Portland will open in May as the Courtyard by Marriott—Portland City Center. The 256-room hotel was built to earn LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The structure, which has been given a new shell, three new floors and brand new mechanical systems, is expected to be the first LEED Gold hotel in the Pacific Northwest. Certification is expected this fall. Green hotels are becoming the norm in Portland. The Avalon Hotel & Spa announced its LEED certification last summer, The Nines hotel is expected to be...

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIF.—Cal Springs, the maker of BioGreen Bottles, an environmentally innovative plastic water bottle that is completely biodegradable once its drinking days are over, has recently announced the release of the Hollywood Bottle, the newest addition to their eco-friendly water bottle line. The Hollywood Bottle offers a sleek, contoured design and comes in a variety of colors. Although new in size and shape, the Hollywood Bottle is made of the same reusable, recyclable and biodegradable material that made BioGreen Bottles a popular choice. The bottles are lightweight and safe for kids to handle, making them a practical, green...

MONTREAL, QUEBEC—To celebrate Earth Day, Kaba Lodging Systems (KLS) is introducing two types of environmentally-friendly keycards today. The “green keys” are made either from 100 percent recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic or from polylactide acid (PLA) plastic. The high-performance PLA is made from a corn byproduct and is both recyclable and biodegradable. Both key types function like traditional magnetic stripe keycards, carrying important information such as a guest’s room number, duration of the stay, and an encrypted lock access code recorded onto track three. A leading global electronic lock provider, KLS expects hotels will be receptive to these green keys....

MINNEAPOLIS/ST.PAUL—Researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health found most containers employed for storage and transportation of used fluorescent lamps to recycling centers do not provide necessary levels of protection against mercury vapors emitted from broken lamps. The release of mercury vapors, which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, presents an environmental and occupational hazard for workers involved with handling and transport. Mercury is a toxic chemical that can lead to neurological damage. The results of the study were published in a recent issue of the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association. The...

GLEN RAVEN, N.C.—Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC has created a recycling program for Sunbrella fabrics, the company’s brand for awnings, furniture and boating. Sunbrella fabrics returned to Glen Raven will find new life in a variety of products ranging from felt used for car insulation and protective padding for sports equipment to decorative applications such as outdoor rugs. “For more than 20 years, Glen Raven has reclaimed Sunbrella fiber and fabric waste resulting from the manufacturing process, but this is the first time we have offered recycling to our customers and consumers,” said Randy Blackston, vice president of operations. “This...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. announced that guest demand for newspaper delivery at more than 2,600 hotels in the United States has declined by about 25 percent. Marriott will become the first major hotel company to shift to a free newspaper delivery system based on customer preference, reducing waste at the same time. Beginning June 1, the company’s full-service hotels, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, will deliver newspapers to guest rooms based on customer preference. The company’s 30 million Marriott Rewards members will be able to update their online profiles and...

HOUSTON—Hilton Americas-Houston, the city’s largest hotel, has just received the unique distinction of becoming the first hotel in the state of Texas to achieve Green Seal certification. Demonstrating environmental leadership in operations and purchasing, the downtown Houston convention hotel reduced their environmental impact and improved sustainability in accordance with stringent guidelines set out by Green Seal in order to obtain the certification. This certification confirms that Hilton Americas-Houston complies with the environmental and performance requirements of the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties—Silver level. Green Seal, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment and transforming the marketplace,...

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.—During the month of April, children across the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America are encouraging their communities and each other to collect as many recyclable bottles and cans as possible to raise money for essential school and youth community programs. This school recycling fundraiser—appropriately named “Cans and Bottles for a Cause” is part of the award-winning Doubletree Hotels Teaching Kids to CARE community outreach program, which aims to raise awareness about the rewards of environmental consciousness in everyday life by fostering a sense of activism, empowerment and reward. The five schools or youth organizations that...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—A new company, ecoLiving Essentials, has launched to provide consumers and the travel and hospitality industries with biodegradable products made locally from sustainable resources. Established by two moms with a shared respect for the planet and a passionate concern for their children’s future, the founders have rolled out Biodegradable Travel Booties and the Biodegradable Shower Cap. As frequent business travelers, the founders were inspired to start the company because they felt unprotected when required to remove their shoes when going through airport security checkpoints. According to doctors in a recent WebMD article, taking your shoes off at airport...