STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Scandic has decided to stop selling bottled water in its restaurants and during conferences. The hotel chain calculates that this move will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 160 tonnes per year. Scandic currently sells around 1.2 million litres of water, equating to 3.6 million 33cl bottles, every year. Last autumn Scandic decided to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its direct activities to zero by 2025, with an interim target of halving emissions by 2011. Bottled water is being phased out at Scandic as part of the next focus, which in part is on shipments to the hotels. “After careful consideration,...

NEW YORK—ecoEnvelopes, the developer of innovative reusable envelopes designed to conserve natural resources and reduce costs, has received a key National Customer Ruling from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). It is the first time USPS has issued such a certification for a line of reusable envelopes and solidifies ecoEnvelopes’ position as a leader in a bold new effort to green the U.S. mail. The USPS National Customer Ruling is issued after an official testing and approval process. The ruling provides customers with increased confidence that ecoEnvelopes’ unique designs meet the most stringent qualifications for use in the U.S. mail. In...

LONDON—NewspaperDirect, the leader in multi-channel newspaper content distribution, has launched Hotel PressDisplay.com. Hotel PressDisplay.com brings more than 550 newspapers and magazines from 72 countries and in 37 languages to the laptops of hotel guests. Using the hotel’s high speed internet service, Hotel PressDisplay.com can be configured to serve guest laptops in-room or in the common areas of the hotel property. In most cases, guests will be able to view a digital facsimile of any newspaper in the system before it has even arrived at public newsstands. Hotel PressDisplay.com is the latest addition to NewspaperDirect’s PressDisplay.com product family, which attracts millions...

NATIONAL REPORT—In meeting rooms, back of house and other areas of your hotel, chances are great that you are using T-12 fluorescent lamps or the more efficient T-8s to illuminate large spaces. At least two companies—ilumisys, Inc. in Troy, Mich., and LEDdynamics, Inc. in Randolph, Vt.—are trying to replace these linear fluorescents with LED alternatives that are more energy efficient and safer for the environment. Fluorescent tubes include mercury and despite recycling efforts, 500 million to 600 million lamps end up in landfills each year. LED alternatives do not include mercury. “LED lamps also last longer, which means you throw...

KISSIMMEE, FLA.—Gaylord Hotels and The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomed Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center into the Florida Green Lodging Program. The 1,406-room resort is one of the largest in that state to participate, and the first in Osceola County’s popular Kissimmee resort corridor. In addition, the resort announced the upcoming rollout of a new guest communications program, called “We’re Eco-Logical”, designed to share the spirit of the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives with guests and meeting planners, while encouraging them to take an active role in the programs. “Together with the citizens of Osceola County, we have created one...

LAGRANGE, OHIO—West Development Group (WDG), a leader in sustainable roofing products and practices, introduces the System 14 Total Silicone Roof System. System 14 is a comprehensive roofing solution that delivers a complete range of products, including silicone sheet goods, skylight glazing, silicone sealants and coatings, and Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation, as well as other products for any commercial or industrial roofing situation. WDG’s System 14 features a zero VOC coating (HSS 535) that is applied over a soy-based SPF, creating a moisture-resistant seal that is both durable and flexible. A silicone topcoat cures in a few hours; forms a...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. ranked among the top 10 on Computerworld magazine’s first-ever “Top 12 Green IT Companies” list. Marriott, the only hospitality company named, was recognized for IT energy conservation, IT recycling and reduction of carbon emissions. Marriott’s IT environmental achievements include: • Establishing Energy Star compliance standards for all IT assets; • Eliminating 25.6 tons of CO2 output annually by replacing printers; • Reducing IT energy consumption by utilizing server virtualization, resulting in the elimination of 300 servers; • Replacing 5,000 desktop PCs with thin client computers, reducing energy consumption by 50 percent per device; and • Archiving data, resulting in 65 percent reduction in power usage. “We...

WINCHESTER, VA.—Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) introduces an attractive recycling container solution that enhances surrounding decor. The contemporary design of perforated steel combined with classically styled tops provides an upscale look that is perfect in any environment. All models are constructed of heavy gauge steel (containing a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer recycled steel) in a choice of Textured Black, Silver Metallic or Desert Pearl Uni-Koat® powder coated finishes, or satin finished Stainless Steel. Included with each receptacle is a leak proof, rigid plastic liner and adjustable leg levelers that provide stability on uneven surfaces. With a 26-gallon capacity,...

OSHKOSH, WISC.—Hoffmaster introduces Earth Wise, an environmentally responsible line of recycled paper products that are now certified by Green Seal. All Earth Wise products are processed chlorine free and are 100% recycled with a minimum of 65% and up to 80% post-consumer content. Earth Wise products are tested to ensure that they meet stringent environmental leadership standards. The products are available in beverage, dinner or dispenser napkins and guest towels with the recycled symbol and message printed on each napkin. Green Seal is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture,...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News has added its seventh case study to its new Vendor Case Studies section. The case study focuses on The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., and how it has been able to reduce its waste stream and save money at the same time with a Pillow-Vac® manufactured by Harris Pillow Supply, Beaufort, S.C. The Broadmoor, a 700-room property, uses the Pillow-Vac to renovate its pillows. Over time, pillows tend to become flat and lose their bounce, regardless of the filling. Feathers disintegrate, leaving dust. Most people who have allergies tend to think it is the feathers in...