DEVENS, MASS.—Fifty employees of the Devens SpringHill Suites by Marriott donned green wristbands and “gathered for the green” in a hotel ballroom in late April to convert approximately 140 guestroom and public-space trash cans to single stream recycling bins. The Devens SpringHill Suites by Marriott is the first area hotel to adopt this recycling approach. Single stream (also known as “fully commingled”) recycling refers to a system in which all recyclable materials are mixed together in the same collection container, eliminating the need for separate and/or specific bins. “Making recycling more convenient will likely encourage more recycling,” said Maura Peeler,...

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA.—Allegheny Printed Plastics is introducing biodegradable plastic cards as part of an ongoing commitment to provide more environmentally friendly product alternatives. The biodegradable PVC core card stock and laminate material perform just like standard plastic and is ideal for many common card applications. The biodegradation process begins when the product is introduced into a fertile environment (soil, water, compost, or wherever microorganisms are present) and works in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The absence of oxygen or water will not keep the product from biodegrading. All that is needed are the presence of microorganisms which consume the plastic...

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,...