NATIONAL REPORT—There are many ways to reduce food waste to landfill. Proper portioning, smart ordering, partnering with local farmers, and food donation programs come to mind. One easy way to break down and eliminate food waste on-site is by using a biodigester. This machine, available in various sizes, biologically digests organic material. Microbes, enzymes and other bacteria break down the waste. Most food, including fat, greases, and even animal manure, can be processed in a biodigester. Byproducts include carbon dioxide and water, which can simply be discharged into a municipal sewer system, or a soil amendment which can be used...

KEHL, GERMANY—ADA Cosmetics has taken a bold step forward in ocean protection with the launch of its first 100 percent Recycled Coastal Plastic pump dispensers—debuting in the revitalized Hydro Touch collection. This innovation marks a leap from previously used 25 percent PCR PET bottles to a new milestone in sustainable packaging. Each dispenser features the Plastic Bank certification icon, signaling a strong environmental commitment to hotel guests. Available immediately, these new bottles are part of ADA Cosmetics’ ongoing journey toward a circular economy, combining environmental innovation with positive social impact. “An important part of our mission to reduce our impact on...

SAN FRANCISCO—Grove Collaborative Holdings, Inc., the world’s first plastic neutral retailer, a leading sustainable consumer products company, certified B Corporation, and Public Benefit Corp., announced the results of a first-of-its-kind national survey examining American awareness, concern, and desired actions related to microplastics. The survey was done in partnership with The 5 Gyres Institute—the company’s nonprofit plastics research and advocacy partner since 2019—and was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. The findings reveal a deep concern among Americans about the health and environmental risks posed by microplastics, alongside a desire for more education, transparency, and leadership from brands and institutions. The survey...

HUNTINGTON, N.Y.—Emerald Ecovations, a leader in sustainable solutions for foodservice and janitorial industries, announces the launch of over 50 additional compostable molded fiber and clear PLA Plant to Plastic foodservice items. This innovative lineup furthers Emerald Ecovations’ commitment to supporting green practices across foodservice industries. “We are thrilled to introduce these groundbreaking products, each designed with the dual goals of environmental responsibility and performance excellence,” said Ralph Bianculli, CEO of Emerald Ecovations. “Our molded fiber and PLA solutions help our customers significantly reduce their environmental footprint, directly contributing to measurable savings in trees, water, plastics avoided, and compostable waste diverted from...

EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—Excel Dryer, Inc., the pioneering force behind the touchless, high-efficiency hand dryers, spotlights its partnership with two eco-conscious New York breweries: Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and Big Slide Brewery & Public House. These beloved Adirondack establishments, owned and operated by the same team, are the latest in a growing list of businesses using XLERATOR technology to advance their commitment to sustainability. For the breweries’ operators, environmental stewardship is more than a talking point—it’s woven into every part of their business, from compostable containers to 100 percent wind-powered facilities. But as they looked to make improvements in restroom...

TAMPA, FLA.—With roots going all the way back to 1926, McKibbon Hospitality has a long history of developing and managing hotels. Along the way, the company has guided hotels representing all the major brands through their sustainability initiatives—saving energy, water and reducing waste while building a culture of community and giving. For almost three years, Rafael Ibarcena has led McKibbon Hospitality’s Corporate Social Responsibility program. Green Lodging News interviewed Ibarcena, the company’s Corporate Sustainability Manager, to learn about the unique leadership and services McKibbon Hospitality provides and how it interacts with each brand’s own sustainability initiatives. The following are the...

NATIONAL REPORT—Businesses strive more than ever to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Fortunately, tackling waste doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Smarter waste management lightens your company’s environmental footprint and builds brand credibility with eco-conscious consumers (often with cost savings along the way). This guide to waste management solutions for a better planet outlines effective solutions your business can implement today. Find Your Starting Point with a Waste Audit Every effective waste management plan begins by understanding the problem. A waste audit is a simple yet powerful tool for doing just that. This systematic review of a company’s waste stream involves collecting and...

FAIRBANKS, ARK.—Wilding Hotels, a premier name in wilderness hospitality, has partnered with Volo Solutions to implement in-room concierge tablets across its properties. This collaboration brings a modern, intuitive, and eco-conscious solution to guest engagement while easing operations and enhancing service. “At Wilding Hotels, we focus on providing a seamless and elevated guest experience while fostering sustainability,” said Amy Hansen, Head of Hotel Operations. “Implementing Volo in-room tablets has enhanced guest experience, streamlined operations, and supported our sustainability goals.” Wilding Hotels selected Volo for its user-friendly platform, customization capabilities, and excellent customer service. Real-time updates and tailored content for each location were key...

Whenever my family eats out and we are automatically offered plastic straws for our drinks, we tell the server we do not need them and to take them back. With what we know about plastic straws—they are non-biodegradable and take hundreds of years to decompose and break down into microplastics—you would think they would no longer be used…but no. They are still all too common in hospitality. Numerous hotel companies have pledged to stop buying plastic straws. Six years ago, Marriott phased them out. Five years ago, Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. eliminated single-use straws from its branded properties as part of...

CHICAGO—As the hospitality industry accelerates efforts to modernize IT infrastructure and meet brand-mandated sustainability goals, Cloud5 Communications is bridging the gap between technology upkeep and environmental responsibility. By aligning its Main Frame Distribution (MDF) closet remediation services, an offering of its Managed IT Services division, with its ECO Program for secure, sustainable hardware recycling, Cloud5 is helping hotels improve performance, reduce downtime, and support broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Many properties are challenged by legacy equipment, unmanaged cabling, and outdated hardware housed in their network closets. Cloud5’s Managed IT Services team is responding to growing requests for structured, professional cleanup...