WASHINGTON, D.C.—More environmentally friendly computer equipment will soon be available to large volume purchasers thanks to manufacturers like Dell, HP, and others that now have products that meet the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) standard. EPEAT-registered computer products have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human health, and are easier to upgrade and recycle, in addition to meeting the government’s Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. “These new environmental standards can guide the manufacturing of green computers, laptops, and monitors,” says James Gulliford, assistant administrator for the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic...

NATIONAL REPORT—From an environmental benefit standpoint, there are few slam dunks like hand dryers. Used primarily in common areas like restrooms, hand dryers—when offered as the only hand drying option and not alongside paper towels—save trees, energy and money. Not all hand dryers are the same; some are more efficient than others. The bottom line, however, is that they eliminate the need to cut down trees to make paper*, the cost of buying the paper, the labor and disposal costs related to waste disposal, and promote a more hygienic environment. “Hand dryers have always been knows as...

WATERBURY, VT.—Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and International Paper today launched the only all-natural paper hot beverage cup available in consumer outlets nationwide. In a conventional cup, the inner surface is lined with a petroleum-based plastic to prevent leaking. The cup unveiled today is lined with a bio-plastic made from a renewable resource—corn. After use, and under the proper conditions, it will break down into water, carbon dioxide and organic matter. “For 25 years, we’ve said that we craft our coffee with care,” says T.J. Whalen, vice president of marketing for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. “Now our cups are...

SAN FRANCISCO—Turning food waste…into wine? In a roundabout way, that is what is happening to the composted food scraps and other items generated at the 1,498-room San Francisco Marriott hotel. Once hauled away by Golden Gate Recycling, the waste is taken to an organic composting facility where it is ground up, heated and converted to nutrient-rich mulch. Many vineyards in Napa Valley then use that mulch to help grow grapes. The real story here is not the wine but the effort Randy Nelson and the other associates at the San Francisco Marriott have made to divert as much...

LOS ANGELES— Bentley Prince Street recently launched an innovative simulation technology system, named the “Zoom Room,” in its newly opened Chicago showroom during the NeoCon World’s Trade Fair. Developed by Tricycle, this 3D visualization tool provides customers with instantaneous life-sized recreations of custom color carpet products in an actual room environment, providing an effective design tool with significant environmental benefits. The Zoom Room meets today’s designers’ needs for technology-driven visualization to speed up and assist in their design and specification process. It also reduces environmental impact by decreasing sample production, preserving non-renewable resources and reducing landfill waste. ...

MIAMI—The 2006 American Express Caribbean Tourism Environmental Awards, presented in late June in Miami during a special awards luncheon as part of the annual Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference (CHIC), paid tribute to the hotels that are models of responsible environmental and social performance in the region. “The relationship between tourism and environment must be intimate and continuous, especially in the Caribbean, where sustainability is indispensable to preserve our tropical paradise” says Dianelys Rodríguez, vice president establishment services, American Express Latin America and Caribbean Division. “Our congratulations to both winners for taking the lead in environmental practices and serving...

DENVER—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) recently honored the winners of the AH&LA Achievement Awards, part of the Stars of the Industry Awards breakfast, held during the AH&LA Summer Summit at The Brown Palace Hotel and sponsored by U.S. Foodservice. The awards, created in 1966, recognize individual hotel properties that have developed outstanding public relations campaigns. Among the categories is Good Earthkeeping. The Onyx Hotel in Boston won the Good Earthkeeping award, small property category, for its integrated approach to sustainable lodging practices. The hotel demonstrates a strong commitment to purchasing eco-friendly products and amenities, as well as innovative...

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.—Everyday in America each man, woman and child generates nearly four pounds of trash. That’s more than one trillion pounds of solid waste or 365 trillion pounds each year. In an effort to teach kids about the power of environmental education in their own communities, Doubletree Hotels has announced its third-year commitment with The National Arbor Day Foundation as a continuation of the brand’s successful Teaching Kids to CARE program. This spring, more than 10,000 first through fifth grade students in 150 communities across North America are expected to participate in activities and events that empower a...

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND—Governor Linda Lingle, in partnership with the State Department of Health and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, recently presented the 2005 Hawaii Green Business Award to Hilton Waikoloa Village. In attendance were Hilton Waikoloa Village resident manager Simeon Miranda, Hilton Hawaii regional public relations coordinator Tran Phan and Dolphin Quest director of education Beth Thomsen. In a related presentation, Senator Lorraine Inouye (Senatorial District One) recently awarded Hilton Waikoloa Village a certificate of appreciation from The Hawaii State Senate, recognizing and commending the hotel and staff for receiving Hawaii’s Green Business Award and...