HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Hard Rock International is once again teaming up with global conservation leader World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for its annual Earth Hour movement, bringing the world-renowned brand’s “Save the Planet” motto to life. Hard Rock Hotels, Cafes and Casinos around the globe will participate on March 25, 2023, by “going dark” for one hour starting at 8:30 p.m. local property time. Guests at participating properties’ restaurants, bars, Rock Shops, hotel rooms, lobbies and outdoor spaces will partake in the movement by engaging in fun, entertaining activities, without the use of electricity: from candle-lit dinners and acoustic musical performances to flame shows, cocktail promotions,...

SOLON, OHIO—Tarkett, a global leader in sustainable and innovative flooring solutions, has updated its iD Latitude LVT line to feature a total of 72 designs. Available in three volumes—iD Latitude Woods, Stones, and Abstracts—the collection offers a breadth of design possibilities for education, workplace, and healthcare spaces. “iD Latitude brings the full trifecta: great design, lasting performance and practical affordability,” said Ben Elliott, Senior Product Manager for Tarkett North America. “Our latest updates to the collection offer modern wood, stone and abstract patterns that support the vision for every space.” iD Latitude Woods mimic the look and feel of natural wood grain,...

KIRKLAND, WASH.—Noble House Hotels & Resorts—the family-owned boutique hotel brand with a carefully curated collection of 25 hotels, resorts, and experiences across North America—has partnered with Green Seal and applied for certification for 13 of its properties, continuing its sustainability efforts. Noble House Hotels & Resorts is deeply committed to protecting and sustaining the environment and all the communities connected to its hotels and resorts year-round. Working with Green Seal provides the hotel brand access to sustainable purchasing experts with a global reputation for excellence and the tools and guidance needed to adopt safer and more sustainable practices and products. Each...

DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY—Henkel published its 32nd Sustainability Report, outlining its performance and progress on implementing its sustainability strategy and targets. In a highly challenging market environment, the company was able, among other things, to drive progress in sustainability in many key dimensions, by further reducing its CO2-emissions and expanding its social engagement. “I cannot recall a year in the recent past in which the overall business environment was so challenging for our company. The war in Ukraine has deeply shaken us and has far-reaching consequences. It has shaped the economic environment, particularly the energy crisis and higher raw material prices. But...

KAUAI, HAWAII—1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announces the opening of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, its flagship nature-and-wellness-focused island oasis overlooking a storied stretch of Kauai’s North Shore. Guests seeking solace and serenity at this sustainable sanctuary can swim, snorkel, bike, paddle, kayak, soak up the sun and surf off a legendary beach where Native Hawaiians lived in harmony with nature for generations and a laidback surf scene still thrives. The dramatic peaks of the Namolokama and Mamalahoa mountains loom over a verdant valley whose iconic waterfalls capture the breathtaking bounty and beauty of Hawaii’s famed “Garden Island.” “Hanalei Bay...

There has been a lot of talk about teeth in the Hasek household recently. My son just got his braces on (for the second time) and he just had his remaining three baby teeth removed in one dentist visit. At age 11, he still believes in the tooth fairy (I think) so he kind of hit the jackpot that night with his tooth fairy trifecta. I had teeth on my mind this past week thanks to the article I wrote about eco-friendlier toothbrushes. Most people, hoteliers included, don’t think much about the environmental impact of their toothbrushes, but it is...

NATIONAL REPORT—Travelers never always pack perfectly. Oftentimes that one thing that is forgotten is a toothbrush. There is a very good chance you will hand that guest a cheap single-use plastic toothbrush that will end up in the landfill where it will leak toxic substances into the environment as it breaks down. According to National Geographic, toothbrush waste from the U.S. in just one year is enough to wrap around the earth four times. If Americans change their toothbrushes every three or four months, that is one billion toothbrushes on their way to the landfill or elsewhere, including our...

I recently had an opportunity to visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) in Atlanta. It is the home of the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta United Football Club (soccer). I went on a tour of the stadium and was very impressed by the steps the owners of the building are taking to minimize its environmental impact. In fact, the stadium was just certified to TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Platinum for its zero waste efforts in January. MBS is the first professional sports stadium worldwide to achieve TRUE Platinum certification for zero waste. Ninety percent of the waste from the...

GREER, S.C.—LifeMade Products LLC (LifeMade), an operating company of Jadex Inc., announced that the company’s LifeMade Compostable Straws have received OK compost HOME certification from TÜV Austria. This achievement is in addition to the product’s BPI Commercially Compostable certification previously received. TÜV Austria OK compost HOME certification provides assurance to consumers that LifeMade Compostable Straws will compost safely in any home compost heap. Made in the USA, LifeMade Compostable Straws are available in Jumbo size and packaged for most foodservice operations, having a diameter of 0.25” and a length of 8”. The straws are individually wrapped and available in case...

HALLANDALE, FLA.—In support of its Care About Earth program, Groupe GM, a leading player in the hotel amenity industry, is relaunching its Occean hotel line, with an emphasis on sustainability. Based on active marine principles, Occean is a line of cosmetic products rich in toning and vitalizing accents offered by the ocean. Its certified vegan formulas contain up to 98 percent of natural ingredients. Abundant in marine oligo-elements and marine algae Laminaria Digitata, the line creates a feeling of well-being thanks to the freshness drawn from its properties. The new Occean product range will provide consumers with a refreshing and rejuvenating experience, combined with a...