COLORADO SPRING, COLO.—The rise of conscious traveling and resorts and destinations protecting, sustaining, and improving our planet is not only growing in popularity, but becoming the new norm for the travel and hospitality industry—something to celebrate as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22). The good news is that one of America’s most historic hotels is already implementing eco-sustainable and responsible practices, the longest running, consecutive Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond, The Broadmoor. Located in Colorado Springs, the 5,000 acre Broadmoor is one of the most unique resorts in the world offering luxury accommodations, award-winning dining, championship...

JOSEPH, MICH.—Whirlpool has a long, proud history of environmental sustainability and a strong track record of action and success. In 2019, the company raised the bar on its environmental commitments, and accelerated the progress of its short- and long-term goals that meet or exceed the Paris Accord,” said Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corp. “As we continue to navigate the impact of COVID-19, the health and safety of our employees and communities remain our priority. We strongly believe that our sustainability efforts are as important now as ever. These efforts are guided by a clear mission to...

NATIONAL REPORT—With so much attention on virus elimination given the COVID-19 pandemic, Green Lodging News has been exploring green cleaning technologies that make it easier for hoteliers to provide a safe, hygienic, disinfected environment for guests and employees. One such technology is electrochemical activation (ECA)—the process for creating electrolyzed water using a low electric charge and natural minerals. Hypochlorous acid, one of the sanitizers created from charged salt and water, has 80 to 200 times the sanitizing power of chlorine bleach, according to Larry Smith, Vice President of Sales for GenEon Technologies. In this article we will also explore...

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.––Following an extensive $100 million investment by Palisades Resorts LLC, Marriott International’s Autograph Collection Hotels will celebrate the grand opening of ADERO Scottsdale in summer 2020. With its elevated views of Arizona’s famed Four Peaks and McDowell Mountain Range, ADERO will be Scottsdale’s only Dark Sky Zone resort with a modern guest experience inspired by the surrounding Sonoran Desert. The complete development is led by Allen Philp Partners Architecture and Interior Design, MONOGRAM Hospitality Interiors at BBGM, branding agency Sixteenfifty and Aqua-Aston Hospitality, a leading hotel and resort management group. ADERO joins Autograph Collection’s diverse and dynamic portfolio of...

PENSACOLA, FLA.—18,777 pounds of vinyl regrind. 16,543 pounds of scrap cardboard and office paper. 800 pounds of scrap oil. All this material is recycled each year at the Hy-Lite manufacturing operation in Pensacola, Fla. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, Hy-Lite is sharing information on the company’s efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. The manufacturer of acrylic block windows and panels started its recycling efforts in 2007. When the company’s shipping supervisor, Myra Moore, got involved in 2015, additional attention was focused on enhancing the program. “I truly believe we contribute to spoiling the earth with...

MEXICO CITY—Grupo Vidanta, the leading resort and tourism developer in Mexico and Latin America, continues to set new benchmarks for sustainable, eco-tourism at its beachfront destinations, leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Since its founding in 1974, Grupo Vidanta has made protecting the environment and natural beauty of Mexico a top priority. “It’s our belief that our practices should serve the greater good and promote a brighter future for generations to come. All of our projects have been designed, built and operated using solutions and socially conscious programs that are ecologically responsible and efficient in reducing impact...

NATIONAL REPORT—Given the changing global business landscape for recycling the last few years, recycling has become more complex and it has become much more difficult to save money and recycle as much as possible at the same time. Graham Rihn, CEO of RoadRunner Recycling, says one way to ensure optimal success is to employ an expert third party that offers end-to-end waste services and expertise in all aspects of recycling. RoadRunner Recycling, launched by Rihn in 2014, is currently working in major markets from coast to coast and is rapidly expanding its services. The Pittsburgh-based company starts with a waste...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Greenpeace USA released the results of a comprehensive survey of the nation’s 367 material recovery facilities (MRFs), revealing that only PET #1 and HDPE #2 plastic bottles and jugs may legitimately be labeled as recyclable by consumer goods companies and retailers. The survey found that common plastic pollution items, including plastic tubs, cups, lids, plates, and trays, may not be labeled as recyclable according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requirements for products and labeling. Additionally, many full body shrink sleeves that are added to PET #1 and HDPE #2 bottles and jugs make those products non-recyclable as well. “This survey...

Greenbuild just released its 2019 Sustainability Report. For those of you not familiar with Greenbuild, it is the world’s largest conference and expo for the green building industry. The report summarizes the environmental impact of the 2019 Greenbuild International Conference & Expo that was held in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. One of the goals for Greenbuild in 2019 was to move it toward a Zero Waste Event. For the third year in a row Greenbuild achieved TRUE Zero Waste Platinum certification, which is awarded to tradeshows with a TRUE waste diversion rate of 90 percent or...

BOULDER, COLO.—Eco-Products, a Novolex brand, is introducing new compostable lids for its takeout containers that are ideal for restaurants and snack bars seeking environmentally preferable options. Like the takeout container bases, the new lids are made from renewable sugarcane fiber and are part of the WorldView line. The bases and lids meet ASTM D6868 standards for commercial compostability. “We’re proud to introduce yet another innovative product that combines environmental benefits while maintaining performance,” said Sarah Martinez, Senior Director of Marketing for Eco-Products. “These WorldView lids are strong, durable and compostable—an important combination for environmentally focused restaurants.” Among the new features of the...