PARIS—As a leading international amenities provider, Groupe GM continuously strives to become the most environmentally aware it can be. In 2018, the Group launched the Care About Earth program which covers all the company’s environmental and social actions and is an integral part of Groupe GM’s corporate strategy worldwide. It was developed following a decision by the Group, its subsidiaries, and agents to be a leader and proactive decision-maker in the ecological transition of its products. The program highlights Groupe GM’s ongoing commitment to the environment and demonstrates its high ethical standards. Through the Care About Earth program, Groupe GM...

BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Getaway, the hospitality company that offers mindful escapes to tiny cabins in nature, hired Carlos Becil as its first-ever Chief Experience Officer last July, following a monumental year of growth and $41.7M Series C funding. As the former CMO of Coach and Equinox, and VP of Brand Management for Starwood, Carlos is bringing a dynamic perspective to Getaway, helping take it from a “tiny cabin” rental company to a global hospitality business. Green Lodging News recently interviewed Becil about Getaway and its growth. The following are our questions and Becil’s answers: What do you consider to be your primary responsibilities? You have...

I have written about canned gel chafing fuel in the past on Green Lodging News. Is your hotel still using it, sending partially used containers to the landfill? Putting your guests and staff at risk? One industry expert told me this past week that upwards of 90 percent of the hospitality industry still uses canned gel chafing fuel to keep food hot and ready for serving groups of people. What prompted me to write about food heating again this past week was the discovery that at least two companies have developed better ways—more flexible ways—to keep food hot and, for...

NATIONAL REPORT—Canned gel chafing fuel remains the primary heating choice for upwards of 90 percent of the hospitality industry for chafing dishes and other similar food and beverage containers according to industry experts. That is bad news for the environment and hotel owners, however, when one considers canned fuel’s inefficiency, its cost, its many hazards while in use, and its carbon and other negative impacts throughout the supply chain. In fact, says David Moreland, Chief Bottle Washer for Smart Buffet Ware, when you burn canned fuel, 78 percent of the fuel is heating the atmosphere—not what is intended to...

FALLS CHURCH, VA.—A group of prominent paper mills and end markets across North America signed a declaration of acceptance and a commitment to increasing recycling of paper cups, including Essity, GP PRO, Graphic Packaging International, Great Lakes Tissue Co., ND Paper, Pratt Industries, Sustana Fiber and WestRock. Organizations representing 75 percent of mixed paper demand (by quantity consumed) in the United States and Canada are accepting paper cups. Seven companies with 25 paper mills actively accept residential mixed paper bales (ISRI grade 54) with paper cups included, while three companies with five facilities currently accept paper cups when included with...

Not enough companies and suppliers use video to highlight their programs and products. It is a missed opportunity. E-mails that include videos that have been sent out by Green Lodging News have consistently been opened and clicked through more than those without videos. Getting a message across that you want folks to remember is so much easier using video. In case you missed it, prior to the holidays, Hilton released the latest installment of its new “Extending Our Stay” video docuseries, which is focused on sustainable travel and creating meaningful change in the world as part of the company’s “Travel with Purpose”...

MADRID, SPAIN—The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative has welcomed a further 21 signatories, taking the total number past 110. The new signatories have been announced alongside the launch of a first annual report, which makes clear the significant progress made in tackling plastics pollution in tourism over the past year. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Accor, Club Med, Hong-Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Iberostar, Melco, and Six Senses have all reported continuous efforts to implement their commitments to tackle plastic pollution. Together, they have eliminated over 108 million plastic items and packaging in 2020, totaling around 804 metric tons. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab...

BANGKOK—To reinterpret the regal ambiance of a bygone era dating back 700 years, 14th-century Six Senses Fort Barwara has been sensitively transformed into a 48-suite resort, including five specialty suites, in a conservation effort that has taken more than a decade to complete. It offers a resting point during a busy touring itinerary of Rajasthan. It is within easy striking distance of Ranthambore National Park for guests looking to take a walk on the wild side with the local tiger population. Reinterpreting Royal India Originally owned by a Rajasthani Royal Family, Six Senses Fort Barwara incorporates two original palaces and two temples...

PARIS—Groupe GM, an international leader in amenities, is renewing its hotel line from internationally renowned French brand NUXE. Celebrating their active collaboration since 2013, this specially tailored amenity range will be made available worldwide thanks to Groupe GM’s extensive distribution network. The line, called Rêve de Miel, is composed of products subtly enriched and scented with honey. This range with its delicate and honeyed fragrance is perfectly suited to all skin types. This collection comes as a standard line and a special edition and covers a wide range of amenities. The amber-colored standard line is available in 40 ml recycled plastic bottles....

NATIONAL REPORT—For hotel and lodge owners, plumbing and waste management are always a concern. Hotels alone produce 289,700 tons of waste each year, 79,000 of which is food waste. That's not only detrimental to the environment, but it’s incredibly costly as well. That is why it's highly beneficial for lodge and hotel owners to preserve as much as possible. Luckily, there are many ways that lodges and hotels can reduce waste and water usage. Read on to learn some about the top tips for waste reduction and sustainable plumbing. Limiting Food Waste Food waste is costly and damaging to the environment. In...