ARLINGTON, VA.—The Food Waste Reduction Alliance (FWRA)—a collaborative effort of the Consumer Brands Assn., FMI-The Food Industry Assn., and the National Restaurant Assn.—released a new report, Messy but Worth It: Lessons Learned from Fighting Food Waste, that highlights experience-driven advice to keep perfectly good food out of landfills. For the guide, FWRA interviewed food manufacturers, grocers and foodservice operators to get their best tips on how to successfully launch a food waste reduction program and to sustainably nurture it over time. Some of the report’s key recommendations include: Forge an internal food waste prevention culture. Education and cross-functional teamwork will...

ITASCA, ILL.—To shed light on the current state of recycling and to help advance the circular economy, Hi-Cone, a leading manufacturer of beverage multi-packaging solutions, presents their first annual report on The State of Plastic Recycling. More than 5,000 consumers in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Spain participated in the global survey. Among the many findings, the report shows that 26 percent (or 1 out of 4) Americans recycle all of their plastic waste, compared to the overall 34 percent reported from the other countries. However, at the same time, 19 percent do not recycle any...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has installed the first two of more than 60 planned water bottle refill stations as part of ongoing efforts to make the facility an industry leader in sustainability. These first installations are a pilot test for a building-wide rollout in the coming months. Both of the newly installed refill stations can be found on the Convention Center Boulevard-side of Lobby B. Visitors to the Center can place their reusable water bottles up to the station’s infrared sensor, which will then dispense chilled and filtered water. The station will keep a running...

DARIEN, CONN.—Smile Coffee Werks has unveiled compostable coffee pods made from renewable raw materials with over a 12-month shelf life. The patented technology utilizes a plant based, BPA-free cup and top, creating a commercially compostable coffee product; a seamless fit for waste-conscious consumers, private labels, retailers and hospitality groups alike. The pods are compatible with Nespresso classic style coffee makers, BPI-certified and commercially compostable in 12 weeks. Made from renewable plant-based products, the pods are the first carbon neutral, single step disposal product to hit the market. Smile Coffee Werks is available for purchase at SmileCoffeeWerks.com in compatible 100 percent...

I spoke with Kristen Pryor this past week. Kristen is the general manager of the LEED Silver Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley in Colorado. She has been General Manager of the 240-room property for almost five years and has overseen many of the property’s green initiatives. Several of the hotel’s programs caught my attention—some because of their uniqueness and others because they address issues that many of you are currently facing. First, the resort is in the process of phasing out all single-use plastic bottles. This will be done by May 1. No longer will plastic water...

SOLON, OHIO—Tarkett, a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring, has introduced two new modular carpet designs—Vellum and Bindery. Through crisp pattern detail, color contrast and lustre variation, these complementary patterns draw on the rich tradition of book binding and impart the handcrafted patinas of early papermaking, enabling architects and designers to craft a story through interior spaces. “The passing down of story is an honored tradition in every culture, and the attention given to the craft of book binding has as much to say as the words on the page—adding a memorable richness to the experience,” said Terry Mowers,...

How do you know what plastic is recyclable and really recycled in the U.S.? I strongly suggest reading a new Greenpeace report entitled, “Circular Claims Fall Flat: Comprehensive U.S. Survey of Plastics Recyclability.” A comprehensive survey of plastic product waste collection, sortation and reprocessing in the U.S. was performed to determine the legitimacy of “recyclable” claims and labels on consumer plastic products. Key results of the survey include: 1. Only some PET #1 and HDPE #2 plastic bottles and jugs can be legitimately labeled as recyclable in the U.S. today. 2. Common plastic pollution items, including single use plastic food service and...

HOUSTON—Waste Management has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Waste Management has been recognized 11 times for the designation and is one of only two honorees in the Environmental Services industry. In 2020, 130 honorees were recognized spanning 21 countries and 51 industries. “Being recognized by Ethisphere as a ‘World’s Most Ethical Company’ is a tremendous honor,” said Waste Management’s President and CEO Jim Fish. “Our success begins and ends with the 45,000 employees of our WM family, and this honor...

MINNEAPOLIS—Radisson Hotel Group will implement bulk amenity dispensers across all brands by the beginning of 2022, replacing small bottles for common bathroom products. This action will remove 57 million miniature amenities from circulation, avoiding the use of almost 500 tons of plastic annually. In addition, Radisson Hotel Group has a global commitment to #refusethestraw, ensuring plastic straws and plastic stirrers are no longer used in its hotels by 2021 and eco-friendly alternatives will be offered to guests upon request. Federico J. González Tejera, President & CEO, Radisson Hospitality AB and Chairman, Global Steering Committee, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Plastic pollution is one...

MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—VERO WATER, a leading provider of eco-friendly luxury still and sparkling water to the hospitality industry, announced the introduction of a new and improved Vero Signature glass bottle. The new Eco-Bottle maintains its sleek and elegant design and durable break-resistant glass structure that set the standard in the hospitality industry, but now features an innovative ink-free permanent logo decoration guaranteed never to fade, maximizing the eco-friendly reusable life of the bottle. The Vero Eco-Bottle features a wide mouth for optimal pouring, refilling and for sanitation in commercial dishwashers. In addition, the easy-grip twist cap that preserves sparkling...