FORT WASHINGTON, PENN.—More than one-third of Americans are literally flushing profits down the toilet for businesses. According to a new survey commissioned by Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, 35 percent of Americans say they typically use more toilet paper than needed when using a public restroom. The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll from February 1 to 5, 2019 among 2,049 U.S. adults ages 18 and older and revealed Americans’ preferences toward business’ sustainability efforts in public restrooms. “When restroom guests use too much toilet paper, it’s not only wasteful and...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Marriott Vacations Worldwide has committed to the fight to end hunger with its annual Harvest for Hunger food drive. The month-long initiative—which took place from November 1 through 30—encourages associates, owners and guests at participating resorts and Marriott Vacations Worldwide offices around the world to share in the spirit of the holiday season by donating nonperishable food items to benefit local food banks. This year’s donations totaled more than 55 tons—or 110,000 pounds—providing the equivalent of more than 91,500 meals for people in need. The drive once again exceeded its ambitious donation goal, surpassing last year’s collection by...

MONTEREY, CALIF.—Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey’s first U.S. Green Building Council LEED Certified Hotel, is offering meeting and event planners the opportunity to create sustainable and eco-friendly meetings with the addition of new Reduced Waste Conferences. Located on the Monterey Peninsula and surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern California, Portola Hotel & Spa has always taken pride in the environment, making a conscious effort to support the green initiatives of the community in addition to implementing eco-friendly initiatives at the hotel. “Reduced waste conferences are a great way to communicate to meeting attendees the importance to conserve natural resources,” says...

WARWICK, R.I.—To meet strong demand and surging momentum across North America, CleanBrands, the world’s leader in patented waterproof bedding technology that offers the best in healthy, clean sleep, has appointed sales executive Linda Bill to the newly created position of Vice President, Sales, North America. Bill brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and business development in the hospitality industry. An experienced and tenacious sales executive with demonstrated ability to strategically increase business and consistently surpass sales goals, Bill has a deep knowledge of CleanBrand’s market, products, customers and channel partners, and the ability to transform that...

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—Soul Community Planet announced that after nearly one year and a comprehensive $9 million renovation, SCP Colorado Springs marks its grand opening. Awarded Colorado Springs’ most innovative new business concept by Visit COS, SCP Colorado Springs is comprised of 174 hotel rooms, the state-of-the-art SCP Fit fitness center, the SCP Commons creative co-working space and the Provisions market, featuring healthy, locally-sourced food and drink. Soul Community Planet also announced that it will continue offering its Fair Trade Pricing program at SCP Colorado Springs. The program gives guests the power to determine the prices they pay based on the...

LOS ANGELES—Quipworks announced the nationwide expansion of its cutting-edge GLSand glass reduction system. Designed for bars, hotels, resorts, and holiday homes, the machine allows owners to easily recycle glass materials into fine sand or grit in just a few seconds. The GLSand system is distributed by Quipworks, which provides sustainable equipment to help the hospitality industry reduce waste, control costs, and ensure a safer environment for customers and crews. The GLSand glass reduction system was introduced with great success at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, a luxury resort in Southern California. Since its implementation, the machine has helped staff at the...

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND—Seven UN entities have come together, supported by the World Economic Forum, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to call for an overhaul of the current electronics system, with the aim of supporting international efforts to address e-waste challenges. The report calls for a systematic collaboration with major brands, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), academia, trade unions, civil society and associations in a deliberative process to reorient the system and reduce the waste of resources each year with a value greater than the GDP of most countries. Each year, approximately 50 million tons of electronic and electrical...

SPAIN—Across Spain, hotels are prominently flagging their green credentials as they increasingly take steps to reduce their environmental footprint and appeal to a new generation of eco-aware consumers. The country’s Paradores, state-run hotels in historic buildings such as former palaces and monasteries, are the latest to look to a greener future, switching to renewable energy sources by incorporating features such as biomass technology or solar panels. “The Paradores’ commitment to become 100 percent green energy driven is an important milestone in the Spanish hotels sector,” says Carlos Ortega, Executive Vice President of the Hotels division at JLL Spain. “Being a public-sector...

TORRANCE, CALIF.—Designed specifically for luxury hospitality properties, office complexes and high-end spas, Simplehuman’s new slim open can has a narrow, space-saving shape that is perfect for smaller spaces, but large enough to accommodate everyday trash. Its durable stainless-steel construction ensures it will last a long time, even in tough environments, while the can’s lift-off lid makes it easy to change trash bag liners. Additional features of this stylish and modern trash can include: Enhance your trash experience: Extra-strong and durable Code F custom fit liners are designed to fit this can perfectly—no bunching or slipping. Durable, easy-to-clean materials: Fingerprint-proof...

ORLANDO, FLA.—The NAFEM Show, held every two years, wrapped up in Orlando on February 9 at the Orange County Convention Center. More than 600 suppliers featured their latest products to help restaurateurs and hoteliers save money, energy, water and reduce waste. It would be impossible to mention every product showcased in a single article. The following is just a sampling of some cool products found among the many aisles at the show: Bluewater unveiled its Bluewater Pro 400 and Bluewater Spirit water purifier model lines that help foodservice professionals deliver fresh produce, achieve clean glassware and cutlery, and offer coffee...