MATLACHA, FLA.—The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the addition of the Bridge Water Inn to its Florida Green Lodging Program. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving green practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. “More than 60 percent of the average hotel’s solid waste is recyclable,” says Colleen M. Castille, DEP secretary. “By implementing reuse programs and conserving resources, the Bridge Water Inn is reinforcing its commitment to preserving Florida’s environment.” The Bridge Water Inn conserves water and energy through linen...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—An increasing number of organizations are recognizing benefits to their bottom line and the environment by committing to go beyond regulatory requirements. Among the 32 additional facilities added to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Performance Track program is Aspen Skiing Co. “The more organizations that are engaged in the search for continuous improvement, the more we can achieve in terms of environmental results and effective partnerships,” says Performance Track director Dan Fiorino. “We congratulate our newest round of member facilities as they chart new paths toward environmental excellence.” The National Environmental Performance Track program recognizes...

NATIONAL REPORT—Being high-volume water users, hotels are always looking for new ways to reduce their water consumption, especially in areas where water supplies are scarce—such as in large portions of the western United States. One water-saving method that has become near standard concerns the daily washing of linens and towels. Hotels have begun allowing guests to decide for themselves if their linens and towels can go another day before washing and replacing. Guests can hang up towels for reuse or leave them on the floor to receive freshly washed ones. Although significant water reductions—and savings—have been attained...

LANSING, MICH.—Robert W. Swanson, director of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), announced a new program aimed at environmental conservation and a more competitive lodging industry in Michigan. Green Lodging Michigan (GLM) encourages hotels, resorts, motels, and bed & breakfast facilities to implement environmental initiatives and cost-saving green practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality, reduce waste, and participate in environmentally preferred purchasing. “It’s like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval of being green,” Swanson said. “It is the mark of environmental responsibility of hoteliers who show a commitment to green business practices and can...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Pineapple Hospitality, Saint Charles, Mo., as a sponsor. Pineapple, led by Ray Burger, president, has been providing green products, programs and services to the hospitality industry for more than 10 years. Pineapple’s products include the following: greenSPA amenity and dispenser system, which includes Neutrogena products; Project Planet towel and linen reuse cards; Oxygenics showerheads; NUMI teas; ecorooms program; General Electric lighting products; Guestat thermostats; Wattstopper Motion Sensor Nightlights; Nature’s Mist deodorizer; Hillyard green cleaning products; Preserve recyclable toothbrushes; Oreck vacuums; and the odor-eating Fresh Bulb. “I...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Project Planet Corp. as a Green Product Directory partner. Project Planet is the lodging industry’s leading provider of promotional materials for linen and towel reuse programs. Project Planet’s colorful in-room materials have a significant impact on guest participation. The Dawsonville, Ga.-based company’s materials can be found in more than 5,000 hotels worldwide. Project Planet’s programs reduce energy, water, labor and chemical costs. The company sells a variety of products including pillow toppers, door hangers and more. Go to Project Planet Corp. for more information or...

NEW YORK—Starwood’s new aloft brand, a vision of W Hotels, has announced a “see green” program with guest awareness in mind. The program was created to introduce and promote ecologically friendly products and services, and highlights options both inside and outside each hotel. The aloft landscaping plan takes what used to be the standard parking lot and re-imagines it as an outdoor park-like environment, with a variety of deciduous trees and shrubbery. A special area of parking spots will be reserved specifically for hybrid cars, raising awareness of the benefits of environmentally friendly vehicles. The aloft team is...

PALM BEACH, FLA.—The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that The Breakers Palm Beach has joined the Florida Green Lodging Program. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving green practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. “By participating in the Florida Green Lodging Program, The Breakers Palm Beach Hotel is raising industry standards,” says Colleen M. Castille, DEP secretary. “In addition, its dedication is conserving Florida’s natural resources for residents and visitors alike.” The Breakers Palm Beach Hotel is reducing water consumption by not...

NATIONAL REPORT—Your guests may shower in it without thinking about it, but is chlorinated water really good for them? Guests with chemical sensitivities would quickly say no but other travelers are beginning to feel the same way. Increasingly, guests are seeking out hotels that offer chlorine-free, filtered shower water. According to one industry expert, some guests even travel with their own showerheads in case filtered water is not available. If you think of shower filters as an unnecessary capital expense, you may want to reconsider. Many hotels are charging premium rates for rooms that offer filtered shower water as part...

DENVER—National park and resort concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts has received the National Park Service (NPS) 2006 Environmental Achievement Award for its performance at the Zion Lodge in Zion National Park. The NPS Environmental Achievement Award recognizes superior accomplishments in environmental stewardship. Zion Lodge also received the award in 2004. Xanterra also has received National Park Service Environmental Achievement Awards for environmental stewardship at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The 2006 award was presented by Fran Mainella, director of the National Park Service. “Xanterra at Zion...