HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF.—Sometimes it really is the little things that make the biggest difference. California Faucets’ new All-Brass Multifunction Handshowers fit this notion with a quick and easy way to enhance the overall bathing experience while adding a spa-like sense of luxury to the bath. Bathers can select from three spray settings to soothe tired muscles, refresh the spirit, or invigorate the body and mind. Each ergonomic handshower is made from solid brass. Plus, with a choice of four designs and over 28 artisan finishes, the handshowers offer a no-fuss way to personalize the bath. “A handshower is one of...

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...

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...

FRESNO, CALIF.—Jain Irrigation, Inc., a world leader in irrigation technology, announces the general availability release of JAIN Unity, an automatic irrigation control system and environmental data services platform. Unity is the first-ever smart irrigation solution for landscape management fully powered by artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Jain Unity gives users (contractors, water managers, home and building owners) direct access to view how much water the plants in their landscape requires, along with real-time visibility to the efficiency of their irrigation system for eliminating water waste. Arcadis and Bluefield Research recently released a report that is projecting over 36 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...

MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.—Bradley Corp., an industry leader in providing state-of-the-art hand washing solutions, introduces a new line of matching Verge soap dispensers and faucets. These complete sets offer cohesive and striking designs that further enhance the sophisticated look of Verge washbasins and work seamlessly with any other basin. With advanced sensing technology for reliability and durability, the Verge soap and faucet pairs come in four styles and six finishes. “Specifying the Verge family of soap dispensers and faucets harmonizes designers’ looks and adds a beautiful and unified design element to washbasins,” says Laura Stang, Senior Product and Portfolio Manager, Bradley Corp....

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc., a global leader in water, food safety and public health technologies and services, has been named to the Water Security List, with an A rating by CDP, the nonprofit global environmental disclosure platform. This year’s CDP Water Security A List recognized 71 companies globally for their sustainable water management initiatives. “Ecolab’s inclusion on the A List is recognition of our work to advance sustainable and strategic water management with our customers and in our own operations,” said Emilio Tenuta, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab. “As we enter this new decade, we are expanding our capabilities to...

NATIONAL REPORT—Advancements in textile technology are making it easier for hoteliers to incorporate towels and robes into a property’s sustainability program—product that requires less water and detergent to wash and less time to dry. The textile fiber type can vary but suppliers are currently offering material ranging from Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton, to microfibers derived from plastic bottles, to TENCEL+Plus Lyocell derived from eucalyptus and other botanicals. In just the last few months, Majestic International began selling earthright towels and robes made from ELS cotton. According to Wendy Thompson, President, Majestic International, towels come in bath mat, wash cloth,...

MINNEAPOLIS—When it rains on the 1.6 million square foot Minneapolis Convention Center, that water is collected in an underground rainwater storage area that holds up to 250,000 gallons of water. According to Jessica Klimisch, Marketing Manager for MCC, that water is used for irrigation around MCC and diverts an estimated 5.4 million gallons of runoff annually from the Mississippi River. The rainwater collection system is just one of many green initiatives at the LEED Certified MCC. For example, kitchen areas and restrooms have been upgraded with fixtures that use 50 percent less water. Atop the center are 2,613 solar panels...