Okay … are there enough buzz words in that title to make you feel squeaky clean … and proud to be a bio-degradable American? (That last part of my title was supposed to say "Grass Roots Lodging" ... but I ran out of room). If I had a little more time, I’d even think up a few other adjectives for good measure, too. It cracks me up to see descriptions like these adorning most products and their advertisements. But its all part of the ‘green-washing of America’ … riding that wave of educated and conscious consumerism, which is now a BIG Business in and of itself. Sadly, the greenest thing about most of it are the bottom line profits. As a result, we become numb to such eco-spin, as we discover that these adjectives have little or no meaning in the real world. For example, this past weekend we learned about an eco-friendly “soy based” Styrofoam insulation … something we would probably all want to buy should we ever find ourselves in the market for such a product, right? Upon closer investigation, however, there isn’t enough actual ‘soy’ in an entire production batch to fill an edamame bean! I’m sure sales went up, however, when those 3 little letters were added to the product’s trade name. And this is why we see so much of this kind of blatant exaggeration of the facts regarding such things. Truth-in-advertising seems to have as much jurisdiction here as the “Do Not Call Registry” has on telemarketing calls on business phone lines. But that’s a blog better left for another day!
Here in Concord today, however, is the second New England Eco-Hospitality Expo – and this is a group with not only the best of intentions but with excellent follow-through as well. These folks, headed up by manager Michelle Veasey, put their money where their mouth is! The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, of which we at the Lodge are members, has a program to educate and help lodging properties become more “Sustainable”. After all, it is a process … and we can all get better at it! But what does this mean, and how does it translate into real terms? Tourism is New Hampshire’s second largest industry. Many hotels, B & Bs, resorts and restaurants in our state recognize the importance of preserving our natural resources for our visitors, both now and in the future. We continually evaluate how our operations affect the environment and look for ways to minimize their impact. Sustainable Lodging & Restaurant certified facilities develop goals and identify people in our organizations to find new opportunities to improve their operations through education, employee ideas and guest feedback. Being green is also financially good for certified properties. By saving energy and water, reducing waste and eliminating toxic chemicals, green properties lower our operating costs, which allows us to provide enhanced services to guests and a healthier environment. The program thrives by sharing our love for New Hampshire with our guests, and the staff our industry employs
The Expo this year had a new layout, which made better use of the opportunity to network with industry peers and green product and service specialists. The Eco-Cafe' luncheon, for example, has given more opportunity for us to meet like-minded folks to discuss challenges, ideas and trends with peers and experts.
This year there are 3 concurrent learning/teaching sessions from which to choose. Some of the titles of interest to me were: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Basics for Hospitality; Green Marketing Efforts; Getting to Zero Waste – Source Reduction, Recycling & Composting; Case Studies in Advanced Energy Efficiency; Fostering a Values-based, Environmental Work Ethic; Green Power Options – Local Renewable Projects; How to Effectively Track Your Environmental Efforts; and
Green Weddings, Meetings and Events. Wow … it was frustrating to have to choose.
Also new this year, the NE Eco-Expo is a ZERO waste event, which I think is pretty amazing! The Conference Center where the expo is being held, has reduced its source waste first with plans to then recycle and compost the remainder after the expo. Pretty neat!!
Here in Concord today, however, is the second New England Eco-Hospitality Expo – and this is a group with not only the best of intentions but with excellent follow-through as well. These folks, headed up by manager Michelle Veasey, put their money where their mouth is! The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, of which we at the Lodge are members, has a program to educate and help lodging properties become more “Sustainable”. After all, it is a process … and we can all get better at it! But what does this mean, and how does it translate into real terms? Tourism is New Hampshire’s second largest industry. Many hotels, B & Bs, resorts and restaurants in our state recognize the importance of preserving our natural resources for our visitors, both now and in the future. We continually evaluate how our operations affect the environment and look for ways to minimize their impact. Sustainable Lodging & Restaurant certified facilities develop goals and identify people in our organizations to find new opportunities to improve their operations through education, employee ideas and guest feedback. Being green is also financially good for certified properties. By saving energy and water, reducing waste and eliminating toxic chemicals, green properties lower our operating costs, which allows us to provide enhanced services to guests and a healthier environment. The program thrives by sharing our love for New Hampshire with our guests, and the staff our industry employs
The Expo this year had a new layout, which made better use of the opportunity to network with industry peers and green product and service specialists. The Eco-Cafe' luncheon, for example, has given more opportunity for us to meet like-minded folks to discuss challenges, ideas and trends with peers and experts.
This year there are 3 concurrent learning/teaching sessions from which to choose. Some of the titles of interest to me were: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Basics for Hospitality; Green Marketing Efforts; Getting to Zero Waste – Source Reduction, Recycling & Composting; Case Studies in Advanced Energy Efficiency; Fostering a Values-based, Environmental Work Ethic; Green Power Options – Local Renewable Projects; How to Effectively Track Your Environmental Efforts; and
Green Weddings, Meetings and Events. Wow … it was frustrating to have to choose.
Also new this year, the NE Eco-Expo is a ZERO waste event, which I think is pretty amazing! The Conference Center where the expo is being held, has reduced its source waste first with plans to then recycle and compost the remainder after the expo. Pretty neat!!
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