The impact of climate change has made the Earth a very different place. Pollution levels are on the rise, the ozone layer is depleting and tons of plastic and waste are dumped in the ocean every day. It’s become more important than ever to take care of our planet and promote environmental stewardship in the meetings and hospitality industry. This Earth Day, support eco-friendly resorts and hotels that embrace conservation practices and are actively working to decrease their carbon footprints.
From Lake Placid in New York to Florida’s Gold Coast, here are four green properties that give back to their natural surroundings:
1. Surrounded by 6 million protected acres in the Adirondacks, Whiteface Lodge is tucked away in the High Peaks of Lake Placid. Constructed from fallen timber found on property, fallen trees continue to be used in mulch and landscaping. Waste reduction is also an important initiative at the lodge: 8,000 bars of soap have been recycled and donated to families in need; 43,000 water bottles have been saved by installing water filters on kitchen faucets; and laundry facilities conserve 1,200 gallons of water every day. Whiteface Lodge supports green transportation by providing charging stations for Tesla vehicles. There are 94 guest rooms and more than 7,900 sq. ft. of meeting space.
2. On Florida’s Gold Coast, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa is not far from the third largest barrier reef in the world. The resort partners with Loggerhead Marine Life Center to protect Florida’s sea turtle population—a percentage of sales from stuffed animal sea turtles in every guest room help fund the program. The resort’s guest rooms also boast eco-friendly amenities, including power and water conserving appliances, post-consumer bathroom tissue and a water- and energy-saving linen program. Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa has 193 suites and 7,020 sq. ft. of meeting space.
3. The Umstead Hotel and Spa, located in Cary, North Carolina, takes its commitment to the environment very seriously. Located on 12 wooded acres, the hotel grows its own produce and fresh herbs; whatever doesn’t come from the gardens is sourced from local purveyors. The Umstead also composts food scraps and donates unused bath amenities to Clean the World Foundation. Hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles are used to transport guests, and Tesla charging stations are located onsite. There are 150 guest rooms and more than 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
4. One of Scottsdale, Arizona’s top resorts, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa lies among towering Saguaro cacti and red desert rock in Paradise Valley. The property takes measures to preserve the surrounding arid environment by using low-flow toilets throughout the resort, drought-tolerant plants, organic cleaning products and implementing a staff incentive program to encourage positive environmental practices. In-room bath amenities, created exclusively by Red Flower, are organic, cruelty-free and sustainably sourced. Last year, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa became a certified Monarch butterfly habit due to the increase of the butterfly species in the Scottsdale area. The resort has 105 mountain casitas and suites and 5,918 sq. ft. of indoor event space.
