"Greenovations"
"With almost 50 percent of Florida's visitors staying in hotels, the lodging industry plays an important role in protecting our environment. By reducing water use, conserving energy, improving air quality and decreasing solid waste, hotel guests contribute to state efforts to protect, restore and conserve Florida's natural resources." - Secretary Michael W. Sole

The Florida Green Lodging Program was established in 2004 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with the intent of recognizing and rewarding environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state.

"It's a progression of environmental responsibility," explained program co-ordinator Karen Moore. "Once a property has reached its One Palm designation, they are given one year to make additional enhancements and upgrade to the two and three palm designation. Although we're always available to assist our designated properties, we don't hold their hands. This program is completely voluntary and is about accommodations stepping up to the plate and taking an environmental responsibility of their own," added Moore.

Prior to being designated a Green Lodging property, The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a team of assessors who perform a detailed walk-through of each facility assuring it has met the requirements of the Florida Green Lodging Program. Examples of things they look for include: recycling in guest rooms, the lobby, vending or eating areas; compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's) throughout the hotel; low flow toilets, showerheads and faucets; linen and/or towel reuse programs; the use of "green" cleaners and Energy Star rated electronics and appliances.
"Hotel staff should be able to advise their guests what changes have been specifically implemented within their property," added Moore.
To date, hundreds of Florida's accommodations have been designated a "one-palm" status. For more information and a complete list of properties, approved by the Florida Green Lodging Program, please visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

[Sarasota] One Palm Homewood Suites by Hilton
Within minutes of downtown and the beaches, this pet-friendly extended-stay hotel features everything both the business and leisure traveler would need while away from home.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton received their Green Lodging designation by implementing a recycling program, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, water-efficient bathroom amenities, and green lodging-approved air filtration.
941-365-7300 | www.sarasota.homewoodsuites.com

[St. Pete Beach] Two Palm TradeWinds Island Resorts
You see green everywhere you look at TradeWinds Island Resorts on the Island of St. Pete Beach. From stewardship of the beachfront sand dunes and sea turtle nests to the avid conservation ethic of every employee, TradeWinds stands out as a leader in the green lodging movement.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently recognized TradeWinds Island Grand Resort and TradeWinds Sandpiper Suites as the state's second and third properties to receive the Florida Green Lodging Program Two Palm designation.
"We are proud to welcome these properties into the elite group of Two Palm Hotels," said DEP Southwest District Director Deborah Getzoff. "They serve as good examples to the other hotels in Florida's Green Lodging Program that are working towards the Two Palm status."
"We take pride in being the first resorts in the region and only the second and third in Florida to achieve this prestigious designation," said Tim Bogott, president and CEO of TradeWinds Island Resorts. "It is only through the continued commitment and hard work of the TradeWinds Green Team that we're making these significant improvements."
800-360-4016 | www.tradewindsresort.com

One Palm - Delray Beach - The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club
As a leader in Green Business, the Colony in Delray Beach makes being environmentally responsible an essential part of everyday operations. The owner, Jestena Boughton, explains, "for 73 years my family carefully managed the Colony resources by following the basic three R's of green business - reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle what cannot be reused." An example of Colony community environmental support is our annual tradition of donating a dollar for each room night sold to our local environmental organization.
To maintain and upgrade their designation The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club is dedicated to water conservation, native Florida habitat enhancement, recycling program, and energy saver products.
561-276-4123 | www.thecolonyhotel.com

DID YOU KNOW?
At the time of publication 5 Florida accommodations have been designated Two-Palm Status!