Marriott and Hilton Drop Styro-Based Products

November 16, 2007

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Marriott and Hilton are both making changes to stop using Styrofoam and styro-based products.

Marriott International headquarters says it will replace 2.5 million pieces, or 20 tons, of Styrofoam and plastic utensils used annually with those made of potato (SpudWare), sugar cane and cornstarch, all biodegradable within an average of 100 days.

Marriott headquarters will also distribute free reusable “to go” mugs and water bottles to employees to encourage conservation. Green ambassadors from throughout the company will teach employees green office strategies, with demonstrations on recycling, composting and energy conservation.

“With more than 3,000 employees at Marriott Headquarters, if we all do our part, we can definitely make a difference-both at the office and at home,” says Jim Young, Senior Director of Corporate Facilities at Marriott’s headquarters.

Hilton Garden Inn is introducing International Paper’s ecotainer in more than 340 locations across North America. The cup is the only all-natural hot beverage paper cup available that is coated with a corn-based plastic that requires less energy and generates less greenhouse gas during manufacturing, according to Hilton. The corn-based coating allows the cups to be composted, rather than landfilled.

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Stay competitive through sustainability.

Find out how at the SAP Sustainability Resource Center. >>

Unclear about the EPA's new GHG Rule?

Learn how it could affect your business. >>

EPA mandatory emissions reporting starts Jan 1st

CSA Standards can help your organization get ready for compliance. Find out how. >>

Best Practices: Product Environmental Compliance

How to achieve compliance at a significantly lower cost. Download the full report. >>

Join the Discussion

Reader Comments

Any move to adopt more bio-degradeable packaging options is good news – especially from hotel chains that by their very nature have to deal in lots of disposable, single use products.

But remember, we also all have the option of taking our own cup or mug to our favourite ‘to go’ cafe. If keeping all those cups out of landfill isn’t reason enough for you, perhaps you’ll be swayed by the small discount many cafes give to customers who bring their own cup. Or the best reason: coffee ALWAYS tastes better from a ‘real’ cup.

So grab your favourite cup, whether it’s a purpose-made travel mug, your grandmothers finest china or the Bugs Bunny one with rabbit ears for a handle, and sip your Java from that instead.

Ben Eade | November 16th, 2007

Recent Daily News [ see all ]

11/20/2009
11/19/2009
11/18/2009

Charts [ see all ]

European Paper Industry Cuts CO2 Emissions by 42% since 1990

S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks

Nike Tops Annual Climate Action Scores

Oceans May Trap more Carbon than Forests

Jobs

View All Jobs >> Post a Job >>

Comments and Discussions

Trade Association on Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
"Seriously… that..."

Gary Markowitz on Supermarkets Tackle Emissions Reductions, Fuel Efficiency
"Supermarkets waste over 10 percent of their energy through improper..."

peter in ireland on Ontario May Follow California’s Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
"Governor Schwarzenegger is shooting himself in the foot! 1...."

Environmental Leader on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"The survey respondents (the PDF report mentions 4,000 respondents in 38..."

Jake on UPS Trying New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks
"A point of clarification: the Reuters press release referenced herein reports that 20 UPS will purchase..."

Custom Organic Shirts on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"90% of North Americans believe it is urgent to get a global climate..."

peter dublin on California City’s Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
"Why energy efficiebnt regulation on buildings –..."

Environmental Leader