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Eco Diva Allison
March 28th, 2008 by Eco Diva Allison
Make up for all of those carbon footprints with Vikram Chatwal Hotels’ new Mother Earth Package at both the Dream and Time Hotels in Manhattan
In celebration of Earth Day, Vikram Chatwal Hotels is offering a special Mother Earth Package at both the Dream and Time Hotels in Manhattan . Forgo the industrial and impersonal big hotel experience for the more intimate, eco-friendly setting of a luxury boutique hotel with personalized services and rejuvenating spa treatments. Never compromising comfort and style for environmentally-friendly options, the package will provide a welcoming green oasis in a city otherwise known for having very little.
Start off your day with a complementary breakfast smoothie made with fresh seasonal fruits and packed with healthy antioxidants. Before you venture outside, don’t forget to pack your custom-made brown-bag organic picnic lunch, complete with bio-degradable serving wear and a map of Central Park with suggested picnicking locations. When you return from your trip, soothe tired muscles and find inner balance with an exclusive Ayurvedic consultation at the hotel’s Chopra Center.
In addition, experience the luxurious side of Green living with a goodie bag full of organic pampering products from Gaiam, including:
Fair Trade Organic Tea set
Organic cotton terry robe
Organic cotton pajamas
Organic cotton or hemp socks
The Mother Earth Package is available March 23rd through May 10th, with prices starting at $760 per night for a Queen Room at Dream, and $690 for a Queen Room at Time. Certain restrictions may apply. Visit www.vikramchatwalhotels.com for more information and to book your trip!
March 25th, 2008 by Patti
In a move that will significantly reduce its impact on the environment, concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts will provide shampoos, lotions and other amenities in biodegradable containers as well as bars of sustainable soaps in rooms in the national and state park lodges the company operates. More than 1 million bottles will be kept out of the waste stream each year as a result of the new program.
Xanterra will be the first national park concessioner to offer sustainable amenities. The sustainable amenity program will be implemented in June in the company’s operations in Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Crater Lake, Yellowstone, Zion and Death Valley National Parks as well as seven Ohio State Park Resorts. In Yellowstone National Park alone, where Xanterra operates nine lodges with more than 2,000 rooms, the program will eliminate more than 280,000 bottles from waste stream.
Xanterra will purchase the “Green from NATÜRA” line from RoomService Amenities. The collection features 100 percent biodegradable plastic-free bottles made from a corn starch derivative. The eco-friendly soap wrappers and accessory cartons are made from natural recycled paper and printed with soy-based inks. The shower cap is made from Plastarch Material (PSM), a biodegradable resin made from corn starch, which is also the basis for the bottles. The vegetable-based, all-natural soaps contain no animal fat or byproducts using a process that is cruelty-free to animals. Soaps are shaped in a ring instead of a traditional bar shape to eliminate soap waste.
“As an operator of lodges in some of the most beautiful places on earth, we feel it is imperative that we provide our guests with memorable experiences while minimizing the environmental impact of tourism operations,” said Andy Todd, president and CEO of Xanterra Parks & Resorts. “Hotel room amenities like shampoo and soap have become an expected part of the guest experience, but those little bottles and packages can wreak havoc on nature. We are delighted that we can offer this solution to our guests.”
Xanterra has long been recognized as an environmental leader in the hospitality industry. For example, the company received the “Sustainable Hotel of the Year” award at the HotelWorld Global Hospitality and Design Award Ceremony and Expo last month for its environmental achievements at Zion Lodge in Zion National Park. Additionally, Xanterra will soon complete construction on one of largest renewable energy systems in the U.S. - a one-megawatt solar photovoltaic system in Death Valley National Park. Other initiatives in the last few years include committing to – and achieving the goal of – an absolute reduction target in greenhouse gas emissions, developing U.S. Green Building Council LEED-certified sustainable buildings in two national parks, banning the sales of fish species that are harvested in environmentally harmful ways, certifying environmental management systems to the ISO 14001 international standard, recycling grease onsite into biodiesel for use in fleet vehicles and helping to pioneer the development of a mobile propane bottle recycling unit.
For a complete list of Xanterra accomplishments and certifications, go here
January 10th, 2008 by Eco Diva Allison
WWF, the global conservation organization, today announced a partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (Fairmont), an environmentally progressive hospitality company, to combat climate change. At the heart of this new partnership, WWF and Fairmont will work closely over the coming months to measure the hotel group’s current CO2 footprint according to UN protocol, set a world-class CO2 reduction target by June 2008, thereby becoming a member of WWF’s global Climate Savers program, and develop a Fairmont-wide emission reduction plan.
In addition, WWF and Fairmont will raise awareness about the need to lower absolute CO2 emissions among policy makers, consumers, and employees to stimulate market transformation. Fairmont expects to reduce its emissions through improved energy efficiency, increased conversion to renewable energy supply, promoting conservation practices among its colleagues, and will continue to share best practices with other companies committed to environmental protection.
“Travel is one of the key drivers of the world’s economic engine. But with international trips expected to top 1.5 billion by 2020, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released into our atmosphere are growing unacceptably,” said Mike Russill, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. “As a global player in the hotel and tourism sector, I applaud Fairmont’s leadership in tackling the single largest environmental issue facing the planet – global warming. WWF will work alongside Fairmont to set an ambitious absolute emission reduction target, develop specific plans to lower its CO2 footprint and challenge others in the sector to follow suit.”
“As a pioneering voice on responsible tourism in the hotel industry, Fairmont has always embraced its role as an environmental ambassador and has encouraged others to follow its lead,” said Chris Cahill, Fairmont’s President & C.O.O. “In the evolution of our environmental programming, Fairmont continues to seek out new ways in which to make a discernable impact and are pleased to be the first global hotel brand to partner with WWF to tackle climate change. WWF shares our passion, accountability and commitment to the environment, and to achieving significant CO2 reductions at our operations worldwide.”
For close to two decades, Fairmont has strived to minimize its impact on the planet through its award-winning Green Partnership program, a comprehensive platform focused on key areas such as waste reduction, energy management, water conservation, and innovative community outreach programs. In a sign of corporate leadership, the company also encourages others to follow in its footsteps and has developed the Green Partnership Guide, a how-to text that any company can obtain to create or grow their environmental programming.
January 5th, 2008 by Eco Diva Allison
A message from Eurostar trains…
Everyone is talking about what needs to be done and we believe actions speak louder than words. That’s why over the next few pages we want to tell you more about what we are doing and how our plans are progressing.
You may have already heard that a Eurostar journey emits 10 times less carbon dioxide than flying to our core destinations. This was the starting point for our commitment to becoming greener still. Our first step was to launch our Tread Lightly initiative in April 2007. This set out our plans to reduce our impact on the environment and further increase our energy efficiency. As part of this we made a commitment to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by 25% per traveller journey by 2012 and since 14 November 2007, all Eurostar journeys are now carbon neutral at no extra cost to our travellers
We have also made changes across the business, including setting up a new Environment and Energy team to make sure we deliver on our promises, and appointing 34 Tread Lightly champions across all departments of the business to really drive this forward. We’re also working closely with Friends of the Earth to make sure that we are up-to-date with the latest environmental and climate change thinking.
Offsetting Our journeys are now carbon neutral at no extra cost to our travellers. This involves working with our selected partners whose projects deliver the carbon reductions that offset the emissions that we have not been able to reduce ourselves. Find out how we do it and why, here.
January 5th, 2008 by Eco Diva Allison
A wave of eco-consciousness has heightened demand for all things green - including travel. Consumers are looking for vacations that are not only fun, but also environmentally-friendly. Hotels boast everything from green cleaning products and energy-efficient light bulbs to water conservation programs and ecologically sustainable activities.
The Equus Hotel in Oahu Island, Hawaii uses earth-friendly bamboo materials heavily in its décor and emphasizes ecologically sustainable activities such as horseback tours, hiking the trails, canoeing and surfing. Closer to land, Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, FL was recently given Florida’s Green Lodging Designation in 2007 for its water conservation efforts, green cleaning products and ENERGY STAR ® appliances in all guest rooms. In Los Angeles, The Kyoto Grand is an active participant in the Green Lodging Program and has reached its "leadership" level. More and more resorts are taking notice and acting accordingly.
November 13th, 2007 by Eco Diva Allison
Hey, Divas!
Be sure to check out the special year-end issue of Glimpse Quarterly, "Global Greening: Lessons from Abroad," which offers a compelling look at how the rest of the world is responding to increasing environmental threats through the eyes of our student and young adult correspondents Check out the PDF at this link: http://glimpsefoundation.org/downloads/issues/winter2007/Issue.pdf
The issue features:
- Returned study abroad student Leanne Cameron reminisces about London’s pedestrian-friendly streets and laments America’s over-dependence on cars.
- Eco-village volunteer Flora Lindsay-Herrera questions how this model of sustainability can be applied to the urban world.
- Canadian backpacker Leona Baldwin gets off the beaten path in New Zealand to work for food on an organic farm.
- Study abroad student Amanda Spector struggles with trash disposal issues in rural Madagascar.
- Young journalist Sabrina Mondschein learns about prudent resource management from her roommates in Xi’an, China.
Plus:
- Experts in the sustainable travel industry reveal the devastation wrought by mass tourism and what travelers can do to contribute positively to the places they visit.
- Malaysian cyclist and adventurer Nithy S.R. outlines his plans to bring solar-powered rickshaws to the Indian subcontinent.
- Top picks for green travel gear, adventures on public transit around the world, and small solutions to the planet’s 13 largest environmental problems.
Glimpse Quarterly is published by the Glimpse Foundation, which works in close partnership with the National Geographic Society to promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange among young people by providing forums for sharing the experiences of students and volunteers living abroad.
The foundation also publishes a community-based Web site, glimpse.org, which offers first-person, cultural-experience pieces written by study-abroad students and other young adult travelers. It has become a valuable resource for students in international study programs at nearly 800 universities and colleges around the United States. Glimpse.org also serves as a gathering space for internationally minded young adults, offering a database of nearly 500 student-written articles from over 100 countries, as well as blogging services and social networking capabilities.
October 23rd, 2007 by Melanie
Aficionados of Argentine wine will soon be seeing green with the release of the CUMA organic wine brand from Michel Torino. The renowned winery, located in the ecologically focused Cafayate Valley of northern Argentina, will formally launch three CUMA varietals in October. A pioneer of organic viticulture, Michel Torino is committed to a pure and clean environment – as well as to making great organic wine.
Beginning with the 2007 vintage, the line will include Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontes.
CUMA means “clean and pure” in the language of the Aymara, who occupied the lofty elevations of northern Argentina prior to the Inca and have long since migrated throughout South America’s Altiplano (high plains). The CUMA name also expresses Michel Torino’s commitment to preserving the environment of the Cafayate Valley in the province of Salta. The viticulture and the winemaking process of CUMA follow strict and certified organic guidelines, while the spirit of CUMA reveals the winery’s commitment leaving a better world for future generations.
A leading organic brand in Argentina, CUMA is currently sold in fifteen countries on four continents around the world. Come October, American oenophiles can look forward to:
CUMA Malbec: Crimson evolving to black in the glass, with distinct aromas of fresh plum and spicy notes of rosemary and eucalyptus. Exuberant blueberry on the palate, with mint and spicy character of tarragon and rosemary. ($12.99)
CUMA Cabernet Sauvignon: Deep ruby with vivid purple sparkles. Blackcurrant aromas, paprika and raw leather and wildflowers. Lots of cassis and firm leather in a rustic style, and a meaty center-palate, with black olives and pepper at the finish. ($12.99)
CUMA Torrontes: Bright green-yellow with pale tones and gold sparkle. Floral scents, roses, jasmines and orange skins on the nose. Peach flavors with fresh, floral notes on the palate, and a bitter lemon finish with easy-going acidity. ($12.99)
For more information on CUMA wines of Michel Torino, contact Frederick Wildman and Sons, at 1-800-REDWINE or visit www.frederickwildman.com; or www.micheltorino.com.ar.
Known locally as Bodega El Esteco, Michel Torino has long capitalized on the exotic location, lofty altitude, benign climate, impressive soil and parsimonious planting area of the Cafayate Valley in Argentina to create world-class wines that are a step ahead of the competition. The winery won its first honors in 1929 in Seville, Spain, and today employs the most advanced techniques throughout more than 1,700 acres, including “zero-farming” on two vineyards that were recently certified organic. The Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa, a luxury Starwood property located onsite at the Michel Torino vineyards, uses wine-based products in all spa treatments. Michel Torino is imported exclusively by Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York.
  
October 3rd, 2007 by Eco Diva Allison
According to the 2007 YPB&R/Yankelovich National Leisure Travel Monitor, naturalistic travel is the second most primary purpose for all leisure trips. It’s just as well that Roco Ki, the multi-billion dollar luxury resort and residential development underway on Macao Beach in the Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic, is a natural paradise, making it a perfect real estate and travel choice for individuals with a love for the wild.
Roco Ki, which first phase opens in the spring of 2008, boasts an extremely lush, green landscape, home to exotic creatures and abundant plant life. Royal and coconut palm trees stretch out towards the sun, mangroves give shelter for diverse wildlife and the beaches extend long, and beautifully untouched along the coast.
It’s Easy Being Green
Roco Ki is true to its name, which means, “honoring the land” in the native language of the Taino Indians who once lived there. The community’s master plan is sensitive to the rich environment that inspired its creation. Indigenous trees including coconut palms, and plants such as sea grapes and the vibrant red firebush, have been carefully preserved in a nursery for replanting. Roco Ki’s impressive Nick Faldo-designed golf course is in the process of replanting approximately 500,000 native plants that were originally found on the site.
With a low-density design allowing for miles of inland waterways, preserved mangroves and wildlife sanctuaries, Roco Ki truly honors the land.
National Parks
The Dominican Republic has 16 national parks and numerous protected areas. Just a one-hour drive from Roco Ki, on the southeastern tip of the island, is the 267-square-mile Parque Nacional del Este. This coastal ecosystem is an important habitat for hundreds of species of birds, plants, fish and other marine animals.
As one of the Caribbean’s largest marine parks, Parque Nacional del Este is also a nursery for 112 bird species - eight of which are only found on Hispaniola - including the ashy-faced owl and the Hispaniolan lizard-cuckoo. Turtles use the shores for nesting grounds, while manatees, bottlenose dolphins and a vibrant coral reef system thrive just offshore.
A series of one million-year-old limestone terraces jut out to form the mainland section of the park, similarly to Roco Ki’s own cliff formations, but the principal attractions are the caves on the western side. More than 100 remarkable cave
systems beckon with whispers of the past. Taino pictographs and petroglyphs cover the cave walls, painting a picture of the pre-Columbian civilization’s culture and history.
For the Birds
Avid birdwatchers are sure to find fine-feathered friends at Roco Ki as the Dominican Republic is home to more than 250 species of birds. The national bird is the cotica parrot, native to the island of Hispaniola. The colorful broad-billed and narrow-billed tody, Hispaniolan lizard-cuckoo, palm chat, and Hispaniolan parrot are all endemic birds that soar in the skies above Roco Ki.
Traveling Giants
Just a few hours from Roco Ki, on the northeast coast, lies the Samana peninsula. Each year more than 10,000 humpback whales journey from the frigid waters of the Artic to the more tepid waters around Samana. The whales remain in the area from mid-January through mid-March to court and breed.
Roco Ki visitors can delight in viewing the whales as they swim by, right off the shore of Macao Beach or join one of several whale-watching excursions to witness these gentle giants of the sea as they playfully frolic – slapping flippers, leaping out of the water and splashing with their gargantuan tails as they submerge.
Dominican Flora and Fauna by the Numbers:
· 10,000 humpback whales migrate to the area annually for birthing season
· 5,600 species of plants flourish in the Dominican Republic
· 16 national parks showcase the country’s natural beauty
· 250 species of birds take to the skies above
· 10,417 feet tall is Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s highest peak
· 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the average annual temperature of paradise
Roco Ki is a new luxury resort and residential development now underway in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Phase I of the 2,700-acre destination resort will open in spring 2008. It will include beachfront residences and The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort, featuring more than 300 lodging accommodations including condominiums and villas, an impressive conference facility, water sports center and full-service spa.
Also featured will be a Nick Faldo signature 18-hole, par-72 golf course managed by Troon Golf, a world-class marina, shopping areas, a botanical garden and a museum showcasing ancient artifacts and relics from the Taino Indians. For more information, visit www.rocoki.com.
September 27th, 2007 by Eco Diva Allison
Fairmont Hotels’ commitment to protecting the environment is nothing new. For more than 15 years, Fairmont’s participation in comprehensive recycling and environmental protection programs has demonstrated its goal to minimize its impact on the planet. And the results have been tangible. But the effort goes beyond the expected. Each of the hotels within the Fairmont collection is making a difference in often unique and unheard of ways.
If there’s one thing a luxury hotel offers its guests, it’s fine wine and delectable cuisine. But what to do with the all those pesky wine corks and leftover food looms large. Individual Fairmont hotels have devised distinctive solutions to this age-old dilemma. At Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York, wine corks are donated to a local Girl Guide outfit as part of their Bag a Cork Program. Rather than end up in landfill, these natural corks are reused in everything from flooring to floats, clothing to coasters. The Girl Guides have saved more than five tons of cork from clogging up landfills.
In addition, every Fairmont guest knows that upon checking out, they’ll surely leave one thing behind: a used bar of soap. What happens to all those messy blobs? The Fairmont Queen gives them new life by donating them to Laboratoire Dermoderm, which mixes natural volcanic stone with the high glycerin content of luxurious brands such as Miller Harris and Penthaglion. Voila! They’ve now produced an effective cleaning cream that removes grease, paint, pine gum, ink and tar from the hands of mechanics, gardeners and artists.
Alternatively, animals benefit, as well. Colorful peacocks are one of nature’s most striking birds. They certainly deserve to be well fed and happy. And that’s just what the Fairmont Algonquin does daily. The uneaten scrambled eggs on the breakfast buffet are fed to these gorgeous creatures at neighboring Kingsbrae Gardens in New Brunswick. Rather than simply be thrown away, the eggs become tasty treats for these feathered friends. If that weren’t enough, the hotel gets even more creative with its coffee grinds, which are transformed into golf course tee-off mounds.
When it comes to human treats, for many guests, it just wouldn’t be breakfast without bacon. But, firstly, it takes pigs to make bacon. Switzerland’s Fairmont Le Montreux Palace contributes to the growth of healthy porkers by packing up leftovers and donating it to local pig farmers. The Fairmont Orchid also does its share for sustainable agriculture by supporting a local pig farmer on the Big Island of Hawaii with uneaten portions from the resort’s cafeteria.
Always concerned with putting their best foot forward, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess continually combines their concern for the environment with their wish to help those in need. Faced with more 2,700 pairs of spa sandals that needed to be replaced, the hotel donated the footwear to Hope 4 Kids International rather than discarding them. The sandals were then redirected by the organization to help underprivileged children in Uganda.
Helping the less fortunate is an important humanitarian objective. And it’s one the Fairmont Chateau Laurier takes seriously. It has formed a partnership with the Ottawa Mission, which, just like the Second Harvest program at the Fairmont Royal York and the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal, allows unused food to be donated to homeless shelters in the community. The effort helps reduce waste and truly assists those in need.
But nuts-and-bolts recycling still remains the cornerstone of a conscientious environmental program. Fairmont has not overlooked this imperative. Since 1992, the Fairmont Newfoundland has diverted more than one million pounds of cardboard and paper from landfill. Over half a million glass and plastic bottles have been sent off to be reused, reducing the impact on the environment.
The Fairmont Royal York’s recycling program also includes office paper, newspaper, aluminum, tin, batteries, toner cartridges, motor oil, fluorescent light bulbs and kitchen grease, in addition to cardboard and glass.
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa fulfills its environmental responsibility by ensuring bathroom toiletries and linens are packaged in biodegradable containers. Partially used toiletry containers are donated to a local charity. To save water, all three pools are fed by the resort’s own geo-thermal springs and cleaned with biodegradable products. Energy is conserved with retrofitted energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting.
The list goes on and on. Everyday, Fairmont locations around the globe confirm their dedication to planet earth with endeavors both small and large to preserve precious resources. Fairmont Hotels has become a leader in the important initiative to diminish the impact of hotel operations on the environment.
September 18th, 2007 by Eco Diva Allison
The Hertz Corporation, the world’s largest general-use car rental company, today announces the continued expansion of its company-wide environmental initiatives. The company is making a $1 million donation to the National Park Foundation, and the donation of $250,000 to benefit The Mayor’s Fund for the Advancement of New York City, in recognition of the Mayor’s environmental efforts.
Additionally, the Company is expanding its signature Green Collection, a collection of environmentally friendly, fuel efficient, family-sized vehicles, with a planned $68 million investment in 3,400 reservable Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles, 100 of which will be designated for the company’s Manhattan fleet. The Green Collection and the introduction of hybrid vehicles complement the 105,000 EPA SmartWayTM certified cars currently in the Company’s car rental fleet. More than 64 percent (268,000 cars) of the Company’s rental fleet achieves 28 mpg or greater fuel efficiency and 42.4 percent of the fleet (176,500 cars) achieves 34 mpg or greater fuel efficiency. Further, Hertz continues to incorporate sustainable initiatives into its fleet and operational business practices, as part of a corporate-wide commitment to environmental sustainability.
These announcements were made at a special event today at the American Museum of Natural History, hosted by Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and CEO of The Hertz Corporation. In addition, the Honorable Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Vin Cipolla, Chairman and CEO, the National Park Foundation, attended and accepted donations on behalf of the City and Foundation, respectively.
"Today’s announcement marks another phase in Hertz’s company-wide initiative to promote environmental sustainability in all aspects of our business and to help preserve our National Parks, one of our most important natural resources and vacation destinations," said Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and CEO, The Hertz Corporation. "Aligning Hertz with the National Park Foundation is a natural fit as the Foundation demonstrates a deep commitment to protecting and preserving our nation’s greatest natural treasures and supports projects that help protect the future health of the environment. Likewise, Mayor Bloomberg has demonstrated a passion for improving New York City’s environment, and we are pleased to support his initiatives with a donation to the Mayor’s Fund by allocating a significant percentage of our hybrid investment to Hertz’s Manhattan rental fleet," added Frissora.
"One of the fundamental concepts of PlaNYC is identifying partners in the not-for-profit and business sectors that are willing to work with us on cutting our greenhouse gas emissions. With today’s announcement that they’re adding 100 hybrids to their Manhattan rental fleet and their donation to the Mayor’s Fund to support green initiatives, Hertz has truly become one of our great business partners," said Mayor Bloomberg. "I applaud Hertz’s vision and I want to express my gratitude for their generosity."
"National Parks are the world’s greatest collection of natural, historic and cultural resources - from Yosemite to the Grand Canyon to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, they are American icons that stand tall as testaments to our country’s rich heritage and bounty," said Vin Cipolla, Chairman and CEO, the National Park Foundation. "We are thrilled to welcome Hertz into our family of partners and thank them for their generosity in helping ensure that Americans will continue to explore, experience and enjoy these magnificent places."
Hybrid Vehicles and the Hertz Green Collection
The Hertz Green Collection allows customers to reserve, and the Company guarantees, specific makes and models of higher mileage, environmentally friendly mid- and full-size cars, a key distinction that is not offered by any other national car rental company. The hybrid vehicles will begin to arrive in Hertz’s fleet this month and will be available for rent at 50 major U.S. airport locations, as well as in Manhattan, at a starting rate of $50 per weekend day. One hundred of the new hybrid vehicles will be allocated specifically to the Company’s New York City fleet, including Manhattan Hourly Rentals, a program Hertz launched in April, 2007. Known for their high fuel-efficiency and low greenhouse gas emissions, the environmental impact of hybrid versus ordinary vehicles is most dramatic in stop-and-go city driving such as in New York City where the hybrid often operates only on its electric motor. Hertz already rents hybrid vehicles throughout Europe: in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
The Green Collection was launched in September of 2006 and includes over 35,000 other environmentally friendly vehicles — Ford Fusion, Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback and Hyundai Sonata - with an average Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highway fuel efficiency rating of 31 miles or more per gallon. The majority of the Green Collection fleet also carries the EPA’s SmartWayTM certification, which indicates lower emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, while the Toyota Prius has been awarded the EPA’s highest honor, SmartWay EliteTM status. In the United States, there are approximately 35,000 vehicles in the Hertz Green Collection, available at 50 major airport locations, each reservable by make and model. Green Collection vehicles are also available at seven major airport locations in Canada.
Hertz’s Environmentally Friendly Operational Initiatives
Hertz has been deeply committed to establishing environmentally responsible business practices throughout its global network of rental locations and corporate offices. Hertz’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond its fleet to operational and corporate initiatives, including:
99% of Hertz’s fleet is equipped with vapor recovery controls that reduce the emissions given off during the fueling process.
All car washes installed at Hertz facilities recycle and reuse at least 80 percent of their wastewater. Hertz also banned the use of chlorinated solvents at its maintenance facilities due to their toxicity to humans and the environment.
Hertz only contracts with auto part supply vendors that recycle its used oil. In 2006, more than 1.2 million gallons of used oil were collected and recycled from the Company’s facilities nationwide. The used oil is re-refined and processed into clean, clear, reusable premium base oil. Re-refining reduces greenhouse gases and heavy metal emissions, while reducing dependency on foreign oil.
The parts and brake cleaner fluids at Hertz facilities are also recycled and, in 2006, almost 18,000 gallons of fluid were collected from the Company’s facilities.
Hertz uses Bradley Systems’ RTX#9 general vehicle cleaner at all its car rental operations. Dubbed "America’s first ‘Zero-Toxic’ Cleaner," it has no ozone-depleting, greenhouse gas, or global warming chemicals, and is biodegradable in water.
Hertz disposes of electronic equipment at all of its U.S. facilities through either resale or recycling with a zero landfill policy and a zero export policy. Since its inception in 2002, 5.7 million pounds of electronic equipment and 22,200 pounds of lead; 5 pounds of arsenic; 32 pounds of cadmium and 7 pounds of mercury have been kept out of landfills.
Energy Star-compliant office equipment including copiers, fax machines and computers are specified for all Hertz facilities nationwide resulting in energy savings across the country.
Paper recycling programs are in place at the Company’s Park Ridge headquarters and Oklahoma City facilities. Since its implementation, the recycling program in Oklahoma has contributed to saving approximately 20,000 trees and 4,700,000 kilowatts of energy. The program also saves countless gallons of water and decreases air pollution as well as landfill space.
To access images of Hertz Green Collection vehicles, please go to http://idisk.mmgworldwide.com/epankenier/ and enter username: epankenier and password: 6764.
About The National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org) is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to steward the century-long tradition of National Park philanthropy to preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official non-profit partner of America’s National Parks, the National Park Foundation strengthens the connection between the American people and their National Parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our nation remains vital and relevant.
About The Mayor’s Fund
The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote partnerships between the City and the private sector in an effort to strengthen public programs.
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