Last week, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) announced it has joined forces with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to help Florida’s lodging industry create a healthier and safer indoor environment and reduce the generation of solid waste in hotels and motels across the state. The partnership is the latest component of DEP’s Green Lodging initiative, which encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost saving green practices that conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality, and reduce waste.
Through the public-private partnership, CRI will provide Florida’s lodging industry with technical assistance on products and services that preserve air quality and reduce the generation of solid waste in their facilities. They will also provide Web-based listings of products certified by CRI’s Green Label, Green Label Plus, and Seal of Approval (SOA) testing programs such as carpet, cushion, adhesives, vacuum cleaners, extractors, and cleaning solutions. CRI will promote the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program to hotels and motels throughout the state and will encourage CRI management and staff to use certified Florida Green Lodges for conferences, meetings, and travel.
“Florida’s Green Lodges, along with organizations that provide information on green products and services, are taking a leadership role in their industry,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Their environmental commitment serves as an example and challenge to other hotels and suppliers to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.”
The Florida Green Lodging Certification Program is a voluntary program that establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. Hotels and motels reduce costs and earn designation by investing in simple and innovative green practices. Florida is home to nine green certified hotels, with 10 more enrolled and working toward designation.
As reward for designation, Florida is recommending Green Lodgings to companies and trade organizations seeking eco-friendly lodging and convention facilities.
Anything dealing with going green should not be voluntary. We all should be held accountable for helping the environment. Period.