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STEINHATCHEE - The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the
Steinhatchee River Inn to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The voluntary state initiative provides the
lodging industry with technical assistance, and
encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving
‘green’ practices that reduce waste and conserve natural
resources.
“With almost 50 percent of Florida’s visitors staying
in hotels, the lodging industry can play an important
role in protecting our environment,” said DEP Northeast
District Assistant Director Bill Green. “By reducing
water use, conserving energy, improving air quality and
decreasing solid waste, hotel guests contribute to the
state’s efforts to protect, restore and conserve
Florida’s natural resources.”
The Steinhatchee River Inn has implemented a linen
and towel reuse program and installed low-flow
showerheads and faucets to conserve water. In addition,
the inn conserves energy through energy-efficient light
bulbs, sensors and timers for all outdoor lighting. The
facility also conducts preventative maintenance on all
air conditioners to improve air quality. All paper
products used are made with 100 percent recycled
content, and the inn uses biodegradable paper cups for
coffee with corn interiors rather than a petroleum base.
“By changing just a few of our work habits here at
the inn, we can do our part to conserve water and honor
native habitats in Florida,” said Steinhatchee River Inn
owner Loretta Fowler. “When we tell our guests about the
methods we use here, we hope they take a little bit of
our 'green ways' home with them and start thinking about
making some new habits of their own.”
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging
Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels
and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent
pollution. As reward for designation, Florida is
recommending Green Lodges to companies and trade
organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging
and convention facilities. With the addition of the Steinhatchee River Inn, the program has 21 hotels
certified, with 20 in the process of becoming certified.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging
Certification program or to locate a Florida Green
Lodge, visit
www.floridagreenlodging.org. | 
