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FORT MYERS BEACH - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
today welcomed the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The property is the 5th in Lee County to become a designated member of
the Florida Green Lodging Program and the 148th in the state. The voluntary
state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance,
encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce
waste and conserve natural resources.
“As the first property on Fort Myers Beach to participate in the program,
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa models environmentally conscious best practices
and can positively affect change within their community,” said Jon Iglehart,
Director of DEP’s South District.
To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels
must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include, but are
not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures
and a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY
STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are
met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk,
purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All
designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green
cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units
frequently.
“It’s a great thing to be able to give back to the environment which has
provided us with so much enjoyment. By doing this we help to ensure future
visitors and generations to come enjoy the beaches, wetlands and waters around
the barrier islands of Southwest Florida" says Ellis Etter, Director of Sales &
Marketing at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa.
Recently, Governor Crist announced the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit
on Global Climate Change this June, building on the foundation for Florida’s
energy future that began at last year’s summit. During the 2007 summit, Governor
Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies,
including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and
conferences only at hotels with Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of
January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The summit will explore technologies and
strategies to stimulate economic development in clean technologies as well as
“green” Florida’s business community.
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 designated
facilities to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally
conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of Pink Shell
Resort & Spa, the program has 177 designated properties and more than 335
applicants.
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
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