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MARATHON - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed The Hammocks at Marathon,
a Bluegreen resort, to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The property is the 211th in the state to become a designated
member of the program and the first property in Marathon. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry
with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste
and conserve natural resources.
“Green Lodging properties are industry leaders,” said Gus Rios, Branch Office Manager for DEP’s South District. “The
environmental commitment demonstrated by the Hammocks at Marathon serves as an example and a challenge to other resorts
to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.”
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, a linen
reuse program, 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.
“We are pleased to see the number of our resorts receiving One Palm designations grow,” said Dave Pontius, President,
Bluegreen Resorts. It’s such a great feeling to know that our hard work is making a difference – for the environment and
for our guests.”
The Hammocks at Marathon joins Grande Villas at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Solara Surfside and Dolphin Beach
Club in Daytona Beach Shores as the fourth Bluegreen resort to earn the Florida
Green Lodging Program designation.
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to
conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. In 2007 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 the Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of January 1, 2008, whenever possible. With the addition of
The Hammocks at Marathon, the program has 254 designated properties and nearly 400 applicants. For more information about
the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.
DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida
industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the
Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers
and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet
the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s
Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/.
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