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SARASOTA – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today
welcomed the Best Western Midtown in Sarasota to the Florida Green Lodging
Program. The property is the 227th in the state to become a designated member of
the program. 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.
“Best Western Midtown has proven its commitment to Florida’s environment by
becoming a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said DEP Southwest
District Director Deborah Getzoff. “Program participants are helping conserve
and protect Florida’s natural resources for its millions of residents and
visitors.”
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
properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters.
“Best Western Midtown is honored to be part of Florida’s Green Lodging
Program,” said Best Western Midtown General Manager Jennifer Colon. “We are
eager to help in conserving the environment and providing the essential tools in
order for our patrons to do the same. In the coming years we hope that we make
our mark in Sarasota and lead in the preservation of our beautiful city.”
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 Best Western Midtown, 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/. | 
