The recently re-branded Verdanza Hotel San Juan says it has gone beyond normal conservation initiatives. For example:
—“While eco-conscious practices such as recycling at hotels are expected, Verdanza has taken extra steps with initiatives such as providing disposable restaurant and picnic lunch to-go containers that are 100 percent biodegradable, made from corn resin.”
—Nearly all hotel personnel are clothed by a line of uniforms made out of 100 percent recycled polyester produced entirely from post consumer waste.
—The hotel’s kitchen houses a 250-gallon holding tank used for vegetable oil, which is recovered by a local business to be used as bio-diesel fuel to prevent thousands of gallons of used fats from contaminating landfills or polluting Puerto Rico’s waterways.
— In addition, two water tanks at the hotel collect rainwater, which is then used to supply the water for Spray Park, a low-cost step toward reducing the impact on local water supplies.
—In the hotel’s administrative offices, in addition to using 100 percent recycled FSC-certified stock for stationery, everyday multipurpose office paper is produced of eucalyptus fibers from 100 percent renewable forests. Eucalyptus is a sustainable source because it is extremely fast growing, according to the hotel.
"We are working to set a new precedent in San Juan for sustainable business operations," said Ricky Newman, general manager.
By David Wilkening
