GREEN LIGHT CONSERVATION EFFORTS

More Than A Buzzword

Sustainability isn’t a set-and-forget strategy. It needs persistent monitoring, evaluation, analysis, and improvement.

Last year, we discussed the introduction of the OurPlanet Sustainability Council and how it would advise on and hone our sustainability strategies from the corporate level down to the unit. Led by Heather Guay Yoo, Senior Director of Business Development, this group brings nominated supervisors from Guest Services properties around the country to discuss the most prevalent sustainability challenges, achievements, and action plans at our units. While the Sustainability Report will update you on the facts and figures regarding all efforts in 2022, here is a recap of major developments company-wide.

CLEAN-A-PARK EFFORTS

• Annual corporate cleanup took place in Washington, D.C. on April 23rd, but many of our other properties also do regular cleanups, including Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Lake Mead Mohave Adventures properties, Boating in DC, Boating in Boston, and many more

• St. Andrews State Park completed four in 2022, gathering over 500lbs of trash

Columbia Island Marina Garden

• Created a raised bed built on banquet tables

• Grow herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and lettuces featured in menu specials

• Raised 3½ feet off the ground to keep rodents away

RECREATION’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE POTOMAC RIVER

• An Earth Day Event that featured a reduced rate two-hour paddle rental for a river clean up

• The revenue driven from the event was donated back to riverkeeper groups

• Monthly clean-ups were hosted in Anacostia during the first hour of the third Friday of each month

• Minimized paper usage by switching to an electronic waiver saving over 100,000 pieces of paper a year (approximately five to ten trees a year were saved)

• Switched staff water from bottled water to fivegallon jug bubblers saving over 10,000 plastic water bottles a year

Qr Codes Replace Handouts

• Many units in all divisions have begun shifting to the use of QR code posters instead of printing handouts – significantly reducing the use of paper handouts

Parking Lot At James Creek Marina

• The National Park Services is repaving the James Creek Marina parking lot with porous asphalt to enable stormwater to drain through the asphalt and into a stone bed, eventually draining down into the soil beneath the lot – eliminating a potential source of river pollution

The Lodge At Breckenridge Renovations

• Implemented boiler updates to decrease usage during temperature reset and nighttime setback

• Eliminated single-use bath products by implementing bulk amenities

• Replaced all lighting with LED lighting

• Installed energy-saving HVAC units for new rooms

• Added solar shades in guest rooms and ballrooms

LAKE MEAD MOHAVE ADVENTURES

• Underwent ISO 14001 audit (All properties)

• Executed property clean-ups with employees and the community

• Installed Mobility Access Mats (Boat Ramps) (Callville Bay and Temple Bar Marinas)

• Installed Tankless water heaters (Temple Bar Marina)

• Replaced outdated appliances with Energy Star appliances

• Switched to LED lamps

• Campground shower heads were replaced with a more water-efficient showerhead

• Willow Beach, Temple Bay, Callville Bay, and Cottonwood Cove Marinas are at 95% 4-stroke boat motors, which greatly reduces oil use and reduces the amount of oil stored at the properties

• Callville Bay and Temple Bar Marinas removed debris – couches, deck chairs, dock boxes, old tanks – from the lake, which have been exposed due to low lake levels

• Switched to paper straws instead of plastic

• Callville and Temple sold old motors to be recycled/resold, reducing the amount of trash going into the landfills

Other Accomplishments

• Biodegradable in-room dining and to-go containers at units

• Rock Creek Horse Center began using shredded tires as filler for indoor ring

• Regular linen donations take place at several properties

• Refillable water bottles are now being sold at National Mall Kiosks (NPS put refillable water stations and water fountains around the park)

WHAT’S NEXT?

Sustainability Checklist for New Units

• In development by the Sustainability Council, this checklist will help new units identify opportunities to make their system more efficient and identify any hazardous operations

Composting

• Exploring a partnership with Compost Cab for the National Mall Kiosks and many other units

• Compost Cab (compostcab.com) is an organization that helps individuals and companies implement great composting strategies

We encourage you to analyze the list and apply any ideas to your own property by presenting them to your supervisor.