May 27 2008
As part of its ongoing commitment to the environment, Mariner's Resort Villas & Marina in Key Largo, a KeysCaribbean property, has been certified a Green Lodging facility by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Florida Green Lodging Program. Mariner's Resort Villas is the first resort property in Key Largo to receive the Green Lodging designation.
"The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to welcome Mariner's Resort Villas as the first property in Key Largo to participate in the Florida Green Lodging Program," said Jon Iglehart, director of DEP's South District. "Their leadership will hopefully encourage others in the area to make a similar commitment to conserving and protecting the precious resources of the Florida Keys."
Mariner's Resort Villas received the Green Lodging Program's "One Palm" designation, signifying that the resort has instituted core activities that represent best management practices with regard to communication, water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and clean air. The resort also had to obtain support from top management, form an active multi-disciplinary "Green Team" and operate in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
"KeysCaribbean has a deep connection to the Florida Keys and we are committed to preserving and protecting this sensitive environment," said Sam Schorr, KeysCaribbean managing director. "Adopting the initiatives of the Florida Green Lodging Program allows our owners, guests and employees the opportunity to reduce waste and conserve natural resources."
Resort management began a recycling initiative in early 2008 that included extensive communication with resort homeowners and guests to ensure support and participation.
"We've had a great response from owners and guests to the Green Lodging initiatives, the first of which was the recycling program. We have a high rate of participation, which is key to a successful green effort in the hospitality industry," said Rob Bulkiewicz, Mariner's Resort Villas general manager. "Our streets are full of blue bins on recycling day."
In addition to reducing waste by recycling, the resort has put into place numerous environmentally sensitive practices including: installing low flow plumbing fixtures and compact fluorescent light bulbs; instituting a linen reuse program; using green cleaners and high efficiency air filters; purchasing recycled materials; and recycling ink and toner cartridges.