Florida Lodgings Going Green to Attract Business

Florida Lodgings Going Green to Attract Business



October 2007

 Deer Run Bed & Breakfast was 
accepted this week into the state of Florida's Green Lodging Program. The 
four room bed and breakfast on Big Pine Key serves organic vegetarian 
meals and buys fair trade products and locally grown produce. 
Deer Run has reduced energy consumption by installing energy efficient 
appliances, compact fluorescent light bulbs, solar garden lighting and 
on-demand water heating. 
The B&B conserves water through low flow showerheads with soap up valves, 
low flow faucets and by landscaping with native plants that require little 
irrigation. It uses recycled paper products, composts food and yard waste, 
has implemented a towel and linen re-use program and uses green cleaners. 
Guest rooms are stocked with cruelty-free personal products.
      Key deer doe and fawn at Deer Run Bed & Breakfast  
Hotels, motels and B&Bs across Florida are quickly greening up their 
establishments to make them eligible to attract business from the state. 
In July, Governor Charlie Crist signed an executive order that requires 
state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at 
hotels with the Green Lodging designation starting January 1, 2008, 
whenever possible. 
Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program is a voluntary 
state initiative that provides the lodging industry with technical 
assistance, and encourages hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving green 
practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources. It establishes 
environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural 
resources and prevent pollution. 
As a further reward for designation, Florida is recommending Green Lodges 
to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious 
lodging and convention facilities. 
With the addition of Deer Run Bed & Breakfast, the program has 43 hotels 
designated, including five in the Florida Keys, and has more than 120 
applicants. 
"We are proud to be a part of Deer Run Bed & Breakfast reaching this 
milestone," said Jon Iglehart, South District director for the Florida 
Department of Environmental Protection. "Pollution prevention projects 
like this one protect the environment while saving resources for 
businesses." 
The Deer Run B&B has a special environment to protect. Situated on one of 
the Keys' rare sandy beaches, it is frequented by Key deer, a small deer 
on the endangered species list found only in the Florida Keys. 
"It is our obligation to be a good steward of the gifts of our 
environment," said Deer Run owners Harry Appel and Jennifer DeMaria. "We 
are so proud to become an official Green Lodging establishment certified 
by the State of Florida and shall use this opportunity to lead by example, 
and continue to learn from others." 
For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit 
www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging. 

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