LAKE PLACID, N.Y.—Surrounded by the six million protected acres of the Adirondack Park—the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous U.S. states—Whiteface Lodge is mindful of the very special place it occupies in the world. From the timber used in its construction in 2005, all of which was found on-property, to its reuse of dying trees on its land as mulch and in landscaping, the rustic resort continues to strengthen its conservation commitment as awareness increases and technology improves. Among its recent meaningful green measures:
• A total of 7,993 bars of soap (and counting) recycled and distributed to families in need. Whiteface Lodge has joined the hospitality partner program of Clean the World, which recycles discarded soap and shampoo products and distributes them in hygiene kits to children and families in need around the globe. To date, Whiteface Lodge has donated 7,993 bars of lifesaving soap. Whiteface Lodge also donates its gently used pillows to U.S. troops and blankets to animal shelters.
• 43,000 water bottles eliminated per year. Whiteface Lodge has installed water filters on the kitchen faucets in each suite and fills bedside water carafes nightly with filtered water. This move has eliminated the need to provide bottled water in-room. Among other negative environmental impacts, single-use water bottles represent more than two millions tons of waste at U.S. landfills.
• 1,200 gallons of water saved daily. The resort’s laundry operation has implemented a cold-water wash that conserves propane and electricity and has reduced the amount of water used per load from 101 to 21 gallons in its 2,100-pound washers. In another energy-saving laundry move, housekeeping’s policy is to change linens every third day (unless the guest requests otherwise) and to replace towels only if they are left in the hamper or on the floor.
• $95,627 anticipated electricity savings over the next 15 years. LED lights have taken the place of incandescent hall sconces, ceiling lights and lobby lights. They bring the wattage down from 60 watts to 19 watts and from 35 watts to 3.5 watts and have a life expectancy of 15 years. In another energy-saving move, housekeeping staff is instructed to turn all lights off after servicing a room.
• Zero sort recycling. Staff sort back of the house cardboard, laundry pails, glass, plastics etc. via machine, making the recycling process more efficient and consistent.
Whiteface Lodge continues to target areas for improvement. Among its next meaningful green moves will be the replacement of mercury thermostats with digital versions in all 94 suites. The programmable thermostats lock to a four-degree range for guest adjustment and monitor temperatures more accurately, which will keep electricity and propane costs down considerably.
Go to Whiteface Lodge.
