Sustainable tourism in Palm Beach County

The practice of eco-friendly sustainable tourism in Palm Beach County is having a positive impact on the environment through the management of resources and the responsible consumption of energy. Hoteliers in Palm Beach are taking significant measures to establish green initiatives and embrace environmental policies in accordance with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging Program.

Within this program, environmental guidelines for hotels were established to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. The following includes hotels certified under Florida’s Green Lodging Program and hotels that have incorporated green practices into the daily management of their facilities.

•The Breakers Resort Palm Beach was awarded the Green Lodging certification in September 2006. The program at the resort includes replacing guest room cotton towels with products made of 70% bamboo content. The toilet tissue, paper towels and tissues used on property contain at least 40% recycled content.

•The Colony Hotel and Cabana Club reduces water consumption through low-flow showerheads, and offers a linen and towel re-use program. In addition, the facility moderates water use by planting native vegetation to reduce landscaping irrigation. The hotel conserves energy by installing energy efficient appliances and light fixtures. The hotel is a designated Green Lodging property with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

•The Doubletree Hotel Palm Beach Gardens is currently the only hotel in Palm Beach County to offer PURE rooms through the Pure program. The purpose of the program is to reduce indoor air pollutants. The program helps lessen allergic reactions caused by dust and other pollutants associated with indoor environments.

•Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach practices green friendly measures including the recycling of office paper, newsprint and plastics. Also, Executive Chef Darryl Moiles grows his own herbs and flowers in the on-premise organic garden, which are used in conjunction with organic and pesticide-free vegetables.

•PGA National Resort & Spa is a certified member of the Green Lodging Program. Green initiatives include the installation of sensor water faucets, low-flow toilets, compact fluorescent light bulbs and extensive recycling. This resort offers five 18-hole championship golf courses at various levels of difficulty and is home to numerous national and international events, including The Ryder Cup, the PGA Championship, and Senior PGA Championship.

•At The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, green-friendly practices involve cleaning the pools and fountains with saline instead of chlorine – which is kinder on the guests’ clothing and reduces irritation to the eyes. Florescent lights throughout the property and a state-of-the-art energy management system contribute to energy conservation. The oceanfront resort features renowned restaurants and is central to shopping and attractions throughout the County.

Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County offers “The Best of Everything” – from a multitude of accommodations, including more than 200 hotels, resorts, spas, golf courses, world-class shopping, 47 miles of pristine beaches, distinctive attractions and an assortment of cultural venues to top-notch festivals and edge-of-your-seat sporting activities.

To find out more log on to Palmbeachfl.com.