Hotel Hip: Worm Composting
Luxury and eco-savvy hotel chain Fairmont is proving that chic suites and green living don't have to clash. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (Sonoma, California), known for its mineral hot springs and spa, has just recently introduced a worm composting initiative, which it hopes will compliment the resort's aim to be a sustainable property.
The 3' x 3' x 14" worm bin sits near the employee parking lot and is intended to reduce about 128 pounds of organic waste each month. But cutting out the organic waste isn't the only thing the wormy guys are good for, explains Melissa Attanasio, the resort's "Green Champion" (I wish I had "champion" in my official title). "By feeding the worms hotel food waste, we end up with one of the best (sustainable) soil amendments and fertilizers—worm castings," she says.
The century-old Canadian hotel chain is the winner of several green awards, like the Worldwide Hospitality Award—Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program (2006), and the Fairmont Sonoma received the Best (Green) Practices Award from the Sonoma County's Business Environmental Alliance earlier this year. No word on whether the worms are contenders for any of their own awards, but we'll be sure to update you should they win some.
Photo: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
How awesome! I've looked into doing vermi-composting, but never committed since I figure if I can't make my plants live I'll never be able to keep that many worms alive! Good for them though!
Posted by: Suz | May 19, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Is anyone else hungry?
Mike
www.GrassShackRoad.com
www.MeetingsPodcast.com
Posted by: mike mcallen | May 20, 2008 at 01:14 AM
Melissa has got to be the best asset at SMI. I have read and heard other places where she has implemented AMAZING ideas. I'd hire her in a heartbeat!
Posted by: Dud | May 29, 2008 at 07:42 PM