As part of this initiative, they’ve imple- mented the following green efforts:
• Replaced light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs
• Installed low-flow showerheads and toilets
• Introduced water/energy saving linen programs • Operates the most ENERGY STAR® certi- fied properties in the industry • Involves its global workforce in eco- volunteerism
• Installed new laundry facilities which are 60% more efficient • Developed a green committee and wellness committee where associates get a health coach, rewards for health assess- ments, education on green practices, and tips for the day on how to be healthier • Automatic dimmers on lighting
But what really makes the Marco Island
Marriott Beach Resort unique is their com- mitment to the environment regarding sea turtle season. They shared with me the fol- lowing facts about sea turtles and what the resort does to protect them:
From May 1 – Oct 31:
• Loggerhead sea turtles are endangered species.
• It takes a female turtle 1 to 3 hours to lay an average of 100 eggs in the sand. • Sixty days after the nests are laid, the hatchlings will emerge and begin the trek to the Gulf of Mexico.
• It is estimated that only 1 in 1000 sea turtle hatchlings will survive to reproduce. • A female turtle can nest up to 7 times per season, but only nest every 2-3 years. • The temperature of the sand determines the sex of the hatchlings. • Sea turtles cannot retract their heads into their shells. • Baby turtles are instinctually compelled back to the naturally bright horizon over the Gulf of Mexico (artificial lights on shorelines deter them from nesting and returning to the Gulf) • Key lighting turned off around the resort
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by 9pm. (bright lights from the resort send the turtles the wrong way after hatching and make them vulnerable to predators) • Site lighting adjusted to shine away from the beach.
• Nightly messages left for guests to remind them to close their blackout drapes
every
night by 9pm. • Loss prevention will monitor guest rooms and will close drapes as necessary. • Increase nightly sweeps on the beach to pick up all trash (sea turtles need a beach free of barriers and litter) • Literature placed in every guest room to educate guests to take action to preserve our common habitat • All events will need to be off the beach by 9pm and completed no later than 10pm.
• Loss prevention will patrol beach east of the Tiki Huts to prevent disturbance of any nests. We couldn’t help but love this place just for that alone! One other thing not to miss if you’re really in the mood to pamper yourself – rent one of their pool cabanas, which includes a flat screen television, fan and refrigerator! Or if you can’t resist the pull of being on the beach and watching the pelicans and gulls fishing all around you, the resort has plush loungers and umbrellas to rent as well. The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is truly the place to do every- thing
or...nothing at all.
Submitted by Dr. Diane Hindman. For more information, visit
www.marcoislandmarriott. com.
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