The Natural Bed & Breakfast
& Retreat
Tucson, AZ - Enjoy peaceful, healthy lodging in sunny Arizona.

Green issues have been in the news lately, magazines from Newsweek to Kiplinger's, now USA Today.

How green is your valet, and the rest?
By Laura Bly, USA TODAY
SAN FRANCISCO — For an epicenter view of the USA's burgeoning "green hotel" movement, steer your hybrid rental car (or better yet, take rapid transit) to the Chinatown gate. A block apart in this eco-conscious city, two high-profile boutique hotels are strutting their environmental bragging rights. Like an estimated two-thirds of U.S. hotels (up from about 10% a decade ago), the Orchard Garden Hotel and Kimpton's Hotel Triton ask travelers to conserve water and energy by not having linens and towels changed every day. Both hotels have installed low-flow toilets and showerheads, switched to non-toxic cleaning supplies, and print guest bills with soy-based ink on recycled paper. To read the complete article, click on this link: USA Today article

The Enlightened Hotelier
Barry Sternlicht, Mogul on a Mission
Vanity Fair - excerpt from page 250 of the May 2007 issue of "Vanity Fair" magazine:
"The hotel industry, in general, has been blase where the environment is concerned. Inefficient climate control systems run full blast, in-room fridges hum all night, keeping Toblerones cold, and the maids are quick with aerosol spray. Barry Sternlicht (of W Hotels fame), the farsighted chief executive of Starwood Capital Group, hopes to bring about a change in the way hotels are designed, built, and operated, and he's leading by example. With the Natural Resources Defense Council serving in an advisory capacity, he is creating luxurious, eco-friendly hotels as part of his new brand, "1" hotels and Residences. The first "1" will open next year in Seattle, to be followed by new hotels in New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Paris, Ft. Lauderdale, Scottsdale, and Mammouth Mountain, California. The name "1" suits his new venture perfectly: 'Preserving the planet is job one,' he says."

Sense and Sensitivity
the Star Banner's Erica Brough reports "There isn't a house in this country that isn't loaded with perfume products. If you're chemically sensitized it's like Superman living with kryptonite.' Dr. Albert Robbins, an osteopathic physician practicing in Deerfield Beach, Florida."

When Everyday Chemicals Cause Illness
the New York Times' Fred A. Bernstein reports "Ms. Westrom said, 'I'm surprised by how many new listings come my way all the time.' "

An Oasis in a Toxic World
the New York Times' Fred A. Bernstein reports "A haven for 'multiple chemical sensitivity' sufferers is threatened."

Enviro Rooms at the Hilton O'Hare!
the Chicago Sun Times reports "There's clean and then there's room 8077..."

click green excerpts for article text

Nancy Westrom, Founder of the Safer Travel Directory, 1945-2007

It is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of Nancy Westrom on March 6, 2007 after a short illness with cancer. She leaves behind her husband, brother and two daughters. Nancy is best remembered for her many years of devotion to the compiling of The Safer Travel Directory. The directory will continue under the care of her family. Nancy will be greatly missed.

The NEW 2007 - 2008 edition of the Safer Travel Directory is now available for purchase. Order now to get your copy. Thank you to every one who has contributed great listing suggestions.

Order by check/money order
Send check or money order (US funds only)
payable to:
Christie Parkhurst
P.O. Box 848393
Pembroke Pines, FL 33084