Eco-friendly: Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia

PlanetEVERgreen is the official environmental “greening” program of ARAMARK Harrison Lodging. PlanetEVERgreen initiatives influence every aspect of ARAMARK operations from purchasing to recycling, waste management to transportation, and employee training to guest communication.

ARAMARK Corporation is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. We work alongside the National Park Service, our client, to partner on conservation efforts in an effort to restore and protect these priceless natural resources for generations to come. Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge are Green Seal certified properties.

Waste Management & Reduction

We reduce, reuse and recycle to decrease solid waste and eliminate the production of hazardous waste. Key PlanetEVERgreen waste management and reduction programs in place at Shenandoah National Park are:

GreenSuites Bulk Dispensing
ARAMARK has implemented a bulk dispensing system that has eliminated the use of individual soap and toiletry packages. ARAMARK contracts exclusively with Neutrogena to provide toiletry products used in GreenSuites dispensers.

Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Working with EcoLab, ARAMARK has developed a line of cleaning products that has eliminated hazardous chemicals from its cleaning supplies.

Retail Shops
Purchasing gifts and apparel made with environmentally friendly recycled materials as well as inclusion of local artisan products.

Education and Training
ARAMARK provides comprehensive employee training programs on environmental leadership and best management practices. Programs on such topics as hazardous waste management, environmental health and safety auditing, recycling procedures, Clean Water Act requirements and green cuisine, among others, instruct employees to become leaders in resource management and sustainability.

Sustainable Building Design
We are committed to designing and constructing for a sustainable operation. This means we make every effort to protect landscapes, view-scapes and night skies. We design and construct to maximize guest interpretative opportunities and minimize utility consumption, maintenance and cleaning requirements.

Skyland Resort's bar furniture was purchased from recycled lumber which originated from an old barn.
Thirty rooms at Big Meadows Lodge were renovated utilizing all beetle-kill lumber. No new growth harvest trees were used.
Big Meadows Lodge Gift Shop – all new fixtures, cash wrap and display tables were constructed of recycled and reclaimed materials.
Sustainable materials (bamboo flooring) are being phased in to all facilities.
Recyclable containers have been placed in all guest rooms.

Click here to learn more about how ARAMARK uses Ecowood Retail Displays.

Transportation

We are reducing our dependency on non-renewable energy sources and constantly seeking solutions to effectively move people through the park. To do this, Ford bi-fuel trucks and electric carts have been purchased for on-property use in the Park.

Recycling & Energy Conservation

ARAMARK uses Energy Star-rated appliances, fixtures, lighting and equipment. Water- conserving showerheads, faucets, toilets, and washing machines have also been installed.

Recycling of paper, glass, plastic, and metals is a major initiative for both ARAMARK and the National Park Service.

Cardboard (outside contracted service - 20,000 lbs in ‘07)
Glass (18,000 lbs,)
Plastic (1600 lbs. in-house removal to NPS collection site)
Paper, office paper (3000 lbs. in-house removal to NPS collection site)
Aluminum (1000 lbs.)
Replaced 600 standard light bulbs with eco-glo energy saving bulb
30 + energy saving washers & dryers
Converted 275 shower heads with aerators
Converted 200 toilet tanks with aerators
Completing eliminating all foam disposable
Donated 60 rooms of furniture and 100 box spring/mattresses to local charity instead of being disposed in local landfill.

Programs and Activities

To enhance the visitor experience, we offer many programs to introduce guests to the natural, cultural and social history of the area. Examples of our programs at Shenandoah National Park include:

Night Skies: Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative overview of America’s vanishing night skies: how national parks are becoming a refuge from city lights, and tips on controlling light pollution. Stargazing follows the program with telescopes provided.

“Little Ones – A Look at Wildlife Babies”: Marlene A. Condon, a nature writer and photographer from Crozet, VA, presents a 45-minute slide/narrative show about wildlife “youngsters” and the role that each plays in the natural world. From the very small (insects) to the very large (bears), our wildlife keep the natural world functioning properly.

Tea with the First Ladies: Historian Babs Melton, director of the Museum of American Presidents, takes tea sippers on a journey through the history of some of America’s most spirited women. Desserts from the First Ladies’ favorite recipes and a variety of teas are also served. May through September monthly presentations are held at Big Meadows Lodge and focus on Lou Hoover and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Basket Making 101: Visit Shenandoah and then head home with your own handcrafted basket. Basket artist, Clyde Jenkins, shows workshop participants how to make a Colonial style basket with techniques passed down through the generations.

Organic and Sustainable Food Sources

Sustainable and Organic
ARAMARK Harrison Lodging is pleased to offer sustainable choices as part of our goal to provide our guests with the highest quality food products that are healthy yet least harmful to the environment. Both full-service restaurants offer sustainable menu items. Items such as organic field greens, Vanderose Natural Pork products which are allowed to run, root and roam according to their natural instincts or farm raised trout. Incorporated dry, frozen, snack and refrigerated items from organic product lines.

Java City
Java City Shade Grown Coffee or Decaffeinated Coffee is shade grown and produced on small-scale farms that work in harmony with existing trees and vegetation, instead of clearing them to make room for crops. Not only does growing coffee under the shade of native trees produce a flavorful cup of coffee, it helps support and sustains a healthy ecosystem. Approximately 150 bird species use shade grown farms as their natural habitat. In addition, our shade grown coffees are organic, using only natural fertilizers and herbicides to promote soil heath and protection of the environment. As another part of our commitment to socially responsible farming, Java City’s shade grown coffee is Fair Trade Certified.