June 16, 2010 – The Heathman Lodge named WSRA 2010 Business Generator Recycler of the Year.

The Heathman Lodge is the proud recipient of the Washington State Recycling Association 2010 Business Generator Recycler of the Year award. The full service rustic lodge hotel and restaurant have created a culture and program that is committed and focused on long term sustainable business practices.

Vancouver, WA. June 16, 2010—The Heathman Lodge is the proud recipient of the WSRA 2010 Business Generator Recycler of the Year award.  Established in the Portland, Oregon / Vancouver, Washington metropolitan area since 1997, The Heathman Lodge has long been known as a supporter and leader of sustainable practices.  Built using local products and materials and committed to the well being of sustainable farming practices through their use of local organic products.  The Heathman Lodge & Hudson’s Bar & Grill have created a program that supports the long term health of the earth and the community.

Beginning in 2009, Scott Gix, Restaurant Manager for Hudson’s Bar & Grill began the charge and lead up the Heathman Lodge Recycling/Sustainability team.  With members representing every department, the goal to achieve a Green Seal certification was on its way to becoming a reality.  Gix, worked closely with Waste Connections to implement programs for the Lodge that would reduce the total waste that was being sent to landfills.  Included in this program was the ability that now allows for The Heathman Lodge & Hudson’s Bar & Grill to compost unused food from both its restaurant and banquet operations.  Later in the year Gix reduced plastic use in the restaurant by switching to recyclable “To Go” containers and bio-straws.  In addition, with the help of Waste Connections a new glass recycling program was implemented for the hotel.

Recycling efforts didn’t just stop in the food service departments, but have carried on into the administrative offices and among the guests that stay at The Heathman Lodge.  All administrative office’s and guestrooms are now equipped with personal recycling bins, and throughout the Lodge guests will find three recycling stations for paper, plastic and glass.  The combined efforts of the hotel and its guests equates to over 162,000 pounds of waste that is being diverted from landfills and reused within our community.

Scott Gix has stated, “Our goal is to be successful at providing a unique experience for our guests, while maintaining our responsibility to being stewards of the earth”.  The Heathman Lodge & Hudson’s Bar & Grill has been a staple in the Vancouver community for almost thirteen years, and continues to push the envelope when developing new programs that promote a reuse and recycle philosophy.