Nov. 19--The Motel 6 in Punta Gorda has joined Florida's Green Lodging Program, which provides free technical assistance to hotels and motels seeking to adopt "green" practices.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection created the voluntary program to reduce waste and conserve natural resources in the lodging industry.

"With the use and recycling of compact fluorescent lighting, water conservation efforts and its extensive preventive maintenance program, Motel 6 has long been a leader on environmental issues within the lodging industry," said Olivier Poirot, CEO of Accor North America, Motel 6 and Studio 6, in a press release.

To become a designated member, hotels must implement a variety of green practices, including low-flow plumbing fixtures to conserve water, a linen reuse program and energy efficiency. Members must also recycle, buy items in bulk, buy recycled materials, and recycle ink and toner cartridges. They must also use "green" cleaners and high-efficiency air filters.

Motel 6 is located at 9300 Knights Drive, Punta Gorda.

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

-----

To see more of the The Sun -- including its homes, jobs, cars and other classified listings -- or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sunnewspapers.net.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Sun, Port Charlotte, Fla.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.