Green Passenger Travel: We Can Make a Green Difference!

opportunity for open communication between government and travel

industry decision makers to improve programs, trends, policies, and

other issues that impact the government traveler and the travel

industry. Primary objectives are to facilitate dialogue, bridge any

information gaps, and promote education of the travel industry.

"Going GREEN" is a "bright idea" that may be added

to PTSC discussion points. We'll keep you posted.

PASSENGER TRAVEL SERVICES COMMITTEE

PARTNERSHIP in Motion

PTSC CHAIR

Dr. G.R. "Rocky" Mobaraki, MBA, PhD

The Hertz Corporation | Director, Government Sales

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The NDTA Passenger Travel Committee (PTSC) has been very busy this

past year working with the government and industry to enhance official

travel programs. PTSC members come from military, government, and those

companies that implement and manage programs encompassing all facets of

passenger travel including air, rail, bus, hotel, car, and travel

agencies, as well as the travel publishing and electronic systems that

support passenger travel. The efforts of the PTSC are probably more

important to our NDTA members than most probably realize. The following

article will briefly summarize the key issues the committee has been

working on since the last NDTA Forum in Memphis.

The GSA airline city pair program, which is valued at more than $2

billion annually, is the program that determines what airline a

government traveler utilizes between specific destinations. Although the

airline industry participates in this program voluntarily, they continue

to encourage the government to work with them jointly to enhance and

improve the program. Two major concerns of the airline industry are the

need to limit capacity for deeply discounted fares and to implement

ticketing time limits. By limiting capacity, the government would be

allotted a set number of seats on flights rather than having all seats

available at deep discounted rates. Ticketing time limits would require

tickets to be purchased within a specific time from when the reservation

is made. Currently, the government can hold reservations up to flight

departure time and purchase or cancel reservations at the last minute.

When such cancellations occur, the airline is forced to fly an aircraft

with unsold seats because government city pair airfares are completely

refundable. While these proposed changes might not appear advantageous

to the government on the surface, it does is allow the government's

airline partners the opportunity to manage their business more

effectively, which therefore helps encourage the airline's

continued participation in the city pair program. For 2008, the program

will loose three airlines because the government has not considered

these changes. One additional airline has elected to offer rates for

domestic flights only and not international routes.

When government travelers arrive at their destination airports,

most rent cars to complete their trips. These travelers spend

approximately one-half billion dollars annually on car rentals. For

almost 20 years, the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC)

car rental agreement has provided a comprehensive TDY and leisure travel

program for the government. Prior to the current program, GSA managed a

car rental program with rates based on a percentage discount off of

"rack rates." Rack rates are standard published rates

available to the general public and are often the highest rates

available. Liability coverages were not included, nor was Loss Damage

Waiver (LDW)/Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or unlimited mileage.

Additionally, competition was limited with only a few car rental

companies participating, thus receiving most of the business. In many

cases, small businesses were unable to compete, and when contracted

companies were out of cars, the noncontracted companies would often

charge much higher rates. Another disadvantage was that because of

limited competition, when contracted companies had cars available,

noncontracted companies could not be utilized even if they offered lower

rates.

In today's agreement, each of the more than 20 participating

car rental companies must agree to abide by specific requirements. Each

company provides ceiling rates that prevent the government from being

overcharged when demands are high because the ceiling rates are the

maximum amount that can be charged. Each company adjusts rates below

ceiling to compete for business. Additionally, the government agreement

lowers age eligibility restrictions from 25 to age 18 for official

travelers and provides loss damage waiver and maximum liability of up to

$300,000. These are just a few benefits that the government program

offers. The business model of this program is simple and beneficial for

both the government travelers and the car rental companies. The

government car rental program is considered by industry and many

government personnel to be the most effective of the various government

travel programs. That success is due to the strong partnership forged by

the government and industry, keeping the needs of all parties in mind.

In the area of official lodging, Federal Government travelers

booked more than 20 million room nights annually, encompassing more than

$2 billion in room nights stayed (according to Fed Rooms in 2007). The

lodging industry continues to work with the government to ensure that

the programs meet the needs of the government and travelers as well as

industry. One specific item is lodging per diem and the need to set

prices that are reasonable. Lodging per diem is the maximum amount a

government traveler can receive for reimbursement while on official

government business. Most locations within the United States (approximately 3000 counties) are covered by the standard CONUS amount,

currently $60. Approximately 400 other locations in the United States

such as Washington, DC, New York, and San Francisco have lodging per

diems that are considered nonstandard, meaning the rate is above $60.

Per diems are established calculating an average rate that rooms are

rented for in a given area. Only lodging establishments that meet the

specifications of the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990 are

considered when establishing the average rate and setting per diem.

The government has several hotel programs for TDY travel including

Fed Rooms, Lodging Success, and Navy Elite. Though all of these programs

have merit and offer benefits to the government and its travelers, there

are strong advantages in consolidating the programs or even reducing the

number to one lodging program for the entire government. With the

current structure, government travelers as well as hotel personnel are

often confused about which program should be utilized when making

reservation or checking-in. This often causes frustration for the

traveler. Additionally, managing multiple programs is more costly and

time consuming for the lodging industry, which increases per night costs

to the government. When further considering the financial aspect of

government hotel programs, the government loses buying power at

individual hotels because the revenue is not consolidated.

The government continues with the implementation of on-line booking

systems--the Defense Travel System (DTS) is now widely used by active

duty personnel and Department of Defense employees, and the E-Gov Travel

Service products (E2 Solutions, FedTraveler, and GovTrip) are being

utilized by Federal Government employees. Even with these systems,

travel agencies continue to play a vital role in the government travel

process. Travel agencies ensure that electronic reservations are

processed correctly and provide valuable data to the government.

Additionally, government-contracted travel agent companies continue to

assist travelers with phone reservations, booking airline tickets,

rental cars, hotel accommodations, and more. The travel agency industry

is concerned with any initiative the government may undertake that would

ultimately result in a negative impact on travel agency profitability or

result in a reduced revenue stream. Such actions would have an end

result of increased cost to the government traveler because travel

agencies would be forced to pass on costs to the customer.

In the final analysis, all aspects of the passenger travel programs

are linked together to provide the best possible travel experience to

our military and government travelers. The PTSC will continue to support

the government and travel industry initiatives to maintain or improve

value added programs that will benefit all stake holders. The PTSC is

proud to have played a helpful role over the years in continually

improving official travel programs.

In closing, I would like to give a big NDTA Welcome to Norwegian

Cruise Lines, our newest NDTA and PTSC member. It is notable that NCL is

our first American flagged cruise line since the demise of the S.S.

United States, which, incidentally, they also own and plan to restore to

her former glory. We are looking forward to working with NCL closely,

and we particularly want to thank them for donating a Caribbean cruise

as a prize for this year's Forum. If you are a PTSC member or

perspective PTSC member, I look forward to seeing you at our PTSC

meeting in Charleston. Check the NDTA Forum Web Site,

www.ndtahq.com/forum.htm, for details of meeting time and location.

(SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN*)

PTSC Chair

Dr. G.R. "Rocky" Mobaraki, MBA, PhD

The Hertz Corporation

Director, Government Sales

PTSC Vice Chair and Airline Committee Subcommittee Chair

Mr. Denny Clifford

Director, Military and Government Sales

Northwest Airlines

Car Rental Subcommittee Chair

Mr. Mike Washkevich

Director, Government Sales

Avis & Budget Rent A Car

Hotels Subcommittee Chair

Mr. Scott Lamb

Director, Government Sales

Hilton Hotels Corporation

Travel Agencies Subcommittee Chair

Ms. Kelly Kuhn

President, Carlson Wagonlit Travel

SatoTravel

Travel Technology Subcommittee Chair

Lisa Godfrey

DTS Program Manager

Northrop Grumman

Bus Subcommittee Chair

Ms. Diane Walden

Vice President, Sales, Trailways

Extended Stay Lodging Subcommittee Chair

Toni Kleinops

Extended Stay America

Passenger Rail Subcommittee Chair

Mr. Clifford Black

Chief Corporate Communications

(Acting), Amtrak

Travel Publications and Services Subcommittee Chair

Col Dale Kissinger, USAF (Ret.)

EX-OFFICIO

Ken Wykle

President, NDTA

Denny Edwards

Vice President, NDTA

NDTA PASSENGER TRAVEL SERVICES COMMITTEE

AIRLINES

American Airlines

George Coyle

ATA Airlines, Inc.

William Doherty

CSI Aviation Services

Ralph Paker

Donna Heinz

Delta Air Lines

Brian Munson

FlightWorks, Inc.

Cynthia Karnik

Kalitta Charters, LLC

Steve Green

Luxury Air Jets

Rodney Kadymir

North American Airways

Lois Wilson

Northwest Airlines

Denny Clifford*

Omni Air International

Joe Vaughn, Jr.

Southwest Airlines

Merrill Taylor

United Airlines

Pat Broten

Michael O'Brien

US Airways

OPEN

World Airways

Lois Wilson

BUS

Trailways Transportation System

Diane Walden*

CAR RENTAL

Advantage Rent-A-Car

Clay Cribbs

Alamo/National Rent A Car [Vanguard]

Jeff Coggin

Belissa Lea

Avis/Budget Rent A Car

Mike Washkevitz*

Dollar -- Thrifty Automotive Group

Randy Tietsort

Mark Cronin

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Lisa Burgess

Bryan Scott

Xavier Trimiew

Europcar

Frank Langbein

Tony Dolt

Olivier Jacquet

Fox Rent A Car

Jose Giraldo

The Hertz Corporation

Rocky Mobaraki

Lori Leffler

Payless Car Rental

Kathy Johnson

CRUISE LINES

Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL)

Susan Robinson

Bettina Osterwind

EXTENDED STAY LODGING

AHI Corporate Housing

Scott Foster

Angela Bennet

Extended Stay America, Inc.

Toni Kleinops*

Oakwood Worldwide

Kathy Lane

Kris Dove

Virginian Suites

Alisa Hurt

Michele Grenz

HOTELS

Accor Hotels & Resorts

Lisa Stymist

AmeriSuites/Hyatt Hotels

OPEN

Best Western International

Mari Ann Gray

Dave Brogden

B.F. Saul Co -- Hotel Division

Joel Carver

Candlewood Suites

Michelle Ducote

Carlson Hotels Worldwide

Linda Colovos

Cendant Corporation

Laura Dietrich

Choice Hotels International

Mary Sarkis

Lisa Kenner

Hawthorn Suites-Alexandria

Stacie Liverpool

Hilton Hotels Corporation

Scott Lamb*

Holiday Inn -- Harrisburg West

Holiday Inn -- On the Hill

Lana Aberant

Homewood Suites

Wendy Hensley

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

Ron Keith

Anna Marie DiBattista

InterContinental Hotels Group

Jim Reiter

Judy Silcox

La Quinta

Lynn Shatterly

LTD Hotel Management Co.

Georgeann Sharp

Oakwood Worldwide

Kathy Lane

Radisson -- Waikiki

Newton Wong

Starwood Hotels

Ted Miller

SuperClubs

Jerry Goodrich

Wyndham Hotel Group

Bill Masciangelo

PASSENGER RAIL

Amtrak

Clifford Black*

TRAVEL AGENCIES

Omega World Travel

Gloria Bohan

Tempton Mistry

Carlson Wagonlit Travel | SatoTravel

Kelly Kuhn

Sally Bickner

Monnie Riggin

Scott Guerrero

Marc Stec

TRAVEL PUBLICATIONS & SERVICES

MilitaryAvenue.com

Col Dale Kissinger, USAF (Ret.)

OAG Worldwide

OPEN

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY

INNOVATA

Paul Chrestensen

Cathi Massi

Judy Smith

Northrop Grumman

Lisa Godfrey*

Sabre Travel Network

Jeffrey Goodell

GOVERNMENT

Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO)

Shiela Earle

Andrea Carlock

Paul Joyce

Program Management Office -- Defense Travel System (PMO--DTS)

Col Lynne Hamilton-Jones, USAF

Greening the Travel Industry!

The US Travel Data Center estimates that 43 million US travelers

are "ecologically concerned." This group makes a good start,

but we all can take part in the mission of Greening the Travel Industry!

What you can do as an individual to Go GREEN? "Green" Hotels

Association[R] provides the following tips to DTJ readers. The

information may also inspire NDTA Chapter members to develop public

awareness programs for the benefit of their communities.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Managers of all businesses react and respond to requests from

guests, customers, and clients who voice their concerns. When you write

a note or speak directly to management regarding our environment, you

are casting a vote. You can write a note to the general manager of the

hotel, to the captain of the airplane, and to the manager of a tour

company or cruise line with compliments or comments regarding their

green program. Thank them if they have one. Or ask why they don't!

As a paying customer, it is important that you let them know that you

want them to lower water and energy usage or reduce solid waste--and

that YOU want to participate in helping them to conserve resources.

Businesses with an environmental agenda deserve your patronization.

Commercial efforts, however, should not stand alone. YOU can take

action, too. Following are tips for the individual traveler.

As an Individual TRAVELER ... getting ready to Go:

** Turn water heater/thermostat to "Vacation" or lowest

setting. Lower water-bed heaters at least 10 degrees.

** Turn water off at outside connections (to prevent flooding

should a pipe break while you're gone); upon return, turn water on

slowly to check for problems. Turn off the ice maker, too, in case it

malfunctions.

** Appliances should be unplugged since they can draw as much as 40

watts per hour, even when turned off.

** Stop your newspaper or re-route delivery to a school or public

library.

** Rather than buying travel size toothpaste tubes, squeeze some

paste into a clean contact lens case or contact lens cleaning capsule.

These are also handy for carrying salves or pills.

As an Individual TRAVELER ... at your Destination

** Participate in hotel linen programs or let the hotel know that

it's not necessary to change your sheets and towels daily. Avoid

room service whenever you can.

** Pack safety pins and small colored beads to mark towels for each

family member if you plan to reuse them.

** Turn off the AC/heat, lights, TV, and radio and close the drapes when leaving your room.

** Leave those little bottles of amenities behind if unopened.

** Pack night lights rather than leaving room lights on all night

long.

** Pass the complimentary newspaper on to someone else, or leave it

in the lobby for another reader.

** Turn off exercise equipment, sauna, whirlpool, Jacuzzi, or

tennis court lights when you're through.

** When available, check out via the electronic program on the TV

to help reduce paper consumption.

** Use public transportation in your destination city.

** Take walking tours.

** If you're driving, turn your motor off when idling.

** Carry bottled water and refill as needed.

** Pack plastic bags to tote half-eaten treats or save hotel bar

soaps.

** Avoid styrofoam--carry your own cup.

** When offered individual packaged condiments, take only what

you'll use.

** Take only the travel brochures or maps that you need.

** Don't buy endangered species products of tortoise shell,

ivory, animal skins, or feathers.

** Take pictures, not wild life samples, from parks or trails.

** Use a digital camera; disposable cameras are wasteful and

expensive.

** Buy rolls of film with 36 shots rather than 12 or 24 to reduce

packaging waste and save money.

** When dropping film off for processing, write your name clearly

on the package; Kodak discards 400,000 rolls of film every year because

specific information is illegible.

** Leave only footprints. Carry away everything you brought with

you.

** Pick up at least one piece of litter every day--especially at

national tourist locations which are vulnerable to huge tourist

populations.

"Green" Hotels Association[R] (GHA), founded in 1993, is

committed to encouraging, promoting, and supporting ecological

consciousness in the hospitality industry. GHA publishes

"Guidelines and Ideas"--135 pages of options, ideas, and

techniques that hoteliers can use to conserve resources, reduce utility

costs, and maintain a positive impact on beautiful destinations. The

Association also offers a line of eco-friendly products and a GREEN

Meeting Planners Guide for professionals. For a free list of

"green" ideas for individual travelers or contacts to member

hotels, visit www.greenhotels.com; PO Box 420212, Houston, TX

77242-0212; 713-789-8889; Fax: 713-789-9786.

PASSENGER TRAVEL CORPORATE MEMBER NEWS

Kudos to Corporate Members who take the steps to GO GREEN!

ROAD GREEN

Eco-conscious driving is a major concern these days, prompting

private individuals to seek more responsible (and affordable) ways to

get from here to there. The concern is receiving equal attention among

rental car companies as they explore initiatives, add alternative

vehicles, and demonstrate corporate commitment to our environment.

AVIS has been "greening" its fleet of vehicles, and by

the end of June 2007 will have introduced 1000 Priuses into its fleet;

vehicles will primarily be available in California, with some in the

Washington, DC area, Seattle, and Portland. Avis representatives explain

that the company will guarantee hybrid reservations. A hybrid car costs

$5 to $10 more per day. But if 500 miles are driven in a hybrid car, it

can save $20 to $45 in gas expenses versus a standard vehicle, making it

popular with budget-minded customers who care about the environment.

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR has announced a comprehensive environmental

stewardship platform featuring long-term initiatives, a fleet of

fuel-efficient vehicles, and alternative fuels research. Enterprise

"Green Operations" begins with cars--47 percent of its rental

fleet (334,000 plus vehicles) averages a highway fuel efficiency rating

of at least 28 mpg. The company's FlexFuel initiative, launched in

2006, aims to maximize the use of more than 41,000 FlexFuel cars and

light trucks in its US fleet that have the ability to burn high levels

of ethanol-based fuel. In addition, Enterprise operates more than 3000

plus gas/electric hybrid vehicles powered by a combination of gas and

battery-generated electricity.

Enterprise's environmental commitment also includes:

** Funding the advancement of alternative fuel research to reduce

dependence on fossil fuels for the long haul.

** Launching the "50 Million Tree Pledge," a partnership

with The National Arbor Day Foundation and the US Forest Service whereby

the company will underwrite the planting of 50 million trees in our

country's national forests over the next 50 years.

** Offering hourly vehicle rentals for urban residents seeking to

limit vehicle ownership and reduce congestion.

** Managing vanpool businesses. Today, 1700 vans transport more

than 16,000 commuters daily, reducing emissions and fuel consumption and

easing road congestion.

** Cutting back on paper usage for administrative operations.

THE HERTZ CORPORATION is expanding its "Green Collection"

of environmentally friendly rental cars with a $68 million investment in

3400 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles, 100 of which will be designated

specifically for the company's Manhattan fleet. The collection,

which launched in September 2006, includes more than 35,000

vehicles--Ford Fusion, Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback, and

Hyundai Sonata--with an average Environmental Protection Agency highway

rating of at least 31 miles per gallon available for rent in the US. The

new Toyota Prius vehicles began arriving to the company's fleet in

June and will be available for rent at 50 major airport locations as

well as New York. Additionally, more than 64 percent of the Hertz'

fleet gets 28 mpg or more.

For Hertz, Green Initiatives also expand beyond fleet:

** 99 percent of the fleet is equipped with vapor recovery controls

to reduce emissions from the fueling process.

** All car washes at Hertz facilities recycle and reuse at least 80

percent of their wastewater; use of chlorinated solvents is banned.

** Contracts are awarded only to waste management vendors that

recycle their used oil.

** Facilities nationwide use Energy Star-compliant office equipment

including copiers, fax machines, and computers.

** $1 million was recently pledged to the National Park Foundation

and $250,000 to benefit the "Mayor's Fund to Advance New York

City" in recognition of the mayor's environmental efforts.

GREEN LODGING

According to Jessica Downey of Lodging Magazine, "Just about

every product in a hotel has an eco-friendly, sustainable, or

energy-saving counterpart. Recycled flooring and carpeting,

energy-efficient windows, sensored lighting and HVAC, low-flush toilets,

energy misers for vending machines--the market is brimming with green

options." Even though the US Hotel market is behind compared to

overseas, properties are becoming more Green-wise.

InterContinental Hotels (IHG), with franchise properties belonging

to the Green Hotels Association, is a founding member of the

International Hotels Environment Initiative (IHEI). IHEI got its start

in 1992 as a nonprofit organization that has since evolved into the

International Tourism Partnership (ITP), providing "responsible

tourism through responsible leadership." Recently, ITP launched its

"Going Green" initiative to achieve greener goals for the

industry. Originally, the term "Green" related primarily to

environmental issues; the concept today, however, embraces all areas of

sustainability and corporate social responsibility. "Going

Green" standards cover six key areas: policy and framework; staff

training and awareness; environmental management; purchasing; people and

communities; and destination protection. These areas contribute to

achieving beneficial results across the triple bottom line of economic,

social, and environmental management.

Andrew Cosslett, Chief Executive Officer of IHG, explains,

"Customers are seeking a quality hotel at a competitive price,

while increasingly demanding ethical and environmental business

practices that make them feel good about their choice. Going Green

standards will be an essential tool as it lays out, in a clear and

concise format, the minimum standards that need to be implemented to

make hotels more sustainable." Hotels that participate in Going

Green will also make a valuable contribution to the countries and

cultures in which they are located, and to their customers, their

shareholders, and future generations through responsible tourism.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The InterContinental Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, opened in May 2006;

accessible only by boat, it is a good example. It features an

eco-friendly air-conditioning system fed by a 7874-foot pipeline, at a

depth of 3000 feet, off the Bora Bora reef. The pipe pumps ice cold

deep-sea water through a titanium heat exchanger, transferring it into a

fresh water circuit that powers air conditioning in the hotel. The

system saves 90 percent of the hotel's electricity consumption for

air conditioning, or 2.5 million liters of fuel oil per year. The hotel

was also designed to ensure the best use of natural light. During

construction, all building materials were shipped at high tide to ensure

minimal disturbance to the coral reef.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In a related move, IHG approved a change in their coffee supply in

the US in 2006 by switching to higher quality produce from growers who

work under the Rainforest Alliance umbrella. The Alliance looks to

protect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by

safeguarding the rights and well-being of workers, conserving resources,

and protecting the environment. The move is significant considering that

coffee is one of the most consumed products in the Hotel business.

GREEN MEETINGS

Hotel maintenance and operations are not the only areas that are

revamping their processes--event planning departments have begun

tailoring their services to accommodate an environmentally conscious

approach to hosting meetings and events.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a

questionnaire for hotels and convention centers bidding for EPA business

that includes queries about recycling programs, energy efficiency,

paperless billing, and reused towels. The agency said it would consider

the answers when it evaluates bids. "We can use our own purchasing

power to influence behavior and to strengthen the link to our mission of

protecting health and the environment," said Thomas A.

O'Connell, an EPA procurement director who led the Green Meetings

Work Group that devised the new rule.

The General Services Administration, which sets policy for all

government travel, is amending its own rules to suggest that government

meeting planners consult the EPA checklist. That could affect a

significant chunk of the $13.5 billion in annual federal spending for

travel.

Many hotels may have little difficulty with the new scrutiny. The

HYATT REGENCY at Capitol Hill, a frequent meeting place for government

agencies, is already certified by Green Seal, which designates companies

with leading-edge environmental practices.

GREEN MOVING AND HOUSEHOLD SHIPMENTS

Whether you are moving into your first home, or in the midst of yet

another job relocation, a few extra tips for managing your transition

are always helpful. The tips have even more impact when they include

Green Guidelines!

MAYFLOWER, in keeping with today's online world, has released

"Your Best Move," a Podcast series that enables listeners to

plug in their portable media devices, download the latest episode, and

listen while they're on the go. A series synopsis includes:

Episode 1, "Movin' Green," looks at the best ways to

make your next move more environmentally friendly: how to pack, donate,

dispose or, and move items with the least ecological impact. This

podcast provides tips on how to deal with all of the "stuff"

that tends to accumulate over a lifetime, how to safely transport and

dispose of hazardous materials, and the best ways to find waste and

recycling services in your new city.

Episode 2, "Movin' in the City," focuses on the

special challenges of moving in an urban area. While the proximity to

museums, restaurants, and urban employers are benefits to living in an

urban area, the complexity of making a seamless move can be quite

frustrating. This episode simplifies the urban moving process with tips

on parking, scheduling, elevators, security and making good first

impressions, as well as pointers on how to do your due diligence prior

to selecting a professional mover.

Episode 3, "Moving Home Electronics," offers suggestions

on how to deal with electronics that can be complicated to move and

expensive to replace. This podcast covers ways to dismantle and safely

pack a home computer and printer and how to keep expensive large-screen,

plasma, and LCD televisions safe during the moving process. Tips on

using everyday items found in the home to help safely pack electronics

of all sizes are also provided.

"Your Best Move" podcasts can be found on Apple's

iTunes and on the Mayflower web site

www.mayflower.com/moving/moving-tips/mayflowers-your-best-move-podcast-series.htm.

GREEN AIR

Our skies are getting more crowded, but at least one aspect of air

travel is improving--engineers are learning how to reduce the damage

that flying does to the environment, according to recent industry

reports (The Economist, June, 2007).

Depending on what measures are used, aviation is responsible for

between two percent and three percent of all human-made carbon dioxide emissions. As air travel grows, that figure is expected to rise rapidly.

The environmental outlook worsens once emissions of nitrogen oxides and

soot are taken into account--scientists differ on how they affect the

environment, but some believe they might double the warming effects of

carbon dioxide.

The picture seems bleak, but as both fuel prices and air-travel

demand rise, airplane makers have sought to develop planes that are

cheaper and greener to operate. For example, the new 787 Dream-liner

from BOEING, set to enter service next year, is lighter than any

similarly sized metal aircraft. That cuts fuel needs by some 20 percent.

Meanwhile, manufacturers are looking at designing aircraft in a way

that would boost efficiency. Proposals include fully enclosing engines,

which would burn 25 percent less fuel and operate more quietly to boot.

An idea adopted from stealth fighters would blend the wings into the

passenger cabin. Such a plane could offer huge fuel-efficiency gains,

albeit with a passenger experience a little too reminiscent of Top Gun.

Scientists are also studying alternative energy such as blending

bio-fuels with jet fuel, or using fuel cells to power either

engines' or airplanes' auxiliary gas turbines used when parked

on the tarmac.

Incremental improvements eventually add up. A one percent savings

in fuel represents hundreds of tons of fuel a year for the average

airline, and a similar reduction in emissions. By 2020, one aviation

expert predicts that he industry will have halved its fuel burn from the

year 2000.

GREEN RAILS

Norfolk Southern (NS) does not carry passengers, but the company

proves that it's GREEN in terms of travel! One train can take up to

300 truckloads of freight off of our congested highways. That helps

reduce pollution, fuel use, and demand for foreign oil. NS recycles,

adopts clean technologies, and works with public agencies and other

partners to promote environmental stewardship. That's good for the

environment and the economy!

Our corporate members are welcome to submit information throughout

the year. News concerning products, services, operations, and milestones

will always find a home in the DTJ!

Want to learn more about the FedRooms Program?

Attend one of the upcoming FedRooms 101 training sessions held via

webinar on:

Wednesday, Aug 29, 1:00-1:30 pm CST

Wednesday, Sept 26, 10:00-10:30 am CST

For complete details visit www.ndtahq.com/FedRooms.htm

Did you know ...?

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES was the first of offer electronic ticketing

systemwide.

TRAVEL LINKS

Travel Links that may be of interest to the nongovernment/military

traveler

** Away.com

Operated by Orbitz Worldwide

** BootsnAll.com

Operated by BootsnAll Travel Network

** CruiseCritic.com

Operated by The Independent Traveler, Inc.

** Fodors.com

Operated by Fodor's Travel, a Division of Random House Inc.

** Frommers.com

Operated by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

** IgoUgo.com

Operated by Travelocity, a Sabre Holdings Corporation

** IndependentTraveller.com

Operated by The Independent Traveler, Inc.

** Kayak.com

Operated by Kayak.com

** PlanetRider.com

Operated by PlanetRider

** Site59

Operated by Travelocity, a Sabre Holdings Corporation

** SlowTrav.com

Operated by Internet Brands, Inc.

** SpecialtyTravel.com

Operated by Specialty Travel Index

** Travellntelligence.net

Operated by Travel Intelligence, Ltd.

** TravellersPoint.com

Operated by Tupela, Ltd. AS.

** TravLang.com

Operated by Travlang Online, Inc.

** TripAdvisor.com

An operating company of Expedia, Inc.

** VirtualTourist.com

Operated by Virtualtourist.com, Inc.

** WebTravelManager.com

Operated by WebTravelManager.com

** World66.com

Operated by Internet Brands, Inc.

** WorldHum.com

Operated by World Hum

The government is traveling across the US! ARE YOU GETTING YOUR

SHARE OF ITS BUSINESS?

Source: GSA--FedRooms

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST "GREEN" PTSC MEMBER

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

NCL Corporation (NCL) owns and operates an impressive fleet of

ships that feature Freestyle Cruising and family fun. NCL America, a

subsidiary operating Pride of America, Pride of Hawaii and Pride of

Aloha, carries the singular distinction of being the largest US-flagged

cruise line. Both NCL and NCL America employ the highest standards when

it comes to protecting the environment. The company shares that

awareness with all of its passengers--young and old alike.

NCL is heavily invested in protecting the environment. The

policies, technologies and training onboard its ships are among the most

stringent, exceeding existing laws and international conventions.

TRAINING: All NCL crew receive environmental procedures training

prior to assuming duties as well as specialized training appropriate to

their individual job and responsibility. An environmental officer is

onboard at all times to oversee training and compliance.

TECHNOLOGY: NCL ships are fitted with incinerators that burn oil,

paper, cardboard, some plastics, and on some ships, bio sludge and dried

food waste. What cannot be burned, or where incineration is not

permitted, is brought ashore for recycling or disposal by licensed

disposal companies. Recently, several NCL ships have gained the

capability to dry, sterilize, and offload inert sewage for recycling

where feasible.

NCL employs state-of the-art advanced wastewater treatment systems

that treat black water and gray water to near drinking water standards.

In fact, several NCL vessels have been approved for continuous discharge

in port because the water is so clean and the quality assurance

procedures are so rigorous.

NCL uses low sulfur fuels in environmentally sensitive areas

throughout the world to prevent acid rain. The company is also

installing fuel-water emulsion systems, "cold iron" port

electrical plug-in capability, electronic fuel injection, and multi-fuel

capabilities on its newer ships to ensure minimal air emissions wherever

it sails. The company has also pioneered recycling of used lube oil and

routinely recycles plastics, aluminum, steel, batteries, oil sludge, and

a wide variety of consumer products.

POLICY: In addition to its continuous improvement process, each

year, NCL ships undergo a week-long audit to ensure compliance of all

United States and international environmental regulations and to ensure

that NCL engages in the best possible practices and procedures in

protecting our environment. Furthermore, the company has created a

Safety and Environmental Protection Policy, which establishes objectives

relating to the environment including waste disposal, recycling, usage

of environmentally friendly materials and technology, and accident

prevention involving pollution.

NCL has also developed and implemented a Corporate Code of Business

Ethics to ensure that all NCL employees, shipboard and ashore, rigidly

adhere to NCL's environmental policies and stewardship. In early

2007, NCL announced that it has signed a multi-year agreement with the

Port of Los Angeles that includes several measures designed to support

the port's clean air initiatives.

OFFICER SNOOK WATER POLLUTION PROGRAM FOR KIDS

Beginning in 2006, all NCL and NCL America ships introduced onboard

programs to educate young people about the importance of clean water and

the effects of marine pollution and ways to prevent it. The program,

borrowing on the Officer Snook model, stresses involvement with

activities for kids of all ages. Kids ages two to five years old can

enjoy an Undersea Hospital, story-telling, coloring books and games.

Crafts, a simulated "Beach Clean Up" activity, and a

"Catch or Release" game identifying endangered species and an

environmental poster contest are provided for pre-teens. A special

component allows high school students to earn between one and five

community service hours depending on their level of involvement in the

Officer Snook Program. These hours may be used at the teen's school

as part of their community service allotment.

The Officer Snook Water Pollution Program was started in 1993 by

Jennifer Sevin, then a Florida high school senior, to educate local

elementary school students about water pollution. It has since grown

nationally. To date, more than five million students in grades pre-k

through 12 have participated in an Officer Snook presentation or related

activity. The United States Coast Guard (USCG), as part of its national

"Sea Partners Campaign," conducts the Officer Snook Program

through 35 USCG Sector Commands.

PROTECTING MARINE INHABITANTS

Passengers aboard NCL America's US-flagged ships in Hawaii are

treated to luxurious accommodations and pristine sailing conditions. The

crystal clear waters and the lush coastline of the islands lend

themselves to picture-perfect cruising--an environment that NCL

endeavors to protect through responsible operations. The aquatic

inhabitants are equally important.

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In cooperation with the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science

Center, National Fisheries Service, NCL has been taking part in the

Green Turtle release program whereby turtles bred and nurtured in

captivity are returned to the wild. Young hatchlings are carried on

board to safe haven destinations approximately three to five miles off

shore. Passengers lucky enough to be onboard for "release

cruises" also share pride in protecting precious marine life.

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THE NCL FLEET

Norwegian Cruise Line is an innovative cruise line based in Miami,

Florida, with a total of ten ships currently sailing international

itineraries and under construction. Once Norwegian Gem is delivered,

more than 80 percent of NCL's capacity will be big, new and modern,

keeping NCL on track to offer the youngest fleet in the industry by the

end of 2007.

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NCL's fleet includes:

NCL's Freestyle Cruising challenges the conventional model of

cruising and is designed to meet the changing needs of today's

cruise passengers. Freestyle Cruising is characterized, in particular,

by having no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes, up to 10

distinct restaurants, relaxed disembarkation, and even more lounges,

bars, theaters, and other entertainment and activity options.

NCL offers a variety of itineraries, including Caribbean, Alaska,

Europe, Bermuda, Hawaii, Bahamas & Florida, Canada & New

England, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coastal, Panama Canal, and South

America.

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NCL AMERICA

NCL America ships are US-flagged vessels. All three ships offer

Freestyle Cruising and currently sail seven-day inter-island Hawaii

cruises visiting the four main islands: Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.