Five of Amelia Island’s award-winning hotels recently earned the Audubon International Green Lodging Program certification, according to a media release from the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. The recognition verifies that the properties – The Addison on Amelia Island, Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island and Springhill Suites Amelia Island (dual property), Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island and Seaside Amelia Inn – all meet environmental best practice standards and demonstrate a strong commitment to water conservation, energy efficiency, recycling and other green practices.

The announcement was made during a volunteer appreciation event following the inaugural Downtown to Dunes community litter collection effort in partnership with Keep Nassau Beautiful, Fernandina Beach Main Street, Mocama Beer Company and the CVB. The event brought together 112 volunteers to collect nearly a half-ton (995 pounds) of litter and debris in Fernandina Beach, from downtown to the dunes, according to the release.

“Amelia Island is committed to protecting and preserving the island’s natural treasures and maintaining this eco-tourism paradise for generations of visitors to discover,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island CVB, in the release. “Part of that effort included funding and facilitating lodging partners to participate in Audubon International’s Green Lodging Program. We applaud these five ‘green’ properties and their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability on Amelia Island.”

According to Audubon International, the Green Lodging Program provides third-party verification that lodging facilities meet environmental best practice standards and demonstrate a strong commitment to water quality, water conservation, waste minimization, resource conservation and energy efficiency.

“The Amelia Island CVB is to be commended for supporting these hospitality stakeholders as they work to create environmentally sustainable environments where people live, work and play,” said Fredrik M. Realbuto, chief operating officer, Audubon International, in the release. “This is crucial leadership and we’re encouraged to think that many more lodging venues will join the Green Lodging Program.”