Hotel bath amenities supplier Gilchrist & Soames has asked hotels to destroy its toothpaste instead of distributing it to guests. Why? Traces of diethylene glycol were found in test samples of the toothpaste, which is manufactured in China. Aren’t sure what diethylene glycol is or why you should care? The fact that it’s used in auto coolant should be enough information to make you chuck that tube you stole during your last hotel stay.

If you’ve already brushed with the tainted toothpaste, the good news is that you probably won’t fall down and die. Today at least. Um, kidding. Diethylene glycol is most dangerous with prolonged exposure and to children and people with liver and kidney problems. Obviously, you don’t want to ingest the stuff. But if you accidentally did, chances are it was a tiny, tiny amount (unless eating toothpaste is your thing) and you’ll be fine.

Gilchrist & Soames Initiates Urgent Worldwide Toothpaste Voluntary Recall

Okay, maybe I should say rich guys on the go considering that the Gym Kit from Ermenegildo Zegna costs a cool $445. But for the jetsetter who has everything, this is one travel accessory that’s not only good-looking, but also highly functional. The red sack pictured here is actually a lined, zip-up, waterproof jacket that converts to a stuff sack. Inside the sack, you’ll find matching lined, waterproof track pants, microfiber workout shorts and a stretch cotton tee (click the pic to see more images). Great if you’re not sure whether you’ll have time to workout on your trip - or when you’re facing unpredictable weather situations. This pack will have you covered in hot and cool weather, rain or shine.

By January 2008, 18 of Royal Caribbean’s 21 ships will go smoke-free in all staterooms. Additionally, at least one lounge on these ships will offer a completely smoke-free environment. The remaining three ships (Legend of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas) will follow suit by next summer. Under the current policy, smoking is prohibited in guest hallways and corridors, entertainment venues and most of the enclosed interior spaces on the ships. The new rules beef the policy up a bit, but without completely banning smoking across the board.

On a recent trip to Wilmington, NC, I was chatting with my dermatologist cousin at the beach, and she was raving about helioplex, Neutrogena’s new sunscreen ingredient. In essence, helioplex uses avobenzone and oxybenzone to absorb and screen out UVB rays (the ones that burn) while blocking UVA rays (longterm sun damage) from penetrating the skin’s surface layers. While I admit I’m no expert on the intricacies of sunblock chemistry, my cousin’s enthusiasm about it convinced me to try it out. If you’re looking for a better sunblock, here’s one to try.

Hotel du Vin’s five UK properties are taking an innovative approach to a smoking ban that goes into effect on July 1. Instead of leaving hotel guests to suck down butts in the parking area or in front of the hotel’s entrance, each Hotel du Vin property will soon have wooden Cigar Shacks, complete with heated floors, wi-fi and lounge seating. Not bad.

Hotel du Vin Offers Respite for Smokers July 1

They haven’t done it yet, but Starwood Hotels and Resorts are planning to cut trans fats from food, catering, room service, bar and lounge menus at U.S. properties in order to be free from the nasty junk by the end of 2007.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Moves Forward to Eliminate Artificial Trans-Fats from More Than 400 Hotels in North America

No, Virgin isn’t changing its signature red and white colors. The green train is part of Virgin’s recent initiative to reduce its overall carbon footprint. Part of a six-month company trial launched in the UK yesterday, the train will run along six different UK routes using fuel comprised of 20 percent biodiesel. If the trial is successful, the company may switch all of its trains to biofuel in the future.

Virgin Trials First Biodiesel Passenger Train

By end of summer 2007, Continental Airlines will be offering customers who purchase through its web site the opportunity to calculate and buy carbon offsets to neutralize the effects of air travel on greenhouse gas production. The offsets will be offered through Sustainable Travel International.

Sustainable Travel International and Continental Airlines to Offer Carbon Offsetting Program

Mid-priced hotel chains America’s Best Inns & Suites and Country Hearth Inns have announced plans to introduce EcoRooms at their North American properties. EcoRooms offer:

- Energy-efficient light bulbs

- Water-efficient sinks, showers and toilets

- Non-toxic cleaning supplies

- Refillable dispensers for amenities like shampoo instead of plastic bottles

- Natural, hypo-allergenic bath amenities

- An odor- and fragrance-free environment

As part of the initiative, recycling bins will be placed throughout the properties and the hotels will encourage guests to reuse linens and towels.

America’s Best Inns & Suites and Country Hearth Inns To Offer Ecologically Responsible ‘EcoRooms’

You don’t need us to tell you that eco-friendly lodging is all the rage. But you may need us to tell you where to find it (and it’s popping up in some unexpected places…like New Jersey):

Where to Stay: Eco-Friendly Hotels and Resorts