(Orlando, FL) Some environmentalists have condemned lush, green golf courses as toxic waste sites because of the chemicals needed to keep them so pretty looking.

Now, however, one of the world's larger golf operators says new standards will be implemented so that they qualify as Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, by the end of this year.

Marriott Golf manages 34 golf courses throughout North America and the Caribbean.

Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, which enable golf facilities to protect the environment by enhancing precious natural areas and wildlife habitats, are part of a campaign to promote environmental stewardship.

Marriott's Audubon program includes famed golf destinations such as Doral Golf Resort & Spa, in Miami, Florida; Royal St. Kitts Golf Club in the British West Indies; and Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert, California, among others. In fact, Doral, host of the 2008 WGC-CA Championship, March 20-23, will become the first-ever Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in North America to host a World Golf Championships event.

In order to achieve Audubon Certification, a golf facility is required to demonstrate that it is maintaining the highest degree of environmental quality in several areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach & Education, Chemical Use Reduction & Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

Marriott has been involved in energy conservation since the 1980's, and over the last decade launched environmental clean-up projects including replacement of 450,000 light bulbs with fluorescent lighting, introducing linen reuse programs, and installing 400,000 low-flow showerheads and toilets at its hotels worldwide.

Recently, Marriott's headquarters in Bethesda replaced more than 2.5 million pieces of Styrofoam and plastic utensils with those made of potato, sugar cane and cornstarch - all fully biodegradable within an average of 100 days.

The efforts have been recognized by the EPA, who awarded Marriott with its 2008 Sustained Excellence award and placed the ENERGY STAR label on more than 200 of its hotels (the most of any hotel company).

Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries for golf courses, which are endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provide information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources.