EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—Excel Dryer Inc., a leader in the manufacture of American-made hand dryers, has introduced two new cover finishes to its line of high-speed XLERATOR hand dryers. The new appliance-grade white thermoset bulk molded compound (BMC) is very resistant to vandalism, while the brushed stainless steel finish XLERATOR delivers a distinct, architectural look to restroom interiors. These new options enhance the already extensive XLERATOR line, which includes traditional white, a fingerprint-resistant graphite cover, chrome plated, and custom colors for specific applications. “Our customers have asked for more finishes for our popular XLERATOR hand dyers, and we’e delivered,” says Denis...

DUNEDIN, FLA.— For the third consecutive year, Mintek Mobile Data Solutions, a leading provider of turn-key, mobile data solutions, ranks among the top 500 global software and services providers. The ranking, based on 2006 revenues, appears in the September/October issue of Software Magazine. “We are excited to be included again on this prestigious list,” says Lind Hutton, president of Dunedin, Fla.-based Mintek. “We have experienced tremendous growth since launching our business in 1987. That growth has been driven by our focus on understanding the business challenges of our customers and developing unique solutions that meet their needs.” The Software 500 is...

ATLANTA—Mold contamination can cause rapid deterioration of construction and furnishing materials, leading to excessive project costs for replacement and project delays. Mold growing on these materials also can become a source of indoor air pollutants, which can lead to serious health problems, including allergic reactions and asthma attacks, and potential liability for those who design, build, operate, finance and insure the buildings in which people live and work. Manufacturers are taking the initiative to develop mold resistant products as well as taking the necessary steps to generate confidence in these products by clearly demonstrating how well they resist mold growth....

PITTSFORD, N.Y.—Care-free products, those that resist staining, are easily cleaned, stand up to the hustle and bustle of life and look great right out of the wash, have become part of our lives. Consumers want to spend less time maintaining the products they buy and more time enjoying them. Fluorochemicals are the invisible magic coating that makes all this possible, from non-stick pans to stain resistant carpets, upholstered furniture and stain resistant clothing. The incredible strength of fluorochemicals, however, may also be their greatest weakness. Fluorochemicals stay in the environment and don’t break down for decades or even centuries...

DALTON, GA—In a continuing expansion of its Seal of Approval carpet cleaning testing and certification program, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) today announced two green additions: higher performing vacuum cleaners for indoor air quality (IAQ) and green cleaning chemical certification. The CRI Seal of Approval program currently identifies superior carpet cleaning solutions and equipment that, when properly used, remove soil and stains without damage to the carpet. More than 250 products carry the blue and green CRI Seal of Approval. “The Seal of Approval program sets a new standard for carpet cleaning effectiveness, and we are raising the bar again...

NEW YORK—Green Shield Certified, a new seal of approval for eco-friendly pest control providers, has been introduced. Green Shield certification offers pest control companies and their customers a new standard for smarter, more effective pest control without unnecessary pesticides. The program is endorsed by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), and Physicians for Social Responsibility of Greater Los Angeles. “Green Shield Certified is the next generation of pest control service,” says Jonathan Kaplan, a senior policy specialist at NRDC. “These certified companies are proving that knowledge and prevention can provide more effective,...

CHICAGO—Tornado announced that its recently released CK LW 13/1 vacuum cleaner has just earned the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Green Label certification. The Green Label on a vacuum cleaner tells users that the machine meets the highest standards of operation, efficiency and performance, which can help lower overall cleaning costs and improve worker productivity, as it protects the environment. To earn the certification, the performance of the vacuum cleaner is evaluated in three key areas: • Soil removal—how efficiently the machine removes soil from a test carpet area; • Dust containment—the amount of dust released into the air when using the vacuum cleaner;...

ROCKLAND, ME.—Quietly, yet tenaciously, the Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine are working hard to reduce their environmental impact. All three have been certified by the State of Maine as Hospitality Environmental Leaders, making them the first known B&B association in New England totally dedicated to sustainable eco-tourism. Beginning on October 3, in recognition of National Change a Lightbulb Day, the inns will offer an Energy Star compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) to each guest. With each bulb, more than 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions will be saved from entering the atmosphere. “If just 100 guests change their lightbulbs with...

One of the legacies of the Industrial Revolution is the introduction of cleaning chemicals into the marketplace. Since WWII, more than 75,000 industrial chemicals have been registered with the EPA. Of those, less than 2 percent have been tested for toxicity, birth defects, and cancer. Moreover, chemical companies are under no legal or regulatory obligation to study the long term health effects their products have on the human body, nor are they required to fully disclose all of the ingredients in their products. Citing proprietary privilege, they only report on active ingredients. This accounts for less than 5 percent...

BERKELEY, CALIF.—Vaska Inc. has introduced a line of botanical laundry and housekeeping products for institutional and hospitality use. Vaska has been rigorously testing its new formulas at a fully operating commercial laundry facility with both heavy and light soils—with excellent results, surprising the non-green skeptics. Vaska’s cleaning equals top-tier non-green laundry formulas, without toxic repercussions to either personal safety or the environment. Founder Julia Fry’s background in fashion and textile design led to her passion for laundry products that didn’t compromise fabrics or cleaning action. “I grew up backpacking with my aunt and uncle who were forest rangers in Colorado, back...