SAN DIEGO—For the first time since the Ocean Conservancy began keeping track, plastic cutlery is showing up on the Top 10 list of trash found during beach cleanups. In an effort to reduce this and take plastic utensils #OffTheTable (and therefore, beaches), TwentyFifty is launching the world’s first 100 percent compostable utensils. Forks, knives and spoons can compost in as little as 10 days. Named after the year 2050—the year the population is projected to reach 10 billion and when it’s estimated that the amount of plastic waste in the ocean will exceed the amount of fish—the brand has one...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources, has been named to the 2019 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) North America Index, a comprehensive assessment of leading sustainability-driven companies. This is Ecolab’s fifth consecutive year on the North America index, and the company’s sixth listing since 2012. “Every day, our 49,000 associates work to make the world cleaner, safer and healthier, and to be successful, we must operate sustainably,” said Ecolab Chairman and CEO Douglas M. Baker, Jr. “We are honored to again be recognized on the...

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS.—Watts Water Technologies, Inc.—a leading global manufacturer of plumbing, heating, and water quality products and solutions—recently funded and helped install two water filtration systems that provide clean drinking water for children and families in Sa Kaeo, Thailand. Through its partnership with Planet Water Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that works to bring clean water to the world’s most impoverished communities, Watts employees and five of its customers built “AquaTowers” at two schools inside the Sa Kaeo province. The towers remove harmful particles, bacteria and viruses, providing 1,000 people with 10,000 liters of clean water per unit daily. “We are...

LA VERNE, CALIF.—For the first time ever, a solar system has been created to be able to install solar panels on any metal roof type in the world. Sunflare introduces LiteMount, the only lightweight module that seamlessly integrates with every existing metal roof attachment system. This lightweight solar system is less than 1-lb per square foot installed. That is approximately ¼ of most installed silicon framed modules. Sunflare’s CEO, Philip Gao said, “Our mission is to reduce CO2, so it’s imperative to find innovative ways to go where traditional solar can’t. At almost 4-lbs per square foot, silicon is too...

SAN FRANCISCO—MANTRA is taking sustainability to new heights after creating a first-of-its-kind category of apparel it calls EverywhereWear—a line of versatile polos born from recycled plastic bottles and built to go everywhere. The upstart brand, whose product is now available exclusively online at www.madebymantra.co, set out to create highly versatile gear because of its commitment to the planet. One of the most sustainable actions a consumer can undertake when buying clothing is simply to buy less. By making gear that people love and don’t need a lot of, MANTRA is hoping to help consumers thin out their closets without sacrificing...

LOVELAND, COLO.—Colorado-based Lightning Systems, a global developer of zero-emission drivetrains, introduced “Lightning On Tap” charging solutions, a comprehensive offering of AC and DC fast charge charging stations. “With more fleet operators making the switch to electric trucks and buses, planning and installing charging systems has brought a whole new set of challenges for our customers. We can now help overcome that challenge by delivering a full suite of charging hardware and software options,” said Tim Reeser, Lightning Systems CEO. “We know first-hand that fleets need timely and specific help with charging solutions for their commercial vehicles.” Lightning Systems’ lineup of new...

EAST LONGMEADOW, MASS.—Excel Dryer, Inc. announced that the Health Product Declarations (HPDs) of three of their hand dryer models, the original, patented, high-speed, energy-efficient XLERATOR Hand Dryer, the XLERATOReco Hand Dryer and the ThinAir Hand Dryer, were thoroughly reviewed and verified by an independent agency. HPDs, developed by the instructions set forth by the Health Product Declaration Collaborative (HPDC), are “a standardized format for the transparent disclosure of building product ingredients and associated hazards.” HPDs are a tool that helps buyers and specifiers better understand the environmental and health impacts of a product’s materials, to make more informed product...

NEBRASKA CITY, NEB.—With the growing demand for greener practices for in-room hospitality, the demand for more sustainable coffee choices, including packaging, continues to grow. There is no denying single-serve capsules are here to stay, and with that in mind, the Arbor Day Coffee program has taken extra steps to minimize their impact on the planet by providing a recycling program to hospitality locations purchasing shade-grown Arbor Day Coffee. Arbor Day Coffee is well known to be focused on roasting shade-grown coffee, yet what most may not know is their recent efforts in launching a recycling program for single-serve capsules, specifically...

PORTSMOUTH, DOMINICA—Secret Bay, the exclusive, sustainable, private, all villa resort and the first five-star luxury experience in Dominica, the Caribbean’s “Nature Island,” announced it has been awarded Green Globe Certification, one of the highest standards for sustainability worldwide. The only operating hotel on Dominica to hold the accolade, Secret Bay was recognized for its innovative guest experience that is designed to seamlessly bring the island’s sustainability efforts to life. Secret Bay prides itself on existing at the intersection of luxury and sustainability, and has always been steadfast in preserving Dominica’s natural and pure beauty. From sustainably designed villas built with Guyanese...

EMERYVILLE, CALIF.—SCS Global Services announced the new management team heading up its sustainable seafood certification programs. The team includes SCS veterans Gabriela Anhalzer, who is now serving as Manager of SCS’ Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries certification unit, and Adam Spiegler as Manager of the company’s Seafood Chain of Custody (CoC) certification programs. SCS welcomes on board Adam Daddino as Manager of its Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Farms certification unit. Finally, long-time SCS seafood traceability expert Jason Swecker has been promoted to the role of Director Sales and Marketing, Seafood. “Adam Spiegler, Gabriela, and Jason have demonstrated their expertise working with scores of clients...