DALTON, GA.—Healthier Choice rolled out its new Double-Term Carpet Texture Retention Warranty for residential carpet cushion. The new warranty applies to all residential carpet cushions manufactured by Healthier Choice. The new cushion warranty effectively doubles the texture retention warranty of any residential carpet installed over Healthier Choice residential carpet cushion. The cushion warranty takes effect upon the expiration of the installed carpet manufacturer’s texture retention warranty and then remains in effect for an equal amount of time. “We are very excited to offer this additional warranty,” said Craig Poteet, Healthier Choice president. “Residential cushions from Healthier Choice carry the industry’s...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Green Key Global as a Founding Sponsor. Green Key Global is a graduated rating system designed to recognize hotels, motels and resorts that are committed to improving their environmental performance. Based on the results of a comprehensive online environmental audit, facilities are awarded a one to five Green Key rating and given guidance on how to “unlock” opportunities to reduce operating costs and environmental impacts through reduced utility consumption, employee training, and supply chain management. Green Key Global is unique in that it is administered entirely online. Once registered,...

INDIANAPOLIS—The new Sprout Out Collection features Gilchrist & Soames’ proprietary Naturally Kind formulations, which contain no sulfates (SLS/SLES), DMDM hydantoin, parabens, phthalates, petrol-derived ingredients, mineral oil, urea, DEA, TEA or propylene glycol. They do feature food-grade, naturally derived USP glycerin; natural conditioning agents from honey and the Brassica plant; and soybean and cottonseed oil, instead of petrochemicals. The formulations are also free of any artificial colors or dyes. “We are proud to introduce our Naturally Kind formulations,” says Christina Mavity, Gilchrist & Soames research and development director. “The surfactant products—shampoo, conditioning shampoo and shower gel—are sulfate-free, yet create rich and...

LOS ANGELES—Bentley Prince Street announced that it is collaborating with designer Clodagh on a new floor covering collection—the Tuscon Collection. Together, this world-renowned designer and carpet manufacturer have teamed up to offer the design community three new coordinated solution dyed patterns. Consistent with Clodagh’s signature environments that celebrate the “experience of living,” the Tucson Collection is inspired by the colorful topography and living elements of Arizona. From red skies to abundant cacti and vast wildlife, the intricate designs evoke the essence of the quintessential desert land and all the varied elements of nature. All three styles—Canyon Rapids, Saguaro...

BENTON HARBOR, MICH.—Whirlpool Corp., a leading home appliance manufacturer, has been recognized with the 2009 Energy Star Sustained Excellence award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The award recognizes the company’s leadership in offering consumers appliance energy and water efficiency through its portfolio of brands. This is the company’s tenth Energy Star award and fourth consecutive Sustained Excellence win. Whirlpool Corp. will accept the award at ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 2009. “Whirlpool Corporation is honored to again receive the Energy Star Sustained Excellence award,” said Mike...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Smart Candle as a Green Product & Service Directory Partner. Smart Candle specializes in the supply of fixed and portable lighting power for both consumer and industrial applications. Product examples include the new Evolution Rechargeable System with Smart Guard Anti-theft Technology, Electric LED Chandelier Candle bulb replacements, and LED candle wall systems. Smart Candle is known for its “flicker without the flame” products. For more information, call (888) 768-2635, e-mail info@smartcandle.com, or go to www.smartcandle.com.

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Architectural Systems, Inc. (ASI) as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. The company is offering VenCork™ to the lodging industry. It combines the refined style of natural wood with the benefits of a cork substrate. This ASI Flooring collection offers a real wood veneer with a protective surface layer that will meet any durability requirement. The material is offered in eight colors with custom capabilities. FSC-certified veneers are also available. In addition to flooring options such as VenCork™, ASI offers a complete collection of wood panels, decorative...

HIGHLAND PARK, ILL.—For properties that still have banks of pay phones, T2 Site Amenities has introduced a way to efficiently reuse that space as a laptop/cell phone station. The new Guest Center provides a functional and adaptable environment combining a work surface with storage, task light and power receptacle for convenient phone, laptop and MP3 charging. Its modular panels accommodate options including specialty materials, tack panels, writing surfaces, and areas for mounting flat-panel monitors, artwork or accessories. The Guest Center can even be customized as a Flight Information/Boarding Pass station. This product is wall mounted requiring minimal space and includes...

SAN FRANCISCO—Meraki, an award-winning provider of wireless networking solutions, announced the availability of Meraki Solar, the world’s first self-powered WiFi mesh device. Meraki Solar is powered by its own solar panel and solar-charged battery and represents a quantum leap forward in enabling the rapid deployment of large outdoor networks. Meraki Solar is completely energy independent, making it ideal for providing WiFi coverage in hard-to-wire areas without easy access to power supplies such as business districts, resorts, rural areas, parks, golf courses, and more. Each unit is completely self-contained and ready to mount on roofs, walls, poles and anywhere that receives...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—A new company, ecoLiving Essentials, has launched to provide consumers and the travel and hospitality industries with biodegradable products made locally from sustainable resources. Established by two moms with a shared respect for the planet and a passionate concern for their children’s future, the founders have rolled out Biodegradable Travel Booties and the Biodegradable Shower Cap. As frequent business travelers, the founders were inspired to start the company because they felt unprotected when required to remove their shoes when going through airport security checkpoints. According to doctors in a recent WebMD article, taking your shoes off at airport...