CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.—Worrell Water Technologies announced enhancements to its Next Generation Living Machine system, a proprietary ecological wastewater treatment system. Unlike today’s approach to wastewater treatment, the Living Machine operates as a decentralized, on-site system for water treatment and recycling, creating quality fresh water without chemicals, odor or nasty by-products. The Living Machine is a ‘turbo-charged’ engineered wetland system which combines the compact footprint of traditional wastewater treatment technologies with the energy efficiency of conventional constructed wetlands. In operation in more than two dozen locations worldwide, the Living Machine system is a patented and trademarked technology offered only by Worrell...

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J.—The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) Product Innovation Awards are the benchmark of excellence in the industry. The 2009 award results were just announced and Hunter Douglas, a leading manufacturer and marketer of custom window fashions, has once again topped the esteemed competition. The window fashions leader captured more awards than any other manufacturer—27 out of the 41 awards conferred went to Hunter Douglas companies—more than it has ever won. Hunter Douglas also swept more categories than ever before—five out of a total of 12—including: Cellular Shades, Green Products, Shadings & Sheers, Specialty Applications and Merchandising. “We’re delighted...

SEATTLE—The GreenHotels Directory, an online reservation system designed for travelers seeking environmentally-friendly hotel accommodations, was launched by a partnership between Environment News Service and ARES Travel Network. Business and vacation travelers are able to instantly locate and make online reservations at hotels offering responsible conservation features. Thousands of hotels have participated in the launch of the GreenHotels Directory initiative and more are being added every day. ARES has documented the environmental contributions of hotels and attractions so that travelers are offered a way to identify green lodging when booking their vacations. Industry-wide surveys of more than 47,000 hotels have...

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIF.—Cal Springs, the maker of BioGreen Bottles, an environmentally innovative plastic water bottle that is completely biodegradable once its drinking days are over, has recently announced the release of the Hollywood Bottle, the newest addition to their eco-friendly water bottle line. The Hollywood Bottle offers a sleek, contoured design and comes in a variety of colors. Although new in size and shape, the Hollywood Bottle is made of the same reusable, recyclable and biodegradable material that made BioGreen Bottles a popular choice. The bottles are lightweight and safe for kids to handle, making them a practical, green...

MONTREAL, QUEBEC—To celebrate Earth Day, Kaba Lodging Systems (KLS) is introducing two types of environmentally-friendly keycards today. The “green keys” are made either from 100 percent recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic or from polylactide acid (PLA) plastic. The high-performance PLA is made from a corn byproduct and is both recyclable and biodegradable. Both key types function like traditional magnetic stripe keycards, carrying important information such as a guest’s room number, duration of the stay, and an encrypted lock access code recorded onto track three. A leading global electronic lock provider, KLS expects hotels will be receptive to these green keys....

SAN DIEGO—HD Supply Facilities Maintenance, a leading distributor of maintenance products and operating supplies, announced the release of its 2009 catalog (Volume 59) containing 20,000 stocked maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products. The catalog also features the company’s value-added services. The annually produced catalog has more than 1,600 pages of products, trade tips and technical information to help customers find what they need quickly. The catalog is also available at www.hdsupplysolutions.com in a fully searchable version. “Now more than ever in these tough economic times, our customers are looking to us to provide them with choices,” said Anesa...

BROADVIEW, ILL.—Air Cycle Corp. recently announced the creation of its new environmental consulting division, Greener Results. Greener Results is a consulting group that works with its clients to assess their needs, improve their environmental programs, and help them get credit for their environmental achievements. Greener Results’ goal is to help all of its clients improve their environmental performance, while simultaneously saving money and improving marketability. Air Cycle has long been an industry leader in lamp recycling, featuring the industry standard for drum-top crushing, the Bulb Eater, and it has expanded its services over time to include additional universal wastes, such...

GLEN RAVEN, N.C.—Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC has created a recycling program for Sunbrella fabrics, the company’s brand for awnings, furniture and boating. Sunbrella fabrics returned to Glen Raven will find new life in a variety of products ranging from felt used for car insulation and protective padding for sports equipment to decorative applications such as outdoor rugs. “For more than 20 years, Glen Raven has reclaimed Sunbrella fiber and fabric waste resulting from the manufacturing process, but this is the first time we have offered recycling to our customers and consumers,” said Randy Blackston, vice president of operations. “This...

INDIANAPOLIS—Delta Faucet Co. recently unveiled its patented DIAMOND Seal Technology, a new water delivery system that eliminates contact with potential metal contaminants such as brass, copper or lead, keeping water as pure as it entered the faucet. It also provides guaranteed protection from leaks and drips. Comprised of a next generation DIAMOND valve and InnoFlex waterways, the system reduces the number of potential leak points, simplifies installation and provides long lasting performance. “DIAMOND Seal Technology is the future of faucets,” said Rick Roetken, vice president of marketing, Delta Faucet Co. “The lead-free waterway system ensures that once the water enters the...

OTTAWA, ONTARIO—The Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program has entered into a partnership with Savannah Green Leaf of Johannesburg, South Africa, to deliver the Green Leaf Program to South Africa and surrounding countries. “We are incredibly excited to be helping George Nyathi and Savannah Green Leaf introduce our rating system to South Africa,” says Kevin Gallagher, president of Green Leaf Environmental. Savannah Green Leaf will be responsible for marketing and sales as well as the technical and administrative functions for the program in South Africa with the opportunity to take the program to other countries as well. “I’m looking forward to introducing...