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...

WINCHESTER, VA.—Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), a leader in durable facility maintenance solutions, introduces the Rubbermaid HYGEN System. This new microfiber cleaning system provides innovative solutions designed for proven superior performance in maintaining healthy, safe environments. The Rubbermaid HYGEN System delivers three critical components to ensure optimal cleaning for health: proven performance, a complete system, and training and support. “By providing a complete solution set, the Rubbermaid HYGEN System helps ensure that users derive the full benefits of microfiber cleaning,” said Mark Hoyle, senior product manager for Rubbermaid Commercial Products. “Rubbermaid’s comprehensive solution includes textiles for dry...

CHARLESTON, ILL.—Modern Traveler Magazine (MT) recently debuted its first digital issue with a focus on responsible and experiential travel and voluntourism. Geared toward the “enlightened explorer,” MT encourages readers to become a part of the places they visit, in turn giving back to the communities they visit, whether they be around the block or around the world. MT provides readers with the resources they need to become responsible travelers, while at the same time experiencing extraordinary vacations. Writers from around the globe tell of adventures that help preserve the environment and culture and sustain the local economies of the places...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Hotelslippers.com as a Green Product & Service Directory Partner. The company’s Eco Slippers are the first in-room slippers made of starch-based biodegradable resin soles and 100 percent cotton material. They were created to reduce environmental impact and preserve the planet. Eco Slippers® is a registered trademark of Hotelslippers.com. For more information, call (305) 507-4281, e-mail info@hotelslippers.com, or go to www.hotelslippers.com.

ADAIRSVILLE, GA—BOLYU Contract introduces Flair, a versatile and environmentally responsible commercial carpet style manufactured with MBDC Cradle to Cradle Certified Zeftron nylon. With a visually compelling design, this new style is available in broadloom and tile, allowing end users to customize looks and ensure ease-of-installation for virtually any interior space. All Flair colorations are made with Zeftron’s nylon 6ix and are Enviro6ix designated, which guarantees a minimum of 25 percent recycled content in every color. Flair’s tile version is made with BOLYU’s award-winning Nexterra, a carpet tile backing made with 85 percent post-consumer recycled content. It also carries...