CLEVELAND, OHIO—GE Consumer & Industrial is offering two new tools for establishing an incandescent-like mood with its more energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps: dimmable 15-watt and 26-watt Spiral CFLs that can replace 60-watt and 100-watt incandescent bulbs used in table lamps, floor lamps, sconces and other screw-base fixtures. The new Spiral CFLs work with most standard dimmer switches and incandescent sockets, dimming to 20 percent of maximum light output. Each features a soft white color and 10,000-hour rated life. “Our dimmable CFLs offer features that users have enjoyed for years in incandescent bulbs, but with the outstanding energy efficiency, low...

ROCKLIN, CALIF.—SMA America, Inc., the United States division of global solar technology giant SMA Solar Technology AG, has launched www.Solar-is-Future.com. This user-friendly, educational website explains how solar energy can be harvested and utilized via animation, illustrations and descriptions in easy-to-understand language. At Solar-is-Future.com, visitors can research the benefits of solar power and how the sun’s abundant, clean energy can be collected through active and passive solar power systems. “SMA America is very excited about the launch of Solar-is-Future.com,” says Jurgen Krehnke, president and general manager of SMA America. “Now there is a one-stop, online solar resource where visitors can learn...

PANAMA CITY, FLA.—The Sugar Cane Paper Company, the largest manufacturer and distributor of bagasse-made, “treeless” paper goods in the world, announces the availability of bagasse-made napkins, toilet paper, tissue and paper towels; making it the only company with this complete line of eco-friendly products in the U.S. marketplace. Bagasse is the fibrous residue left over in the sugar-making process after the sugar cane has been crushed and the sugar extracted. All of The Sugar Cane Paper Company’s paper products are from recycled materials—85 percent is recycled waste (bagasse) and the remaining 15 percent, recycled paper. Sugar Cane Paper Company...

MORGANVILLE, N.J.—RoomService Amenities (RSA) introduces Green from NATÜRA. This toiletry collection features bottles made primarily from Plastarch Material (PSM), a corn-based biodegradable material and other environmentally sensitive packaging. After years of research in an attempt to find an alternative to plastic amenity bottles, RSA has partnered with advanced manufacturers to develop a process that successfully converts corn starch into a material that integrates the rigidity, toughness and elasticity of traditional plastic. Using PSM significantly reduces environmental impact and promotes a sustainable future. Plastarch Material (PSM), a biodegradable resin made from corn starch, is designed to supplement or replace conventional petroleum-based...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes the Waterless Company as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. The Waterless Company manufactures Waterless No-Flush™ urinal systems and has been in operation since 1991. Headquartered in Vista, Calif., the company manufactures plumbing products for the institutional, commercial and industrial markets worldwide. Waterless recently introduced a line of soybean urinals. They are made from approximately 30 percent soybean resin, which is a naturally sustainable resource. There is no difference in appearance, function, or maintenance with the soybean systems compared to other waterless urinals. The difference is purely...

SOUTH HACKENSACK, N.J.—J. Josephson introduces EcoView, an Osnaburg backed, non-woven wallcovering that is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wallcoverings. EcoView is a new, dimensionally stable offering available for all Vycon and Symphony patterns—in every colorway. These 54-inch products meet Type II physical characteristics and contain 35 percent pulp, 21 percent polyester fibers, 14 percent acrylic, 16.5 percent adhesive and 13.5 percent polyester cotton backing. EcoView can be used in LEED-certified projects and meets strict VOC (volatile organic compounds) standards for air quality. EcoView is an alternative product for those designers who prefer using a non-woven wallcovering. EcoView is readily available...

ATLANTA—Energy use in buildings can be reduced by 10 to 40 percent by improving operational strategies in buildings, according to a study by the Energy Systems Lab at Texas A&M University. A new certification program from ASHRAE helps building owners know they are hiring and retaining employees and consultants who know how to take advantage of such strategies. The Operations and Performance Management Professional Certification (OPMP) program helps earners demonstrate their knowledge of the management of facility operations and maintenance and their impact on HVAC&R systems’ performance. The program will launch at the ASHRAE Winter Meeting in Chicago in...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Save Your World as a Founding Sponsor. Save Your World offers a Hotel/Spa Amenity line of personal care products made with organic aloe vera and organic yerba maté. Save Your World was created in 2006. Through a partnership with Conservation International, it is helping to preserve one of the last remaining pristine rainforests on Earth. The project the company is supporting is the first Conservation Concession in the world. It is on one of the oldest geological shields on the planet and is one of its most bio-diverse...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes United Feather & Down as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Hotels looking to cater to those seeking organic options can turn to luxury bedding manufacturer United Feather & Down’s Prestige Naturals for Hospitality collection. The collection features bed pillows, comforters, blankets and mattress pads, each made with 300-thread-count certified organic cotton sateen, and filled with a choice of 600-fill-power Freshness Assured down or patented Lyocell Down. In addition, each piece can be customized to a hotel’s specific needs. For additional information, call (847) 296-6500, e-mail info@ufandd.com,...

MIAMI—Blue Leaf Hospitality announced its participation in the Hospitality Design (“HD”) Boutique from September 17 to 18 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The Miami-based contract furniture company is putting its “green” foot forward at the event with a new product line born of recycled materials, an Art Deco vintage collection and a contemporary cabana concept. “We pride ourselves in catering to our clients, which means we create everything from a single sample to several thousand upon demand,” said Stan Shockley, president of Blue Leaf Hospitality. “Because we are constantly evolving, HD Boutique provides us with a platform...