Green with Envy: The 63rd Annual National Hardware Show(R) Focuses on Environment

Green design, from rugs to furnishings to accessories, is the hottest home design trend for 2008. Addressing current, environmental concerns, the National Hardware Show® is launching a new, specially designated area on the show floor that highlights the latest in green, eco-friendly and sustainable products. Located directly adjacent to New Product World, Green Product World™, will focus on what The American Society of Interior Design recently reported is "one of the fastest growing segments of its industry.” The new attraction and focus will offer a diverse selection of environmentally safe innovations and is sponsored by EarthTronics, manufacturer of high quality lighting products that are designed to save energy. "Since the National Hardware Show is a representation of everything relevant to home enhancement, the show will reflect the move towards more sustainable products at retail,” said Dean Russo, senior vice president for the National Hardware Show. "The brand-new Green Product World will showcase the latest in green, eco-friendly and sustainable products that consumers will be buying to protect the environment, reduce their carbon footprint and encourage responsibility for the future.” This year, there will also be a new, Green Innovation Award for the best green product on display. In education seminars, experts will discuss how to turn green products into profitability at various "Hot Topics” classes, presented at the National Hardware Show. "The New and Changing World of Sustainability” will be led by Lawn & Garden Retailing and "Going Green – Is it Important and How Do You Make it Happen?” is being produced by Scientific Certification Systems. Additional "green” home building and remodeling tips include: Choosing paints that are labeled as containing low volatile organic compounds (VOC). These paints won’t give off gas or produce noxious smells. Use natural, enduring materials such as stone, quarry tile and brick, instead of less durable, synthetic materials like vinyl. Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs, which last three to four times longer and have a lower impact on the environment. Consider bamboo flooring. This year’s Show, featuring Lawn & Garden World™, Homewares™ and New Product World™, is being held May 6-8, 2008 and will occupy the entire Las Vegas Convention Center. The combined events will offer a comprehensive preview of the entire retail home enhancement marketplace with over 3,500 exhibitors. This year, the Show has added exciting, new programs while expanding on existing ones to reflect current consumer trends and provide endless opportunities for retailers to source new products and gain a competitive edge in their respective market trading areas. Green Products at the 2008 National Hardware Show will include: Miracle Toilet Faucet Manufacturer: Miracle Faucet- invented by Albert L. Wokas Description: The Miracle Toilet Faucet allows the homeowner to drastically lower toilet paper and water usage while enjoying improved hygiene and comfort. The product uses the existing water supply from the toilet and can be installed with a few common tools in about fifteen minutes. Smart Bin Manufacturer: Smart Products Worldwide Description: The Smart Bin makes home recycling and waste management easier then ever. The stainless steel design looks attractive in any home or office and can also be used for storage purposes. Pop-Up Boxes Manufacturer: Smart Products Worldwide Description: The Smart Box is a reusable storage and gift-box system that is constructed from advanced biodegradable materials. Smart Boxes are available in dozens of different sizes, colors and set configurations and are ideal for storage and space saving. The Smart Sac Manufacturer: Smart Product Worldwide Description: A 100 percent biodegradable and compostable refuse bag made of cutting-edge environmentally-friendly materials. The bags are stronger and more reliable than traditional corn starch-based compostable bags. They fit most large size kitchen receptacles. Effbe Floating Recycle Bins Manufacturer: Effbe Description: Recycling no longer has to take up needed floor space in your home. Effbe’s Floating Recycle Bins can easily be affixed to any wall and support up to 50 pounds. The Bins can also be used for handy home storage. Nestle Pure Life Purified Water Manufacturer: Nestle Description: Nestle Pure Life has developed a uniquely shaped bottle that is better for the environment because it is made with up to 30 percent less plastic. GreenPig Septic Tank Treatment Manufacturer: GreenPig Solutions Description: GreenPig is an all-natural blend of neutralizers, deodorizers and activators for cleaning and deodorizing plumbing fixtures and systems. It contains 100 percent safe, natural bacteria for keeping septic systems in a high state of activity and drain fields clear and free flowing. GreenPig products reduce the need for costly septic tank pumping. Smart Stone™ Manufacturer: Greenland Composites Inc. Description: Smart Stone is a new sustainable stepping stone made from 100 percent recycled raw materials. The lightweight stones are composed of recycled and sustainable resources that would otherwise end up in landfills and waterways. Smart Dyer Manufacturer: Xcentrik inc. Description: Smart Dyer is the ultimate clothes drying rack with 10 meters of drying space. When not in use, the Smart Dryer collapses to a mere six-inch width, saving more space then a traditional dryer. Not only does Smart Dryer cut back on unhealthy air emissions, but it saves consumers money on their electric bill and extends the life of clothing. Brill Razorcut Manual Reel Mower Manufacturer: Clean Air Gardening LLC Description: Grandpa’s old-fashioned push lawn mower is back. This mower features a superior blade cutting system and light-weight design easy for pushing that saves energy. LogEEZ Manufacturer: Sakonnet Machine Co. Description: This log splitter was developed for homeowners who want an easy way to reduce the cost of buying firewood and making their own kindling. It eliminates the use of an expensive, noisy, dirty, gas-powered machine and does not require frequent maintenance. LogEEZ is also cleaner and safer to use then a traditional maul or axe. The 2008 National Hardware Show will feature over 150 product categories and thousands of new products in over 2 million gross square feet of floor space. Big brands from virtually every product category will be bringing their latest new product. A sampling of companies include: Robert Bosch, Irwin, Cooper Tools, M-D Building Products, Channellock; Southern Patio, Bond, Ames Tru Temper, Scotts, Fiskars, O’Cedar, First Alert, Simple Green, Armaly Brands, Whitney Design, Bemis, Sherwin Williams Companies, 3M, Hyde Tools, DOW Chemicals, Benjamin Moore, PPG, Philips Accessories, Intermatic Inc, Pentair Water, Westinghouse Lighting, LDR Industries. For more information and updates on the 2008 National Hardware Show and Green Product World, visit www.nationalhardwareshow.com. Media registration is now open. For high-resolution images of any of the products listed, please contact Stephanie Kurtz at skurtz@clearblue.com. Reed Exhibitions, which manages more than 460 events worldwide, is a member of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading provider of information-driven services and solutions. Reed offers integrated market access programs covering exhibitions, trade publications, direct marketing and the Internet to a database of 3.5 million in North America. Reed has North American offices in Norwalk, Conn., Waltham, Mass., Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Toronto, and sales and operations offices worldwide. (NYSE:RUK) (NYSE:ENL)