CHARLOTTE, N.C. – MirrorMate® gives bare, plate glass bathroom mirrors the finished look of a beautifully framed, free-hanging mirror in a matter of minutes – easily and affordably updating the appearance of an older bathroom and adding character to new construction.

“It is the most inexpensive and dramatic change that can be made to a bathroom’s biggest focal point – the vanity mirror,” said Lisa Huntting, MirrorMate® Founder and President.

Each frame is custom cut to seamlessly fit any mirror, even if it sits atop a backsplash or runs to the wall or ceiling. Just like a frame for a piece of art, it features mitered edges that give the mirror an authentically framed look, yet comes at a fraction of the cost of traditional framing or purchasing a whole new mirror.

The pre-taped frame assembles easily and adheres directly to the mirror currently on the wall, making it an eco-friendly option that eliminates the need to remove and dispose of old mirrors. The innovative, patented design covers all unattractive clips and de-silvering while also masking the mirror’s edge when viewed from the side – so there’s no telling it isn’t an expensive, free-hanging mirror.

All that is needed to order a MirrorMate® frame is the mirror’s measurements (width and height) and the distance from the mirror’s edge to the backsplash, ceiling or wall. At the company’s websites, www.mirrormate.com, there are over 40 styles and finishes to choose from, including rich woods, ornate looks and metallic tones, as well as eco-friendly frames made from all recycled wood.

The frame is delivered within approximately 10-14 business days. Assembly and installation take about 20 minutes (plus time for the glue to dry) – so there is almost no room downtime. The frame corners are easily joined with the supplied wood glue and corner wedges, just like those used by professional framers. Once dried, placement corners are used to properly align the frame on the mirror before pressing the pre-taped frame directly onto the glass.

Retail costs typically ranges from $109 to $198 depending on the molding chosen and the mirror size. A favorite among designers, homeowners and commercial property owners, MirrorMate® frames are durability-tested, easily maintained and approved for use by most major hotel chains.

ABOUT MIRRORMATE LLC

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, MirrorMate LLC was founded by Lisa Huntting, who invented the company’s flagship product, the MirrorMate® frame, as a design solution for the bare mirrors in her own home. As the original and industry leader, MirrorMate® frames are patented in the U.S. and Canada. In 2008, MirrorMate® expanded their offerings with Pizzazz® MirrorSquares™, a line of custom-framed mirror squares designed to hang in groupings – adding visual interest, and reflecting the homeowners’ individual décor and style. The Pizzazz® MirrorSquares™ are available in over 35 frame styles. For retail and wholesale information, as well as a MirrorMate® demonstration video, please visit www.mirrormate.com. Connect with MirrorMate at www.twitter.com/mirrormate and www.facebook.com/mirrormateframes.

MILLS RIVER, N.C. – What could be “greener” than wood trim on your home? How about synthetic trim that resists termites, severe weather and rotting. These days, green products are defined more by their longevity on the home than their natural origins.

“The durability and long life-span of many man-made products provide long-term savings for homeowners,” says Mark Clement, co-host of MyFixItUpLife radio show. “I’ve used synthetic slate roofing tiles that are so realistic-looking that people standing right next to the house don’t believe it’s not real slate.

“There are DaVinci EcoBlend ‘green roofing tiles’ guaranteed for 50 years that have been rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council to reflect sunlight and heat away from the home. Research shows that this type of roof will save homeowners between seven and 15 percent annually on total cooling costs because the roof is actually helping reduce the temperature fluctuations inside the home. That’s a green product that saves green.”

On his home, Clement chose to match synthetic roofing tiles with energy-efficient vinyl windows from Simonton Windows. The low-maintenance ENERGY STAR qualified windows have fusion welded vinyl frames that serve as a strong insulator. According to the Vinyl Institute, vinyl products have no negative impact on indoor air quality and they’re often specified in green certified homes. The realistic-looking roofing tiles and attractive windows also add both beauty and comfort to the home.

“A synthetic product, like an installed Solar Block acrylic block window, is constructed to reduce the amount of ultraviolet rays that penetrate into your home,” says Clement. “In turn, that reduces your overall energy bills. Any homeowner eager to save money while looking to purchase environmentally-friendly products can do so by exploring the synthetic options available in the marketplace.”

According to Clement, who serves as the tool and how-to expert for HGTVPro.com, synthetic products are made to outlast many natural products. “The Fypon urethane door surrounds and PVC trimboards I’ve installed on the exterior of homes years ago look as good today as when I put them up,” says Clement. “The pieces don’t rot, twist, warp or absorb water. The end result is that, once installed, you save on long-term maintenance and have trim pieces that will outlast the majority of real wood products.”

For additional information on synthetic products for the home, visit www.myfixituplife.com.

Contribution to educate consumers about how they can save water and fund global freshwater conservation programs through January 2012

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (February 1, 2010) – American Standard Brands, a leading manufacturer of bath and kitchen plumbing products in North America, announced today its commitment of $1 million over a two-year period to The Nature Conservancy to increase awareness of how consumers can conserve water every day and to provide support of the Conservancy’s mission of protecting the Earth’s most vital natural resource – our drinking water.

“As the world’s largest conservation organization, The Nature Conservancy is committed to changing the way water is used and managed to ensure a sustainable supply for people while ensuring ecological health. We couldn’t be more pleased by the support of such a venerable brand as American Standard, a company which shares our passion and dedication to protecting the environment,” said Brian Richter, director of The Nature Conservancy’s Global Freshwater Program.

“At American Standard, our goal is to educate consumers that conservation can and does begin at home. By developing water efficient, low-consumption toilets, faucets and showerheads that actually work, we are providing consumers with real choice in creating responsible bathrooms without sacrifice in style or performance,” said Don Devine, American Standard president and chief executive officer. “Our objective is to reduce overall water consumption by more than 18 billion gallons not just this year, but every year thereafter, through the installation of water efficient American Standard toilets, showers and faucets. This will save consumers money on water, reduce water treatment volumes and costs, and reduce the strain on our environment.”

American Standard’s two-year agreement/partnership and support of the Conservancy’s mission in the area of global freshwater conservation is intended to bring attention to an issue of mounting global concern while providing solutions through award-winning product innovations and increased selection that puts the opportunity to make a difference squarely in the hands of consumers.

“The Nature Conservancy has a 50-year track record of achieving results in the area of conservation. We can’t think of a more esteemed partner or more vital endeavor to put our support behind,” commented Mr. Devine.

ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD BRANDS
American Standard Brands is a leading North American manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality kitchen and bath products, including faucets, fixtures, furniture, vitreous china fixtures, cast iron sinks, whirlpool tubs and other related products. The company currently serves both the residential and commercial markets; employs more than 6,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and markets products under the American Standard®, Crane®, Eljer®, Porcher®, Jado®, and Fiat® brands. American Standard Brands is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners with a minority interest held by Bain Capital Partners, Inc.

ABOUT THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide.

(San Francisco, January 28, 2010) — Action For Nature, a San-Francisco-based non-profit, is now taking applications for the 2010 International Young Eco-Hero Awards, which honor youth ages 8 to 16 for their outstanding accomplishments in environmental advocacy, environmental health, research and protection of the natural world.

Award recipients will receive up to $500 cash, an award certificate, and other forms of recognition. The application deadline is February 28, 2010.

Action For Nature’s mission is to encourage young people to take personal action to nurture and protect a healthy environment on which all life depends. Now in its eighth year of the International Young Eco-Hero Awards, the organization has honored 90 young people from 13 countries and 24 states in America.

Previous award winners have continued to receive other prestigious leadership, environmental and science awards, such as the Brower Youth and Intel Science awards. They’ve also taken part in local, national and international media interviews.

Alec Loorz, a 2008 award winner, has continued to educate youth and adults about global warming and has spoken to more than 20,000 people. Alec, who is now 15, is the youngest member of Al Gore’s speaking panel, and was recently asked to assist with a presentation before the U.S. Senate.

Former award winner Otana Jakpor, 16, researched air purifiers and ozone emissions and successfully advocated for change in California. Her findings resulted in the first-ever state regulation of ozone-generators. She has since been honored by the Environmental Protection Agency and has become an official spokesperson for the American Lung Association. She has also had her work published by several science journals.

For more information about the International Young Eco-Hero Awards, as well as to view the guidelines and application forms, visit www.actionfornature.org.

Guidelines and applications are available at:

http://www.actionfornature.org/eco-hero/ecoheroawards.html

Simonton.com/EnergyStar supplies all the information needed to order the right windows for your home!

PARKERSBURG, W. VA. – On January 4th, 2010 the Energy Star® program introduced new criteria to improve energy performance levels of windows and doors for all regions of the country. As an Energy Star partner for the past eleven years, Simonton Windows® is prepared for the changes and has introduced Energy Star zone-specific packages for each product the company produces.

“We have made sure that every Simonton product line has an Energy Star specific glass package that can be easily ordered for each of the four climate zones within the program,” says Tony Eschmeyer, senior product manager for Simonton Windows.

Named for each Energy Star climate zone, (Northern, North-Central, South-Central and Southern) Simonton’s new Energy Star glass packages provide the optimal balance of thermal efficiency and value. Each package is optimized for the particular product line and geographic zone in which the window or door will be installed. Selecting the right glass package is as simple as:

1. Specifying the Simonton windows and doors you want.

2. Stating that you want ENERGY STAR qualified products.

3. Indicating your climate zone.

The simplest way homeowners and building industry professionals can gain information on ordering 2010 Energy Star qualified Simonton vinyl windows and doors is by visiting www.Simonton.com/EnergyStar. “Our dedicated web site makes it fast and easy for people to gain information on Simonton Energy Star qualified products,” says Eschmeyer. “We even offer a free climate zone identifier list download (by U.S. county), along with Energy Star consumer brochures to assist homeowners, remodelers and builders.”

Simonton also supports the 2010 Energy Star guidelines and pending legislation that would tie them in with the current federal energy tax credit program underway through 2010. “Different areas of the country experience different weather extremes,” says Eschmeyer. “It makes sense that windows and doors should be constructed and rated to handle the unique weather conditions in northern climates versus the southern coastline.

“The 2010 Energy Star guidelines are a positive step toward designating energy performance levels for all regions of the country within the four-zone Energy Star map. At Simonton, we’re ready to supply top-quality windows and doors that meet the 2010 Energy Star guidelines no matter what region a person resides in throughout the country.”

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. For the second year in a row, Simonton ranked “Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction StudySM. Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best-In-Class Awards from Market Research Associates.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in five days or less. Part of the home and security business of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton delivers award-winning products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

Covering Whole House Attic Fans with New Shuttercover™ Trim to Fit

– Jan. 6, 2010 – Most people would agree that leaving a window open in the winter would not be a good idea.  However, homes with uncovered whole house fans are essentially doing just that – increasing energy usage and costs for the homeowner.  Now, Shuttercover™ Trim to Fit, a trim-to-fit fan cover from RH Manufacturing, offers homeowners an easy and affordable way to cover their fans and lower energy bills.

“While whole house fans use far less energy than air conditioners when in use, the systems provide little to no insulating value.  In the winter, when you’re heating the home, they let hot air out and cold air in.  In the summer, when the air conditioning is running, they let hot air in and cold air out,” says Rick Hedgpeth at RH Manufacturing, the largest manufacturer of insulation products for whole house fans in the United States.   “Homeowners can save a tremendous amount of energy – and money – by covering and insulating the opening.  Our Shuttercover Trim to Fit makes it easy to do just that, without ever having to enter the attic.”

Shuttercover Trim to Fit covers are made of ¼-inch thick, Low-E reflective foil insulation.  This type of insulation can stop up to 97% of radiant heat transfer, adding significant energy savings. One side has a white coating to blend in with the surrounding ceiling.  The square can be trimmed to fit any shutter size up to 48 inches by 48 inches.

The Shuttercover Trim to Fit attaches to the ceiling with a self-adhesive Velcro^Ò-like connector.  This means no more duct tape, plastic or trips to the attic.  Simply stick the cover in place on the ceiling.  Remove the cover to use the fan, and replace it when finished.

In addition to preventing air infiltration, Shuttercover Trim to Fit also helps lower bills by decreasing hot and cold spots that make the furnace or air conditioner turn on unnecessarily.    Most whole house fan shutters are in hallways, near thermostats.  Air coming in through the un-insulated shutters creates a hot or cold spot, which the thermostat detects, causing the furnace or air conditioner to come on when it might not actually be needed.  Shuttercover Trim to Fit can help prevent this.

“Shuttercover Trim to Fit is a wonderful product.  I installed one…right before it turned cold,” says one happy customer in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Available for less than $30 at retailers including Lowes, Westlake, Ace Hardware, WW Grainger, Sutherlands, Meeks and Herrman Lumber, Shuttercover Trim to Fit is an easy and affordable solution for homeowners.  Homeowners and contractors may also purchase products online at www.lowes.com and www.grainger.com.

For additional information, including a full list of retailers, visit http://shuttercover.com or email customerservice@shuttercover.com.

American Clay Adds US-sourced/made Lime Putty to Sustainable, Healthy Offerings

Albuquerque, NM (January, 2010) – Award-winning, patented American Clay Enterprises kicks off 2010 with a major addition to their line of natural, sustainable and healthy plasters for interior walls and ceilings. The company is introducing their own Lime Putty. This lime putty can be used for gauging, or adding to, American Clay’s Earth Plasters and also mixed to make limewash. One primary element that makes the American Clay lime products uniquely more sustainable–and LEED friendly–than most lime putty used in the U.S. is that the lime is U.S. sourced. Based on the successful preview at Greenbuild International Expo in November, builders and architects are eager for the products which are both a natural evolution for the line, and an example of American Clay’s consistent response to its users’ needs. Both products are available as of this month.

American Clay–which helps provide top indoor air quality, beauty and potential energy savings–has long wanted a U.S. made Lime Putty to augment the breadth of their interior clay plasters. But it was important to them to be able to source the lime locally. Most lime putty used in the U.S. is imported from European or Mediterranean countries, which significantly affects the product’s carbon footprint. American Clay can contribute up to eight LEED points (five in most areas) across various sections of the LEED-NC rating system.

“We always knew the benefits of adding lime to the clay. The main issue was that a dry material is less stable over time, and most of the available putty was coming from overseas,” observes CEO and co-Founder Croft Elsaesser. “Staying true to local sourcing for the main products has been key, and we are pleased to be able to provide a high quality lime putty from domestic sources. From being awarded our patent last February, to celebrating our seven-year anniversary and now this, it’s been a great year.”

While many of the American Clay products can be used by a wide range of professionals and do-it-yourselfers, the Lime Putty is primarily a professional product, used to ‘gauge’, or harden, a plaster. Lime Putty is ’slaked’ lime forming putty, processed to provide additional hardness when added to and used with American Clay Plasters. The addition of the Lime Putty to the original earth plasters lowers the working, time of the plaster, but the end result is a harder finish, achieving near maximum hardness in six months. Similarly, the limewash should be used by trained American Clay Artisans, or experienced plaster professionals familiar with lime putty and its properties.

The Lime Putty as a gauging material can be added to all American Clay applications: the ‘two-coat process’ original plasters (Loma, Porcelina or Marittimo) or the commercial, single-coat Enjarre plaster; application procedures are the same as without it. It is packaged in 1-gallon buckets weighing 10 lbs, with a retail cost of $42.00 plus shipping. Adding the Lime Putty to the second coat of any of their plasters will increase the square footage of coverage by approximately 10%.

The Lime Putty for limewash is also highly anticipated. This is brushed on to a porous interior surface to enhance and enrich American Clay color, to completely change the color of your plaster, and provide sheen to the plaster. The brushed limewash can cover 200-400 square feet of wall space, per gallon per coat. American Clay’s website will host a “YouTube” video showing the application of American Clay limewash beginning January 8th.

ABOUT AMERICAN CLAY ENTERPRISES, INC:
American Clay Enterprises, Inc., based in Albuquerque, NM, produces patented, award-winning, all-natural interior wall finishing products. Their Earth Plasters and the commercial ENJARRE single coat plaster are a unique combination of clays, aggregates and natural pigments that offer builders and consumers a natural and elegant option. There is no off-gassing nor inherent waste on-site. The plasters contain zero VOCs, are non-flammable, are mold resisting (without toxic fungicides), absorb odors, provide temperature and humidity buffering, repair/clean easily and come in recyclable packaging. American Clay, with an extremely low carbon footprint, is uniquely manufactured in the U.S. and made of materials found in the U.S. The product and various workshops are available through their New Mexico office or through one of the growing number of retailers and distributors across the U.S. The website, www.americanclay.com, offers information on products, ordering, technical specifications, product application and additional resources and links.
U.S. PAT No. 7,485,186 B2

Allentown, PA – January 5, 2010 – fiberAmerica, an innovative manufacturer of consistent, high quality and environmentally-friendly cellulose fiber insulation products, today announced the launch of its ‘Green Seal’ cellulose fiber insulation product line.  This environmentally-friendly family of insulation products provides homeowners with a cost-effective, healthier and more energy-efficient option than fiberglass products.

“With proper insulation, homeowners can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, which will be critical as utility rates are expected to increase dramatically in 2010 across the country.  Green Seal can help homeowners save money, while also keeping the impact to the environment at a minimum,” said David A. Johnson, president for fiberAmerica.  “The fact that our initial group of customers is already placing repeat orders is validation that Green Seal is meeting the market needs for a high-quality, environmentally-friendly insulation product.”

Tested and certified by R&D Services as well as in fiberAmerica’s on-site laboratory, the Green Seal product line uses high quality recycled paper and environmentally-friendly fire-retardant materials in its manufacturing process.  Green Seal’s excellent insulating properties help reduce energy consumption and provide superior acoustical insulation assets compared to fiberglass insulation.  Additionally, cellulose insulation is safe and non-toxic to installers and building inhabitants – promoting a healthier environment.

“Green Seal is absolutely fantastic,” said Angelo Aiello, president of A. A. Insulation.  “We’ve been installing cellulose insulation for 31 years and Green Seal is superior to any other product we have used.  It is a high quality product that offers excellent consistency, has a minimal dust factor and works well through our insulation machine.  It even stacks well in our warehouses, saving us storage space.  fiberAmerica has delivered our orders on time and their staff has been extremely knowledgeable and responsive to our needs.”

fiberAmerica will be announcing additional products in the near future, all manufactured in its new technically-advanced production facility conveniently located for installers throughout the eastern United States.

About fiberAmerica

fiberAmerica is an innovative manufacturer of consistent, high quality and environmentally-friendly cellulose fiber insulation products.  Based in Allentown, Pa., the company is conveniently located to serve contractors, distributors, architects, engineers and government agencies in the northeastern United States and international markets.  Manufactured in the most technically-advanced production facility in the industry and using high quality recycled paper, fiberAmerica’s “Green Seal” product line provides superior acoustical insulation properties, reduces energy consumption and promotes a healthier environment.

For more information on fiberAmerica, visit www.fiberamerica.us.

PARKERSBURG, W. VA. – What would you do if someone offered to show you how to save $10,000 on a home improvement project? Several lucky homeowners presented with this opportunity for the popular 10 Grand in Your Hand television show have followed expert advice and chosen to invest in energy-efficient Simonton vinyl windows and doors.

At the beginning of the show, licensed contractor John DeSilvia comes into a home renovation (or remodeling) project offering homeowners smart advice on products and technologies, plus some essential how-to information. DeSilvia’s recommendations help homeowners save cash on the project and improve the value and comfort of their home.

“Show participants are very aware of the need to enhance their homes with top-quality products,” says Gary Pember, vice president of marketing at Simonton Windows. “We’re working closely with the show to provide participants with energy-efficient windows and doors that will have tremendous payback. These ENERGY STAR® qualified products enhance the interior and exterior beauty and comfort of the renovated home, while helping reduce energy costs.”

Several episodes of the show, featuring a variety of energy-efficient Simonton windows and doors, are being shot throughout the state of New York for airdates in 2010. Now in its second season on the DIY Network, 10 Grand in Your Hand challenges homeowners to make smart renovation decisions for their homes. One of the top three highest rated shows on the DIY Network, 10 Grand in Your Hand is produced by Boy Wonder Productions. The show airs on Wednesday evenings at 9pm EST on the DIY Network.

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. For the second year in a row, Simonton ranked “Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction StudySM. Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best-In-Class Awards from Market Research Associates.

The following information about a recent siding choice survey is quite interesting. We found it very interesting because we’re located in the northeast where brick siding isn’t as common as the South and West. So we were very surprised to see that brick siding is the preferred siding in a majority of the Country.

Roswell, Ga. (Dec. 18, 2009) – According to a recent survey conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Boral Bricks, 59 percent of all homeowners with a siding preference would choose brick for their homes. The study was commissioned by Boral Bricks, Inc. to determine current consumer preferences for siding.

The survey, conducted in October, asked participants which type of siding they prefer on a home. Possible answers included brick, vinyl, stucco, fiber cement/composite and other; participants were allowed to choose more than one option. For the 1,144 homeowners with a siding preference, brick was the leading choice with nearly two of every three respondents selecting it. Vinyl came in second (37 percent), followed by stucco (19 percent), fiber cement/composite (14 percent), and other (11 percent).

“This research shows brick is still the overwhelming choice for homeowners who have a say in their exterior cladding,” said Bob Kepford, president, Boral Bricks, Inc. “Coming out of the recession, homeowners will likely be in their homes longer than in recent years, and they should insist their builders use the most sustainable siding option to ensure it holds up to the elements. Brick has also proven to help homes increase in value, which is important with slower real estate appreciation expected in the future.”

According to U.S. Census data on siding for new homes, builders have increasingly opted for lap siding products over the last ten years. These products may provide more ease of installation; however, they don’t offer the consumer benefits homeowners appreciate with brick – including the fact that it is virtually maintenance free, extremely durable, locally sourced and sustainable.

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About Boral Bricks:
Boral Bricks is the largest clay brick and paver manufacturer in the United States. Boral Bricks Inc. is the largest operating company of Boral USA, a holding company that owns Boral’s U.S. operation. Boral Bricks Inc. is headquartered in Roswell, GA. For additional information, please visit www.boralbricks.com or call 800-5-BORAL-5.