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.

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.

Additional “green” home building and remodeling tips include:

• Choosing paints that are labeled as containing low volatile organic compounds. 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.