Newsline

Volume VII, Issue 10 - April 28, 2006

The Carpet and Rug Institute news for industry executives

In This Issue:
-- Seven New Cleaning Solutions Join CRI Seal of Approval Family
-- New York Document Under Review By CRI Workgroup
-- CRI Green Label Plus Specified Under Energy Star Program
-- Florida Green Lodging Program Announces Workshops
-- Connecticut Article Claims Cleaning Carpet Aids Healthier Air
-- CRI Meetings
-- CRI Participation in Upcoming Events

Seven New Cleaning Solutions Join CRI Seal of Approval Family

CRI Seal of ApprovalA total of seven new cleaning solutions have earned their designation as CRI Seal of Approval certified products after passing a series of stringent tests performed by an independent laboratory.

Hillyard’s Double Down spot remover joined five pre- sprays and a spot remover manufactured by Harris Research, Inc. and marketed under the name of Chem-Dry as the latest additions to an expanding list of products within the SOA Cleaning Solutions category.

Chem-Dry now has The Natural III, The Natural IV, Supercharger, Traffic Lane Pre-Spray and Chem-Clean certified in the pre-spray category along with their World Famous Professional Strength Spot Remover. Harris Research, Inc. is headquartered in Logan UT.

Hillyard’s Double Down is a just-released spot remover that passed certification requirements last September and is one of two products Hillyard, Inc. now had certified under the program. Hillyard, Inc. is headquartered in Saint Joseph’s, MO.

The tests for spot removers, pre-sprays and in-tank solutions include protocols for efficacy (removing stains), resoiling (whether the product attracts soil at an accelerated rate), pH (excessively acid or alkaline products can affect dyes and fibers), optical brighteners (can adversely affect color, appearance and performance) and colorfastness to light (residues on pile yarn can accelerate color change).

Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428-2123.

New York Document Under Review By CRI Workgroup

A new document called “Proposed Guidelines and Specifications for the Procurement and Use of Environmentally Sensitive Cleaning and Maintenance Products for All Elementary Secondary Schools in New York State” has been put out for review. You can find this and other “green cleaning”-related documents on the website of the New York State Office of General Services.

The guidelines call for the use of cold water to clean carpet, NOT hot water extraction. The guidelines, when put into effect, will have the rule of law. It will be “mandatory for all elementary and secondary schools in New York State to comply with this legislation.”

The document is open for comments until May 3rd. The Chairman of CRI’s Cleaning & Maintenance Issue Management Team, Carey Mitchell of Shaw, is putting together a work group to address this issue. If you or someone you designate would like to work on CRI’s comments, please contact Ken McIntosh.

Contact Ken McIntosh at 706.428-2105.

CRI Green Label Plus Specified Under Energy Star Program

CRI Green Label PlusThe National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assemble Guidance for their newly released Energy Star Indoor Air Package Specifications.

CRI’s Green Label Plus is included in section #6.9 of these specifications: “Carpets and carpet adhesives shall carry the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus low-emitting product label.”

The CRI fact sheet on GLP will be used as a reference.

Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428-2123.

Florida Green Lodging Program Announces Workshops

The Florida Green Lodging Program recently announced the dates for three workshops which companies with Green Label/Green Label Plus and Seal of Approval-approved products may consider attending. CRI is a Green Lodging Program Partner and these are events where hoteliers will be looking at how to make their hotel “green.” Using CRI-certified products helps these hotels qualify for the Green Lodging program.

  • May 2, 2006, 9:00 a.m. in Tampa – Florida Green Lodging Workshop: This workshop for hoteliers will include topics on the Green Lodging Program and criteria, water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and a walk through of the Best Western WestShore hotel. Registration can be done online.
  • May 3, 2006, 9:00am in Tampa - Improving Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency in Hotels and Public Buildings in Florida: This workshop will provide in-depth training for hotel management and other public buildings management on the special problems with buildings in humid climates. Registration can be done online.
  • May 10, 2006, 9:00 a.m. in Ft. Myers – Florida Green Lodging Workshop: This workshop is being held in conjunction with the Society for Ethical Ecotourism in Southwest Florida. Topics for hoteliers will include topics on the Green Lodging Program and criteria, water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and a tour of Florida’s first Two Palm certified Green Lodge, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. For more information contact John Kiseda at 239.432-2163.

These workshops are free to all hoteliers, local government and Green Lodging Partners; however, you will need to register. Please see the attached flyers for more information.

You are welcome to bring information about your company’s products and/or service that can assist Florida’s Lodging Industry conserve water and energy, reduce waste and improve indoor air quality. During the workshop breaks and at other convenient times, you will be able to talk with the other attendees about how your products and services can help them become certified in the Florida Green Lodging Program.

If you have any additional questions about these workshops, contact Peter Goran at 850.245-8707.

Contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428-2123.

Connecticut Article Claims Cleaning Carpet Aids Healthier Air

Although more than a few battles have been fought over carpet specification in the state of Connecticut, it appears that some people are starting to see the light. A recent article in the Town Times in Middlefield, CT, stated that “Professional carpet cleaning can be an important contribution in maintaining the health of your family’s environment. The carpet in your home is not only pleasing to look at, but the filtering qualities of carpet also help to protect your family from getting sick. How so? Well, your carpet works much the same as a furnace filter. Dust, dander and other allergens in the air will filter down through the surface of the carpet; there they are trapped and are no longer inhaled or get into the eyes.

“Though periodic vacuuming can remove a great deal of this soiling, most vacuum bags allow small particles to pass through them. Many other types of contamination simply cannot be removed by regular vacuuming. That is why periodic professional carpet cleaning is very important.

“What does all this mean to your family? Having your carpets professionally cleaned by a well-trained, conscientious professional does more than improve the appearance of your carpet; it makes your indoor environment healthier.”

Contact James Beach at 706.428-2116.

CRI Meetings

* Market Issues Committee Meeting, May 15, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
* CRI Board of Directors, May 25, 9:00 - 11:00 am
* Government Issues Committee, June 6, 11:00 - 2:30 pm
* Sustainability Issues Management Team, June 7, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
* Operating Committee, June 20, 9:00 - 11:00 am

CRI Participation in Upcoming Events

* Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) Annual Meeting, May 2 - 4, Pine Mountain, GA
* Connections Convention and Trade Show, May 4 - 6, Clearwater, FL
* Connections Convention and Trade Show, September 21-23, Las Vegas, NV
* ISSA/Interclean, 2006, October 4-7, Chicago, IL
* Megatex, October 31 – November 3, Atlanta, GA
* USGBC Greenbuild, November 15-17, Denver, CO

If you are aware of other events that present significant opportunities to deliver our messages to our critical audiences, please contact Joan Seelaus at 706.428.2123.

Check our website calendar for other industry related events

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