Archives for 2010

We haven’t come across a paint for lawns we like – until now. Easy Green Lawn Paint was designed and developed for a fast and economical way to restore the natural green color to dormant or distressed turf. While for home and commercial lawn use, it is also highly recommended for golf courses, football and soccer fields, and similar sports areas. A big plus – and why we picked it as a “Sneak Peek” – it is environmentally friendly and contains no hazardous chemicals, heavy metals, or other inert ingredients harmful to turf.

While we do endorse and promote landscaping to yield green and lush grass, there are troubled areas of turf, sometimes whole lawns, that can benefit from “make-overs” or “make-up” until fresh seed can grow. For some, it is an all-year alternative. Using lawn paint has many advantages. Easy Green Lawn Paint is a means to quickly improve curb appeal. The dye is harmless to the lawn, pets, and people, and it dries in less than an hour. It is safe and lasts up to 3 months (or until mowed of course). Easy Green Lawn Paint will be in booth number 10535 at The National Hardware Show in Las Vegas next week. – Editors working on lawn care and curb appeal articles in 2010, this product and some related how-to-use-it tips from the folks at Easy Care Lawn Paint could serve as an applicable sidebar.

~ Adam

Decades before the phrases green and eco-friendly became ubiquitous trends, The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company finished experimentation of its all-natural Milk Paint. Then used for furniture and other porous surfaces, now, the newest line of Milk Paint is an organic, durable, non-polluting matte paint for walls. Appropriately named, SafePaint is a fantastic solution for those sensitive to standard paints or opting for a more natural paint choice. That is exactly why we want to preview this “Sneak Peek” product for editors and consumers alike.

This year at the National Hardware Show, The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company will be a first-time exhibitor even though it has been creating Milk Paint since 1974. This newest SafePaint line is made from the same ingredients – crushed limestone, milk proteins and earth pigments. The powdered Milk Paints are available in 20 colors, but may also be blended together or diluted with white Milk Paint for numerous color choices. All one has to do is add water and mix with a drill paint paddle or even a portable kitchen beater.

We really love that the ingredients are bio-degradable and yet permanent when mixed and painted on walls. And, we give SafePaint our stamp of approval because it promises the same great adhesion and luminescent qualities as the original Milk Paint, or a full refund is guaranteed.

If you will be in Vegas for the show, stop by the Milk Paint booth (#2534) and check out SafePaint for yourself. And, as always, let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

~ Sarah Kate

Four days and counting until the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. We have been receiving nice feedback about our “Sneak Peek” product reviews from numerous editor and producer contacts of our firm. This is a good sign the show will draw a good deal of media attention. Show planners have executed one of the best showings of tradeshow media relations we have seen in some time. We are excited to be a part of covering select products, brands, manufactures, and exhibitors on our blog and in articles. This “Sneak Peek” stems from a creative company called PF WaterWorks. PF WaterWorks offers innovative, eco-friendly and convenient products to improve self-sufficiency in the residential, commercial, industrial, and hospitality sectors.

PF WaterWorks is a Houston-based product development and manufacturing company targeting “green” drain management. Company leaders are focusing product development upon the fact its customers lead busy lives and work schedules. We were impressed, in that, they are committed to helping improve the environment and save customers time and money.

The company announced recently it will be introducing its new ClogFREE™ magnetic stopper for sink drains, which eliminates the need for standard pop-up stopper connecting rods, at the National Hardware Show, Las Vegas. The product’s design was invented without a typical connecting rod to avoid the obstruction of caught hair and debris. This permits an easy flow of water and reduces the need for maintenance with plumbing snakes, dangerous drain cleaners and messy disassembly. Unlike more common drain apparatus, the ClogFREE™ magnetic stopper addresses health, safety and environmental concerns associated with clogged sinks (pictured left).

In 2008, PF Waterworks successfully introduced the revolutionary PermaFLOW® − No Clog Drain, to replace a conventional P-Trap, a sister product that works seamlessly with the new ClogFREE™ Pop-UP Drain. The ClogFREE™ Pop-Up Drain is universal.

PF Waterworks will also launch the new

HairFREE™ – No-Hair Pop-Up at the show. It utilizes patent-pending HairGuard™ technology to stop drains from trapping hair and alleviate the build-up of clogs. The HairGuard™ isolates the pop-up stopper connecting rod, diverting water, hair and other debris safely down the drain. This addresses accumulation problems and allows for little to no maintenance. The HairFREE™ Pop-Up Drain Stopper is also universal (pictured right).

The PlungeMAX™ – No-mess Plunger™ additionally will be launched at the show. The product is being brought to market to easily unclog toilets without the usual mess and splashing. PF WaterWorks manufactured the new product to help rid of harsh chemical drain cleaners and old-fashioned plungers that host germs and dirt. This sounds good to us! – Retailers and media members alike, if you are attending the show, stop by booth 3317. If you are a member of the media and cannot attend the show this year, let us know any questions at

jcollard@eberlycollardpr.com. Blog comments (below) are welcome.

~ Jeff

Resurfacing outdoor surfaces is becoming an even more popular topic in trade publications and consumer magazines. In the words of an editor friend at Harris Publications (and we agree), resurfacing will continue to increase in homeowner interest based upon the current real estate market. With people staying in their homes longer, remodeling and renovation are the norm more so now than in recent years. Thus, our next National Hardware Show “Sneak Peek,” the new Solar Decking Tiles from Mr. Light. (Note: Check back on the product’s site – linked above – for details later if needed, as this is a new item being launched).

These snap-together outdoor solar decking tiles are a means for homeowners to resurface or remodel their old concrete patios, balconies, rooftop decks, and old wood decks quickly and easily. As with all the better DIY projects for busy people these days, installation is simple and comes without all the hard work of conventional installation methods.

After writing probably hundreds of outdoor room and deck articles over the years, we have learned a thing or two about decking, resurfacing, and the like. Our team agrees these tiles are viable options. They can be installed over almost any hard surface like concrete, brick, asphalt, existing wood decks, compacted gravel, other tiles, and even bare ground (with proper preparation) – just by snapping the tiles together.

Those lucky enough to be in Vegas at the show next week can see the Solar Decking Tiles at booth # 11962.

~ Jeff

The National Hardware Show is around the corner, and this is a “Sneak Peek” at Botanical Towers. When installed outdoors, they provide the utility of a triple shepherd’s hook and the functionality of a trellis, while offering defined charm and handcrafted quality.

Used as accent pieces in lawns and landscapes, we recommend them because they yield architectural interest like that which is similarly provided by larger structures, such as pergolas and arbors. They fit well in large landscape. But, designers and retailers can sell them for small-space gardens, courtyards, around condos, beside townhomes, and wherever exterior light and ambiance is desired.

Botanical Towers are constructed of western red cedar and assembled using cast-iron brackets and powder-coated hardware, creating three 15″ X 15″ display areas. This is a good item for magazines’ “Outdoor Accessories” product profile sections. National Hardware Show attendees can get an in-person look at Botanical Towers next week.

~ Don

Okay, DuneCraft, Inc’s Hydro-Dome product, a hydroponic method of growing plants in water (no soil) that uses mineral nutrient solutions, is right up our alley. Over the years, our team at ECPR has publicized and featured just about every type of plant and growing system on the market. Take it from us, this is a very cool product that will be enjoyed by home and garden magazine, newspaper, and blog readers. So, consumer publication editors, bloggers and garden writers, take a moment to keep reading.

And, for retailers interested in supplying customers with unique ways to garden indoors and at home with the kids, this all-in-one gardening hydro-system makes for a self-contained kit – something very different to address the garden-to-table and gardening-at-home trends.

At the National Hardware Show next week, DuneCraft will be exhibiting the hydroponic system, which includes a Hydro-Pump (a pump, airline and a diffuser stone). One of its best attributes is that, unlike some similar hobbyist offerings which are merely capillary wick systems, this is true hydroponic gardening on a small scale with a flood plain and bubbler system. Users can grow plants in rock-wool and net pots, which suspend plants in the air at the perfect height for maximum nutrition and aeration. In researching the kit, our staff most liked the fact it comes with everything needed: a greenhouse with hydroponic tray, two-part nutrient, net pots, rock-wool, seeds, hydro-pump for aeration, and easy-to-follow directions.

The Hydro-Dome retails for $29.99 and is safe for ages 13 and up. We are happy to report that Hydro-Dome was featured in Popular Mechanics for being one of the “Top 12 Gadgets” from The International Toy Fair in February 2010.

Retailers, can this meet your needs for unique gardening product options? Garden writers, post your comments. We know you have thoughts about this trendy product.

~ Adam

This product was chosen as one of our National Hardware Show “Sneak Peeks” because we know many editor contacts and friends of ours seek truly innovative products to share with their readers. This product stood out to our whole team as a very useful and helpful tool for the home as well as for spas, gyms, and other areas where indoor humidity or condensation is a concern. Using it is an effective way to keep bathrooms free of condensation, therefore reducing or eliminating health hazards and costly repairs.

DewStop is a user-friendly, cost-effective way for homebuilders and homeowners to monitor and control the effects of condensation in homes. Because of its technology, price and ease of use, the DewStop FS-100-W1 Fan Switch can be installed in every bathroom or similar space. The installation is quick and easy, and can be done by most homeowners.

While measuring humidity, dew point, and temperature, DewStop will turn on exhaust fans. After the room is clear of moisture, it automatically turns off the fan. DewStop’s ability to sense dew point and automatically turn on fans helps prevent harmful mold and mildew. The best part – no more skirting across the bathroom floor dripping wet, after forgetting to flip on the fan switch before getting into the shower.

Home, Shelter and Spa magazine readers will love this product as an “Editor’s Pick” or product profile. – Retailers and members of the media, we hope you will say hello to the folks in the DewStop / GTR Technologies, Inc. exhibit booth at the National Hardware Show.

~ Don

Having just visited beautiful Auckland, New Zealand, and now preparing for the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, Don and I have a couple of things in common with this company. EnviroSafe Technologies, a privately held company based in Auckland, New Zealand, is know for developing one of the first environmentally friendly mosquito traps. Now, an established global brand, Mega-Catch™ mosquito traps, have been sold in over 40 countries around the world including Australia, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Argentina, and in the continent of North America. Mega-Catch™ mosquito traps are safe, non-toxic and eco-friendly, and, best of all, they do not require the use of harmful pesticides, fogs or sprays to kill mosquitoes.

Planned for display at the National Hardware Show next week, Mega-Catch™ 3000 has been formulated to increase capture rates of nuisance mosquitoes (including aedes albopictus, the Asian Tiger Mosquito) sand flies, black files, and biting midges (no-see-ums). The product is a combination lure incorporating synthetic Octenol, lactic acid and other ingredients. Michael Bremner, general manager, describes it as aromatherapy for mosquitoes.

Show attendees and media members will also be able to learn about the company’s new patent-pending Mega-Catch™ PRO 900 Series. Four new and improved models, the PRO 900 Series ALPHA, PREMIER (photo below), PREMIER XC, and ULTRA traps offer users features designed to increase capture rates and take the guesswork out of mosquito control. With more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes bothering and biting homeowners around the globe, these non-toxic and eco-friendly mosquito traps are safe and well worth considering.

If you are a member of the media and cannot attend the show this year, let us know any questions at deberly@eberlycollardpr.com . We can put you in touch with the folks that created Mega-Catch. Comments may be posted here, so let us know what you think.

~ Jeff

With the National Hardware Show just around the corner, our team at ECPR is enjoying the process of selecting and featuring products in our ongoing pre-show “Sneak Peek” series. There are many incredible products being planned for introductions, launches and revisits at the show. For those lucky enough to attend, it is going to be a top-level means for learning about the products and brands that will stand out in 2010 and beyond. Show organizers have done an amazing job of planning education and events for exhibitors, media members, and attendees. For folks not able to make the trip to Las Vegas this year, keep returning to our blog for pre-show “Sneak Peek” updates and post-show “Best ofs…” and trend insights from the exhibitors.

If you haven’t read the previous product posts or introduction to the series, scroll down to read them in reverse order (and select “Older Posts” at the bottom of the blog page).

Okay, onto our next “Sneak Peek” product profile… The name alone is an attention-grabber. It is Green it! Organic Lawn in a Box, produced and sold by Environmental Factor Inc. We picked this product based upon the growing trend of do-it-yourself enthusiasm on the parts of homeowners. Green it! Organic Lawn in a Box is a complete do-it-yourself organic lawn care program at an affordable price. By using it, preventing weed and insect problems naturally is easy. The result is a thicker and greener lawn. So, to our editor friends looking for ways to enlighten readers about the “perfect” lawn in late spring or summer Living or Gardening articles, consider this information for them.

Each box includes a 3-step chemical-free fertilizer program for spring, summer and fall. The fertilizer comes pre-mixed and ready to spray, eliminating risk of burning and over application. The Green It kit also includes sprayable liquid corn gluten (based on technology developed by Iowa State University), fish / seaweed fertilizers, a soil pH test kit, and a lawn guide and bonus weeder. – The product contents may sound intense at first; but, it is easy and fast to use even for the person with no green thumb. Anything that is tested to supply sustainable and lush organic lawns, with a no-hassle approach like this, gets our vote.

And, unlike a few other fertilizers on the market these days, Environmental Factor Inc., packages its Green It product in environmentally conscious material. Each box is made from FSC-certified packaging, making this a truly sustainable product at large. Its suggested retail price of $39.99 is worth mentioning, too, since it is a small price to pay for lush, green grass. – Fertilizer and lawn care articles are available to editors and publishers by contacting our staff at ECPR or posting comments here. Producers taking stock of fertilizers and home / garden products for upcoming show productions, we can help there, too. – If packing for Vegas during the next few days, visit Environmental Factor Inc. at the show.

~ Don

Hands-down, we had to include this product in our National Hardware Show “Sneak Peek” series. We have written about, promoted, publicized, created videos for, and answered questions pertaining to reparative lawn products and fertilizers for years. Jeff and I have had our articles about grass and soil amendments as well as trade and consumer fertilizer products published in many magazines, and this one caught our eye at first glance. The new K9-Turf Fertilizer is an all-purpose fertilizer used seasonally and repairs yellow spots in the lawn from dog urine or salt damage. And, yes, it is safe for both pets and children.

In short, it is a custom-designed lawn patch that neutralizes pet urine and conditions the soil, with premium grass seed to patch bare spots. Dark green grasses flourish with this mixture of gypsum and perennial grasses to quickly re-grow grass in the place of long-gone yellow spots. According to the company, K9-Turf Fertilizer grows anywhere, is safe for the environment, works as a unique blend of premium seed that matches most lawns, retains moisture for seed germination, germinates in five to seven days, and covers 250 square feet or 90 bare spots.

K9-Turf Products is a family-owned grass seed supplier with over 80 years of combined experience in the grass seed business. The company has patented its formula of seed, organic matter, and organic soil conditioner as an environmentally responsible solution for repairing lawns.

Editors seeking articles about consumer fertilizers with lawn repair tips from expert sources like the makers of this product and others, contact us anytime. Those heading to Vegas for the National Hardware Show next week, take a few minutes to learn more about K9-Turf Products on site.

~ Don