Green

Orlando, Fla. -- Chicago-based hardware co-op True Value Co. reported wholesale revenues increased 2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2010, and retail revenues increased 4.6% for the quarter.

CEO Lyle Heidemann delivered the preliminary results to True Value members during the General Session of the co-op's 2011 Spring & Rental Market held here in Orlando. 

"Our fourth quarter results should give us some momentum going into 2011," Heidemann said. 

In partnership with American Forests, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe's will celebrate the Earth Day weekend by giving away 1 million tree saplings to customers.

“Putting trees into the hands of our customers is a simple way to make a big difference on Earth Day," said Kevin Measel, Lowe’s VP nursery merchandising. "We hope that these trees will be a catalyst for our customers to seek out other simple ways to give back to the earth at home and in day-to-day life."

The Hillman Group has announced the acquisition of TagWorks, a pet ID tag program, for $40 million in cash plus an additional consideration of $12.5 million on Oct. 31, 2011. TagWorks is responsible for paying $18.5 million in outstanding debt and transaction fees from the proceeds. The deal closed on March 16. 

Florham Park, N.J.-based BASF launched its SELECT Eco-Label Manager, a database created to manage the abundance of eco-labels, environmental claims, directories and ratings systems. 

SELECT is an acronym for sustainability, eco-labeling and environmental certification tracking. The service allows the user to search, analyze and compare these programs in a structured format.

RISI, a leading provider of information about the forest products industry, has announced the appointment of Wade Camp as senior wood products economist. Camp comes to RISI from the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, where he held the title of director of economic services. 

Camp's career spans three decades and multiple roles from production to economic modeling, working for companies and associations such as International Paper, Georgia-Pacific and the Southern Forest Products Association. 

Edison, N.J. -- American lawns don't need to be dandelion-free, says the founder of SafeLawns.org. It's much better for them to be healthy for children and other living things. 

That's one of the many green-minded messages Paul Tukey delivered to a small group during the New Jersey Flower & Garden Show here. Tukey is founder of the non-profit pro-environment organization SafeLawns.org

The Boa Closure System, which replaces traditional shoe strings with a durable closure system, will be featured on certain Red Wing work boots this spring. 

The Boa Closure system is tightened and loosened by a dial and is designed for comfort, safety and closure, the company said.

Unlike traditional shoelaces that can cause uneven pressure due to friction when tied, the Boa Closure System allows the lace to equalize pressure around the foot, creating a customized, glove-like-fit that never comes untied.

Rochester, N.Y.-based Harris Seeds, a provider of garden seeds, supplies and organic gardening solutions, is partnering with Worm Power to offer its organic fertilizer to gardeners nationwide. The agreement makes Harris Seeds the primary distributor of Worm Power in the United States.