Portland, Maine (January 5, 2012) – Looking for local events, indoor farmer’s markets, coupon deals, restaurants, stores, and more? Mainers now have a search engine for finding information about all things green, local, and sustainable. What began as a coupon book and green living guide has grown into Maine’s one-stop online green business directory—TheSunriseGuide.com.

TheSunriseGuide cuts through the clutter of busy search engines and distracting sidebars, helping consumers search with ease for everything from green products and services to local events and activities. This new tool helps green shoppers find restaurants that serve locally harvested food, home energy efficiency professionals, salons that use only organic products, local eco-friendly hotels, and so much more. And each business profile includes an interactive map.

“This website is a great tool for Mainers,” says Richard Burbank, President of Evergreen Home Performance, a Rockland-based company that provides home energy efficiency services in southern and midcoast Maine. “It’s like a local green Google®.”

Visitors are encouraged to check in regularly to download exclusive online coupons to area businesses and find out what’s going on. The directory’s “Events” tab includes information on green happenings statewide, including conferences, open houses, networking opportunities, outdoor activities, and more.

Since expanding to the Midcoast last year, both the print edition of the SunriseGuide and the online directory now include an even broader range of information and saving opportunities for people living from the Greater Portland area to Belfast. Check out the SunriseGuide online directory next time you’re looking for a green business at TheSunriseGuide.com/find-a-busines/. If you are interested in having your business included in this growing directory, please email info@thesunriseguide.com.

About the SunriseGuide
The Sunrise Guide publishes an annual resource guide and coupon book for living green in southern and coastal Maine and an online business directory of green and healthy businesses in Maine. The print edition contains 300 coupons for healthy and eco-friendly products and services, plus articles with tips for sustainable living. Topics include food and dining, outdoor living, home and garden, travel and transportation, community and culture, and more. Look for the 2012 edition at school and community fundraisers, natural food stores, bookstores, and other retail outlets. Learn more and find out where to pick up a copy at www.thesunriseguide.com .

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What: Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage Open House Event

Where: 45 Edgecomb Rd. Belfast, ME

When: Dec. 10, 2011

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Highlights: Traditional Scandinavian themed Christmas Crafts, Free cookies and hot chocolate, Presentation on the new cohousing development and how you can join.

While enjoying the wonderful family friendly afternoon, learn more about the dynamic vision of cooperative living in a new “old-fashioned” neighborhood of tightly clustered homes on 45 acres surrounded by rolling farmland, two miles from downtown Belfast. Residents will own their own homes (as duplex condominiums) and share with their neighbors a barn, wood shop, and large common house. The common house accommodates overnight guests, children’s play space, community meals (optional), celebrations and organically-grown provisions.

The community’s mission is to be an environmentally sustainable, affordable, multi-generational cohousing community that is easily accessible to Belfast, includes land reserved for agricultural use and open space, and is an innovative housing model for rural Maine. On the second Sunday of every month (2-4 p.m.), the community holds free family-friendly events open to the public at their temporary common house—a farmhouse on neighboring land at 45 Edgecomb Rd. For more information call 207-338-9200 or visit http://www.mainecohousing.org.

About Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage

Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is a community of families who are creating an environmentally sustainable, multi-generational neighborhood that will feature homes based on the German Passive House Standard, acclaimed for their energy efficiency and design. Founded on a commitment to community and concern for the environment, Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is reserving 85% of its land for agricultural use and open space. It is an innovative and sustainable housing option for living in rural coastal Maine. Find out more at www.mainecohousing.org.

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Portland, Maine (November  16, 2011) – The 2012 Sunrise Guide, Southern and Coastal  Maine’s annual green resource guide and coupon book, was featured at the #6 spot on the Maine Sunday Telegram’s Bestseller List recently.

The Maine Sunday Telegram’s Bestseller list identifies the top 10 best selling books in the Fiction Hardcover, Fiction Paperback, Non Fiction Hardcover, and Non Fiction Paperback categories.

“The guide isn’t just a coupon book. Yes, it has over 300 coupons, but the book itself is filled with green living tips and experiences, sustainability facts and figures, and extensive information on local green businesses,” said Heather Chandler, Founder and Publisher of the Sunrise Guide.

“We really focus on helping people along their journey to sustainable living and showing that it doesn’t have to cost a lot. A single household has the potential to easily save over $500 on home energy efficiency projects with the help of many cost saving tips throughout the book.”

Since launching in the Midcoast last year, the Sunrise Guide now includes and even broader range of information and saving opportunities for people living from Belfast to the greater Portland area.

About the Sunrise Guide
The Sunrise Guide is an annual resource guide and coupon book for living green in southern and coastal Maine. It contains 300 coupons for healthy and eco-friendly products and services, plus articles with tips for sustainable living. Topics include food and dining, outdoor living, home and garden, travel and transportation, community and culture and more. Look for the 2012 edition at school and community fundraisers, natural food stores, bookstores, and other retail outlets. Learn more and find out where to pick up a copy at www.thesunriseguide.com .

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With 300 coupons valued at over $8,500 this annual guide boasts a new do-it-yourself section, expanded energy efficiency section, new articles from guest experts and much more

Portland, Maine (October 25, 2011) –The annual Sunrise Guide, a unique local resource that combines valuable coupons and tips for eco-friendly living is now available at bookstores and retailers around Southern Maine and in the midcoast, like Longfellow Books in Portland and Rising Tide Community Market, in Damariscotta.

With so many uses as a coupon book, fundraising tool for area groups, or simply a resource to help families along their journey to sustainability, this year’s publishing brought together many new features and some old favorites, thanks in part to reader and advertiser feedback, inside you will find:

• Do-it-Yourself instructions and recipes
• A weatherization and energy efficiency section, with a summary of resources available to Maine homeowners
• Guest articles from Maine’s foremost experts on the green economy, pellet fuel heating, hiking coastal trails and more!
• 300 valuable discounts offering healthy, eco-friendly products and services, valued over $8,500

“The response from readers, advertisers and fundraising groups is amazing, we are in our 6^th printing and every year our coverage grows as well as the number of coupons and the value,” said Heather Chandler, founder and publisher of The Sunrise Guide.

According to Diane Milliken of Horizon Residential Energy Services, “There’s no better way to reach the thriving green and sustainable community in southern Maine- and this community is expanding every day thanks to The Sunrise Guide.”

About the Sunrise Guide
The Sunrise Guide is an annual resource guide and coupon book for living green in southern and coastal Maine. It contains 300 coupons for healthy and eco-friendly products and services, plus articles with tips for sustainable living. Topics include food and dining, outdoor living, home and garden, travel and transportation, community and culture and more. Look for the 2012 edition at school and community fundraisers, natural food stores, bookstores, and other retail outlets. Learn more and find out where to pick up a copy at www.thesunriseguide.com .

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Belfast, Maine (October 25, 2011) – Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage, a socially and environmentally innovative neighborhood in Belfast, recently received the People’s Choice Award from the Natural Resources Council of Maine at their annual meeting.

The award is given annually to an individual or group who demonstrates a passion and dedication to Maine’s environment. Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage was chosen from among the parties nominated and selected by residents from across the state.

“We are honored to receive this award recognizing our efforts to try out a new model for residential development in Maine—one that takes the future into account,” said Sanna McKim, a co-founder of the neighborhood development project as well as a future resident. “We’re excited that this idea of a family-focused neighborhood combining “smart growth”, sustainable agriculture, and energy efficient homes is becoming a reality.”

The organization also recently received planning board approval to begin construction.  Site work and initial construction of the development started this month and is expected to be complete by December 2013.  This project is believed to be the largest, single phase, non-government subsidized, residential development currently underway in Maine, with nearly 2/3 of its homes already spoken for.  The 36 private homes will range in size from 500 square feet to 1,700 square feet, with current base prices ranging from $150,000 to $333,000, including land, all infrastructure, and a large “common house,” the heart of a cohousing community.

About Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage
Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is a group of families who are creating an environmentally sustainable, multi-generational neighborhood that will feature homes based on the German Passive House Standard, a building certification based on extremely high energy-efficiency performance. Founded on a commitment to community and concern for the environment, Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is reserving 85% of its land for agricultural use and open space. It is an innovative and sustainable housing option for living in rural coastal Maine. Find out more at www.mainecohousing.org.

New Educational Touch Tank at the Oriental Jade
Bangor, Maine., October 19, 2011 – The Oriental Jade of Bangor, Maine and Touch Tanks for Kids of Biddeford, Maine announce a strategic alliance. This partnership offers a delicious  fundraising alternative where the Bangor area students can explore the feasibility of raising funds for a Touch Tank Teaching System. The Touch Tank Teaching Program has been providing an interactive learning experience for Maine students since 2005. The interactive educational program, inspired by a Maine teacher, has proven so effective that teaching touch tanks can now be found in 17 states.The Oriental Jade’s Dinner Buffet Fund-Raiser Program has proven itself to be a successful and rewarding endeavor where your group can easily earn up to $1000 while enjoying an evening of delicious food and fun filled events.  This, of course,  includes interacting with the Oriental Jade’s community touch tank, that they recently had installed by Touch Tanks For Kids. The fun filled night is a wonderful way for a school or community nonprofit to explore whether a an educational touch tank is right for them.More information about the Oriental Jade and Touch Tanks for Kids partnership is available on the Internet at http://touchtanksforkids.org/430/visit-the-touch-tank-at-oriental-jade/
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New Educational Touch Tank at the Oriental Jade
Bangor, Maine., October 19, 2011 – The Oriental Jade of Bangor, Maine and Touch Tanks for Kids of Biddeford, Maine announce a strategic alliance. This partnership offers a delicious  fundraising alternative where the Bangor area students can explore the feasibility of raising funds for a Touch Tank Teaching System. The Touch Tank Teaching Program has been providing an interactive learning experience for Maine students since 2005. The interactive educational program, inspired by a Maine teacher, has proven so effective that teaching touch tanks can now be found in 17 states.The Oriental Jade’s Dinner Buffet Fund-Raiser Program has proven itself to be a successful and rewarding endeavor where your group can easily earn up to $1000 while enjoying an evening of delicious food and fun filled events.  This, of course,  includes interacting with the Oriental Jade’s community touch tank, that they recently had installed by Touch Tanks For Kids. The fun filled night is a wonderful way for a school or community nonprofit to explore whether a an educational touch tank is right for them.More information about the Oriental Jade and Touch Tanks for Kids partnership is available on the Internet at http://touchtanksforkids.org/430/visit-the-touch-tank-at-oriental-jade/
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In five years, The Sunrise Guide has helped more than 20,000 families live eco-friendly lives while raising thousands of dollars for area schools and non-profits

Portland, Maine (October 14, 2011) – Times are tough in today’s economy making fundraising especially difficult for non-profit organizations like schools and churches. The Annual Sunrise Guide, a unique local resource that combines valuable coupons and tips for eco-friendly living has proven that it can help. The Sunrise Guide is tremendously popular and easy to sell.

“In the past five years we have worked with over 100 groups to raise thousands of dollars to support a variety of projects, and the good news is that the groups are doing it in a clean and healthy way,” said Heather Chandler, founder and publisher of The Sunrise Guide. “And this year, The Sunrise Guide made it onto the list at many school districts as an approved ‘green’ fundraiser.”

The Sunrise Guide, started in southern Maine and expanded over the past year into the midcoast area has helped in many ways:

• Used by more than 100 unique groups (school, faith and other non-profits) to raise funds
• Raised over $60,000 for those groups in a clean and healthy way
• Helped more than 20,000 families develop healthy, eco-friendly habits, while saving money on products and services they use every day
• Distributed more than 40,000 books in the past five years

“Fundraising can be a challenging process for many organizations,” said Chandler. “The Sunrise Guide gives up to $10 per book back to the organization’s fundraising efforts. Parents love having their children sell the books rather than candy bars or wrapping paper and with all of the money staying in Maine, the books in an easy-to-use format help families learn how to adopt environmentally sensitive lifestyles.”

Advertisers and Fundraisers rave about the results. “The Sunrise Guide was a great product that people could get behind, and it had a high profit margin for us with very little hassle,” said Maya Howard of The Friends School.

“There’s no better way to reach the thriving green and sustainable community in southern Maine- and this community is expanding every day thanks to The Sunrise Guide,” said Diane Milliken of Horizon Residential Energy Services.

In its 6^th printing, the Sunrise Guide is now available at bookstores and retailers around southern and midcoast Maine with many new features and some old favorites:

• Do-it-Yourself instructions and recipes
• A weatherization and energy efficiency section, with a summary of resources available to Maine homeowners
• Guest articles from Maine’s foremost experts on the green economy, pellet fuel heating, hiking coastal trails and more!
• 300 valuable discounts offering healthy, eco-friendly products and services, valued over $8,500

Those interested in using The Sunrise Guide as a fundraising tool should visit www.thesunriseguide.com or contact Heather Chandler at 207.221.3450.

About the Sunrise Guide
The Sunrise Guide is an annual resource guide and coupon book for living green in southern and coastal Maine. It contains 300 coupons for healthy and eco-friendly products and services, plus articles with tips for sustainable living. Topics include food and dining, outdoor living, home and garden, travel and transportation, community and culture and more. Look for the 2012 edition at school and community fundraisers, natural food stores, bookstores, and other retail outlets. Learn more and find out where to pick up a copy at www.thesunriseguide.com .

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The 36 clustered homes are based on the German “Passive House” (energy) Standard and will be so energy efficient that it is said a hairdryer could heat the homes in winter.  With only 13 certified Passive House homes in the country, if the residents choose to certify their homes, the project may become the largest of its kind in the nation.

In recognition of Belfast Cohousing and Ecovillage’s creative and forward-thinking approach to development, the project recently received the People’s Choice Award from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The award is given annually to an individual or group whose actions have made a real difference in the protection of Maine’s environment. Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage was chosen from among the parties nominated and selected by residents from across the state.

Site work and initial construction of the development is expected to begin this fall, with a target completion date of December 2013.  This project is believed to be the largest, single phase, non-government subsidized, residential development currently underway in Maine, with 2/3 of its homes already spoken for.  The 36 private homes will range in size from 500 square feet to 1,700 square feet, with current base prices ranging from $150,000 to $333,000.

A Common House is also planned on the 42-acre parcel, designed by the families who will live in the collaborative neighborhood. This building will have a commercial kitchen for optional group meals, root cellar, freezer room, laundry, office and studio space, library, children’s playroom and guest rooms. Sharing these “extra” rooms allows the private homes to be smaller, and savings to go into higher quality, longer lasting building materials.

“We have built a caring community of individuals in the five years since we embarked on this project,” said Sanna McKim, who originated the venture and plans to live in the neighborhood.  “It is exciting to receive Planning Board approval, so that we can take this idea from the design and investment stage to construction and move-in.”

The majority of families that will live in the community have already purchased homes, but a few houses are still available for sale. The current families have been coming together regularly to plan as well as to play music, share food, host children’s play dates and become friends–despite distances that span from California to Austria. One of just a handful of self-developed cohousing communities in the country, the trust that grew out of learning how to make decisions together also led the group to find creative ways to self-finance the project. “We decided to borrow from within our own circles rather than use a bank to finance construction,” McKim said. “We’re growing the local living economy in Belfast by recirculating our money close to home.”

“This is a remarkable group of people, with diverse backgrounds and perspectives on life,” said Jim Wheelock, a community member originally from California.  “What all of us share is a commitment to caring for the environment and for living in partnership with our neighbors.”

In the cohousing community, vehicles are relegated to the periphery, so even toddlers will be able to run out their front door to a friend’s house without concern for traffic.  “Some of us plan to farm collaboratively and hope to someday grow all our own food. But we’re also looking for a real farmer to be part of the neighborhood, just in case,” said Susan Shea, a community member from Maine.

Everything is designed to encourage spontaneous community interactions and make a lighter environmental footprint an easy part of daily life.

About Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage
Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is a community of families who are creating an environmentally sustainable, multi-generational neighborhood that will feature homes based on the German Passive House Standard, acclaimed for their energy efficiency and design. Founded on a commitment to community and concern for the environment, Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is reserving 85% of its land for agricultural use and open space. It is an innovative and sustainable housing option for living in rural coastal Maine. Find out more at www.mainecohousing.org.

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BOOTHBAY, ME – August 16, 2011 – Biovation LLC, a manufacturer of antimicrobial formulations and non-woven fiber products for food packaging and wound care, announces that its fresh produce pad has earned the BioPreferred label from the USDA in its Packaging Materials category. The USDA label assures consumers that a product or package contains a verified amount of renewable biological ingredients. Biovation’s pad is the first food packaging pad product to be certified in the Packaging Materials category, and is among the first products developed in Maine to earn BioPreferred status. Instead of petroleum-based materials, the pad uses polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from cornstarch. It is all natural, biodegradable, compostable, bio-absorbable, and non-toxic. When used in food-packaging materials, the pad’s antimicrobial chemistry mitigates the proliferation of food-borne pathogen such as e-coli and listeria.

“Earning the BioPreferred label is a real differentiator for Biovation, as it provides an independent, objective stamp of approval for our food packaging pad,” says Kerem Durdag, CEO of Biovation. “The food industry is eager use more sustainable, bio-based materials, and this certification validates our fresh produce pad as a ‘green’ option.”

The label also is a milestone for the Sustainable Bioplastics Council of Maine, as Biovation is its first member to receive the BioPreferred label for one of its products. The trade association is dedicated to building Maine’s emerging industry of plastic products that are non-toxic, petroleum-free and bio-compostable.

“Biovation continues to be a leader nationally and in Maine in producing bio-based products,” says Lauralee Raymond from the Sustainable Bioplastics Council of Maine.  “The Sustainable Bioplastics Council of Maine realizes the rapidly growing market demand for bio-based products as a substitute for petroleum, and Biovation is demonstrating the business opportunities to meet that demand.”

Biovation is the only manufacturer with a targeted PLA-based “green and sustainable” biopolymer non-woven product line suite with antimicrobial chemistry manufactured in the USA. The company is focused on three scalable market sectors: consumer and institutional formulations, food packaging, and advanced wound care. Biovation’s fresh produce pad uses a non-woven PLA meltblown fiber technology to create a super absorbent pad with very high surface area. It incorporates EPA- and FDA-approved antimicrobial chemistry based on silver-ion technology to inhibit bacterial growth. Food packaging customers use the pad as a fully integrated, multipurpose, food preservation technology platform. It is all natural, biodegradable, compostable, bio-absorbable, and non-toxic. For use in fresh produce packaging, the pad controls and mitigates food borne pathogens that come in contact with it while also absorbing the excess fluid in the food package container.

For more information about the USDA’s BioPreferred program, visit http://www.biopreferred.gov

About Biovation LLC

Biovation is a high-tech manufacturing company providing non-woven fiber products with antimicrobial properties for food packaging, wound care, and custom OEM applications. Biovation has extensive experience with bioplastic polymers such as polylactic acid, which comes from cornstarch and is completely biodegradable. Biovation’s infection control chemistries also are available for coating on fibers, for textiles, or as stand-alone products for proprietary applications. For more information, call +1 207.633.0616 or visit http://www.biovation.com.

Contact:

Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation

Kdurdag at biovation.com

207-633-0616 x 12