* What: The Fanduster is a cloth-like dust magnet that fits snugly over the blades on a ceiling fan, turning the fan into an air purifier. Produced in Fort Payne, Ala., the Fanduster will fit any ceiling fan. A set of five Fandusters costs $39.99 online at Fanduster.com.
* Company: Birmingham, Ala.-based SpiveyTech was founded in December 2009 by Paul Spivey after he was laid off from a data company. He hit upon the idea for the Fanduster when he noticed how much dust had collected on a ceiling fan’s blades.
* How it’s green: The Fanduster cleans the air in any house with an existing ceiling fan. The polymer material collects the dust, allergens, mold spores, dust mites and bacteria, Mr. Spivey said.
* How long will it last: The Fanduster should be cleaned in a washing machine once a month, and a quick spin in the dryer recharges its static properties.
* Why do it this way? The product started as an idea to save time dusting ceiling fans and furniture, but evolved into a health-oriented device that can clean a room and save money and power over other devices.
* Plans for expanding in the future: Mr. Spivey has signed an agreement with a California-based marketing firm to put the product in Lowe’s, Home Depot and Target stores around the country, he said.
* Any suggestions for others considering green initiatives: Mr. Spivey has “four or five product ideas” he is saving for later. If and when Fanduster takes off, it will free up resources and let him pursue other products.
* Is environmentalism an essential part of the business and why? This is the primary part of the business, Mr. Spivey said. The Fanduster’s green properties are a main selling point.