Elsewhere on the Ecosphere…
Date: August 19, 2008 | Category: Events, Lifestyle, Transport, Travel, ecoMan
Here are today’s picks for what’s wow in green. Enjoy!
Easy Rider
Date: July 29, 2008 | Category: Lifestyle, Tech, Transport, ecoMan
Governor Kulongoski of Oregon recently made headlines for doing what so many eco-conscious residents in his state have done for years: He biked to work. Since most of us aren’t blessed with a two-mile commute and dedicated cycle paths, having a sturdy, portable set of wheels can mean the difference between hitting the gas pump and the pedal. STRiDA is making life in the bike lane more fun and fashionable.
A Wagon of Hope
Date: July 1, 2008 | Category: Lifestyle, Transport
Many speculated if it would ever happen. We won’t lie; as the years dragged on, we too became naysayers (the concept was introduced in 2002). And though its been a long time coming, Volkswagen says their 1L Car (1 liter per 100 kilometers or 235 mpg!) will become a reality in 2010 - when it’s slated to hit the market. With obvious attention to aerodynamics and weight, coupled with a lithium ion battery, this electric phenomena will certainly go neck to neck with the Aptera we recently wrote about. Want the the full dig on VW’s 1L-Car, start with this article from Sustainable Life Media.
Aptera Awe
Date: May 28, 2008 | Category: Lifestyle, Tech, Transport, ecoMan
Mrs. Jetson, your vehicle awaits. Well, not quite yet. And only if you live in California. Splendora turned us on to the Aptera, a three-wheeled enclosed motorcycle, scheduled to go into production in late 2008, that certainly looks like it could be the vehicle of the future. It performs that way too: Aptera, which means “wingless flight”, can go from 0-60 in under 10 seconds (ok, so the Tesla smokes it, but wait for the price) and the hybrid version recently test-drove at 230 miles to the gallon (an all-electric version is in the works as well). Aptera promises comfy seating for two plus an infant seat (for up to 3 years of age) as well as plenty of storage space. This aerodynamic amazement will set you back between 26 and 30 grand, but it’ll be worth every penny when you fly past the 4+ dollars per gallon pumping station!
official website: aptera.com
Green Globetrotting With Ecofabulous
Date: May 20, 2008 | Category: Beauty, Body Care, Holiday & Gift, Lifestyle, Skin Care, Transport, Travel
In the quest of the traveler to tread ever so lightly, we’ve gathered it all - from resources and guides to carbon offsets, our favorite destinations, travel accessories and essentials - so that the next time you say “bon voyage,” you can feel assured you’re respecting the globe that you’ll be traipsing over.
ECOFABULOUS DESTINATIONS
This Fiji destination is my all time favorite get away. Besides employing locals and keeping their sustainable traditions alive, the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort helps to protect and revive the surrounding sea. The beautifully appointed bures (individual thatched houses) respect local building practices and utilize Fiji’s own sustainable resources. The villa is so spectacular that it has garnered many awards. The warm and wonderful natives keep everything running…perfectly. Though the diving is a main attraction (after all, this is the soft coral capital of the world), the reef walks and boat excursions are exhilarating and informative. And the food. Oh the food. The Indian-influenced fusion cuisine is to be envied internationally. JMCR is undeniably romantic but there is a world class kid’s program that my children rave about continuously!
Located on 400 square miles in the heart of Maasai country, Campi ya Kanzi offers gourmet-quality meals, wildlife tracking with Maasai guides and scenic flights around Kilimanjaro. Not only does the beautiful camp ensure employment, it also supports the Maasai Foundation, which provides a range of health and educational services for locals. The eco-luxe camp combines charcoal-fired cookery with solar power and hot water heaters - a wonderful marriage of traditional life and modern sensibilities. A pretty awesome and honest way to experience Africa.
Contemporary luxury meets sustainable development at the Natural Retreats locations spread throughout the national parks in the UK countryside. As of yet, eco-getaways can be found nestled among nature within Yorkshire Dales, Snowdonia, Lake District and York Moors with plans for ten more sites in the near future. Who ever said the nature explorer couldn’t also bask in luxury - and without a detriment to the environment?
Sacred Sands Guest Retreat brings the sustainability of straw to California’s Joshua Tree vista. This B&B uses straw bale construction - an energy-efficient (excellent insulator), plentiful, non-toxic alternative to conventional construction materials - to create their gorgeous guest rooms. Kick back in your private spa to enjoy the desert sunset and nap in the sun or sleep under the stars on your very own terrace - complete with a meditation platform. Peace.
Located in majestic Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn’s sustainably built 40-room sprawling (read private) property is a coastal dream for romantic, relaxation seekers (the green roofs are extraordinary!). Long touted as one of the best resorts in the world, their new rooms are a model of environmental stewardship with great attention to aesthetics and amenities. Post Ranch supports conservation measures and works to protect the local flora and fauna. Swap your TV and alarm clock for a fireplace and an astronomy lesson at Post Ranch Inn - and a spectacular view of the Pacific. Luxurious spa treatments, a world-renowned restaurant, shaman work and nature walks are just a few of the reasons that guests cannot help returning. Hop in your Prius or Tesla, because it is just modest drive from San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Built of traditional desert materials, foregoing electricity and telephones, Adrere Amellal is a unique lodge in the Siwa Oasis in Western Egypt that is absolutely breathtaking. The magnificent jagged ruins of Shali Fortress dominate the atmosphere of the town of Siwa. This earthy destination may blend into its environment, but is marked by distinction: it’s one of the few destinations in the world that has kept an authentic feeling of culture and ecology while providing true luxury.
The Lodge At Sunranch is an incredibly intimate eco-luxury experience in southwestern Montana. Sourcing from local producers and artisans and with a farm-to-table culinary experience, this ranch offers an unusual brand of pampered seclusion nestled in the cinematically breathtaking Madison River Valley. A dude ranch that even true eco-stylistas will tip their hats to.
ECOFABULOUS SPA RETREATS
In need of some serious R&R, holistically speaking? Luckily, the green spa movement is cultivating a growing list of fabulous centers dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint. Think organic and natural skincare products, facilities designed in a way that respect nature, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning materials and countless measures taken to reduce waste and foster sustainability. Add to that, a relaxing and luxurious experience where nature takes center stage, and your worries will simply melt away (for a week anyhow).
In the spirit of green, here are our domestic picks. For more spas and centers that span the globe, visit the Green Spa Network and the Spa Index.
The Kura Door: Holistic Japanese Spa -
With an entirely toxin-free environment realized through chemical-free paints and finishes, untreated wood, bamboo and stone flooring underfoot, building-wide water and air purification systems and 100% natural and organic body and skin care line, the Kura Door in Salt Lake City Utah is as holistic as it is decadent. With unique Japanese-inspired services such as the Green Tea and Ginger Sea Enzyme Body Wrap and the Ofuro Bath, I’m ready to drink it in.
El Monte Sagrado - This Taos, New Mexico retreat goes above and beyond in both style and sustainability. All water is reused to irrigate the grounds via the “living machine” purification system, geothermal and solar provide energy and spa treatments are crafted using indigenous plants, flowers and minerals. Think lush and indulgent with a “beyond organic” twist.
Rancho La Puerta - The world’s first destination spa opened its doors in 1940 in Tecate (on the Mexico/California border) and was lovingly created and designed by two people who firmly believed in habitat conservation, organic farming and sustainable living. These principles have tested time and are only surpassed by the plethora of activities, spa services and exquisite cuisine Rancho La Puerta offers.
GETTING THERE…AND BACK
Chances are you’ll be hitting the friendly skies, boarding a bus or renting a car in your travels: not so CO2 sensitive. As we always say, carbon offsets are not a panacea, but when it comes to travel - we’re offsetters, not foregoers. Purchasing offsets allows you to take responsibility for your decadence and put your dollars towards environmental initiatives, usually tree-planting or renewable energies. For example, a round-trip flight from SFO to JFK (5,165 miles) generates 2,014 lbs of CO2 and will cost you $14.85 to offset through Terrapass. Be wary, not all offsets are created equal: They vary in their environmental effectiveness and legitimacy (and price!). SavingSpecies, Terrapass and Carbon Fund are our tried-and-true favorites.
That said, when vacationing, consider renting bikes instead of cars. Think leisurely ride through the countryside, or whatever beautiful destination you’ve chosen (dirt bikes are messy fun too). A bike ride is sure to be more memorable than a drive anyhow. But if you’re road-tripping it or simply must have four wheels, it’s getting easier and easier to rent a hybrid (though destinations are still limited). Go to Orbitz: Go Green, Save Green to search for available hybrids through all the major rental agencies. And as a last eco-resort, go for those carbon offsets: Enterprise, Alamo and National even offer them to customers.
If you’re in New York, OzoCar is your ticket to green transportation, but in New England or the Bay Area, PlanetTran could be your way to and from the airport. If you’re in LA, Econation is perfect, VIP style. If you’re in Portland, EcoShuttle provides van, limo and shuttle services powered solely with Biodiesel. To read more on “Eco-Friendly Car Rentals, Limos and Taxi Services,” get the rundown from this article at Low Impact Living.
ECO-SSENTIAL TRAVEL GEAR
FOR THE WAITING WANDERER
Bring along a copy of Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime which includes 82 trips across the globe that range from revisiting old American favorites, such as the Grand Canyon, to researching turtles in Australia. This Lonely Planet “inspirebook” isn’t just for the shoestring backpacker (or the cruise-going countess) - it targets travelers all along the spending spectrum who are interested in positively contributing to the destinations economy and respecting the local culture while expanding their own minds. And is printed on 100% recycled paper with non-GMO soy-based inks.
FOR THE BACTERIA VANQUISHING EXPLORER
You never know when a little hand sanitizer will come in handy. Throw in a travel size of Organic EO Lavender Hand Sanitizer - the best smelling, most effective alternative to the chemically-laden stuff that dominates the market. It comes in a spray and handy wipes if you prefer. EO also has travel sizes of their environmentally friendly, excellent shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion.
FOR THE THIRSTY TRAVELER
Depending on where you’re traveling and the quality of the water, ditch the plastic water bottles and strap on your Earthlust or a Kleen Kanteen. Do your part to reduce the 30 million plastic water bottles Americans add to landfill every single day! If the water is questionable however, a travel water filter is your best bet and can have you easily sipping safe H2O from all corners of the globe.
FOR THE FULLY EQUIPPED TRAVEL MAVEN
The Spring/Summer bag collection from LeSportsac designed by one of our favorite sires of fashion Stella McCartney will have you traveling in absolute ecofabulous style. Vegans have always loved this mega bag maven for their fun, leather free alternatives, but here we have a truly eco-friendly line made entirely from recycled materials. Looking for luggage that blends form, function and sustainability? Stella’s got it in the bag.
FOR THE HOTTEST ECOFASHIONISTA ON THE BEACH
Junglegurl’s one-of-a-kind bikinis are a sun goddess’ dream (that’s to say they show a lot of skin). The simple designs utilize designer Natalie Golonka’s vintage fabrics that she’s collected during her extensive world travels, and bring us the chicest eco-friendly bikinis around. You’ll love your body in a Junglegurl suit.
The sun is out and the vacation circuit has begun, but what do you do to protect your eyes without hurting the planet? I recommend a pair of vintage shades, but if you are concerned about the UV protection or cannot find the right look, check out iWood Aviator sunglasses.
I love summer but can’t stand mosquitoes! What is a nature loving, blood protecting girl supposed to do! Sunfeather Bug Off! has come up with a multitude of ways to arm yourself naturally against pests. Using ingredients such as blends of citronella, rosemary, lemongrass and geranium essential oils (all of which are Mother Nature’s insect repellents) Bug Off! makes it easy to put down the deet.
UV Natural Sunscreen. Ranked #1 by the Environmental Working Group, Daryl Hannah bought me my first tube of this awesome Australian product and I haven’t been able to use anything since. Great for both adults and kids, this product is a must have in your travel kit (they also have child-specific options).
FOR THE HUNGRY, HEALTHY ADVENTURER
Pack in the One Lucky Duck Snack Sampler for emergency nibbles on the go. They are raw, incredibly delicious, organic vegan treats made by the proprietor of Pure Food and Wine, the hippest raw restaurant in New York. The macaroons (blonde or chocolate) are particularly yummy and satiating, but the rest are mouth watering as well.
FOR THE GEEKOFABULOUS TREKKER
Wherever their is sunlight - whether kayaking down the Nile, meditating in an Indian ashram or sailing through the Caribbean - no need to be at the mercy of the grid when you need to bust out the laptop or charge your MP3s and mobiles. Not when we’re toting around portable SolarRolls and generating electricity that can power any number of devices at your convenience. It’s a thrill to just roll those photovoltaic cells out and plug into the sun’s pure, unadulterated energy.
Make sure you check out the HYmini handheld, hybrid power station for your 5-volts (like mp3s, mobiles, PDAs and cameras). With the ability to harness wind-power, sun-power (using their miniSOLARSs) and plain, old wall-power - you can pretty much guarantee that no matter where you are in the world, you can keep your devices running. This is a gadget for your gadgets!
WANT MORE… ECOFABULOUS’ FAVORITE ONLINE DESTINATIONS FOR GREEN TRAVEL
itsagreenworld.com is a global listing of eco-friendly hospitality destinations
greenglobetrotter.blogspot.com is a one-woman blog chock-full of great info and resources
sustainabletravelinternational.org provides the tool for those who really want to get schooled in eco-travel
gobeyondgreen.org is up to date on the latest in environmetally-friendly and eco-progressive travel
Showing off the Tesla
Date: May 2, 2008 | Category: Events, Lifestyle, Tech, Transport
Los Angeles was the place to be Thursday night as Tesla unveiled the gorgeous new showroom that will be selling the unbelievably sexy all electric car. Guests were treated to test drives (Matt Petersen of Global Green admitted to getting butterflies in his stomach) and chef Acaia’s delicious sustainable fare. Daryl Hannah discussed the virtues of biodiesel with the founder of EcoNation (a new alternative fuel limo service that just launched in LA) and Quincy Jones sang the praises of the dream car to Tesla co-founder, Elon Musk. All in all, the successful event was chaulk full of LA celebs and the Silicon Valley tech elite wanting to get close to the eco-rocket that goes zero to sixty in less than four seconds and gets about 250 miles per charge….The only problem was that there was no Veev or Square One Vodka in sight so I am suffering from a slight hangover, but I must say that hanging out in this showroom made me excited about the future of alternative vehicles. The evening came to an abrupt end when one of the drivers crashed through the showroom window, injuring Lindsey Lohan and her hybrid trio of teacup chiuauas, which had been dyed green for the event…just kidding (but sounded so LA, right?)!
Packing a Punch
Date: April 15, 2008 | Category: Office, The Home, Transport
Here at the ecofabulous office, we’re often frustrated by the number of eco-products that arrive in boxes packed with styrofoam peanuts (though, happily we often we find out they’ve been reused). Nonetheless, these little foam culprits pack a toxic punch through the non-recyclable chemical compound, styrene, which has been linked to respiratory problems, central nervous system damage and cancer (not to mention how much space they take up in landfills). RecoCubes are an ingenious answer, made from recycled paper sludge, sugar, starches and B-12. When you’re finished unpacking, you can either reuse them (my kids think that they are brilliant for art projects) or just toss them in your garden to become compost for your trees and plants. Not only are they non-toxic and will never end up in a landfill, RecoCubes actually give back. Talk about sending a message of love!
Put Down That Hose!
Date: April 10, 2008 | Category: Lifestyle, Stores & Resources, Transport
Lucky Earth may not be the only waterless car wash (see a past post here), but it may very well be the ecofabulous favorite. It’s no secret that washing one’s wheels the conventional way, whether in a drive-through or at home with a bucket and hose, uses copious amounts of water and contaminates waterways with toxic run-off. The way of the future clean car is simply spray and wipe. Most of us aren’t off-roading (definitely wreaks havoc on the environment!), so an effective spritz may be the perfect way to keep your Prius (or whatever you drive) looking spiffy. Lucky for us, Lucky Earth does the job without harmful fumes or toxic residues (no VOCS, dyes, fragrances or parabens). Plus, the waterless wash can be used on interiors as well. Want to save on packaging? Pick up their Gallon Refill, good for up to 40 washes. And, for you cyclists (we love you), their new waterless Bike Wash will make a shining green example out of your two-wheeler, too.
Get Packin’
Date: February 11, 2008 | Category: Lifestyle, Stores & Resources, Transport
As if moving weren’t enough of a pain – many of us feel sick about the waste we’re likely to create. Even if you thought ahead and re-used all the packing materials and boxes that flooded your house during the holidays, you are still likely come up short. Are there alternatives to landfill-bound bubble wrap? If you live in Southern California, the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’ Earth Friendly Moving, a company based in Costa Mesa, CA - with plans to expand nationwide this year - is the country’s first comprehensive, zero-waste packing and moving system developed entirely from recyclable trash mined from local landfills. What’s more, all its cars/trucks run on veggie oil. Earth Friendly Moving has multiple claims to eco-fame, most notably the RecoPack™ (Recycled Ecological Packing Solution), a re-usable, stackable box made from recycled plastic bottles. Other products include the RecoCube, made from recycled paper sludge and some added sugars (don’t worry, it’s clean). Done with the RecoCubes? Toss them out the window, into the garden, where they will compost into plant food. Talk about Cradle to Cradle cool.
Everyone Wants Good Karma
Date: January 21, 2008 | Category: Lifestyle, Tech, Transport, ecoMan
Though it’s not available just yet, some things are too good to ignore - Karma being one of them. Slated in a Wired article to “do for the the plug-in electric what the Tesla has done for the electric car,” which is make the latest in green technology smokin’ hot, the Fisker Karma has lithium-ion batteries that purportedly get 50 miles of emissions-free, fully electric driving before it switches to a regular hybrid. With an $80,000 price tag, like the Tesla, it is priced to attract the eco-elite. Only 100 or so cars will be available (if all goes well) in 2009, but another 15,000 cars are supposed to go into annual production in 2010. Just a heads up in case you want to start saving. Fisker says that there are no compromises or sacrifices with this vehicle (your bank account might beg to differ). I guess karma isn’t free after all.
