Good Vino from Mendocino
Date: August 15, 2008 | Category: Events, Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Travel
The vinic verdict is in: Bonterra Vineyards of Mendocino county, California, tempts lips with certified organic wines at prices that are very palatable. Eschewing synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, they’ve adopted unconventional, innovative viticulture techniques-such as releasing their free-range chickens to comb the farm for undesirable insects and cutworms (the ethical eggs are an added bonus). The labels are printed with soy ink on recycled paper and the bottles are at least 50 percent recycled glass. Organic oenophiles rejoice.
Quick, Check Out Slow Food Nation
Date: August 15, 2008 | Category: Events, Featured, Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Travel
You might have noticed that along with a new look, we now have daily themes (but of course we’re certainly not limited to our featured topic of the day ). Fridays are focused on “food & travel.” Fittingly our first week pays homage to our home town, so if you are visiting the Bay Area or call it home - you are in for a delicious treat. Very soon our newsletter will be customizable, featuring local content for multiple cities (let us know what city you’d like us to cover and we will do our best to accommodate). Stay tuned, and in the mean time, enjoy!
We Can Run the World
Date: August 10, 2008 | Category: Fashion, Featured, Media, Men, Shoes, Travel, Women
Like these earth-friendly sneakers, the new ecofabulous.com is up and running. We hope you enjoy.
Conspiring to save the planet, Brooks’ BioMoGo has turned the traditional sneaker on its heel by creating a fully biodegradable midsole.
We’ve Got Your Boat Covered
Date: August 9, 2008 | Category: Travel
Some call it an “oceanic” experience, that feeling of being one with nature. While recreational boating is not typically an eco-endeavor, it does lend itself to an appreciation of the great outdoors. But marine-lovers beware: That boat wash may contain phosphates and other toxic chemicals that could harm aquatic life (and eventually you). (more…)
Tree Hugger Pose
Date: July 25, 2008 | Category: Lifestyle, Travel
Prior to ecofabulous, I was so enthralled with yoga that I started my own line of gear (which quickly took a downward dog spiral when I decided to focus on environmental pursuits). Far from a simple exercise workout, yoga, which means “yoke” or “union,” has deep green roots. Its ethos includes “ahimsa,” which is a pledge of nonviolence toward the planet, so I was surprised that so much of what was available was oblivious to the health of the practitioners and the environment. But thankfully things have gotten dramatically better!
To indeed revere the earth, as yoga advises, you can start by visiting the Green Yoga Association to find a teacher committed to eco-friendly practices.
Next, take a look (or a sniff ) at your mat: It could be made from stinky PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a highly toxic plastic that spews carcinogenic dioxins during its manufacture and when it is heated up - Bikram fans beware. There are eco-friendly alternatives, however.
Natural Fitness-one of our favorites-is a one-stop-shop for hip, green yoga gear. The Divine Mat, made from natural rubber, is extra thick and offers serious traction. They also have a strap made from undyed hemp with recycled cotton batting and a chic-looking block crafted from fast-growing bamboo instead of toxic foam. For keeping clean, they sell natural Stirlen Chi wipes and spray. If you’re ready to zen out at home, check out Gaiam’s extensive collection of yoga DVDs from some of the world’s most renowned instructors.
Curious Jack Makes Waves in Green
Date: July 18, 2008 | Category: Lifestyle, Travel
Jack Johnson is not your typical dude in a band. In addition to embracing a totally unique acoustic style, Jack is all about making the world a greener place. A life-long surfer, the Hawaiian-born musician told Surfer magazine to green the zine back in 2005 while serving as a guest editor. Readers were so jazzed by the request, Surfer consequently cleaned up its production process.
Well-known for his chart-topping Curious George soundtrack, Johnson promotes activism on his Web site under the mandate: “all at once,” mobilizing fans to support earth-friendly initiatives and encouraging them to vote with their wallets. He rewards environmentally-conscious listeners with free tunes and concert passes,
printed on recycled, post-consumer paper. This is sweet music to these eco ears!
Ecofabulous Globetrotting Guide Unveiled!
Date: May 22, 2008 | Category: Events, Lifestyle, Travel
May is when the wanderlust urge usually begins to hit and everyone begins to ask friends where they plan to go over the summer. If you haven’t selected your destination, need tips on what to bring or how to offset all of your traipsing, you are going to love Green Globetrotting with Ecofabulous. No matter what you have planned this summer, our guide will inspire you to think and act a little greener.
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
A Method to the Madness of Flying
Date: April 18, 2008 | Category: Events, Lifestyle, Travel
Flying may not be the most eco-friendly of endeavors (to put it mildly), but here’s an opportunity we don’t mind advocating, if you must hit the skies. Two San Francisco based companies have come together to make Earth Day travel a little bit lighter. Our favorite “people against dirty” over at Method Home will be providing their chic “Plastic Bag Rehab” tote filled with their easy-on-the-planet, easy-on-the-eyes cleaning products to every passenger on Virgin America’s flights this Earth Day, April 22nd (since flying V.A., I’m finding it impossible to use any other airline anyway). And for every flier, Virgin and Method will donate $3 to the California Parks Foundation. All the while, sit back and relax in front of a seatback touch-screen that will include viewings of Al Gore’s “Climate in Crisis” TED talk (a must see!) among other green broadcasts. Don’t forget to offset your flight, though. I use SavingSpecies.org or Terrapass.com to minimize my footprint. Now, kick back and enjoy the illuminated ride.
Smokin’ Vacation
Date: April 15, 2008 | Category: Events, Lifestyle, Travel
Besides being home to the majestic Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, Tennessee is going to be one rocking vacation spot April 28th & 29th. That is, if eco-tourism is your forte. Hosting the inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Sustainable Tourism Summit, experts will convene to impart words of going-green-with-travel wisdom to interested parties (with participation from leaders across the country, including Keith Bellows, the editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler, and Dr. Suzanne Cook, the senior vice president for the Travel Industry Association of America). To learn the who’s, what’s, where’s, when’s and why’s for taking your community’s tourism industry into greener pastures, Knoxville just may be your go-to spot.
