http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/06/philippe-starcks-wind-turbine-for-home-use/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/06/philippe-starcks-wind-turbine-for-home-use/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/06/philippe-starcks-wind-turbine-for-home-use/#commentsFiled under: Green

Philippe Starck has been pretty busy designing stuff lately, considering just a few months ago he was proclaiming that "design is dead" and announcing his retirement. I guess the most creative minds have the most persuasive demons, and it seems Starck is trying to learn from his: after proclaiming that "everything he had ever designed was useless" he's now on to designing something truly useful and trendy: a mini-turbine designed for people to use at home to generate their own wind power.

The mini-turbine is made of clear polycarbonate (the lack of color is apparently a statement about there being so much materiality in the world) and is capable of providing 20-60% of the power needs for the average home. It will be available this coming September with a price tag around $600.

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]]>greenphilippe starckPhilippeStarckplanetstarckwindwind powerwind turbineWindPowerWindTurbineRigel Gregg2008-07-06T12:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/01/prince-charles-drives-a-wine-powered-car/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/01/prince-charles-drives-a-wine-powered-car/http://www.luxist.com/2008/07/01/prince-charles-drives-a-wine-powered-car/#commentsFiled under: Wine, Green

The world is experiencing shortages of natural resources and the search for alternative fuels is going stronger than ever. Prince Charles is doing his part by supporting some creative efforts and fueling his 38yr old Aston Martin with of all things, wine.

Due to strict wine limits set by the EU excess wine cannot be sold on the regular market and instead ends up getting converted into environmental fuel. Besides his Aston Martin (which he only drives an average of 300 miles a year) Prince Charles has also converted several of his other cars to alternative fuel: his Jaguars, Audi, and Range Rovers all run on biodiesel made of cooking oil.

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]]>alternative energyalternative fuelalternative fuelsAlternativeEnergyAlternativeFuelAlternativeFuelsaston martinAstonMartinbiodieselbioethanolprinceprince charlesPrinceCharlesukwineRigel Gregg2008-07-01T15:01:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/29/earthrace-boat-sets-new-record/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/29/earthrace-boat-sets-new-record/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/29/earthrace-boat-sets-new-record/#commentsFiled under: Water, Green

I've been a fan of the Earthrace boat since before I finally got to climb aboard back in 2006 so I'm particularly pleased that the biodiesel-powered trimaran and her crew set a record fastest circumnavigation of the globe by speedboat recently. The boat raced around the globe in just 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes which means they beat the old record by 13 days, 21 hours and 9 minutes. This was the second attempt by New Zealand skipper Pete Bethune who had to give up his first last year after a bunch of problems that included a pirate attack and a collision with a fishing boat. Congratulations to Bethune and his crew.

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]]>biodieselearthraceearthrace-biodieseltrimaranDeidre Woollard2008-06-29T15:01:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/27/johanna-keimeyer-recycle-lights/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/27/johanna-keimeyer-recycle-lights/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/27/johanna-keimeyer-recycle-lights/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Green

I'm not going to say that these Recycle Lights by Johanna Keimeyer are pretty because they really aren't (in my opinion), but that doesn't mean I don't like them. Inspired to re-purpose the ugly plastic bottles we all see laying all over the place to into something use-able again, Johanna Keimeyer took a trip through Europe that resulted in this unique collection of eclectic lights that incorporate bottles from water, soda, detergent, and numerous other products. They're especially interesting to me because they look so completely different when the inner bulb is illuminated versus when it isn't. Plus with all that melting and twisting they look really fun to put together! %Gallery-26237%

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]]>greenjohanna keimeyerJohannaKeimeyerkeimeyerlightlightinglightsrecyclerecycledrecycled lightsRecycledLightsrecyclingRigel Gregg2008-06-27T15:05:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/27/rails-to-trails-conservancy-charity-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/27/rails-to-trails-conservancy-charity-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/27/rails-to-trails-conservancy-charity-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Charity, Green, Charity of the Day

Since 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy has been repurposing old railroad tracks into hiking and biking trails with its goal to create "nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people."

I'd heard about this group, but forgot about it until a few days ago, when taking a different route home, I noticed two nearby streets had dedicated bicycle lanes, and my memory was sparked. I think this group has more significance than ever, as more and more people are going green, and walking and biking more. The conservancy even has a pledge you can sign to "Burn Calories, Not Carbon!" I like that this group was ahead of its time, and isn't just jumping on the green bandwagon, or "greenwashing" its claims.

The conservancy has a strong political arm, defending the federal railbanking statute in Congress and the courts as an essential tool to preserve unused rail corridors. Read about how you can get involved.

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]]>bicyclingbikingcyclinggreenhikinglobbyingrails to trailsRailsToTrailswalkingLisa Palladino2008-06-27T10:01:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/20/gold-bicycle-celebrates-the-environment/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/20/gold-bicycle-celebrates-the-environment/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/20/gold-bicycle-celebrates-the-environment/#commentsFiled under: Wheels, Green

In celebration of Green Transport Week a UK based insurance company, ETA, is offering a 24K gold-plated Charge Plug bicycle complete with customized seat, handlebars and chain. Talk about pimping out your ride! This glamorous bike also comes with its own security guard. Unfortunately unless you are living across the pond you can't get in on this great opportunity. You must be eighteen years old, live in the UK, and get a free quote online for cycle insurance in order to enter the contest. One person will be randomly drawn after the contest ends on October 21st. This amazing two-wheeled ride is worth £9,500 and certainly makes the green movement a lot sexier.

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]]>bicycle-insurancebike-insuranceCharge-PlugETAgold-bicycleUKLaura Malesich2008-06-20T09:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/13/weatherford-place-green-in-georgia/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/13/weatherford-place-green-in-georgia/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/13/weatherford-place-green-in-georgia/#commentsFiled under: Green, Real Estate Developments

Roswell, Georgia is getting a new solar-powered residential community. Weatherford Place will offer eight homes on 1.6 acres of land bordering Crossville Creek. The small community will be designed to supply its own energy. The development is going for platinum LEED certification for green building, which is the highest designation.

Each home uses passive solar design as well as solar panels and has low flow plumbing fixtures and a system to harvest and store rainwater. The energy generated by the homes goes out into the power grid and the power company credits the home for the power it produces. The homes are designed to use less energy than traditionally built homes. The homes come in several different styles offering 2,500 to 3,900 square feet of space. Each has an artist's studio with a full bath over the attached two-car garage. These homes are on the market starting at around $750,000 each.

[via The Atlanta-Journal Constitution]

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]]>georgiagreen buildinggreen developmentGreenBuildingGreenDevelopmentroswellDeidre Woollard2008-06-13T08:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/12/the-scorpion-hybrid-supercar/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/12/the-scorpion-hybrid-supercar/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/12/the-scorpion-hybrid-supercar/#commentsFiled under: Wheels, Green

It's red, it's sleek, it's the Scorpion from the newly formed Ronn Motor Company. It's main features include the fact that it goes from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and gets 40 mpg. So what's so special about that? How about the fact that it's also a hydrogen burning hybrid?

I'm no mechanic (couldn't be farther from it, actually) but the description on AutoblogGreen of how the engine works is really interesting. This car sounds like a really satisfying way to satisfy both a need for speed and an interest in preserving the planet (too bad it looks like a refurbished Viper).

The Scorpion will be manufactured in Texas and should be available to consumers this fall.

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]]>autoautosenvironmentally friendlyEnvironmentallyFriendlygreenhybridronn motorronn motor companyRonnMotorRonnMotorCompanyscorpionthe scorpionTheScorpionwheelsRigel Gregg2008-06-12T14:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/11/enertia-electric-motorcycle/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/11/enertia-electric-motorcycle/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/11/enertia-electric-motorcycle/#commentsFiled under: Wheels, Green

Before you leave the house be sure to charge your phone, ipod and ride? The Enertia Electric Motorcycle holds a three-hour charge on six lithium-phosphate batteries and can move you around town at speeds up to fifty miles-per-hour. So what is the attraction? A sleek new ride that is easy on the earth and gets people to take a second look and summer sounds like the perfect time to give it a try ... if you have $12,000 on hand. Just make sure your city cruise doesn't take you further than 45 miles at one time.

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]]>electric-motorcycleenertia-electric-bikeenertia-motorcycleLaura Malesich2008-06-11T15:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/11/ceago-opulent-vintners-collection/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/11/ceago-opulent-vintners-collection/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/11/ceago-opulent-vintners-collection/#commentsFiled under: Dining, Spirits, Green

Using the best of old and new world winemaking techniques, Jim Fetzer introduces award-winning, Biodynamic growing practices that go beyond organic standards. The Opulent Vintner's Collection contains a 2002 Ceago Camp Masut Cabernet Sauvignon, a 2006 Ceago Del Lago Chardonnay and Ceago Vinegarden's estate-grown, cold-pressed, certified organic and Biodynamic olive oil. To complement the wine, included are 10 pieces of fresh, seasonal fruit, 4 oz. each of roasted and salted organic cashews, almonds and pistachios, and 4 oz. of organic chocolate caramel pecan clusters.

This collection is Biodynamic certified by The Demeter Association: no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers; organic methods with astronomy; humane animal practices; and ecosystem protection.

A nice Father's Day idea for the gourmet, eco-concerned dad. $174.95

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]]>CeagodadFathers DayFathersDayorganicvinterwineLisa Palladino2008-06-11T14:01:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/07/the-i-v-plant-pot/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/07/the-i-v-plant-pot/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/07/the-i-v-plant-pot/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Green

Love to decorate your home or office a little on the bizarre side, and also have a hard time remembering when it's time to water your plants? This I.V. Plant Pot will take care of both those issues at once, and although it would be especially entertaining in a doctor's office you don't have to be medically inclined to appreciate both it's creativity and functionality (it really does water the plant). The set includes the stylish contemporary pot, a metal I.V. pole, and a refillable I.V. bag with a flow regulator that you adjust to fit your particular plant's needs. And the best part? The water goes into the pot, not the plant, so no worries about "finding a vein." £159.50

Via Denzeen
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]]>i.v.i.v. plant potI.v.PlantPotiv plant potIvPlantPotplantplantsRigel Gregg2008-06-07T16:00:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/06/green-our-vaccines-charity-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/06/green-our-vaccines-charity-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/06/green-our-vaccines-charity-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Events, Charity, Green, Charity of the Day, Children, Big Givers

Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy are hoping they can use their combined star power to help raise awareness this week for the Green Our Vaccines march and rally. Jenny's son Evan was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2005, and Jenny has been trying to help him and others by raising awareness of the possible link between autism and childhood vaccinations. The actors have joined with other national autism advocacy groups to press for the elimination of toxins from children's vaccines and to change children's vaccination schedules. It's always a heated debate, with facts and studies being presented on both sides, but a growing number of parents of autistic children believe that vaccines, especially those containing the mercury-based preservatives, are to blame for bringing on their children's autistic symptoms. Learn more about this weeks fund raising efforts here, and if you want to get involved in this movement now is the time!

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]]>charitycharity eventcharity of the dayCharityEventCharityOfTheDaygreen our vaccinesGreenOurVaccinesjenny mccarhtyJennyMccarhtyjim carreyJimCarreyStar Sutherland2008-06-06T10:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/05/green-wine-awards/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/05/green-wine-awards/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/05/green-wine-awards/#commentsFiled under: Wine, Green

For grape growers, vino viticulturists, syrah sippers and green gods and goddesses, the day has come when wineries both domestic and foreign can compete for glory to bring us, the consumer, the best eco-friendly wines available. The Green Wine Competition has chosen its champions from over 271 entries originating in six states and eleven foreign countries within four categories: Class I - certified biodynamically grown; Class II - organic; Class III - transitional & third party certified; Class IV - natural (international imports only). With 153 award-winning bottles, broken up into gold, silver and bronze medals, and a shopping list to make your next selection of wine easier, the search for a fantastic bottle of green wine is bound to be simpler. (And in case you are wondering who took home the most medals, Bonterra Vineyards blew the competition away).

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]]>biodynamicBonterra VineyardsBonterraVineyardsGreen wine awardsGreenWineAwardsnaturalorganictransitionalLaura Malesich2008-06-05T15:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/04/brad-pitt-to-design-green-dubai-hotel/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/04/brad-pitt-to-design-green-dubai-hotel/http://www.luxist.com/2008/06/04/brad-pitt-to-design-green-dubai-hotel/#commentsFiled under: Green, Real Estate Developments

Brad (and his ever growing resume) has embraced a new project not on film, but with a hard hat in Dubai. He will be collaborating with an architectural firm there, Zabeel Properties, as well as the firm he currently consults with, LA-based GRAFT, to design a new hotel that will be built sustainably. Zabeel Properties is known for also being socially-responsible with its projects, considering the community's needs as well as its inhabitants seeing the development beyond the walls and through a larger lens. Lending his enthusiasm and expertise, after his experience with Make It Right which is still building homes in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, Brad certainly also creates added interest in any project he throws himself into. The primary fixture of this development project will be an 800-room five-star hotel with American themes and an environmentally-friendly structure. Once again, Dubai is on the cusp of both luxurious and current interests, going green with glamour.

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]]>brad pittBrad-PittBradPittDubaiexpire-images2009-6-3GRAFTMake It RightMakeItRightZabeel-PropertiesLaura Malesich2008-06-04T20:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/31/czeers-the-solar-powered-speedboat/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/31/czeers-the-solar-powered-speedboat/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/31/czeers-the-solar-powered-speedboat/#commentsFiled under: Water, Green

This time of year speedboats are a popular hobby, and unfortunately a more and more common accessory with that hobby is a big 'ol side of guilt due to all the gas and energy negatively impacting the environment. But wealthy water-lovers in the Netherlands now have a new option that's not only much more environmentally friendly but also outrageously cool: a solar-powered speed boat.

The Czeers Solarboat is 33 ft long and can get up to 35mph, thanks to the 150 solar cells covering its entire surface and giving it a very futuristic look. All yours for just $1.1 million. Ouch.

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]]>boatboatingczeers solarboatczeers solarboatsCzeersSolarboatCzeersSolarboatssolarsolar powersolar poweredsolar-powersolar-poweredsolarboatsSolarPowerSolarPoweredspeed boatSpeedBoatRigel Gregg2008-05-31T14:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/29/entwined-root-furniture/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/29/entwined-root-furniture/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/29/entwined-root-furniture/#commentsFiled under: Decor, Green

I love the outdoors, and I love to bring the outdoors indoors, so it's no surprise that I'm in love with this Entwined Root furniture from Viva Terra. I agree with Daily Dose that these pieces should be used sparingly but if I get a bigger house someday I'll be looking to make room for more than just one of these unique pieces. Handmade from 100% reclaimed wood from fallen roots, branches, and trunks (trees are never cut down) each piece obviously ends up completely different from every other piece. The collection includes numerous furniture items including a table, mirror, coat stand, and stool. $149-$498

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]]>decoreco-friendlyentwined rootentwined root furnitureentwined rootsEntwinedRootEntwinedRootFurnitureEntwinedRootsgreenreclaimedreclaimed woodReclaimedWoodrootrootsRigel Gregg2008-05-29T11:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/28/loft-organic-liqueurs/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/28/loft-organic-liqueurs/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/28/loft-organic-liqueurs/#commentsFiled under: Spirits, Green

Liqueurs from LOFT Liqueurs appear to have it going on from all angles: they come in decadent and unique flavors (i.e. Lavender, Lemongrass, and Spicy Ginger), they're handcrafted in small batches, and they're the first liqueurs in the country to be 100% certified organic.

Just two years ago LOFT Liqueurs was started by two women, Lisa Averbuch and Sabrina Moreno-Dolan, and was originally born through Lisa's experimentation with a random limoncello recipe. Besides the 3 standard flavors LOFT is looking to expand, starting with seasonal flavors like Tangerine and Blueberry. Look for LOFT Liqueurs in restaurants in California and you can buy them online here for $29.99/bottle.

Via Mighty Foods

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]]>alcoholliqueurliqueursloftloft liqueursLoftLiqueursorganicRigel Gregg2008-05-28T15:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/28/wecansolveit-org-charity-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/28/wecansolveit-org-charity-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/28/wecansolveit-org-charity-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Charity, Green, Charity of the Day

Wecansolveit.org (WE) is an environmental organization that was founded by former Vice President Al Gore. WE's ultimate goal is to halt global warming. Their work includes changing government policies and urging corporations to use clean energy solutions as well as educating people in the US and around the world that the climate crisis is both urgent and solvable. WE teaches that clean energy solutions will not only save the environment but also help rebuild the economy. I always picture the polar bear as a sort of mascot for global warming, and recent efforts from WE have the polar bear joining the list of endangered species, an action that will help guarantee that protective measures are taken on it's behalf. Learn more about this important organization, the climate crisis deserves all of our immediate attention and joining or supporting WE is one of the most effective ways to add your voice to the cause.

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]]>al goreAlGorecharitycharity of the dayCharityOfTheDayclean energyclean energy fuelsclean energy trendsCleanEnergyCleanEnergyFuelsCleanEnergyTrendsclimat crisisClimatCrisisglobal warmingglobal-warmingGlobalWarminggreengreenlivingpolar bearsPolarBearsWEwecansolveit.orgStar Sutherland2008-05-28T10:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/28/green-with-glamour/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/28/green-with-glamour/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/28/green-with-glamour/#commentsFiled under: Apparel, Decor, Green

I know green is the big buzz word these days but I have to say there are some amazing items and gifts that have come out the green-revolution to decorate your house, dress your self or gift to friends and family. Green doesn't have to be dreary, plain or fibrous, it can be stylish, sexy and sassy too! Check out Green With Glamour, a perfect example of eco-friendly wares that are stunning and high-quality that will surprise and thrill anyone. I'm a big fan of the j'adore l'amour, one-of-a-kind blouse above by Super Lucky Cat made from three vintage scarves re-purposed into a fabulous shirt. Give it a try -- green, glamorous and gorgeous -- you can be earth-friendly and amazing looking at the same time.

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]]>green-with-glamourjadore-lamoursuper-lucky-catLaura Malesich2008-05-28T09:02:00 00:00http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/24/the-cody-new-hotel-launches-in-the-wild-green-west/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/24/the-cody-new-hotel-launches-in-the-wild-green-west/http://www.luxist.com/2008/05/24/the-cody-new-hotel-launches-in-the-wild-green-west/#commentsFiled under: Journeys, Green

A new green luxury hotel has opened in Cody, Wyoming. The Cody is located on the west side of town near the Cody Rodeo Grounds, site of the Cody Nite Rodeo and the Cody Stampede. The hotel has 78 rooms with amenities such as feather pillows and comforters, terrycloth robes, oversized towels, coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, flat-screen televisions, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, free wireless and DSL access and voicemail. The hotel also provides complimentary coffee and continental breakfast with a selection of organic items and each evening the hotel staff serves complimentary refreshments and coffee to guests in the lobby. The Cody also features queen and king suites with whirlpool baths and patios and some suites also have fireplaces and adjoining suites. Other hotel amenities include a a fitness center, indoor pool and sauna, hot tub spa, newspapers, a gift shop, concierge, business center, library and laundry facilities.

Green features are in evidence here, not grand sweeping changes but small incremental ones. The hotel offers a GMC hybrid vehicle used for complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, downtown and popular attractions such as the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The lobby and corridors feature reclaimed planking and wood trim from buildings in Yellowstone National Park. Sustainable features include low-VOC paint, mattresses made of latex fill and natural bamboo fiber covers, fluorescent energy-saving light bulbs, and organic amenities in the bathroom. Rooms start around $200 per night.

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]]>greenhotelthe codyTheCodywyomingDeidre Woollard2008-05-24T14:01:00 00:00