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Organic Clothing With a Hint of Luxury

Filed under: Apparel, Green

Lux Life Apparel recently launched an organic clothing site, Lux Green Living. (I know luxe is spelled with an "e," but this is how they spell it.) The site is just getting going, and for its first line is featuring Toggery by Kate D'Arcy, a simple, casual line with reasonable prices that the site calls "a fun, contemporary line that appeals to every body shape and is offered in all organic and sustainable luxurious fabrics." I saw only one item that cost more than $100. I randomly clicked on about 10 items, and all were made with bamboo or cotton, and some had Spandex. If you're looking for some light, breezy summer basics that are eco-friendly, this could be a place to start. See the gallery for a few items that caught my eye (too bad they don't come in petite sizes).

Four Seasons Offers "Sustainable Nuptials" In Hawaii

Filed under: Journeys, Green


Green weddings are all the rage and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has jumped on the eco bandwagaon with their Sustainable Nuptials Package. What does sustainable mean to the Four Seasons? The Sustainable Nuptials Package costs $10,050 and includes a wedding planner's "eco-expertise," choice of outdoor wedding location , carbon credit to offset the wedding's carbon footprint, teak chair set-up, marriage license appointment (within walking distance), an officiant, solo acoustic musician, the bridal bouquet, groom's boutenniere, floral leis for 25 guests, a bamboo wedding arch, photography, wedding cake, Champagne and a couples massage. If you are having a hard time finding the green in this one you are not alone, especially since the list of amenities includes 2,000 dendrobium orchids sprinkled at the wedding site. Beautiful? I'm sure. Green? I don't think so. While I applaud the Four Seasons for its other eco-friendly efforts, trying to sell a destination wedding as a green event seems a bit of a stretch.

The Sears Tower Goes Green

Filed under: Green, Real Estate Developments


We see a lot of plans for new green buildings but an existing iconic tower is getting an eco-makeover. The famous Sears tower in Chicago was the world's tallest skyscraper when it was built in 1973. The new plan calls for installing wind turbines and PV to reduce energy use by 10% (the building has already reduced energy consumption by 50%). Adrian Smith of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture spoke about the project at this week's Cityscape conference and said it also calls for new lighting systems, extra insulation and a green roof. The Building website has video of Smith talking about the greenification which is expected to cost over $145 million.

Condo Meets Commune in Portland, Oregon

Filed under: Green, Real Estate Developments


I'm inspired by those who grow their own vegetables and raise their own chickens but I'm not cut out for farm life. For those like me who might want to stick a toe into the sustainable life without opting for their own farm, a new condo in Northeast Portland, Oregon might be a way to start. The Columbia Ecovillage is part of the Portland Permaculture Institute which offers classes on sustainable living. A former apartment complex is being turned into 37 condos next to a 1912 farmhouse which will be a common building for the condos. This complex will be more of a community, residents will cultivate some of their own food and share some meals in the farmhouse. It will be a co-housing community. The prices are pretty low: studios to three bedrooms, will run $145,500 to $329,500. Reservations will be taken starting in May with move-in scheduled for the end of this year.

Is this part of a trend? Bankrate recently had an interesting piece on the new-found popularity of commune-like situations. As the Baby Boomers age they are looking for a sense of community and communes are one possible answer, offering both shared resources and shared experience.

[via The Oregonian]

Brown Paper Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags, Green


Made of corrugated cardboard with leather accents and chrome buckles, this Brown Paper Bag handbag by Giles Miller is a bit of a detour from the usual. I'm really not sure yet what kind of outfit this bag would compliment the best, but no matter how you pair it you'll get "green" points galore due to the sustainable materials and low energy production. The card has been cut at a steep angle to leave an elegant swirl design on the outside, with wide leather straps accenting the sides and creating the handle. Fasteners open and close the bag from the top of either side, and no worries about "rainy days versus cardboard" as it's been treated to be water resistant. $358

Via Switched On

Recycled Paper Jewelry

Filed under: Jewelry, Green


I've always been a little in the minority being what some would call a "girly girl" but at the same time really not liking jewelry with too much in the way of jewels or flash. I'm hugely partial to sterling silver pieces with organic energy and unique individual design. And as far as I'm concerned, pretty much everything from FrucciDesign fits that criteria -- especially this Tally ring. Made of recycled paper plus various other items like wood, metal, glass, or even lava, these designs aren't priced all that high but really could be -- there are definitely some conversations waiting to be started when you wear anything from this collection.


Via Design Mind

Michael Jordan's Pricey and Sustainable Sneakers

Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Shopping, Green

The Air Jordan shoe line has been making history since it was first released back in 1985, and the newest member of the family -- Air Jordan XX3 -- is no exception. The 23rd edition is not only special because of its connection to Jordan's iconic jersey number, but it's also the first design released under the "Considered" ethos -- meaning it's more environmentally friendly. The Air Jordan will now be made with more sustainable materials and will create less waste through the manufacturing the process.

The Air Jordan XX3 will start hitting select stores this month, with a national launch following in the spring. The shoes will be priced at $185.

Green Pet Homes from Sustainable Pet

Filed under: Pets

It's all about being green lately, and if you're like many people you probably even made a New Years resolution this year that had something to do with being friendlier to the environment. Green Pet Homes from Sustainable Pet can help you (and your pet) be greener while not sacrificing in the beauty or style departments. I do a lot of container gardening so I'm loving these pet houses/garden combinations -- very earthy and natural without looking cheap or shabby. Not to mention it's always nice to have fresh herbs in the kitchen! $1000-$6000.

Via Trendhunter

Luxury Redefined T-Shirts

Filed under: Apparel, Green


How much would you pay for a sustainable t-shirt? Luxury Redefined thinks the world is ready for the £100 sustainable T-shirt. What makes Luxury Redefined's shirt so special is that it is certified organic and Fairtrade. The shirts are made from cotton that is grown in a Peruvian co-op. It is rain fed rather than watered and the cotton is not dyed or bleached.

You've probably never thought about the sustainability factor of t-shirts, but it turns out that growing cotton takes a lot of water. The shirts are made in England at the John Smedley factor in Derbyshire. It will come with a mini-brochure made from 100 % post-consumer waste paper and printed with vegetable ink that explains the manufacture of the T-shirts. The shirts will be available this spring in men's, women's and children's sizes or you can try to win one in the contest from Smart Planet.

Star Island Promises Off The Grid Luxury in the Bahamas

Filed under: Journeys


Another Bahamas project has been announced and this one has a sustainable angle. Star Island is a 35-acre island in a protected sound ten minutes by boat from harbor island. The resort will be home to private homes and resort residences with facilities that will include a spa, restaurants, bars, pools, tennis courts and a "no-fuel" marina.

The developers have pledged that each part of the development and operation will be sustainable. This includes everything from alternative energy such as solar, wind and microhydro to shade-grown organic coffee in the restaurants and bamboo sheets on the beds. The plan is to have Star Island be entirely off the grid and 100% energy self-sufficient.

Buildings will be designed to meet LEED-certification requirements and will use technology such as cold-formed steel, insulated concrete forms, LED lighting and geothermal temperature-control devices. The island's water needs will be met by a rain-harvesting system and underground tanks with drinking water purified through reverse osmosis systems. This unique development is planned to be open in late 2009.

Water's Winery Unveils Sustainable Vineyard

Filed under: Wine, Green


Continuing our coverage of sustainable wineries, let's check out Waters Winery in Walla Walla, Washington. Wines & Vines reports that the winery's new $2 million, 5,000-square-foot winemaking facility and tasting room is set to open on November 2. Waters produces Cabernet Sauvignons, Syrahs, and a silky Bordeaux-style blend called Interlude which range in price from $20 to $40. Their new facility is made of masonry and rusted steel panels. The production building has a large skylight that brings light into the room for a naturally-lit workspace. The barrel aging rooms are surrounded by 17-inch-thick, insulated concrete masonry to reduce temperature swings. The building has concrete floors and a steel structure that is as much as 80% percent recycled content. The wood-framed walls are made from rapidly renewable trees. Future plans include adding a subterranean barrel room.

Zola, Eco-Friendly Furniture

Filed under: Decor, Green


Can your couch go green? The owners of Zola Furnishings, a company in Oregon say so. They make furniture from materials that are organic, sustainable or recycled. The frames are made from kiln-dried hardwood, harvested from sustainably managed forests and use non-toxic. water-based glue. The seat cushions are made of natural latex wrapped in organic wool and cotton/hemp cloth. The stains use earth-based pigments and the fabrics used are sustainably and organically produced. The Isabella loveseat shown here sells for $3695.

[via Oregon Live]

Dine Green Restaurant Guide

Filed under: Dining

We can become more environmentally friendly at home but often when we are out on the town. Many hotels, resorts and spas are making efforts to go green but what about something more local, the place you go for lunch or dinner. The Green Restaurant Association? (GRA) is a a national non-profit organization that helps restaurants become more environmentally sustainable. They have started a list of restaurants around the United States that have met their standards. Standards include implementing a comprehensive recycling system for all products that are accepted by local recycling companies and being free of Styrofoam products. Restaurants must also take environmental steps such as adding energy efficient practices, water efficiencies, sustainable food and non-toxic cleaning products to make the list. Their list so far includes 122 restaurants and lists how many steps each restaurant has taken on the road to green.

[via The Strong Buzz]

Eco-Friendly $35,000 Kitchen Remodel

Filed under: Estates

In Seattle, a couple wanted to carry their philosophy on life over into their decorating. They believe in using sustainable goods as much as possible and in supporting local artisans, but they didn't know what was available - or how much it would cost - when they set out. The entire kitchen remodel, done by a local contractor, cost them $35,000. They added recessed lighting and opening up the windows to allow more natural light in, and moving the refrigerator from the center of the room allowed there to be more flow in the space. Their countertops are made of recycled materials, a composite of paper and resin, and their marble breakfast bar is made from what was once a piece of scrap, as are the clawed feet that support it. The floor is sustainable cork and their cabinets are constructed from locally grown alder wood.

During the project, which took one year, they say that they learned it is possible and affordable to use the materials you want to use, but you have to be willing to look for them.

Click past the jump to see the "before" picture.

[Images John Lok/Seattle Times/



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