[spotlight]
a daily dose of info & resources on sustainable style
The Rise of Organic Wine and Sustainable Vineyards
The Nectar of the Gods has been making big strides in organic and sustainable production and availability. From the methods used to grow grapes on the vines to the sources of power inside the winery, organic, biodynamic and sustainable vineyards and wineries are fast pushing their way into the mainstream.
July 31, 2006
The Nectar of the Gods has been making big strides in organic and sustainable production and availability. From the methods used to grow grapes on the vines to the sources of power inside the winery, organic, biodynamic and sustainable vineyards and wineries are fast pushing their way into the mainstream.
Including pesticide and herbicide-free viticulture to solar-powered wineries and organic, sulfite-free winemaking, there have never been more high-quality, super-sustainable wines out there to be enjoyed.
worldchanging.com
Baby Steps: Powering Up with One Step at a Time
British engineers are working on a prototype to convert street vibrations into electricity. By Christmas, they predict a working model capable of powering facility lights in the busiest areas of a city.
July 28, 2006
British engineers are working on a prototype to convert street vibrations into electricity. By Christmas, they predict a working model capable of powering facility lights in the busiest areas of a city.
"We can harvest between 5 to 7 watts of energy per footstep that is currently being wasted into the ground," says Claire Price, director of The Facility Architects, the British firm heading up the Pacesetters Project. "And a passing train can generate very useful energy to run signaling or to power lights."
wired.com
Wind Power as Art: The Beauty of Renewable Energy
Winner at "REimaginations," the world’s first wind energy art exhibit, Alexsandar Rodic’s digitally rendered "Energy Plant" morphs wind turbine propellers into the petals of a blooming flower. "It’s meant to show the beauty of clean energy," said Rodic. The exhibit was unveiled at the American Wind Energy Association annual meeting and will travel to other green energy conferences in the coming year.
July 27, 2006
Winner at "REimaginations," the world’s first wind energy art exhibit, Alexsandar Rodic’s digitally rendered "Energy Plant" morphs wind turbine propellers into the petals of a blooming flower. "It’s meant to show the beauty of clean energy," said Rodic. The exhibit was unveiled at the American Wind Energy Association annual meeting and will travel to other green energy conferences in the coming year.
"Some people might find the dome of a nuclear reactor pleasing but it’s also associated with toxic waste," says REimaginations founder Andrew Perchlik, who is also the executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont, a trade association that promotes wind farm construction. "Windfarms, by contrast, are both beautiful and sustainable."
metropolismag.com via hugg.com
Saving Green by Going Green
Offering a repeatable, five-month process for getting local small and medium businesses to dramatically lower their energy use — and therefore their greenhouse gas emissions - Saving Green by Going Green helps show that saving energy is easier than you think.
July 26, 2006
Offering a repeatable, five-month process for getting local small and medium businesses to dramatically lower their energy use — and therefore their greenhouse gas emissions - Saving Green by Going Green helps show that saving energy is easier than you think.
Supporting local communities by introducing businesses to already existing local energy conservation programs and accelerating our independence of fossil fuels, Saving Green by Going Green helps optimize energy use through easy fixes like efficient lighting and appliances, as well as creating supplemental energy through renewable resources like solar and wind power.
savinggreenbygoinggreen.com via hugg.com
Big Summer Sale on at Greenloop!
One of the only things better than reducing pesticides in the environment by sporting a pair of organic cotton jeans is doing so by saving money at the same time. Shop the sale at Greenloop, starting tomorrow through July 30, to stock up on green fashion, sustainable accessories and organic bodycare.
July 25, 2006
One of the only things better than reducing pesticides in the environment by sporting a pair of organic cotton jeans is doing so by saving money at the same time. Shop the sale at Greenloop, starting tomorrow through July 30, to stock up on green fashion, sustainable accessories and organic bodycare.
From Loomstate denim to Stewart+Brown wrap skirts, Helen E. Riegle handbags to Inara Sugar Rub, and everything in between, the Greenloop Summer Sale slashes prices up to 60% to make room for fabulous Fall merchandise. Get shopping!
thegreenloop.com
Green Building's Wonders of the World
Ten years ago, large-scale green building was still a pipe dream, but times have changed: green has become glamorous, and is now even economical. Today's green buildings minimize energy use, employ sustainable materials, and win architecture awards.
July 24, 2006
Ten years ago, large-scale green building was still a pipe dream, but times have changed: green has become glamorous, and is now even economical. Today's green buildings minimize energy use, employ sustainable materials, and win architecture awards.
From the Reichstag to the building known best as the "Erotic Gherkin," green building has hit the big time. This list of Green Wonders of the World celebrates the move into the limelight of the world's architectural greats.
businessweek.com
Clean Agency's New, Improved Website
The recent relaunch of Clean Agency's website keeps their story and services, and adds news and information from the sustainable business world. Plus, the new Life and Style sections invite you to become agents of change by providing relevant and useful resources for green living.
July 20, 2006
The recent relaunch of Clean Agency's website keeps their story and services, and adds news and information from the sustainable business world. Plus, the new Life and Style sections invite you to become agents of change by providing relevant and useful resources for green living.
Clean Agency specializes in "clean" marketing and pr, supporting sustainable businesses and helping them reach consumers interested in helping the world be a cleaner, greener place.
cleanagency.com
Natalie Portman Dons Charmoné Shoes for Red Carpet Walk
Charmoné, a new footwear company that creates charming shoes in harmony with people, animals and the environment, recently launched their premiere collection for Fall 2006. They impressed Natalie Portman enough to wear down the red carpet, simultaneously showing off her sense of style and social responsibility.
July 19, 2006
Charmoné, a new footwear company that creates charming shoes in harmony with people, animals and the environment, recently launched their premiere collection for Fall 2006. They impressed Natalie Portman enough to wear down the red carpet, simultaneously showing off her sense of style and social responsibility.
Charmoné prides itself on utilizing the highest quality synthetics and fabrics to deliver stylish shoes that are also animal-safe (non-leather), eco-friendly and sweatshop-free. Made in Italy, Charmoné targets the globally conscious consumer looking for accessible luxury and fashion-forward European design and quality.
charmoneshoes.com via hugg.com
Q Collection Introduces Newest Fabric: the Sun Series
The latest selection from the sustainable style all-stars at Q Collection, the Sun Series is handwoven, naturally dyed silk by Lulan Artisans. The luminous taffeta, made with socially responsible production practices, comes in four rich, toxin-free colors.
July 18, 2006
The latest selection from the sustainable style all-stars at Q Collection, the Sun Series is handwoven, naturally dyed silk by Lulan Artisans. The luminous taffeta, made with socially responsible production practices, comes in four rich, toxin-free colors.
Q Collection, whose mission is to provide furnishings that are better for you, your home and our planet, combines comfort, design and high-quality construction with materials that reduce or eliminate risks to our health and the environment. When it comes to sustainable style, it doesn't get much better than this.
qcollection.com
2Modern.com Creates Sustainable Products Directory
2Modern has consolidated many of their eco-friendly products into one convenient location. The new section, 2Modern|eco, identified the most talented sustainable designers of modern furniture, lighting and accessories who seamlessly integrate form, function, and 'eco-friendliness'.
July 17, 2006
2Modern has consolidated many of their eco-friendly products into one convenient location. The new section, 2Modern|eco, identified the most talented sustainable designers of modern furniture, lighting and accessories who seamlessly integrate form, function, and 'eco-friendliness'.
Look for "an eco-friendly product" logo on all products that support the world of sustainable design, from materials like reclaimed wood, recycled parts to industry recognition like fair-trade certification, they are proud to support the world of sustainable design.
2modern.com/eco
Al Gore Praises Wal-Mart for Sustainability Plans
Former Vice President Al Gore is praising Wal-Mart for a newfound focus on environmental sustainability, saying the retailer is showing there is no conflict between the environment and the economy.
July 14, 2006
"I believe that this kind of commitment is so important that the rest of the world is likely to be listening and learning," Gore told an auditorium of more than 800 Wal-Mart employees, suppliers and outside experts who are advising the company. Gore said some people questioned whether Wal-Mart was serious about the environment, then added: "Have you ever know Wal-Mart not to follow through on a big commitment of this kind? I have not."
planetsave.com via hugg.com
Pearl Jam Going Green to Stop Climate Change
With a goal of 0% net emissions for their tours and businesses, Pearl Jam has announced an expansion of their Carbon Portfolio Strategy. By donating $100,000 to nine organizations doing innovative work around climate change, renewable energy, and the environment, they hope to raise awareness while helping to mitigate their carbon emissions.
July 13, 2006
With a goal of 0% net emissions for their tours and businesses, Pearl Jam has announced an expansion of their Carbon Portfolio Strategy. By donating $100,000 to nine organizations doing innovative work around climate change, renewable energy, and the environment, they hope to raise awareness while helping to mitigate their carbon emissions.
In addition to the Carbon Portfolio Strategy, the band is working to offset carbon emissions from their 2006 US tour by using pure biodiesel (B100) in all production trucks and in their tour buses.
pearljam.com via seattlepi.com
"GE's Green Gamble" in Vanity Fair
GE CEO Jeff Immelt is gambling that going green will produce more green for the huge company. Through their expansive "Ecomagination" campaign, they're out to prove that being environmentally friendly isn't always about being trendy or moral; it's about a bigger bottom line.
July 12, 2006
GE CEO Jeff Immelt is gambling that going green will produce more green for the huge company. Through their expansive "Ecomagination" campaign, they're out to prove that being environmentally friendly isn't always about being trendy or moral; it's about a bigger bottom line.
"My environmental agenda is not about being trendy or moral. It's about accelerating economic growth," says Immelt. Will Ecomagination pay off? Can GE solve the world's toughest problems with planet-saving machinery? The waiting game is on...
vanityfair.com via gristmill.grist.org
Sandy Alexander: Committed to Green Printing
With ISO 9001, ISO 14001, FSC and Green-e certifications, Sandy Alexander is one of the greenest printers around. In addition to their labor and environmental certifications, they've purchased 100% of their electric power from wind-generated sources.
July 11, 2006
With ISO 9001, ISO 14001, FSC and Green-e certifications, Sandy Alexander is one of the greenest printers around. In addition to their labor and environmental certifications, they've purchased 100% of their electric power from wind-generated sources.
According to the EPA's Green Power Partnership, Sandy Alexander is the country's largest consumer of green power in the printing and publishing industry. They're the place to go for green commercial printing.
sandyinc.com
Newsweek: The Greening of America
This week's Newsweek covers "The Greening of America," lending an explanation to why "Saving the Environment is Suddenly Hot," explaining that, "with windmills, low-energy homes, new forms of recycling and fuel-efficient cars, Americans are taking conservation into their own hands."
July 10, 2006
This week's Newsweek covers "The Greening of America," lending an explanation to why "Saving the Environment is Suddenly Hot," explaining that, "with windmills, low-energy homes, new forms of recycling and fuel-efficient cars, Americans are taking conservation into their own hands."
They also mention the increasing "green" initiatives of Walmart and other big businesses. There's even a short piece entitled "The President: Shades of Green." Worth a read!
msnbc.com via hugg.com
