the goode life

The Green Apple!

I was so excited to read this!  After viewing the emmy award winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, expo producer Bradford Rand and his team decided to do something, and what they came up with is the Go Green Expo! 

It's set to take place in New York City on April 25-27, 2008 at the Hilton NY.  I've been to MANY green events, festivals, and shows, and most of them are industry specific such as green building, renewable energy, or organic farming, this one by Rand and friends will encompass ALL that is Green Living, including eco-fashion, how goode is that!!  And with it being held in NYC I'm going to be holding this expo to a higher standard in the fashion department (I am secretly praying it's not all yoga pants and t-shirts made from hemp!).

More than 20 of the nation's top eco-minded non-profits will be participating with educational booths and noteworthy speakers.  The event itself will be really green, natch!  Stetson (a green tradeshow contractor, not the odoriferous cologne) will be installing 100% recycled visqueen flooring, 100% compostable and biodegradable wastebasket liners, 100% compostable and biodegradable table top coverings, recycled material booth ID signs, biodegradable banner material, soy & water based inks, a natural gas powered forklift, and an extensive recycling and waste management program that takes environmental and social ramifications into account by utilizing local donation programs.

And if that isn't enough, attendees who live in that area can bring their Con Edison utility bill with them and sign up on -site for WIND power from Con Edison Solutions, and if you make the switch you get free admission into the expo.

For those of you that can't make it to NYC, it looks like there will be a west coast expo in Los Angeles but the dates have not been announced yet, and I have not heard anything yet on what celebrities will be appearing, but you know there's gotta be some.

So start planning now, as they say either go green or go home!   

Technorati Tags: Go Green Expo environment green living New York City

Easy Jet

I wasn't going to mention this just yet but I then decided why not just do a little blurb.  It seems the UK based airline EasyJet is in the works on a prototype plane that will reduce carbon emissions by 50% in the year 2015.  I won't hold my breath, but this is exciting to hear as you all are very well aware of my love of flying and my advocacy for private airplanes as illustrated here and here. 

Campi Ya Kanzi

There is nothing I like better than a trip to some far off place that is eco-conscious, stylish and exotic (and I don't mean Costa Rica).  Does such a place really exist?  Yes it does.  The next time the desire to travel strikes head to Campi Ya Kanzi.  It's a luxurious safari, although ecofabulous does mention it's not as luxurious as Branson's African Oasis (I"m sure very few are), it's still a lavish way to explore Africa. 

(from their website)
"Imagine a day that begins with the aroma of Kenyan coffee or tea brought to your tent by your personal Maasai attendant. Enjoy your coffee or tea and the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro on the veranda, and then head out for your morning walk or game drive."

Campi Ya Kanzi means "Camp of the Hidden Treasure" in Kiswahili, and from what I see on it's website that is exactly right.  I do chuckle when I read that in the middle of such grand African beauty you will be feasting on exquisite Italian food!  The land is unspoiled and is still inhabited by the Maasai people, who proudly show off their culture and lands to you.  Mass tourism is not permitted (thank God!) allowing it's visitors a truly one of a kind experience.

Not only will you be enjoying unrivaled beauty but helping out the environment as well.  Campi Ya Kanzi has received numerous eco-tourism awards, and has a foundation established to help the Maasai tribe and protect the wild.

Avere un viaggio buono!

Technorati Tags Campi Ya Kanzi eco-tourism" travel" Africa Kenya environment

Sliverjet

While perusing Groovy Green for all the latest articles I've missed these past few weeks I came across one that took all the pain away.  A green luxury airliner, for the business traveler, that flies transatlantic!  I know too goode to be true but it does exists - Silverjet is the world's first carbon neutral airline. 

“Silverjet’s carbon offsetting scheme is particularly effective as it is included within the fare, allows customers to earn carbon points which will engage them in this important global issue and is independently managed by one of the world’s leading carbon neutral companies. This is the first time any air carrier has taken a strong proactive approach to the accountability for air pollution generated by the Aviation Industry. (quote by Patrick Sheedy of the Institute of Transportation Management)

It is no secret I hate all public transportation, and am saving to purchase my own Honda Jet as any Goode Life Girl would, but it's nice to know there are other green luxury alternatives available.

Technorati Tags airlines Silverjet carbon neutral transportation Goode Life

Driving Green

I believe we need to do something about greenhouse gases, I believe in conserving energy, I believe in recycling, I believe in buying local, what I don't believe in is giving up my truck!  If that's counterproductive to my above beliefs so be it....but I'm not giving up my truck.  I don't like public transportation, is that so wrong!!  And frankly I don't live in a city where our public transit system is all that great.  Besides the work I do doesn't allow me to use the public buses.  Can you imagine me getting on the bus with a stack of 2x6x16's.  I run around all day meeting clients I can't depend on the already undependable bus. 

I like my truck, it's comfy, warm, and I can listen to my tunes as I make my way around town....and I drive everywhere.  On the days when I'm not working I guess I could take the bus or the underground rail system, do I?  No.  Do I feel guilty?  No.  This topic speaks to the point of what The Goode Life is all about.  Most environmentalists would instead make you feel bad for not trading in your car for Razor scooter (or selling the manse and moving into a 800 sq. ft. home).  I say the hell with that!  I can't push a scooter in heels and the shoebox they came in is way too small for me to live in!  Thankfully there are groups out there who get this and are capitalizing on the fact that there are people no matter what you tell just won't give up some of their ways.  One such group is Driving Green. 

I punched in my info and found it would cost me $80 to offset my truck for the year!  Plus you get a decal sticker for the window telling everyone you are greenhouse gas neutral for 2007, a kicky little license plate frame, and a t-shirt!  I LOVE this idea.  Companies can even offset their entire fleets.

Driving Green is even clever enough to let you offset your plane ride (this is going to come in handy when I purchase my own private plane---yeah, I hate commercial planes too; it's just a bus in the air), and your parties!

The money goes to support projects that are working with livestock farms in reducing methane gas, which is far worse than carbon dioxide in terms of global warming.

So there you have it, I'm gonna keep on truckin!

Technorati Tags: Driving Green Greenhouse Gases environment global warming The Goode Life

The Real Survivor

So let's just say urban living (and even suburban living for that matter) is starting to get to ya'.  Trash everywhere, polluted air, inedible frankenfood.  You just can't take it anymore!  No matter how hard and often you preach to others the ways of living off the land, people just won't listen.

Do you secretly wish you could escape to some far off island and just start all over?  What if Survivor the reality show was actually real but without the competition part and no getting voted off the island?  Would you go?  Me?  No!  Sorry I'm too used to technology.  I love the Flintstones, I just don't want to be one.  But for those of you who do have the desire to escape from it all and go live The Goode Life with like-minded folks, there is a place. 

It's called Tribe Wanted, and they are located on the northern part of the Fiji island at a place called Vorovoro.  I swear looking at the pictures actually makes me want to pack and say "sayonara".  There are only 5,000 spots available.  You join according to how long you wish to stay 1, 2, or 3, years.  You don't live on the island that long; you are just given membership for that length of time.

They are forming an actual living community.  Each member is asked to participate in the formation of the tribe by answering questions such as: what will the island be called, who should the 12 chieftains be, should the islanders educate each other, what holidays to celebrate, etc....

This is an interesting experiment in human behavior, and sociology if I've ever seen one!!

Realizing this is the new millennium and not the stone age, they are not exactly starting from the beginning.  This group is smart; they realize fire has already been discovered and the wheel has already been invented.  It will be an eco-village but with modern touches.  Such as a Bar!  Nothing's better than a tribe of nomads on a deserted island than drunk nomads on a deserted island.  There's also going to be a sports arena and a surf and scuba school!  They are looking for people from around the world and from all walks of life but specifically, architects, builders, wood carvers, environmentalists, marine scientists, and entertainers (see i told you they were smart).

This is really real people.  The place looks amazing and things are already starting to happen.  So quit complaining about how your neighbor doesn't recycle and escape to your own island, your tribe is waiting!

Technorati Tags: Tribe Wanted Survivor Fiji Islands eco-village community tribes environmentalists The Goode Life

Rent -a- Hybrid

I've been a little remiss here lately due to a family emergency.  My sister and her family were in a wicked car crash last week.  They are all fine now, Thank God!  But their new car (less than a month old!) was totaled.  Suffice it to say as they deal with the insurance company, they are using a rental to get around.  I asked my sister if her car rental was a hybrid; she paused and said no, then quickly added the place where they went did not have any hybrids!!!

So of course I quickly did my research to find out where one could go to rent a hybrid car.  EV Rental Cars is one company with locations in various airports in the western states of the US.  All of their cars are environmentally friendly.  Fox Rent a Car offers some hybrids in their fleet and they are located across the US in major airports and internationally. 

This is goode to know as I may need a rental myself as I turn my truck in for some bodywork, which brings me to my next topic.....

Tag Your It

I drive a truck for 2 reasons:  I'm saving for a hybrid, I need it for work (I'm a general contractor) and I'm waiting for a goode hybrid truck to come on the market (okay that's 3).  I'm talking about a pick-up truck, not your faux SUV truck....so I oftentimes feel guilty about driving around in my big Silverado.  So what's a girl to do?  Buy Greentags.  If you're like me and want to ease your conscience about your carbon use you can purchase Greentags, answer a few questions about your energy use, and get a calculated report on how to offset your carbon use.  According to my calculations I would need to purchase 17 tags for the year to offset my carbon use 100%.  You can break it down to whatever is comfortable for your budget - 50% offset, 25% offset, etc...The money goes to support renewable energy and wind power projects. 

Hybrid Greentags Carbon Neutral Renewable Energy Car Rental

It's A Green Summer

Bananarama called it a Cruel Summer with their 80's hit; but I discovered it doesn't have to be.  I oftened wondered how I could adhere to my beliefs and still travel in style.  I don't mind visiting the occasional ashram, or meditation retreat center; I just don't want to have to spend all my vacation time there.  But these seem to be the only types of places that offer LOHAS-style ammenities.  What's a girl to do?  Google!

Google has come through and plotted your green vacation for you to five major cities: Orlando, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and even Las Vegas!  They tell you where to sleep, where to eat, where to shop, and what to see that's all eco-green!  Check it out here.  If nothing else, this at least gives you some ideas on how to plan your trip to a destination of your choice.

For those of you who have decided to vacation at home.  There is plenty that you can do.  I have written a full article at Bellaonline.com on greening your summer activities; but here are a few tips:   

• Use a gas grill instead of charcoal, but if you must have fire then use hardwood charcoal.  Wicked Good Charcoal is a goode brand that contains no pollutants.
• Pack your things for a picnic in an actual basket instead of plastic bags or paper bags and use serving ware that's made from recycled paper, Seventh Generation, makes them, or bio-plastic, which can be found at Ecoproducts *for you warehouse shoppers ecoproducts sells in bulk too; and bamboo, Hammacher Schlemmer carries them as well!
• Forget the Deet!  Use citronella candles that have a high concentration of oil and for personal use, L'Occitane makes a lavendar mosquito repellant towelette.
• Summer time is great for serving locally grown food at parties.  Make your decorations around a theme instead of buying crepe paper and balloons.  I like this book called Simply Green Parties it's chock full of great ideas on throwing your next eco-soiree!

So there you have it - fun in the sun without burning the earth.  See I told you it's easy to be green!

summer green vacation family picnic party barbecue LOHAS