Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist 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/Green Designers Win National Award for Mobilehttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/30/green-designers-win-national-award-for-mobile/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/30/green-designers-win-national-award-for-mobile/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/30/green-designers-win-national-award-for-mobile/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sustainable design company Contexture was recognized at this week's 2008 Design Exchange Awards for its handmade hanging mobile, As the Crow Flies, a dangling family of laser-cut crows.

Crafted from 30% post-recycled paper and found roadmaps, the mobile landed top honors in the Industrial Design category. It's also likely to be a popular gift among the I-don't-want-a-nursery-full-of-pink-puppies parenting set.

The mobile retails for just $49 (free shipping!) and is available through Contexture, the Vancouver-based partnership of Nathan Lee and Trevor Coghill, already well known for their reclaimed-material Coffee Cuffs and 45 iPod Cases.

Green Designers Win National Award for Mobile originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>as the crow fliesAsTheCrowFliescontextureindustrial designIndustrialDesignsustainable designSustainableDesignTracy ChaitSun, 30 Nov 2008 10:02:00 ESTThe Daily by Ecoist, Handbag of the Dayhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/09/the-daily-by-ecoist-handbag-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/09/the-daily-by-ecoist-handbag-of-the-day/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/09/the-daily-by-ecoist-handbag-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Daily bag by Ecoist is not only an interesting and versatile shoulder bag but it's also eco-friendly because it's handmade out of folded, recycled newspaper. It has a sturdy, structured design (meaning it holds its shape and doesn't slouch), is water resistant, and has comfortable padded handles. Self-lined with a magnetic snap closure, The Daily measures 15" x 12" x 6" and sells for $158.

And if the newspaper print isn't your thing you should check out their other designs using recycled magazines, Coca-Cola bottles, and even candy wrappers.

The Daily by Ecoist, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bagbagsdailyeco-friendlyecoistgreenhandbaghandbag of the dayHandbagOfTheDayhandbagsRigel CelesteSun, 09 Nov 2008 17:02:00 ESTDSe Hybrid Yacht, Green Cruising Follows The Sunhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/02/dse-hybrid-yacht-green-cruising-follows-the-sun/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/02/dse-hybrid-yacht-green-cruising-follows-the-sun/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/02/dse-hybrid-yacht-green-cruising-follows-the-sun/#commentsFiled under: ,


I'm all for hybrid yachts but the DSe Hybrid may be a challenge for all but the greenest among us. The 40-foot yacht uses diesel, solar and electric power (hence the "dse"). The yacht's most dramatic feature has to be the large solar array that covers the roof. The yacht also has narrow, wave-piercing hulls that keep her stable but also conserve energy. Wind turbines also generate additional power. The yacht can hit six knots on solar power (13 knots with diesel included). The bow has room for four loungers and a picnic table.

Inside the yacht features a large main area with a 26" HDTV and a Bose home theater system as well as a modern galley that features energy efficient appliances. The master stateroom has a queen-sized sleigh bed and a panoramic view. The guest suite has a queen bed that can also be converted into two twin beds. The dinghy uses an electric motor which can be charged using the solar array.

The DSe Hybrid 12m starts at $600,000 and is being shown at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

[via Born Rich]

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DSe Hybrid Yacht, Green Cruising Follows The Sun originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dsehybridsolaryachtDeidre WoollardSun, 02 Nov 2008 12:02:00 ESTThe Good Hotel Opens In San Franciscohttp://www.luxist.com/2008/11/02/the-good-hotel-opens-in-san-francisco/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/02/the-good-hotel-opens-in-san-francisco/http://www.luxist.com/2008/11/02/the-good-hotel-opens-in-san-francisco/#commentsFiled under: ,

The latest San Francisco hotel from Joie de Vivre is known simply as the Good Hotel. What makes it good? The 117-room hotel in the SoMa area is billed by Joie de Vivre as the "first hotel with a conscience." It offers a chance for voluntorism through the hotel's partnership with One Brick, an organization that provides support to local non-profits. The hotel also contributes to local organizations through an optional guest cash donation program and invites employees to participate in philanthropic efforts for the charity of their choice by allocating some of their paid monthly hours for those activities. And guests can also choose to participate in a carbon offset program to minimize the environmental impact of their stay.

The hotel is decorated with graphic statements embellish the walls and whimsical items made of reclaimed materials such as a bench made of felt blankets and a table constructed from skateboard adorn the lobby. The guestroom décor features eco-friendly materials including bedframes and headboards made from 100% reclaimed wood, lamps made from recycled Voss water bottles, and décor pillows made from vintage fabrics. And the bathrooms feature the "SinkPositive" toilet sinks. There are also more usual hotel amenities such as a flat-screen television, i-Pod docking station, a space-saving fold-down writing desk, hairdryer, coffee maker and wireless Internet access.

Other "good" moves include free parking to guests with hybrid cars, taxi companies with hybrid vehicles on call for hotel pick-ups and a Good Hotel green Prius Zipcar for Zipcar members' use. The hotel's business center offers One Laptop Per Child computers (for each computer purchased by the hotel, a companion computer is directly shipped to needy children in developing countries).

Is Good too virtuous? Will customers really opt for the guilt-free hotel over something more posh? The hotel's opening rates might be some enticement, they run from $119 to $139.

The Good Hotel Opens In San Francisco originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>good hotelGoodHotelsan franciscosomaDeidre WoollardSun, 02 Nov 2008 08:03:00 ESTFour Seasons Offers "Sustainable Nuptials" In Hawaiihttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/31/four-seasons-offers-sustainable-nuptials-in-hawaii/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/31/four-seasons-offers-sustainable-nuptials-in-hawaii/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/31/four-seasons-offers-sustainable-nuptials-in-hawaii/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

Four Seasons Offers "Sustainable Nuptials" In Hawaii originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>four seasonsFourSeasonshawaiisustainableDeidre WoollardFri, 31 Oct 2008 16:02:00 ESTWill Rolls-Royce Make An Electric Phantom?http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/28/will-rolls-royce-make-an-electric-phantom/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/28/will-rolls-royce-make-an-electric-phantom/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/28/will-rolls-royce-make-an-electric-phantom/#commentsFiled under: ,


It looks very likely that in the near future Rolls fans will have the option of owning an all-electric version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Tom Purves, the Rolls-Royce CEO, has revealed that he'd not only like to build an electric Phantom but thinks it would fit in perfectly with what a lot of Rolls customers are looking for. Thanks to the technology used in the new BMW Mini-E the hard part of developing an electric engine that measures up is already done -- it's really just about refinement and tweaking a few technology details.

No word yet on when an electric Phantom can be expected but it sounds like it could be as soon as the next few years.

Will Rolls-Royce Make An Electric Phantom? originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>autoautosbmwcarcarseco-friendlyelectricelectric carElectricCargreenmini coopermini eMiniCooperMiniEphantomrolls roycerolls royce phantomrolls-royceRollsRoyceRollsRoycePhantomwheelsRigel CelesteTue, 28 Oct 2008 15:02:00 ESTYacht Carbon Offset Assuages Green Guilthttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/21/yacht-carbon-offset-assuages-green-guilt/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/21/yacht-carbon-offset-assuages-green-guilt/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/21/yacht-carbon-offset-assuages-green-guilt/#commentsFiled under: ,

Carbon offsets for private jet travel have become a fairly common occurrence but there is also a carbon offset program for another energy-intensive luxury, yachting. Yacht Carbon Offset specializes in balancing greenhouse gas emissions from yacht charters and private yachts. Projects include renewable energy in Brazil, wind power in China's Shanghai Province and a wind farm in Maharastra, India. They stress that their carbon offset projects offer traceability of individual project actions and for the independent verification and certification of the carbon credits generated. They have an interesting stance on forestry projects. Their website says they do not purchase credits from forestry projects because pure tree-planting schemes seek to create an offset by increasing the amount of stored carbon dioxide. This only matters if the trees will never be cut down, otherwise the CO2 will be released again. They instead focus on alternative energy projects.

Their program calculates carbon offsets based on the types of marine fuel types used for the main engines, gensets, tenders and watertoys and even helicopter fuel if required. The motor yacht Lionheart was recently signed up for carbon offsetting through this program. Certainly the easy answer is to say that people shouldn't be cruising these huge yachts in the first place but I think any reasoned effort to be green has merit.

[via Superyacht Times]

Yacht Carbon Offset Assuages Green Guilt originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>carbon creditscarbon offsetyachtsDeidre WoollardTue, 21 Oct 2008 15:02:00 ESTKayu Bamboo Shades: Eco-Ethicalhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/18/kayu-bamboo-shades-eco-ethical/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/18/kayu-bamboo-shades-eco-ethical/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/18/kayu-bamboo-shades-eco-ethical/#commentsFiled under: ,


New eco-company Kayu handcrafts sunglasses from pesticide-free bamboo. The shades are oversized in a retro-stylish way (think Jackie O. goes green), but the best part is what's behind the lenses: for every pair purchased, Kayu donates enough funds to cover one sight-restoring surgery in the developing world. So the shades are not only green, they give back the luxury of sight.

The multi-tasking pair retails for $180 and is available through the Kayu website.

Kayu Bamboo Shades: Eco-Ethical originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>giving backGivingBackgreenkayusunglassesTracy ChaitSat, 18 Oct 2008 11:02:00 ESTRuff & Cut Jewelry Line Launcheshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/17/ruff-and-cut-jewelry-line-launches/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/17/ruff-and-cut-jewelry-line-launches/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/17/ruff-and-cut-jewelry-line-launches/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It may be, as the Wall Street Journal's Heard on the Runway column put it, a "challenge in this economy to launch a high-end jewelry line" but it is one I suspect that Wade Watson of Ruff & Cut can handle. I had a chance to listen to Watson speak earlier this year at the Fair Trade Jewelry Conference and was impressed by how passionate he was about both the country and the people of Sierra Leone and the good diamonds can do there. For Watson it's a personal mission to help lift up this country which is one of the richest in natural resources but the poorest in so many other ways.

The Ruff & Cut name refers to the mix of both rough and cut diamonds used in the designs. Designers such as Me&Ro, Tracy Matthews and Todd Reed each have their own collection under the Ruff & Cut brand. The jewelry uses recycled gold and "conflict-free" diamonds coming from Sierra Leone and Canada. Many of the rough diamonds come from the Pride Diamond mine in Sierra Leone. Each piece comes with a certificate of origin. For every piece sold the company donates 10% of their profits to their nonprofit partners working in Africa to improve the lives of those affected by mining and jewelry manufacturing. During their launch event, Oct 16th - Nov 16th, they are bumping that number up to 20%.

The Nobel Ring shown above features a 1.35 carat rough diamond with a free-spinning center band studded with brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 0.27 carats total. It sells for $10,500.

Ruff & Cut Jewelry Line Launches originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ruff and cutRuffAndCutsierre leoneSierreLeonewade watsonWadeWatsonDeidre WoollardFri, 17 Oct 2008 11:02:00 ESTThe Sears Tower Goes Greenhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/10/09/the-sears-tower-goes-green/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/09/the-sears-tower-goes-green/http://www.luxist.com/2008/10/09/the-sears-tower-goes-green/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

The Sears Tower Goes Green originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chicagoecogreensears towerSearsTowersustainableDeidre WoollardThu, 09 Oct 2008 18:03:00 ESTBeauties and the Beasts - A Women's Wildlife Adventure at Spring Creek Ranch, Jackson Holehttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/20/beauties-and-the-beasts-a-womens-wildlife-adventure-at-spring/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/20/beauties-and-the-beasts-a-womens-wildlife-adventure-at-spring/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/20/beauties-and-the-beasts-a-womens-wildlife-adventure-at-spring/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Spring Creek Ranch holds photography workshops in September and OctoberSpring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has a long list of luxury, seasonal wildlife-focused getaways. The picture at right is for their photography workshops which they hold in September and October.

This year, Spring Creek Ranch has something new for the ladies: The Beauties and the Beasts Adventure is taking place October 2-6.

Subtitled "A Women's Wildlife Adventure," Beauties and the Beasts is a four day excursion, venturing from Jackson Hole up into Yellowstone, where there will be naturalist-led hiking and driving, a trip to Old Faithful, and finally, massages back at Spring Creek Ranch. Ladies only!

There's still room! The price is $1,710 per person for double occupancy and $2,110 for single occupancy.

If I weren't busy keeping tabs on New York for you, I'd be there!

Beauties and the Beasts - A Women's Wildlife Adventure at Spring Creek Ranch, Jackson Hole originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>adventuresdestinationsjackson holesafarisspring creek ranchvacationswildlifeAnnie ScottSat, 20 Sep 2008 16:02:00 ESTLuxury Bottled Rainwater from Tasmania "Never Touches the Ground"http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/15/luxury-bottled-rainwater-from-tasmania-never-touches-the-ground/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/15/luxury-bottled-rainwater-from-tasmania-never-touches-the-ground/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/15/luxury-bottled-rainwater-from-tasmania-never-touches-the-ground/#commentsFiled under:

Tasmanian Rain, the premium bottled rainwater from Tasmania, is now available for home delivery and at certain luxury hotels here in advance of its official U.S. launch next year.

The remote Australian island where it originates has the cleanest air on the planet according to the World Meteorological Organization, which is important since Tasmanian Rain never touches the ground.

The company says that gives it an edge in purity over any spring water, which can contain contaminants as a result of human byproducts that cannot be completely filtered out. Furthermore, Tasmanian Rain is a carbon neutral company, and only bottles their water in 100% recyclable glass.

So far it's been picked by several Ritz-Carlton hotels for their VIP suites, the Trump International in Chicago and Las Vegas, the Tides and The Biltmore hotels in Miami and the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole.

Tasmanian Rain is also about to launch in Dubai at the Jumeirah Hotel Group. Home delivery prices are $60 for a case of 12 750 ml bottles and $75 for a case of 24 375 ml bottles, available for order here.

Luxury Bottled Rainwater from Tasmania "Never Touches the Ground" originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>AustraliaBottled waterBottledWaterDubaiFour SeasonsFourSeasonsRitz-CarltonTasmaniaTasmanian RainTasmanianRainJared Paul SternMon, 15 Sep 2008 08:05:00 ESTCappellini Love Tablehttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/cappellini-love-table/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/cappellini-love-table/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/cappellini-love-table/#commentsFiled under: ,

Do you feel guilty about all your old magazines, even if you are recycling them? New York designer Stephen Burks certainly must have given it some thought which explains his line of eco-conscious tables for Italian manufacturer Cappellini called Cappellini Love. The small tables are made from recycled paper and shredded magazines. The tables have a paper structure stuffed with paper and then a paper maché like design of magazine strips on top which is treated with adhesive and hardener. Burks designs made a big impression at the Milan furniture show earlier this year where he was interviewed by Cool Hunting about his process about the production of the tables. It almost seems like a project I might be tempted to attempt to try to recreate at home if I weren't certain it would end in gluey disaster.

Cappellini Love Table originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Deidre WoollardThu, 04 Sep 2008 15:02:00 ESTDerringer Cycles: 180 mpg, 1920s Stylinghttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/derringer-cycles-180-mpg-1920s-styling/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/derringer-cycles-180-mpg-1920s-styling/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/04/derringer-cycles-180-mpg-1920s-styling/#commentsFiled under: ,


In Los Angeles, Derringer Cycles are the new Bentley. Whether you want to go green or just look good doing it, you'll want one of these moto-hybrids.. You can reach speeds of 40mph, pedaling not required. (Hence the hybrid in moto-hybrid: you can pedal as if on a traditional bike, use the engine for assistance, or rely completely on your bike's 4-stroke engine.) Depending on how often you choose to pedal, your moto-hybrid can get up to 180 miles per gallon.

The Derringer cycle was conceived by famed industrial designer Adrian Van Anz (Brad Pitt is a fan) to "take the compromise out of environmentalism," riffing on parts Ducati and parts Schwinn. You can order up your hand-built cycle in splashy colors ranging from Fresco Blue to Bad Girl Pink (there's Good Girl Pink, too), or custom paint jobs like 22-carat engine-turned gold. Check out the gallery for all the cool options.

Derringer has a retail store at 7954.5 West 3rd St., L.A. and can talk bikes with you over the phone at 323-944-0091. Cycles sell for $3,500.

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Derringer Cycles: 180 mpg, 1920s Styling originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>adrian van anzAdrianVanAnzbicyclebrad pittBradPittderringerderringer cyclesDerringerCyclesgreenlos angelesLosAngelesmoto-hybridTracy ChaitThu, 04 Sep 2008 10:02:00 ESTProtected Lands for Sale in the Adirondackshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/03/protected-lands-for-sale-in-the-adirondacks/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/03/protected-lands-for-sale-in-the-adirondacks/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/03/protected-lands-for-sale-in-the-adirondacks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Perhaps a true sign of luxury living is buying land that will be protected instead of developed. You'll soon have your chance to bid on such a parcel as The Adirondack Chapter of the The Nature Conservancy has announced the listing of 90,500 acres of pristine forestland for sale in upstate New York. The timberland previously belonged to paper company Finch, Pruyn and Co. and, according to listing broker LandVest, "represents the first time in more than a century that these lands have become available on the open market."

The parcels will be available by sealed bidding in 5 sale blocks in acreage ranging from 1,691 acres to almost 60,000 acres. All are subject to a strict conservation easement, though eventually some of the land will be open for hiking, hunting, fishing and other outdoor adventures. See more images that will make you want to flee your desk upon viewing at LandVest's listing page.

Protected Lands for Sale in the Adirondacks originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>adirondacksconservation landConservationLandfinch pruyn and companyFinchPruynAndCompanyfishinghikinglandvestreal estateRealEstateThe Nature ConservancyTheNatureConservancyTracy ChaitWed, 03 Sep 2008 10:02:00 ESTFiesta Dinnerware Heir Leaves $9 Million to The Nature Conservancyhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/09/01/fiesta-dinnerware-heir-leaves-9-million-to-the-nature-conservan/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/01/fiesta-dinnerware-heir-leaves-9-million-to-the-nature-conservan/http://www.luxist.com/2008/09/01/fiesta-dinnerware-heir-leaves-9-million-to-the-nature-conservan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Robert Wells, heir to the Fiesta Dinnerware collection (so embedded in the American consciousness it even became the topic of a recently produced off-Broadway play), has bequeathed $9 million to The Nature Conservancy. His attorney cited Wells's respect for the Conservancy's "wide footprint" after traveling to places like the Chilean coasts, New Zealand and Alaska.

Twenty percent of the gift is earmarked for local conservation efforts in Wells's home state of West Virgina, specifically in the Central Appalachian Mountains. The bulk of the bequest will go towards global programs on behalf of the nature-loving recreational fisherman. The first date he took his wife on in the early 1950s? A 4:30 am catfishing expedition. Carolyn Wells also left a significant gift to the Conservancy following her death in 2005.

Fiesta Dinnerware Heir Leaves $9 Million to The Nature Conservancy originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appalachiafiestawarefishingnature conservancyNatureConservancyoff broadwayOffBroadwayrobert wellsRobertWellsTracy ChaitMon, 01 Sep 2008 10:02:00 ESTBaumraum, Luxury Living in the Treetopshttp://www.luxist.com/2008/08/28/baumraum-luxury-living-in-the-treetops/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/28/baumraum-luxury-living-in-the-treetops/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/28/baumraum-luxury-living-in-the-treetops/#commentsFiled under: , ,


I never had a tree house as a kid and although I can't say I ever really felt deprived I wouldn't mind using that fact as an excuse to indulge myself in adulthood! These tree houses by Baumraum out of Germany are absolutely gorgeous, not to mention much larger and more luxurious than what the average 10 year old gets. They build custom tree houses all over the world, although mostly in Europe, and the designs vary from houses built up just a few feet off the ground to designs like this one way up in the tree tops (wonderful to look at but is it really secure balancing up there like that???).

Via Wists
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Baumraum, Luxury Living in the Treetops originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>baumraumhousehousestreetree housetree housesTreeHouseTreeHousestreesRigel CelesteThu, 28 Aug 2008 16:02:00 ESTThe Ray: Handcrafted, Limited-Edition, Eco-Conscioushttp://www.luxist.com/2008/08/26/the-ray-handcrafted-limited-edition-eco-conscious/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/26/the-ray-handcrafted-limited-edition-eco-conscious/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/26/the-ray-handcrafted-limited-edition-eco-conscious/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Ray from Quicksilver: it looks tough and it means business when it comes to being earth-friendly. Designed for and made of eco-conscious materials and concepts, THE RAY features ebony wood from sustainable forests, 100% recycled steel and aluminum, 100% solvent-free links, and it needs no batteries thanks to automatic movement (which has an awesome lifespan of up to 10 years).

The watch is 86% recyclable and there's a special program in place for getting the watch back once it's long little life is over. Only 1,000 of them will be made and available starting this November for about $500 each, and you can see a cool video of how they're put together here.

The Ray: Handcrafted, Limited-Edition, Eco-Conscious originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>eco-consciouseco-friendlygreenquicksilverraythe rayTheRaytimepeicetimepieceswatchRigel CelesteTue, 26 Aug 2008 11:02:00 ESTWooden Hotel Key Cards To Debut at DNChttp://www.luxist.com/2008/08/20/wooden-hotel-key-cards-to-debut-at-dnc/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/20/wooden-hotel-key-cards-to-debut-at-dnc/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/20/wooden-hotel-key-cards-to-debut-at-dnc/#commentsFiled under: ,


We get them whenever we travel but hardly give a second thought to all those plastic keycards from hotels. Sustainable Cards has created wood hotel key cards and they will get their big debut at the Democratic National Convention. Around 70,000 biodegradable key cards will be used in Denver hotels.. The Sustainable Cards will be emblazoned with the Denver 2008 Host Committee logo and made from sustainably harvested wood. Wooden key cards have been used in Europe for years. While it wouldn't seem like such a small item would make a big difference, switching from plastic cards to biodegradable wood can reduce plastic waste equal to the volume of seven 777 airplanes in one year. The company also plans to offer wood gift cards in the future.

Wooden Hotel Key Cards To Debut at DNC originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>democratic national conventiondnchotel key cardsHotelKeyCardshotelssustainable cardsSustainableCardsDeidre WoollardWed, 20 Aug 2008 14:02:00 ESTBalmoral Goes Greenhttp://www.luxist.com/2008/08/20/balmoral-goes-green/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/20/balmoral-goes-green/http://www.luxist.com/2008/08/20/balmoral-goes-green/#commentsFiled under:

Prince Charles has long been known for his eco-efforts including driving a wine powered car. But Queen Elizabeth is green-minded too. The Daily Telegraph reports that Queen Elizabeth who has also set up an energy-saving committee at Buckingham Palace, is turning Balmoral, her Scottish estate, into a property that is completely energy self-sufficient. A small hydro-electric plant has been installed at at Balmoral and it sells electricity to the national grid. The plant was developed on the Gelder Burn, a stream in the estate forest and generates enough power for Balmoral and for 1,000 private homes in the area. A water-driven turbine was originally installed in the 1920s to provide electricity, in the 1950s it was used to power the estate sawmill, and now since the mill is no longer in use a generator was installed which allows the turbine to be connected to the National Grid and offer power to the surrounding homes.

The Balmoral woodlands are registered with the Forestry Stewardship Council which supports sustainable forestry worldwide and all farming practices are registered with the Soil Association, which promotes organic food and farming. The estate is also a big recycler turning tons of organic waste into compost each year. Even the royal protection officers pedal around the estate on bicycles and use their vehicles less. It's all part of the Queen's commitment to climate change initiatives, a stance which she has urged other nations to adopt.

Balmoral Goes Green originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>balmoralecoenglandgreenqueen elizabeth iiQueenElizabethIiscotlandDeidre WoollardWed, 20 Aug 2008 08:02:00 EST