Eco-Chick · The modern girl's guide to living green & fabulous.

Ecocolo

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by Starre Vartan · 06/11/06

Who says an environmental magazine can’t look good? Like the cliche that eco-fashion is all about hemp sackdresses or vegan food is nothing more than tasteless tofu, it is time for the magazines representing Mother Earth to spiff it up. Ecocolo is a fabulous new Japanese eco magazine (there’s only been four issues so far) with a modern, fun and beautifully designed sensibility.

No, I can’t read Japanese, but there are lots of subtitles in english, and there are features on yoga, profiles of environmental activists (focusing on Japanese, but showing others as well), amazing layouts featuring recycled clothing and green fashion, sustainable architecture and design (like how different folks have made their work spaces green), fun products, and vegetarian/organic food.

You can get a little of the aesthetic on their website, but try to get a copy at your local international newsstand if you can. Ecocolo is worth seeing in print.

architecture, clothing, design, dress, Fashion, Food, hemp, local, magazine, magazines, News, Organic, organic food, recycle, recycled, spa, style, sustainable, vegan, vegetarian, yoga

Near Union and Outside of Square

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by Danelle Brown · 05/16/06

Located right off of Union Square, the new Jivamukti Yoga Center has opened its doors at 841 Broadway, 2nd floor. This truly amazing studio, not only has incredible instructors of Hatha style yoga, but this jewel of a studio is encased in an eco-friendly environment. Verses using bamboo flooring, like some, Jivamukti uses 100% recycled rubber. The paints are all non-toxic, and alot of the furniture and fixtures are reclaimed.With in this 12,000 sq. ft. studio is a vegan cafe which serves delicious creative smoothies, salads, and sandwiches alike. The studio’s boutique sells earth-friendly yoga mats and organic yoga clothing such as clothing from loyale Clothing.

With a variety of classes that fits almost anyone’s schedule, Jivamukti Yoga Center is definitely a destination to be attended. Even if you just go to try one class, you will walk away with a sense of love and respect for the space and the community of NYC Yogis.

Namaste

bamboo, clothing, community, fur, Furniture, NYC, Organic, recycle, recycled, spa, style, vegan, yoga

Eco-Paradise: Maho Bay in St. John, USVI

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by Kimberly Jordan Allen · 04/29/06

 

For an incredible vacation that is eco-friendly one should look no further than Maho Bay. This resort was created in 1976 by Stanley Selengut who is credited with being one of the forefathers of eco-tourism. Wanting to create a comfortable place for nature lovers, the founders built eco-tents from sustainable materials which utilized environmentally conscious construction that was sensitive to the surrounding eco-systems. Maho emphasizes education and they have art classes, yoga, and enviro-construction courses (among many others) to further their mission.

The resort has expanded into four different destinations on the island of St. John, each with a different eco-style that focuses on minimizing resource consumption. Concordia, one of the most recently completed destinations in the hills overlooking the Caribbean, is completely self-contained in its energy production and waste management. The tents at Concordia are airy and comfortable. Some have loft sleeping quarters, kitchenettes, and scenic decks.

The moon looks absolutely breathtaking from the elevated walkways and open decks, so check a lunar calendar when you head down! If you want to get away for a few days, this is one beautiful spot to do it. Prices are very reasonable, especially during the off-season.

car, consumption, Eco-Chick, Energy, fur, sleep, style, sustainable, sustainable materials, waste, yoga

Green Yoga

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by Starre Vartan · 01/29/06

Friends of mine have asked what yoga has to do with the environment, and I’ve always been stumped. I always felt there was a definite connection between my yoga practice and my environmental consciousness since both are about being more aware of our impact on the world, but that was about as far as I got.

Now Green Yoga is filling that void; it’s an organization dedicated to making yoga businesses more environmentally aware, from reducing energy use to building materials to earth-centered practices.

“Our goal is to widen the circle of Yoga practitioners who are seeking and finding ways to honor and care for the Earth as an essential part of Yoga.”

business, car, Eco-Chick, Energy, yoga

Liz Claiborne Loves Beaver!

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by Summer Rayne Oakes · 01/05/06

When a company is owned by a man named Beaver and wife of Beaver, you know it’s going to be good. This past November, PrAna, the fast-growing maker of apparel for climbing, yoga and outdoor activities, was acquired by women’s wear giant, Liz Claiborne Inc. PrAna (did we mention that the owner’s name is Beaver?) is known for being a rather environmentally- and socially-responsible company in ethics, production, and manufacturing. This is a significant acquisition considering that it is one of the first eco-oriented lines being bought out by a major fashion house.

The purchase price of $34.4 million consists of an initial payment of $32.5 million (representing 60 percent of Prana’s valuation) and the retirement of debt at closing of approximately $1.9 million. Prana’s owners will receive additional payments based upon a multiple of Prana’s earnings in the fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Prana co-owners and founders Beaver and Pam Theodosakis, and Demian Kloer, will continue to run the company. Prana, based in Vista, CA, is expected to generate net sales of approximately $30 million in fiscal 2005. Christ! That’s A LOT of BEAVER lovers!!!

Beaver had this to say about the recent acquisition: “One of the primary reasons we selected Liz Claiborne was because of our ability to maintain a significant economic interest and independence in running Prana, which will allow us to preserve the quality and essence of the PrAna brand that our customers and retailers expect. This relationship goes far beyond the bottom line as we are highly impressed by Liz’s brand-building capabilities and corporate commitment to people, fair trade and the environment. We have a great opportunity to share best practices in these areas.”

Check out the PrAna site. There are a host of both guys and gals climbing that are mighty impressive, particularly to an acrophobe. Beaver lovers…women, men and children…

children, ethics, Fair Trade, Fashion, sales, women, women's, yoga