LotusHaus

Ann Demeulemeester Boutique } Green Seoul

Here's some more global green! Check out Ann Demeulemeester's green boutique in Seoul, Korea. Designed by Minsuk Cho of MassStudies. All I can say is WOW!!!! Click here for a slideshow and click here for more examples of modern greenery in retail environments.

Designer Solar Panels

Soak it up! Via Design Flute I learned of a new technology that allows solar modules to convert sunlight into electricity and can be integrated in the glass façade of a building. It is possible to produce it in desired colors, print images or text on the module! Design, technology and sustainability is finally showing us the light!

H&M } Blesses Seattle with Affordable and Fashion Forward Style!

H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), the Swedish fashion department store chain is finally coming to Seattle!!!! It's like IKEA for fashion...seriously! I just read that H&M will open three stores this Fall. One in the University Village, one downtown Seattle and one at Southcenter mall, in my own backyard! Oh man, this is big news for Seattle fashion. I have been to the many H&M stores in New York and it's madness. You can expect to wait in line for a dressing room and then again to check out. I always love their textile prints - you can imagine the awesomeness of finding a plethora of summer wrap dresses in prints reminiscent of Marimekko, Orla Kierly or Dianne Von Furstenberg for $24.99! It would make any mild mannered fashionista's heart race and blood pulse. Oh and don't feel too bad. H&M is also working on their corporate responsibility & sustainability initiatives by providing its followers with affordable organic cotton options too.

Marks & Spencers } Spring e-Catalog & Green Mission

Wowee! I like the new Spring eCatalog by Marks & Spencer. These are some of my favorite images. I just love dark woods, cool whites and flashes of dark pink. I also love the jade green color of the plates and bowls in the bottom right photo.

I am also impressed by the Marks & Spencer environmental mission. It's called Plan A - because there is no Plan B! By 2012 Marks & Spencer aims to:

• Become carbon neutral
• Send no waste to landfill
• Extend sustainable sourcing
• Help improve the lives of people in our supply chain
• Help customers and employees live a healthier life-style

Very global cool!

Modern Condo Remodel } Finally Complete!

Well, we finally finished our year long DIY remodel of our old condo!!! Amidst all the frustration and angst, we are very happy with the results. Now if someone would just buy it we'd be really happy! We wanted give the new owners the most style and eco-conscious updates for their money (and ours). We were going for a downtown loft look and I think we got pretty close, thanks to Ikea! Check out these awesome before and after photos of the major renovation done to the kitchen and bathroom. The old kitchen had 70's faux wood grain and split pea soup laminate countertops, dated appliances and inefficient storage space. The new kitchen has sleek Eucalyptus veneer cabinets, steel look appliances, a double sink and a cool ceiling fan (can't see it in the picture, sorry).

Same thing with the bathroom...the old one had 70's faux wood grain and split pea soup laminate countertops. The new bathroom has a brand new all in one shower/tub (which was really challenging getting it in there), tile floors, energy efficient toilet, a stylish sink/vanity and chrome fixtures. Check out our cool Craigslist posting to see all of the features of this entry level condo.

Daily Dump } Composts with Indian Charm

What is that, you say? These beautifully crafted & painted vessels are compost centers by Daily Dump in India. Daily Dump is a wonderful & hygienic composting system that helps households to manage biodegradable waster matter and convert it into high-quality compost. Not to mention they look like natural additions to your home and garden. Visit the beautifully designed Daily Dump website to see the full product line and to learn more about how these elegant compost vessels are used. For a review of Daily Dump visit the Inhabit blog.

One World Weddings } A Modern Marriage of Global Cuisine & Style

The creative folks over at The Entertaining Company have just recently launched One World Weddings™ a great new e-magazine/blog for the modern couple that wants to create a globally infused wedding. "Whether you are a multi-cultural couple, have been inspired by world travels or are passionate about the world around you, here you will find ideas, information and inspiration that will assist you in planning your own One World Wedding™"

Also, if your wedding is in Chicago and you want to go global and green, The Entertaining Company is a perfect fit for all of your catering and decor needs. I love their philosophy about going green and global to represent your wedding style:

"Couples who want to celebrate nature and the earth are choosing eco-friendly, green weddings. To show respect for the environment and the world’s resources, couples are choosing recycled papers for their invitations and hybrid cars over limos. Going green doesn’t mean that a sophisticated menu has to be sacrificed...Entertaining Company buys locally grown and organic meats and produce and is able to create a menu that is both up-market and ecologically sustainable."

Entertaining Company } Go Global in Chicago

Oh how I wish I could fly to the windy city on a Seattle raindrop! This weekend I was contacted by Wendy, the President of The Entertaining Company, an absolutely spectacular global style catering & event design company in Chicago. Since I started the LotusHaus blog in May, I have virtually met so many like-minded souls all over the world...sigh...it's just so awe-inspiring! Anyways, the Entertaining Company, is a dynamic and endlessly creative caterer with global appeal. If you're in or near Chicago you can travel the world for your next party with global fusion cuisine and mood enhancing decor! *Warning* The following may make your mouth water! (This warning is for you, Bhavna!) Hmmm, I think I'll have just a bite of...Moroccan cigars with Mediterranean spiced vegetables, Crispy Tortilla Cups filled with crunchy citrus jicama salad and guacamole crown, Columbian shredded sirloin empanaditas, Peruvian chicken escabeche, Thai green curry crab cakes, vegetable dumplings on wonton spoons, gorgonzola grits cakes...and for dessert, I''ll have the coconut lumpia with passionfruit and guava sauce, tiramisu served in sake cups, banana mousse, oh, and don't forget about my Mango lassi...thanks!

San Francisco GREEN DESIGN SHOW ~ Sept. 19-20, 2007

Oh, how I want to go to this event! It's the San Francisco Mart's first green expo. The theme for this green event is "Live Green, Live Well"  and the show is dedicated to green furnishings and design. Sounds exciting! For more information, go here.

Green } 2008 Top Color Trend

Pure Contemporary has a great take on top color trends for 2008. One key trend is about Going Green at home. Here's the excerpt:

Go Green ~
Just say green and you indicate the eco-consciousness that's pervading our lives and our styles. The darling of a more environmentally aware Hollywood, green is on its way to a starring role as the newest “neutral” color. When used as a subtle backdrop to reflect environmentalism and social responsibility, this cool hue represents the growing environmental movement. Mid-tones of fern, palm, pine and sage used alone or with clear blue or aqua create living spaces that conjure a sense of outdoor-friendly living. Intermingle sandy tan and adobe brown to complete that earthy, eco-friendly feel.

Where to Go Green ~
While suitable for all areas of the home, this palette is especially good in bathrooms, kitchens and family living spaces.

My Eco-Friendly Shopping Basket

With all the hype about the "I'm Not A Plastic Bag" bag, I find my eco-friendly shopping basket by Reisenthal much more stylish and functional, don't you? I bought this basket at Sharper Image last year but you can choose this one or lots of other stylish totes at Reusable Bags. The Reisenthal basket is fully collapsible and super sturdy - it can actually hold groceries! I love when people ask me where I got my basket. The grocery tellers always love it. Also, this particular print is called "Flora" and recently, I discovered the same "Flora" print was used for these collapsible storage totes at the Container Store! I plan to get some of these totes to organize all the things rolling around the trunk of my lil' Prius.

Fall 2008 Green Trends } The Hong Kong Textile Show

In October, the textile trade show presented by Interstoff Asia will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The autumn/winter 2008 fabric collections are going green as ecology and the environment take center stage.
Here's the scoop from Interstoff Asia Via Ecotextile News:   

“This season is an invitation to an ‘ecological space trip‘, cast away from monochromatic landscapes. We take note of nature‘s elements, and we are in quest for soft contacts – delicate wool, organic cotton, brushed mohair... but at the same time we are tempted by the conquest of the future and its darkness: metallic tones, onyx black, compact aspects,” said Nelly Rodi of the Nelly Rodi Agency, France.

The three trend stories, "Ice Eco", "Bobo Craft" and "Techno Fiction" will be illustrated in a vivid display using exhibitor fabrics at the exhibition, scheduled for 3 - 5 October at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

*One thing I will be watching out for is how to achieve "metallic tones" in textiles, because in my experience this process is not eco-friendly if it makes up the majority of the material. For items labeled "organic" there are guidelines that prohibit the use of metallics. Download this pdf file for more information about the Global Organic Textile Standards for labeling and manufacturing.

Hmmm, maybe I should plan a visit back to Hong Kong! I love the shopping there! (FYI, when I worked for Mecca USA, I traveled to our Hong Kong design/production office over 7 times! It was in Hong Kong where my love for interior decor, retail design and spa services flourished)

West Elm } organic style alert!

I'm so thrilled to report that West Elm has just now introduced some organic cotton textiles into their mix of stylish bed & bath furnishings. I've always loved West Elm's naturally modern vegetal & spice tone palette, so it really pleases me to see organic cotton offerings in such yummy styles & colors. This gives me a really good reason to make the 2-hour drive down to Portland (our nearest West Elm) and go for a tax free binge! Oh, and while I'm in Portland, I've got to check out the famous Doug Fir Lounge, the swank Jupiter Hotel and the modern day spa at the hip Dosha Salon.

Replay } Organic Blue Jeans

Replay just sprouted an organic denim collection in May and to help spread the word they sent these cute "crack & grow" Egglings as invitations to their launch party. The jeans will be packaged in recycled paper and sold in all Replay stores throughout the world, and featured in window displays designed with an ecology theme.

The launch party was hosted by model/eco-activist, Summer Rayne Oaks. Check out this video clip for some more eco-friendly details of the new Replay organic jeans.

Seattle Weekly } Get Your Green Card

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Seattle Weekly has a great new feature called the Green Card. Sign up online and you will receive a card in the mail which entitles you to green discounts and specials at participating businesses. Small businesses and entrepreneurs, I encourage you to learn more about greening your business and participating in awareness programs like this. You will not only do good for the green earth & your green pockets but you will also open your doors to a new market of friendly, happy NEW customers.

Speaking of friendly new markets, I picked up this little card at the Greenfresh Market, the newest green grocery store in Renton (south of Seattle), just minutes from my house!!!! The store is daybright (they have clerestory windows), the goods are green, organic and local, and the people are so friendly and happy to be working there! It's so easy being green! (The owner was a former PCC partner)

Greening the Flower Industry

Organic Floral Design
Today I saw this ad for Phinney Ridge Florist in this month's Conscious Choice magazine and was quite pleased. Phinney Ridge Florist is a traditional florist that is now offering organic floral arrangements as part of their service. The website is your standard FTD florist site, but hopefully they will update it to let us know more about their new organic offerings. As an aspiring floral artist, my goal is to use local, organic and sustainably grown flowers, as well as sustainable business practices from the ground up (no floral foam, the use of biodegradeable materials, composting, recycling, etc). The flower industry is just starting to go green (you'd think they would be the first, but not so), so I am tremendously excited that this age old industry is finally waking up.

Pesticides & The Flower Industry
The issues with pesticide use in the flower industry are really the same and maybe even worse than those of the cotton industry. The exposure to pesticides is alarming but has not received much attention because most flower farms and distributors are based in countries outside of the US, mostly in Central America. These countries don't have the same regulations as the US. For example, Colombia has the world's second-largest cut-flower industry after the Netherlands, producing 62 percent of all flowers sold in the United States. Many flower workers are single women and due to their exposure to pesticides they experience higher rates of cancer, abortion, premature babies, and silent, chronic illnesses.

The roses you get on Valentine's day or on any occasion for that matter, have been sprayed, rinsed and dipped in a battery of potentially lethal chemicals. Flower distribution is also environmentally taxing as it is exported and shipped all across the world, day in and day out. Top that with the use of floral foam, that green spongey stuff which is made with toxic, non-biodegradable formaldehyde, and your flower arrangement starts to loose it's green appeal.

Greening the Flower Industry
Luckily, some countries are taking measures on their own in terms of regulation. In the U.S, we now have VeriFlora™, a sustainability certification program for fresh cut flowers and potted plants.  In Colombia, the flower exporters association launched Florverde™, which certifies its 200 members for taking steps to improve worker safety and welfare. *Update 7/21/07 - In Canada, Sierra Eco is a resource for sustainable flowers, wholesalers and florists. This information is from Scott Graham, the founder of EcoFlora, a sustainable floral studio in Toronto, Ontario. Thanks Scott!

But the Flower industry has a long way to go. Being such a disposable industry, the amount of plastic packaging, floral foam and organic waste is overwhelming. There is a lack of recycling, composting and sustainable practices by many florists. I've personally seen huge dumpsters filled with floral foam, plastic wrap, tissue, ribbons, plastic plant pots and tons of used flowers.

So the next time you go to your florist or grocery story floral department, ask for organically grown flowers and start raising the demand for beautiful and healthier arrangements. At home you can learn more about organic gardening, use your own garden flowers or visit any of the many farmer's markets for more sustainably grown flowers. Or if you want to send someone flowers, I would suggest ordering from Organic Bouquet. And if you are getting married, check out the online magazine PortoVert for more ways to green the decor part of your celebration.

iLove my Apple...I just wish it were Green!

Greenpeace created the Green My Apple campaign to persuade Apple to remove the worst toxic chemicals from all Apple products and production lines and to offer free "take-backs" (ie. return to Apple for recycling) for all their products everywhere they are sold. As a result, on May 2,  Greenpeace celebrated a green victory. "A Greener Apple" was splashed on the front page of Apple's site, with a message from Steve Jobs saying, "Today we're changing our policy." See what Greenpeace had to say about Steve's message here. This fantastic slideshow book was sent to Steve Jobs using Aperture to serve as a nutritious reminder from all green Mac fans everywhere. Yay!

Urban Outfitters } going outdoors

I heard it through the grapevine... via ApartmentTherapy and TrendCentral:

"Urban Outfitters Inc. is planning to launch a new brand concept in 2008. In what sounds like a smart execution of the urban gardening trend, merchandise will reportedly consist of lifestyle home and garden products, antiques, and live flowers and plants."

For more dirt, dig here to get an underground look into the Urban Outfitters campus in Philly via decor8.

In the meantime, you could always sprout a couch or spruce up your space with your own DIY modern green arrangement.