Don't Leave your Father's Day Gift to the Last Minute This Year

Struggling to find a Father's Day gift for the beach-going, water-loving, outdoorsy type? Consider your problem solved-- meet Riz Smith, British brainchild of surfer and swim wear line Riz Boardshorts.

These boardies are crafted from 100% recycled and recyclable polyester. These shorts are digitally printed using water-based, earth-friendly inks. What's even cooler? Riz's shorts can be returned, recycled, and reintroduced back into the loop through the company's "Rizzcycling" program! When your dad is ready for his next pair, he can send his old ones back to be recycled into new polyester yarn.

But wait, there's more... Riz Boardshorts are dedicated to protecting the world and simultaneously giving back-- the first 1% of profits are donated to Surfers Against Sewage, a gallant UK based non profit organization that campaigns for cleaner coastlines.

This Father's Day feel good about giving your dad a present he'll not only love, but one that gives back to the environment. 

Reflecting On the First Week of Internships

It’s been a week. So… What is Green? What is Eco? Environmentally Conscious? Sustainable?

They’re buzzwords: words that simultaneously excite and fatigue, disenchant and intrigue.

            Before I started my internship, I knew next to nothing about “green.” I simply knew that I wanted to learn. The people I know in my life who are leading greener, more sustainable lifestyles were inspiring. And not just because it sounded cool. They were not only healthier and more active, but they were also far more thoughtful, passionate, and interesting than those people I know who cared very little about the environment. The people who we think of as green and sustainable are really passionate, active, healthy people who care about themselves, their families, and the environment. When it comes to the environment, I really don’t think that old saying “Ignorance is bliss” applies. The ignorant need to become aware that they are not only citizens of whatever country they’re from, but also citizens of the world, citizens of the environment: citizens of a world which so many inhabit and so few truly think and care about.  

Me? I’ve always been an outdoorsy person. I’m very active, love the fresh air and being outside. I love nature, I love the environment, and I love to learn about it; however, I’ve always felt like I haven’t known enough. I’ve never considered myself “green” or “environmentally-conscious” because, well, I wasn’t. Sure, I recycle and try to conserve water by turning the faucet off while I brush my teeth, but I always felt so superficial doing only those things. The funny thing is, I’ve never been that great at science in school. Chemistry, for example? Totally stumped me. I even struggled in my environmental science class my freshman year of high school. I mean I really struggled. But I found it incredibly interesting. So interesting that, even though I struggle in the sciences, I’ve declared Environmental Studies as my major going into college. Why? Because I want to learn. I want to be able to explain to people how important the environment is and how necessary it is for people to take the time to learn and educate themselves and those around them about the pressing, imminent nature of so many environmental issues. I want to be the first domino that falls deeply, deeply in love with the environment and all the issues surrounding it. I want to fall so hard that I knock someone else out, and the next person falls head over heels in love with the environment, and so on and so fourth. After all, that’s really how I came to love the environment so much—it’s all about passion. My parents both have a deep respect for the environment. My freshman year environmental science teacher is extremely passionate about it. High school peers of mine fell in love with the environment some time ago. The environment is something I love learning about, love thinking about, and love talking about. So, call this an internship of passion—passion for learning, for thinking, and for understanding one of the most precious, inspiring facets of life that exists: nature.

Awareness about E-Waste Benefit Gala 5.16.2011

Last night I made my way into the rainy city of San Francisco to attend the Awareness about E-Waste Benefit Gala for a few reasons-- to learn all about E-Waste (Electronic Waste) and support Afia President and Designer Meghan Sebold, whose launch party I attended in New York City a week or so ago. The Benefit Gala took place in Henry Denton's Starlight Room of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. It was a beautiful event dedicated to informing people about the harmful impact electronic devices have if not recycled properly. The event benefited local non-profits who are in the electronic recycling business, and/or do educational outreach about e-waste. The evening featured keynote speakers, members from San Francisco's political forefront, a few celebrities, and as I mentioned before, Afia Designer Meghan Sebold. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned all about E-waste and how to recycle electronics more effectively and efficiently. More pictures of the evening to come soon!

I had the luxury of borrowing Zem Joaquin's gorgeous pink eco gown for the night's affair. I've been working at Ecofabulous for just over a week now and I'm loving it. Having been offered a full-time summer internship with the company, I'm starting to learn the ins and outs of everything. The team of girls here at Ecofabulous is amazing, and I'm starting to really get the hang of things. My first task has been to round-up all of the products we'll be featuring weekly on Zem's List, a list of five or so products that Founder Zem Joaquin highly recommends for viewers on a weekly basis. Look forward to this week's Zem's List all about eco, fabulous office supplies. 

Please: Check Out and Like Ecofabulous on Facebook 

Afia Launch Party 5.5.2011: Conscious Culture and Fashion

Last night, fellow Ecouterrian Kestrel and I took an early evening stroll down Rivington Avenue to go check out the Afia Launch Party in Soho of New York City. Thank god I brought a camera, because the Afia Spring/Summer 2011 Collection was so much more than I could have predicted. This fair-trade, environmentally conscious fashion collection debuted at Guilded on Bowery. 

The Spring/Summer 2011 collection is bold, beautiful, and incredibly original. Principal designer Meghan Sebold wore a gorgeous, floor length dress she designed created out of traditional West African textiles by pattern makers in Chicago and NYC in partnership with the fair trade Dzidefo Women's Cooperative in Ghana. Meaghan's intricate, unmatchable designs are genius, and totally wearable anywhere this spring or summer--big city, small beach town, etc. 

I loved the line so much that I went back to Guilded earlier this afternoon and picked up an Afia dress for myself (see picture below)! An essential item for the warm California summer sun ahead. 

Check out the Ecouterre article on Afia, and please check out Afia on Facebook! The line is absolutely gorgeous. Pictures from the event to come soon--stay tuned. 

Samantha Pleet Event NYC

NYC designer Samantha Pleet is officially a new favorite of mine. Her clothes are stunning, original, and simply put: amazing. Having met her last night at opening party held in her honor at Kaight, featuring her Spring/Summer Collection, I think it's safe to say that I'm in love.

Kaight is featuring Samantha's Spring/Summer Collection through the end of May in the store. Check out the Ecouterre article I wrote about the event. I was there last night and it's definitely something you don't want to miss out on. Stop by Kaight in the Lower East Side of NYC and check out the store as well as Samantha Pleet's designs.

My New Favorite Green Restaurant: Teany in the Lower East Side

Tucked away in a small space in the Lower East Side, Teany is a warm, cozy, green cafe owned by musician Moby. Teany serves fresh, delicious vegetarian and vegan fare ingredients and offers 98 different types of tea, all of which are either purchasable in the store or for the home.

Teany, Lower East Side

In terms of the tea at this adorable little cafe, The Teany Chino is to die for, it's absolutely delicious. For $3.50, you can enjoy a tea blend of roasted mate, almond bits, vanilla bean, cornflower blossoms, and sunflower petals steeped in your choice of lait.  Standout dishes include the Veggie Burger with Feta, The Faux Turkey Sandwich, and the Vegan BLT (for someone who hates bacon, this is très délicieuse).

Faux Turkey Sandwich

Check out the Cafe Menu online. If you're in the area, I highly suggest stopping in. It's a great cafe in a charming location with a wonderful menu and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Teany is the perfect place for lunch on a warm, spring day in New York City.

A Second Article Published on Ecouterre

Having a blast working at the Inhabitat Office in the Lower East Side of NYC today! Working with Jess and Kestrel has been great. Very excited for the Afia Launch Party this evening. If you're in the New York City area, come check it out tonight by RSVPing to the Facebook event. 

Check out my second article posted on Ecouterre!

What could be better than your favorite pair of denim jeans? Try a colossal 70-by-55-inch beanbag chair, clad in America’s No. 1 workhorse fabric. Design Public is offering a 25 percent discount—plus free shipping—on its extraordinarily oversized beanbag, made from 98 percent organic cottonand a smidgen of elastic for stretch. Good through Friday, the offer only requires you to mail your unwanted dungarees to Fatboy U.S.A. at 875 W. Sandy Lake Road, Suite 100 Coppell, TX 75019, where they’ll be passed along to peeps who could use a pair. Now if only Fatboy would also use preloved trousers in its wares—that’s the kind of feel-good comfort we’re looking for.

Also, check out my Twitter Page. Just created it today. I'm pretty new to Twitter, but I'll be posting throughout my internship.