Save Orangutans and their Habitat by Traveling with Orangutan Odysseys

For a life changing adventure, Orangutan Odysseys provides educational and adventure tours throughout Indonesia and parts of Malaysia.  For each tour purchased, a percentage of your fare will help orangutan care centers in the areas where you travel.

Whether you want a private customized tour or a small group tour, Orangutan Odysseys will provide the trip of a lifetime! Their remaining tours to Borneo and Sumatra run through the end of December.

If fundraising tours pique your interest, Orangutan Odysseys has upcoming trips that allow you to make an even bigger impact on orangutan and rainforest conservation. Fundraising adventurers raise funds prior to travel, and then have the unique opportunity to visit the care centers and see the orangutans they have helped. There are only two spots left on their Ultimate Tanjung Putting trip this October, so book now. If you’re looking to travel after the new year, check out their Ultimate Gunung Leuser and Fundraising trip scheduled for February 2013.

“Our wish is to save the environment through tourism,” stated Garry Sundin, one of the founders of Orangutan Odysseys. “We are committed to providing unforgettable tours while giving back to orangutans and their habitats.”

www.orangutanodysseys.com

An Exclusive Peek Inside Lisa Ling and Dr. Paul Song's Sustainable Home

Two weeks to design and just over three years to build, Lisa Ling and Dr. Paul Song’s modern two-story Santa Monica home is an architectural and environmental landmark. Designed by sustainability expert Marco DiMaccio, owner of PUNCHouse Design Group, it is the first LEED Certified Platinum energy-neutral home in Santa Monica.

To be certified in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a home or building is rated on sustainability, energy efficiency and “green” building. Rating points are based on design, location, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor air quality, and awareness and education. Platinum is the highest score, thus being most sustainable.

DiMaccio, who is dedicated to creating ecologically sustainable architecture, designed Ling and Song’s “green” home using 100% of their old house, with no materials going to landfill. “Old roofing material is toxic,” said DiMaccio, “and most people rip it off and throw it in landfill. We send roofing materials off to be pulverized and repurposed. In this instance we took lumber from the old roof, resurfaced it, and used it as hardwood floor on the entire second floor.” 

Extra lumber not used for rebuilding homes can also be recycled and used in parking lots and walkways, or donated to other projects. “The lumber we didn’t use was sent to Mexico to be used for low-income housing, while other items not recycled were given to Habitat for Humanity,” DiMaccio noted.

“He's the most creative person we've ever known," Ling stated when talking about her home and her experience working with DiMaccio. “Marco DiMaccio’s design has made a goal for energy independence into a home we have dreamed of.”

Ling, Executive Producer and Host of “Our America” on OWN, is perhaps best known for her role as Co-Host of “The View” and as a special correspondent for “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” but now she and her husband are in the spotlight for reducing their carbon footprint.

The couple’s energy-efficient 4,300 square-foot home has a bold yet playful exterior consisting of a rock garden, indigenous plants and a sunken grass amphitheater lined with artificial turf.  A 5,000 gallon underground rainwater tank sits in front of the home and harvests the rainwater from the roof. The 9-foot-wide, very red front door leads to a spacious open floor plan with a powder room, dining and living room, entertainment room and kitchen, displaying greys, whites, blacks and a splash of red!

The kitchen and bathrooms were surfaced using Silestone® by Cosentino. Their ECO line consists of surfaces made with recycled mirrors, glass and porcelain. Remnants from the Silestone® can be found in the pinstripe wall of one of the upstairs guest bathrooms.

Kohler plumbing products made a statement throughout the house. The Numi toilet, with unparalleled water efficiency, offers more than design and comfort. It has a touch screen remote for heating and lighting, as well as an eco flush, dryer and even music for your derriere. The bathrooms, complete with built-in speakers, offer a multitude of functionalities including iPod and mp3 player compatibility that may keep you from exploring the rest of the home!

The outdoor dining area is complimented with a BBQ and gardens on either side. Further back, through their very large open doorway, there is a spacious yet intimate outdoor living area complete with a saltwater pool and projection screen, which also doubles as a privacy wall.

Plugged into the garage juice bar charge was the couple’s electric BMW ActiveE. It’s similar in design to the BMW 1 Series Coupe and sports a silver-blue trim signifying the vehicle is free of emissions. With a full battery charge it drives approximately 100 miles.

The second floor, with its panoramic view of the downstairs, includes three guest bedrooms. Outside, DiMaccio has an array of over 60 solar panels which supply electricity for hot water and radiant floor heating, as well as heating to the swimming pool and energy to the home and electric cars. The Global Energy Storage System (GESS) works concurrently with the solar array allowing it to provide electricity at night, or when the power is not in use. Strategically placed, the solar panels sit above the faux grass balcony and lead the way to Ling and Song’s master bedroom.

A waterless urinal, which according to Kohler “can save up to 40,000 gallons of water per fixture every year,” was installed in the master bath at Song’s request. A steam generator, touchless hybrid faucet and shower locker are a few other amenities they share…as well as a whirlpool bath for two which includes water cascading from the ceiling!   

Although a huge expense to design an energy-efficient home, the payoff has more people looking to go “green.” Last month, Ling and Song’s water bill was just over a dollar. In addition to ultra low bills, improved comfort, reliability, security and environmental sustainability are a few more reasons to leave an eco-friendly footprint.

GBK Gift Lounge for the MTV Movie Awards

GBK, a special events and luxury gifting company, hosted an exclusive gift lounge the beginning of June at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills for the MTV Movie Awards. The rooftop was overflowing with stylish and cause-driven products, reflecting a mission to help the environment and give back to those in need.  

RevitaLash® was among the many companies dedicated to charitable causes. Developed by ophthalmologist Michael Brinkenhoff for Athena Cosmetics, Inc., RevitaLash® utilizes its time and financial resources towards educational programs and finding a cure for breast cancer. The cosmetics company gifted their ADVANCED line of products, including eyelash, eyebrow and hair conditioner, all of which were a huge hit with the women!

The children’s entertainment company MGA Entertainment showed off their bald Bratz® True Hope™ dolls to support cancer treatment and education. One dollar from the sale of each of these inspirational dolls is donated to City of Hope.

Bratz® True Hope™ dolls

Emys Clothing, a sustainable organic apparel company, showed their bamboo line of men’s and women’s clothing made with environmentally-friendly biodegradable fabric. Founded by conservation biologist Barry Nerhus, who also works to save endangered species and restore natural habitats for wildlife, Emys (meaning “turtle” in Greek) donates 10% of sales to environmental causes.

Another company making a difference, Lotus Premium Denim gifted their fashionable and hip women’s jeans. With a team of women designers, the company’s denim line embraces fashion and comfort while supporting organizations that empower women.

Jet-setters had an assortment of innovative products to choose from at the GBK lounge! Robdechi showcased their lightweight scarves, including the Robdechi Original 3-pocket hoodie and the Robdechi Air, with its inflatable air system perfect for travelers. Another must-have for those on the move was the Smart Phone Watch from Negris Lebrum Clothing Company for Black Street Technology. This sporty timepiece is a combination phone/PDA/FM radio/digital camera/video recorder, which also has texting and internet functions.

Smart Phone Watch

Other lounge favorites included Sprout eco-friendly timepieces with organic cotton, corn resin and cork straps, in an array of colors. They’ve been making watches for over 50 years and continue making strides towards a more sustainable product and to giving back to their community. Armitron was another company to watch for, displaying their All-Sport watches and their Now collection of luxury women’s watches.

The weekend also included great gifts for kids. The California-based toy, game and collectible company, Jada Toys, Inc., showcased Chiffon, Cookie and Candi, three activity dolls from their new Cutie Pops doll collection. Each doll has pop-on accessories such as hair extension pops, accessor-eyes, and style pops, sure to bring out the stylist in every young girl. 

Another not-to-be-missed product for kids was the DUB Garage Blazerz from Toy State. Zooming around the suite, the vehicle was just one of Toy State’s many stylized lights and sound vehicles on display. Light shows and cool music with DJ scratches were all the buzz from these motorized vehicles.

Toy State, not just for kids

The Artisan Group made an impression with handcrafted jewelry, purses, totes, paintings, designer stationary and paper goods, crocheted apparel, spa products, and other artistic accessories.  With a talented group of over 700 artisans from around the world, guests were sure to find exclusive products that were truly one-of-a-kind: Paper and Place chandelier crystal map jewelry and accessories; Soga Soap delicious skincare products with organic oils; Sock Monkey Emporium handcrafted sock animals made in the UK; The 7^th Crow fashionable jewelry made from Czech glass, copper; brass, sterling silver, chalcedony and pyrite; The Shutterbug Eye fine art photography prints and photo pendant jewelry; Esscentual Alchemy natural perfumes; JuditB unique wearable art pieces designed with sharp angles and geometric shapes; Kathryn Designs innovative handcrafted polymer clay and resin jewelry, featuring luminous colors set in a modern-vintage design; Gretchen Hind Designs handmade jewelry made with wire, beads, gemstones and rocks; Sari Blue eco-friendly bracelets, earrings, pendants and necklaces made from Turkish glass beads, many of which are designed with their “lucky eye” to add peace and prosperity; BeezKneez trendy designer stationery, paper goods and personalized gifts customizable for any occasion; Oops I Knit it Again awe-inspiring hats, blankets, scarves and accessories for babies and children; Saniki Creations handmade chainmaille and adornments; Bead Flora & Jewels timeless hair clips, headbands, shoe clips and other accessories; Palm Beach Parties social stationery; Hoshii Designs earth-friendly scarves, handbags and accessories; Gemelli Inspired brass jewelry with a vintage flare; Sophisticated Pup fine pet products; Teru Amaro alluring bracelets, necklaces and earrings; Motherbored recycled computer jewelry; Sherry’s Jewelry made from precious metal, highest-quality gemstones and glass stones; Jewels for Hope classic yet chic Swarovski crystal and pearl designs made to benefit nonprofit organizations; Aussen Wolf Designs semi-precious stone and bead jewelry; Candleworks premium candles; Four Black Paws designer pet products; OC Styles handcrafted stylish gifts; Care More Creations wire-wrapped jewelry featuring healing gemstones; Amy Fine Design rustic, hip jewelry made from amethyst, aquamarine, turquoise and other colorful jewels; Catcophony simple yet crafty jewelry; Scentability body products and home fragrances; Starlet Glam luscious soaps, scrubs and creams; and Villa Lusso 100% soy candles inspired by scents in Italy.

The Artisan Group

Other sponsors included imPRESS artificial press-on manicures by Broadway Nails, Cubify 3D printer, AsomBroso Tequila, Caribbean Living magazine, Cartography original necklaces made from found objects all over the world, Evamor alkaline water, Kent Denim men’s premium indigo jeans, Keratin Complex hair treatments and styling products, Plomo women’s contemporary shoes, Ruby Roxanne Designs leather cuff bracelets, The Taco Man catering company, Illuminated Industries furniture and lighting systems, Sabra dips inspired from flavors around the world;  HalfBreed Clothing Co. multicultural clothing for men, women and children.

The GBK lounge benefitted (Red), the nonprofit organization founded by Bobby Shriver and Bono which gives a percentage of their sales to fight against AIDS in Africa.

Puerto Rico Does it Greener

Pork and fried foods might be longtime staples of the Puerto Rican diet, but plant-based cuisine has landed and it is surprisingly easy to find incredible vegetarian and vegan options wherever you travel in Puerto Rico. Together with its thriving “green” initiatives, the well-known “Puerto Rico Does it Better” campaign takes on a new meaning for health and environmentally conscious travelers.

Vegetables and fruits were a highlight of the 5^th annual Saborea Puerto Rico: A Culinary Extravaganza. Held annually at Escambron Beach in San Juan, Saborea (from “sabor,” meaning “taste” in Spanish), is a weekend festival celebrating the exotic colors and flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. Over 50 local and international culinary experts, 60 of the island’s premier restaurants, and numerous liquor, spirits, wine and beer companies participate to present the best of the Caribbean.

Entrance to Saborea

“The best teachers are our grandmas,” said Luis Rivera Marín, the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, while speaking at the festival. And Saborea had everything to make a grandma proud, especially if she always taught you to eat your greens. The exotic salads prepared by Executive Chef Javier Menendez, presenting on behalf of Texas de Brazil, were a festival favorite.

Prepared by Executive Chef Javier Menendez

Chef Franciso Alvarez

Chef Francisco Alvarez, who arrived in Puerto Rico after working for 15 years as an executive chef and culinary professor in Florida, was among the many culinary artists sharing their creations at Saborea. A longtime vegetarian, Alvarez came prepared with a table of unique and savory dishes for the event. His hearty hummus was made with pigeon peas (a popular legume in Puerto Rico), cilantro, roasted garlic, sazón (seasoned salt) and peanut butter!  “I wanted the hummus to be different so I used peanut butter instead of tahini to make it truly one-of-a-kind,” Alvarez explained. “Vegan food is also great in the heat so it will stay fresh throughout the event.” Alvarez also makes his own pita bread which includes a puree of Puerto Rican peppers and saffron. 

Now living in Puerto Rico, Alvarez is the Director of Culinary Arts at the Instituto de Banca (IBC), the largest culinary school in Puerto Rico.  

Pigeon pea hummus and homemade pita bread by Alvarez

In addition to Saborea, Puerto Rico celebrates a number of other food festivals year-round throughout the island: Porta del Sol hosts a Banana Festival with over a dozen varieties of bananas; the town of Añasco holds a yearly Puff Pastry Festival; and in Corozal, the National Plantain Festival is held each October.

Whatever your food preferences, the staff at Augusto’s aims to please. Located in the Courtyard Marriot in San Juan, the elegant restaurant offers gourmet French contemporary cuisine sure to excite the palate. From pineapple carpaccio & tomato tartar to wild mushroom quinoa, vegetarians and vegans will be in foodie paradise.

Wild mushroom quinoa

Pinapple carpaccio & tomato tartar from Augusto's

Whether traveling to Puerto Rico for a culinary excursion or to experience its rich history, the island has a true commitment to the environment, including healthy offerings for plant-based eaters. Verdanza Hotel, in Isla Verde, features a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options at their three signature restaurants. Executive Chef Damián Hernández is quick to create unique and flavorful meals sure to please even the most discerning diner. At the hotel’s hip restaurant, Eighty20 Bistro, his menu is a blend of traditional home-style and contemporary Caribbean-inspired dishes, using locally-grown fresh fruits, root vegetables and herbs.

Breadfruit, tostones (green plantains), amarillos (yellow, sweet plantains) and spinach
served at Eight20 Bistro

The first hotel on the island to install an EV charging station for electric vehicles, Verdanza Hotel is further pursuing efforts to ensure a healthier environment. They have an extensive recycling program, including uniforms made of 100% recycled polyester. The property also features LED fixtures, organic bathroom amenities (not tested on animals), biodegradable plasticware, installation devices that reduce water usage, rainwater harvesting and repurposed kitchen oil as biodiesel. “We take great pride in our ongoing efforts to make the day-to-day operation of Verdanza Hotel increasingly more sustainable,” said Ricky Newman, General Manager. 

A culinary journey or an eco-tourism experience, Puerto Rico continues making strides with sustainable practices. Hotels and restaurants are increasing their commitment to the environment, and proving everyday that Puerto Rico does it “greener.”  www.seepuertorico.com

Peacocks, Ponchos and Piña Coladas

Located in the northeastern Caribbean, west of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico is home to beautiful beaches, historic attractions, and natural reserves.  Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the island of Puerto Rico is a paradise for travelers.

The Caribe Hilton San Juan is one of the island's luxury hotels, surrounded by 17 acres of lush tropical gardens and idyllically situated on a private peninsula. The resort offers a private beach, two swimming pools, and lavish accommodations…hammocks included.  

For the best piña colada on the island, look no further than the Oasis Bar in the hotel lobby where the legendary cocktail was invented! Also at the resort is the world-famous Lemongrass restaurant serving savory Asian fusion cuisine. Dine among beautiful gardens inhabited by peacocks, turtles, ducks, and other wildlife. Stay for dessert and a peacock just may show his full plumage, sometimes followed by a little “victory” dance. www.caribehilton.com

Greeting guests at Lemongrass restaurant

Old San Juan, one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, is a charming Spanish colonial city just 5 minutes from the Caribe Hilton. Admired for its regal architecture and historic attractions, the 500-year-old blue/grey cobblestone streets lead the way to a few of Puerto Rico’s extraordinary art galleries.

Old San Juan

To experience the true history of Old San Juan, the long walk to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro is well worthwhile. The breathtaking views up to the six-level castle are exceeded only by the castle itself. Built in the 16^th century to protect the entrance to the Old City of San Juan, the gigantic fortress has since been preserved as a museum and declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. Explore the underground dungeons and passageways, then climb to the cannonball pyramids 145 feet above sea level and take in the magnificent Atlantic Ocean views.

The top of Castillo San Felipe del Morro

For true tranquility head to El Yunque Rainforest, one of the oldest reserves in the Western Hemisphere and the only subtropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service. The jungle-like forest has a myriad of hiking trails, rivers, and cascading waterfalls that are truly spectacular. The rainforest is also home to 200 species of trees and tropical plants, the endangered Puerto Rican parrot, and the tiny one-inch-long coquí, a tree frog indigenous to Puerto Rico. Buy a poncho at the gift shop before walking through the rainforest…it rains more than 300 days and more than 100 billion gallons a year at El Yunque!

Puerto Rico is a great getaway for a much-needed extended vacation – or a quick escape – since U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to travel to the island. With an average temperature of 82 degrees, every day is a perfect day to experience all that Puerto Rico has to offer.  www.seepuertorico.com.

Let’s Talk Oscar Suites

Gifting suites were all the talk leading up to the Academy Awards. The lounges showed off the best of brands at some of the best locations around town.   

Roger Neal Style Hollywood Beauty and Couture Suite at the L’Ermitage Beverly Hills provided $10,000 beauty treatments, compliments of their presenting sponsor G.M. Collin.

Celebrity Chef Kurt Ehrlich wowed the guests with his Pear Soufflé, Mango Mousse Torte and my favorite, the Chocolate Grand Marnier Ganache, which paired well with Lorimar Winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon.

Classified Cosmetics, the exclusive makeup used in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, showcased their flawless aerobrush makeup. The suite also featured silk scarves from Poshaq, Ulinx magnetic jewelry, and stiletto cuffs paved with Swarovski crystals from Heaven on Heels.  The suite benefited the Andy Transplant Foundation and Safety Harbor Kids.

 

Eco-Oscars Music, Celebrity and Pet Style Lounge benefited Music Saves Lives and Fur Fitness Foundation at the beautiful Pickford Mansion. Tails were wagging as four-legged companions posed for pet portraits with their new Minky Couture blanket.

Eco-friendly patched denim from SONAS, SOLZ fashionable foldable footwear, DMademoiselle skinsational skin care products, and LifeSource Water Systems were all the bark in Hancock Park.

SNA Legacy Lounge Gifting Suite, at the Redbury Hotel in Hollywood, presented Justin Bieber Singing Toothbrushes from BrushBuddies, PRASAD Medical Skincare, and treatments from Donna Scott Secret Med Spa.

The lounge also featured ShoeMint, a hip collaboration from fashionista Rachel Bilson, stylist Nicole Chavez and shoe-making expert Steve Madden!

GBK Annual Gift Lounge at the W Hollywood glistened with jewelry, great escapes, and fine accessories while benefiting four charitable foundations: Worldteam, HollyRod, Sugar Ray Leonard and Drawing Hope International.  

Designs from all over the world adorned the lounge: Chick Boss lei necklaces from Guatemala; Australian black tourmaline handcrafted pendants from Made in Earth; Swarovski crystal and semi-precious stone earrings from Canadian designer Karen McClintock; and Paccioni, the luxury timepiece brand that showcased their stylish collection of watches. The Paccioni Centum launched Oscar weekend giving celebrities the opportunity to custom design their own special edition time piece!



Paccioni designer Mike Cohen with "90210's" AnnaLynne McCord



Other sponsors included: Ozonator Green Refrigerator Machine that extends the life of perishable foods; Tkaro transportable glass bottles; Filter 2GO individual water purification products; Vani-T eco-glamour beauty products; Julep toxin-free mani and pedi products; i-Wipey original peel and stick antibacterial screen cleaner for your phone; Gilly's Organics spa products for your skin and hair; Colantotte/Trion:Z sports products containing magnetic and negative ionic technology; Domodimonti Natural Wine from Italy; and My Pillow premium non-allergenic pillows.

Move over Tumi! Max Mirani travel goods graced the lounge with their MOVE Mobile Closet, a brilliantly designed 2-in-1 cabin-size suitcase with an innovative shelf and compartment system.

The Artisan Group, an exclusive community of 700 talented artisans, gifted an array of handcrafted jewelry, spa products, designer paper products and other items: BeezKneez trendy designer stationary and personalized gifts; SariBlue glass bead jewelry from Turkey; A.W.E metal designs; Oops I Knit it Again super soft hats, blankets, scarves and accessories; and O.C Styles handcrafted gifts.

Grammy Gifting Suite Had Guests Singing “Baby”

Red Carpet Events LA and Dolphin Organics held their annual Grammy Awards Style Lounge Wednesday, Feb 8, at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.  The lounge benefited the African Millennium (AMF), a nonprofit organization committed to ending poverty, hunger and disease in Africa.

Outside the lounge, Cuddle Barn’s well-dressed plush animal, Beaver, greeted the guests. The animated Beaver danced on the check-in table singing his rendition of Bieber’s song, “Baby,” getting everyone in the mood for the Grammys. Cuddle Barn, known for its entertaining plush creations, was a celeb favorite!

Inside the lounge Dolphin Organics, an organic personal care product line for babies and young children, showed off its natural shampoos, conditioners, lotions and bubble bath for kids! Cranial Cradle showcased its crib collection including luxurious basinet pads and crib mattresses. A hit with the parents, the line features a sculpted, contoured pod that cradles your baby’s head and body, providing maximum safety, comfort and support.
Pet Head turned heads with its hip line of grooming products, apparel and accessories, including “Dirty Talk” shampoo, “So Spoiled” conditioning crème rinse, and ultra-fashionable grooming tools.

Other sponsors included: Purium Health Products whole food nutrition; Dermaesthetics premier skincare; Auriel’s Touch permanent cosmetics; Nuwati Herbals natural remedies; Bite-Lite mosquito-repelling candles; Make Love Not Trash eco-friendly handbags and accessories; Song of India fragrances and body care; eyeSlices professional spa and in-home treatments; Geek Eyewear trendsetting frames; Kelly Hong Dental in Century City; and Sun Warrior health products gifting their award-winning Raw Vegan Protein! 

Additional sponsors included: Clif Bar, Zevia, Justins Nut Butter, Skinny Pop Popcorn, Roaring Lion Energy Drink, Regalia Jewels, Jewel Kade, Ear Charms Inc., and Material Lab by Carla Matos.