Green Jar

ECO SPORTS NEWS: YES, THE 2012 SUPERBOWL IS GOING GREEN!

GREEN JAR — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:59:18 +0000

It’s that time a year again. The Super Bowl is almost upon us, which means it’s time to pick your favorite team (it’s Giants vs. Patriots), whip up some healthy snacks and watch the year’s most innovative commercials.

This year, Super Bowl XLVI (or 46, if you don’t do Roman numerals) is being hosted in Indianapolis, and the city, along with the NFL, is doing its part to make this the greenest Super Bowl ever. Here’s how:

1. Playing in an Environmentally-Friendly Stadium

Indianapolis has done a lot to make Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts, a green place to play. The building has a retractable roof, a CPI lighting system to utilize natural light, and “Big Ass” fans designed to move air with minimal energy consumption. Along with the Indiana Convention Center, the stadium recycles tens of tons of aluminum, plastic, glass and cardboard each year, and implemented recycling programs in other sports venues in the city. The stadium also purchases supplies in bulk, and its parking lots are swept, not sprayed, to conserve water.

2. Offering Green Options to Fans

The Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee has also participated in greening the Bowl. As part of the organization’s “1st and Green” plan, the city implemented “Project Plug-IN” along Georgia Street, the heart of Super Bowl Village. This project helped fund two charging stations for electric cars, which should be operational in early February. Hopefully this means that eco-friendly fans with electric cars can drive to the game and not have to worry about where to recharge their batteries.

3. Composting

Another “1st and Green” project in the works: a composting pilot program, set to take place during Super Bowl week. According to the website, “The JW Marriott hotel, which will house the Media Center for the 2012 Super Bowl, is partnering with GreenCycle, Republic Waste Services, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana Recycling Coalition, and the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee to participate in a composting pilot project during the week of the Super Bowl. Food waste scraps from the JW Marriott kitchens will be collected in compostable bags and conveyed to the GreenCycle facility, where they will be mixed with wood chips and converted into nutritious compost instead of being sent to the landfill.”

4. Utilizing Renewable Energy

For the past 18 years, the NFL has been working to green the sport, and this year, it’s more eco-friendly than ever. The NFL and Super Bowl Host Committee have greened the power at the six major Super Bowl facilities. Their press release explains it all by saying “everything from the computers in the Motorola Super Bowl XLVI Media Center to the lights that shine down on the teams as they compete during Super Bowl will be powered by green energy.”

Green Mountain Energy Company is supplying the power, which will be generated by windfarms in North Dakota; this will save more than 14,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions normally associated with the Super Bowl and its festivities. According to NFL Environmental Program Director Jack Groh, “Green Mountain Energy Company has helped us reduce the overall environmental impact of Super Bowl activities. Together, we have been able to expand the way we address greenhouse gas emissions and leave a permanent benefit to the host community.”

5. Giving Back

Using renewable energy isn’t the only eco-friendly step the NFL has taken. Years ago, recycling bins were added to stadiums, and today, the league’s green efforts are much bigger. Leftover stadium food is donated to food banks (one Super Bowl generated more than 93,000 pounds of food). Supplies and equipment used in the big game are recovered and reused, a value Groh places at $250,000. And for the past seven years, the NFL has participated in urban forestry, planting 1,000 trees in each host city.

We can expect even more from next year’s Super Bowl. New Orleans will host the 2013 event, but the NFL made them work for the honor. For the first time ever, potential host cities had to submit an environmental plan with their bid. “The return on investment for us can be as much as 600 percent,” says Groh. That return doesn’t go to the NFL — it’s used to implement eco-friendly initiatives within the host community.

So, just why have green programs become so important to the NFL? ”We did it as part of our operations. Environmental principals are about greater efficiency and reduction of waste. How is that not a good business practice?” says Groh. And David Krichavsky, the NFL’s director of community affairs, adds, “We’re really doing this because we think it’s the right thing to do.”

The Super Bowl airs on Sunday, February 5, on NBC. Kickoff is as 6:30 EST.

HIT FROM: ECORAZZI.COM

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN FORCES YOU TO DIG ECO WITH THE HAVANA TRASH MEN’S FLAT

GREEN JAR — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:47:29 +0000

Previously only available to women, the famed ‘trash’ collection is finally being offered on the men’s side in the brand’s 2012 spring/summer collection. At first, the Christian Louboutin Havana Trash Men’s Flat might look as though it were inspired by an abstract painting. The colors, strokes and patterns are so artistically rendered, it is only natural that would be the case. Nevertheless, this shoe is inspired by the eco movement.

Staying true to its name, the pattern on the multicolor Havana Trash Flat is made up of repurposed bits of trash, including shoe boxes, envelopes, and postage, found in the French designer’s factory. According to Louboutin’s website,

Female Loubi Lovers have fawned over numerous trash styles that have made appearances in collections for decades past. Gentlemen your time has come.

Because of the materials used, each pair of Christian Louboutin Havana Trash Men’s Flat are exclusively unique.

The oxfords are currently available at the CL website for $895 if you’re interested. Just be sure to act fast as they’re selling out quick.

Thanks @wizardcud for the news tip!

ADIDAS ECO LINE ‘SLVR’ LAUNCHES BERLIN STORE

GREEN JAR — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:37:55 +0000

Eco-fashion doesn’t necessarily mean hemp fabrics and recycled denim. Going green in the clothing industry can also stand for new creative solutions in the design and production process to reduce its complexity and waste. One brand that is at the forefront of eco-lifestyle is German label Adidas. The sports heavy weight launched an affordable and fashionable clothing label called SLVR in 2009, which is short for Adidas Silver Label. SLVR uses sustainable organic cotton, soybean fabric, coated natural canvas and boasts a unique approach in craftsmanship.

Now with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in town it seems only appropriate that adidas has announced that they will be opening the doors at their first ever SLVR flagship store in Berlin. The 120 sqm store is located in Mitte, one of the most vibrant and trend setting areas of Berlin. With its simple, sleek and effortless design the store reflects the values of the brand and allows the collection to speak for itself. For those of you in the area, the SLVR Berlin Store officially opened January 18.

adidas SLVR
Mulackstraße 31/32
D-10119 Berlin
Germany

HIT FROM: Sneaker Freaker

JESSICA ALBA & BRIAN LEE LAUNCH ‘THE HONEST COMPANY’: SAFER BABY PRODUCTS

GREEN JAR — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:43:52 +0000

As a new mom, Alba obsessed over what was in baby products. Her research found that large multinational packaged good companies were creating diapers, wipes and cleaning products with dozens of new chemicals in them every few months. Alba– like a lot of parents– was concerned about the long-time affect of those chemicals on her kids. Alba didn’t want her kids to be the test case. She was spending a good deal of time and even more money researching and importing baby goods from countries with stricter consumer protection laws. She wanted to create a company that could offer these kids of pure baby products to parents everywhere– even parents who don’t have movie star salaries.

The Honest Company launched today which manufactures and sells more than a dozen non-toxic, chemical-free baby products, from diapers and wipes to shampoos and detergents. The Honest Company controls the entire product lifecycle from design to manufacturing and distribution with most of the goods made in the USA.

Not only are the baby products safe and eco-friendly, they’re stylish. Alba wasn’t just annoyed at the chemicals in baby products, she was annoyed that they all have the same lame designs. Elmo is about as hip as diapers get. “That’s just not cool,” Lee says.

Moms in their 20s and 30s grew up with MTV and listening to hip-hop and no one is speaking to them. Nobody! Seventh Generation is the best eco-brand out there, and their diapers are just brown. There’s nothing exciting about them. This is really about redefining the family brand.

Honest Company’s designs have things like lollipops and ice-cream on diapers for girls and little skulls-and-crossbones on diapers for boys. (#want.) Designs will vary every month, with a special Valentine’s Day theme for February and a St. Patty’s Day one for March.

Another bonus, the Honest Company offers subscription plans. For $35.99 a month, you get to pick five products– think things like detergents, shampoo and baby sunscreen. For just under $80 a month you get a month’s supply of diapers and wipes.

Check it out HERE

HOLDEN PARTNERS WITH STUSSY ON ECO STREETWEAR COLLECTION

GREEN JAR — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:49:14 +0000

For all you Stussy and Holden fans – your prayers have been answered. Holden is proud to announce the “Stussy by Holden” collection, an active lifestyle streetwear line hitting stores Fall 2012.What will this brilliant collection entail? The “Stussy by Holden” collection will include two military-inspired jackets, a packable vest, a CPO field shirt, and a field pant—all constructed with eco-friendlier fabrics and updated with tailored fits and technical performance. The collection will retain the classic Holden style—understated elegance with a clean, bold design and subtle-yet-unique details—all while offering timeless quality.

We thought the partnership was a great fit says, Fraser Avey, at Stussy. The companies have a lot in common from our organic and grassroots beginnings to our military-inspired designs. Holden is well known for the quality of their outdoor garments and we thought it would be great to partner for a project together.

In correlation with the collection, Holden will choose ten people (three athletes, one filmer, one driver, and five lucky individuals from all walks of media) to embark on an epic journey from the high peaks of Oregon to the sandy shores of Southern California. Embarking in March 2012, the crew will pursue an active, healthy lifestyle of snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding, fishing, camping, and adventures in city life, all in one week. The roadtrip will be documented by five invited media attendees, specifically chosen from varying walks of life to show a wide perspective.

Additionally, Holden is supporting the collection with an short video by Shelby Menzel that features former-professional-snowboarder Russell Winfield modeling the “Stussy by Holden” collection. The video showcases the line’s integrated technical features and performance in contrasting environments and can be viewed at

Check it out HERE.

Please contact info@holdenouterwear.com for more information.

FOOD REVIEW: FONUTS FO EVERYONE! (PHOTOS)

JaMiE BaRaTtA — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:20:47 +0000

After passing by FONUTS on 3rd street and Crescent numerous times and seeing exchanges occur about the mysterious treats via twitter, I was curious…what was it with these fonuts?! So I took to google. Fonuts: A wheat & gluten free (and sometimes vegan) alternative to a donut. Always one to try vegan and vegetarian food (addicted to the immense health rush it gives me) I was determined to try fonuts despite my love for a good ole’ classic donut! There is just something about the terms “gluten free” and “wheat free” that makes you feel like you are doing something good for your body. Or at least that’s what I convinced myself of when I sought out to sample these sugary fonut things.

So what’s the verdict? Well, like most fatty food substitutes it doesn’t taste exactly like the donuts you grew up on. In fact, if you are craving a donut…I can’t say that this hits that specific “donut spot.” But! Don’t misread the text. It is DELICIOUS. But maybe it’s best to approach this new food group, the same way I approached coconut water (which tastes nothing like water) for the first time, and just…see it, or rather taste it, for what it is! And what is that exactly? A delicious sugary doughy treat that comes in the following flavors: glazed, banana chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, peach, lemon, strawberry buttermilk, rosemary olive oil, peanut butter & jelly, maple bacon, hawaiian, chorizo cheddar, salted caramel, and cinnamon sugar.

I suggest ordering the mini versions for the first time! And a major plus! they serve Lamille coffee for all of you west hollywood kids afraid or too lazy to venture to silver lake.

8104 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Neighborhood: Mid-City West
(323) 592-3075
www.fonuts.com

NEW YEARS: A CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

JaMiE BaRaTtA — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:39:54 +0000

I can’t stand holidays filled with expectations and demands about how you are supposed to spend your night. Maybe that’s the bit of contrarian in me. With that said, I’ve never been a big New Years Eve fan. But today I spent the day researching how other cultures bring in the new year. Key words: BRING IN (less pressure than “celebrate”). And after reading about how different cultures around the world will be spending tonight – all the colorful traditions and customs rooted in each country’s history! Well let’s just say the night has become much more significant to me. And can be for you too! So tonight I will be bringing in the New Year with Brazil, Italy, Venezuela, my Americans, and many others by cooking special dishes, wearing red, yellow, and white, and well hey check out the rest of my favorite New Years Eve traditions and the meaning behind each below.

DRESS RIGHT!
Brazilians, bring in the New Year with the color they want to represent the year ahead of them. Usually in new clothing. Don’t think this means that you have to dress like a rainbow. A good tip is to add a couple subtle touches to your accessories!

Branco/White = peace, truth, wisdom, good memory and balance

Amarelo/Yellow = money, wealth and wisdom (to spend it!)

Rosa/Pink = luck in love, beauty and to drive away bad energy

Vermelho/Red = passion, strength and energy

Azul/Blue = harmony, health, and an overall calm year

Verde/Green = hope, balance and new beginnings
Laranja/Orange = financial success, happiness, professional and personal success

Violeta/Purple = inspiration, sensibility, imagination, stability; raises your self esteem and helps to keep you focused.

EAT RIGHT!
South Americans, Italians, and many others are a big fan of lentils, black eyed peas, and grapes!

- Lentilhas, or lentils, are eaten in various forms (soup, sala, with rice & meat) in order for your next year to be financially successful!!

- Carne de Porco – It’s uncommon for anyone to eat any poultry on new year’s eve here because chickens & turkeys kick back their legs to walk and pigs walk forward. This is symbolic of the way the year will be – walking forward or moving backwards!

- Uvas & Romã – Eating grapes or pomegranate right after midnight and keeping 12 seeds and putting them in your wallet. This also attracts more $$!

WHAT TO DO
- Make Noise! This is supposed to scare away the evil spirits!
- A tradition that stems from Candomblé and Umbanda, African inspired religions, if you’re at the beach, many will jump over 7 waves and make a wish on each hop for the year to come. This is supposed to bring good vibrations your way all year long!
- Poem o pé direito no chão – Another superstitions actually quite literal. At midnight, if you lift your left foot, you start the year off on the right foot . This is usually done with a glass of champagne in hand and hopping 3 times. Hopping up a step on just your right foot also gives you a leg up!! (ok, I’ll stop with the cheesiness now)
- Clean your home, your sheets, and give away anything you don’t need for good energy!
- The Midnight Kiss: The reason you are supposedly supposed to kiss someone at midnight, is because otherwise it is believed that the rest of the year means you will face a year of coldness and lack of affection. Even if it’s your mom, dad, kid, or sibling! Share a little peck on the cheek!
- And for those who meet the drinking age, champagne!

IF CHRISTMAS CAROLS FREAK YOU OUT ALSO…

GREEN JAR — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:04:42 +0000

Lately, it smells, tastes, and even sounds like Christmas. People are starting to put up their trees, radio stations are starting to change up their rotation, coffee houses are re-introducing seasonal favorites, and the city is lighting up. Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% pro Christmas. I LOVE a good festive holiday. I’ll be the first one to wear red lipstick, paint my nails with candy stripes, and wear a santa hat all of December. But there is just something about Christmas carols that freaks me out. Maybe it was the random group of carolers that used to show up to my house as a youngster. Strangers with rosy cheeks wearing mufflers when its 80 degrees in California, singing carols in opera pitch, and then disappearing into the night. As if that isn’t bizarre enough for a kid. To this day when I hear a christmas carol pop up on the radio I get goosebumps. I mean, no one is genuinely that happy! “How are they always so happy,” I ask myself each time?! And I’ll admit, I try to sing along…”It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” But as soon as I begin I immediately feel like I’m betraying myself. “Don’t give in Jamie, this just isn’t normal.” Isn’t that what people love about it though? I mean aside from the tradition of it. The abnormalcy of it all? Having something to rejoice in amidst all the horrible things that happen in this world on a daily basis. I suppose one could call it “A Christmas Carol Escapism?” I personally would rather escape with a nice big piece of pie and some egg nog.

For all you carol lovers I don’t knock it! But me – I just can’t commit to a carol! In case you feel me on this one…I’ve compiled a few carols of my own. These are the only carols that my kids will grow up listening to. Don’t Judge!

Snoop Dog – Santa Clause Goes Straight to the Ghetto

Slick Rick – A Children’s Story

Easy E – Merry MuthaFuvkin Christmas

Run DMC – Christmas in Hollis

Kurtis Blow – Christmas Rappin

The Treacherous Three & Doug E Fresh – Santa’s Rap

Dana Dane – Dana Dane Is Coming To Town

DOWNTOWN NYC JAMAICAN HOT SPOT MISS LILY’S TO OPEN ALL NATURAL JUICE BAR

JaMiE BaRaTtA — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:17:38 +0000

If you’ve been in New York within the past year, then no doubt you’ve heard the rave about new Jamaican hot spot Miss Lily’s. Located on 132 W. Houston Miss Lily’s is the first downtown caribbean spot that transports you to the islands the second you walk in the door. With a full bar offering beers and alcohol that take you back to that one time you actually decided to give yourself a vacation, and food that makes you wish you had a grandmother that could get down like the chef, Miss Lily’s is more than a restaurant. It’s a hang out. An experience. A vacation in one sitting.

So how does a hot spot get hotter? Add a juice bar and takeout shop for those that don’t have the patience for the expected 40 minute wait. And how does a hot spot become the hottest, recruit the hottest! Any organic foodie in New York will tell you that the best fresh pressed juices are made by Melvin at Lifethyme market on 6th avenue and 8th street. Not only is Melvin the best of the best but he’ll put a smile on your face no matter what type of mood the NYC chill puts you in. And he knows just how to conjure up a juice filled with secrete ingredients to leave your energy levels boosted, and any lingering cold vanished. Naturally, this is exactly who Miss Lily’s is bringing in. Fresh fruits guru Melvin Major Jr. will finally get the attention he deserves! As he will head up the juicing portion under the name Melvin’s Juice Box.

Melvin will offer his signature green and protein-enhanced juices, as well as tropical concoctions made with Caribbean fruit juices such as soursop, june plum, Irish moss, and sorrel — which don’t appear on any other juice-bar menus around town. Look for an opening before the end of the year.

Man I could really go for some of their chicken and a ting right about now!

132 West Houston Street New York, NY 10012
(646) 588-5375

ISABEL MARANT FOR GAP (PRODUCT) RED TO LAUNCH BLACK FRIDAY

GREEN JAR — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:00:32 +0000

(GAP)RED has collaborated with fashion extraordinaire Isabel Marant to design a one of a kind T-shirt to mark World AIDS Day 2011 on December 1st. With every purchase of this eclectic tee, 50% of the profits will be contributed to The Global Fund to help deliver an AIDS Free Generation by 2015.

I am very thrilled that Gap has given me the opportunity to contribute to such an important cause. This is one of those rare occasions when fashion can do something to help make the world a slightly better place,

Marant said in a release.

Through November 23rd Gap will be giving away this Special Edition T to 5 lucky followers. Make sure to check out @Gap and @joinRED daily for all the latest details on how you could win and become one of the first to wear the new design.

This (GAP)RED T is currently available online in the US here for $24.95 and will be available at select GAP stores starting November 25th. There is a limited quantity – so get yours quick and join in on the fight for an AIDS Free Generation by 2015.

Isabel Marant for Gap (PRODUCT)RED T-shirt, $24, Gap stores starting 11/25