Arts & Culture

The Emmys Make Celebrities “Green with ENVI”

Cash for your car

Kicking off the week celebrating the 2007 Emmys, Hearts on Fire Diamonds and the Environmental Media Association hosted their eco-chic celebrity gift lounge at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills.  Entitled "Green with ENVI", Eco Bags, a leader in functional, fashionable and environmentally friendly cloth bags were selected as the official bag of the suite.

Green with ENVI 

Among the other exclusively glamorous and earth friendly items given out at the suite, celebrities and Hollywood VIPS received a black organic ECOBAG tote with "Nothing On Me is Plastic" written on them and filled with eco-friendly products from around the world.  Sharon Rowe, founder and president of Eco-Bags Products Inc was also on hand to give tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Eco Bags 

"Public figures and celebrities really have the power to influence change," says Rowe. "Al Gore has helped the world embrace the importance of saving our planet, and now we just need to help the individual incorporate the basic tenets of environmentalism into their daily lives. Taking a reusable bag when you shop is a very easy lifestyle change that will actually be of great benefit to the planet. Opportunities like the ‘GREEN WITH ENVI’ suite give us the chance to put product in front of key influencers and those who can ignite change on a big level."

ECOBAGS are available in natural and certified organic cotton, recycled cotton and hemp/cotton blends. The entire line is available at www.ecobags.com and through selected retailers nationally. ECOBAGS cloth bags and other home items and apparel are fair wage & fair labor-produced. Read our article on Eco Bags…

Hearts of Fire 

"Green with ENVI" Co-Host, Hearts on Fire donated a $5,000 one-carat diamond fragrant brooch to adorn an ECOBAG for inclusion in an upcoming Environmental Media Association silent auction.

Other eco-conscious vendors seen handing out swag to celebrities such as Mario Lopez, Maria Conchita Alonso, Lisa Edelstein (House), James Kyson Lee (Heroes), Khandi Alexander (CSI Miami), figure skater Sarah Cohen and up and coming actress Jelly Bean (yes, that’s her real name) were:

Maria Conchita Alonso with Billboard 2 SwagBillboard 2 Swag

Identical twins Darren and Steve Gable started Billboard 2 Swag in order to turn old billboard materials into incredibly cool products. Since these very large and artistically interesting billboards end up being thrown away only to pile up in landfills, the former pro beach volleyball players decided to recycle the vinyl materials instead. Forming this eco-friendly company, the Gables create unique, one of a kind travel garment bags, messenger bags, totes, wallets and women’s clutches. Not available for the public’s consumption just yet, Billboard 2 Swag is commissioned by major corporations to create fashionable products out of old Simpson’s movie posters, McDonalds ads and the like to exclusively hand out truly unique accessories, as well as great conversation pieces.

www.Billboard2Swag.com

 California Rising

A menswear line committed to preserving the planet, California Rising pays homage to the California Spirit. Created by Joshua Fischer and Philip Sitbon, this clothing company is concerned with the state of the world and fueled by the power of freedom.  California Rising uses only the highest quality organic fabrics and eco-friendly dying processes and even donates a portion of their profits to several organizations.  Based on the ideals for which California was founded on, this clothing line draws on the determination of the visionaries who first came west, imbibing the progressive, inventive and laid back energy of the people who live here.  Hoping to raise both awareness and eyebrows with their designs, Fischer and Sitbon continue to offer soulful and thought-provoking creations.

www.CaliforniaRising.com

PeligrosaLisa Edelstein with Peligrosa

Creating timelessly elegant clothing, Peligrosa uses natural organic dyestuff and mordants to give their designs a modern twist.  Committed to staying environmentally friendly, Peligrosa uses recycled dyes; dyestuff derived from roots, herbs, fruits and vegetables; uses naturally fermented indigo and certified organic cotton; and also utilizes bamboo, organic wool, cashmere and recycled cotton.  The hangtags are even printed on recycled cardboard and printed with soy-based inks.  In addition, 90% of their collection is completely manufactured in Japan from yard to finished product at partner family owned factories.  Relying on future generations to make a change in our world, Peligrosa annually donates a  percentage of their net profits to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

www.PeligrosaKnits.com

Carter Reum of VeeV VeeV

Think alcohol can’t be good for you?  Think again. VeeV, the world’s first Acai spirit, hopes to change the way people think about their favorite cocktails. Acai,, the Brazilian national fruit that is considered to be the healthiest food on the planet, has 57% more antioxidants than pomegranates or blueberries and 30 times more heart-healthy anthocyanins than red wine.  Already tasting like a mix of dark berries, with a hint of chocolate, Acai is combined with 100% all-natural ingredients including prickly pear ( a natural hangover remedy) and Acerola Cherry, which is packed with vitamin C to create VeeV. Founded by former investment banker brothers, Courtney and Carter Reum, VeeV donates $1 for each bottle sold to ensure the sustainability of Acai farming thorough it’s charitable partners Rainforest Action Network and the Sustainable Acai Project.  To further their commitment to going "green", the company also conducts regular "VeeV Green Audits" to ensure they are using the most up to date eco-friendly business activities and production methods.  With VeeV, not only will consumers enjoy a great drink, they’ll also remain healthy and help fund eco-friendly practices. VeeV mixed with ginger ale and lemonade is highly recommended.

www.VeevLife.com 

Cynthia Kiktavi of AGL Grass Artificial Grass and Landscaping

Tired of the time consuming upkeep your lawn requires, but don’t want to contribute to the decline of the environment? Artificial Grass and Landscaping has the perfect solution.  Using eco-friendly, recycled materials exclusive to AGL, their infill includes 100% recycled cryogenic rubber granules, which stimulates the earth’s natural soil.  As it is cryogenically frozen, all metals and toxins are removed, easily allowing water to percolate through it.  Safe for both kids and pets, the artificial grass won’t attract insects, fungus or bacteria and has a soft, realistic feel making it safe to play on.  As AGL provides UV protected 100% polyethylene Fiber, your lawn won’t fade, discolor or stain. It’s quick-draining, non-stretch, reinforced backing also ensures protection against rippling in the sun.

www.AGLgrass.com

Khandi Alexander with P.J. Salvage P.J. Salvage

Turning nightwear into everyday wear, P.J. Salvage is an innovator in the pajama game.  Known for using luxury fabrics with chic patterns, this loungewear company incorporates whimsical patterns into their many collections that can be worn during the daytime, nighttime or any time in between.  Their holiday collection features extra long winter thermals that can be also be worn as tunics with leggings, modal camis that can be worn under blazers and hoodies and pants that can be worn while out and about or staying at home.  Other collections include, Hollywood Star which incorporates black and white stars and stripes on soft cotton; Godiva, which consists of dainty blue and brown florals mixed with dots and lace in silky modal; and Nordic Holiday that showcases pink and brown hearts and snowflake prints in sateen and cotton cashmere blends.  Whether you’re looking to be cozy inside or chic outside, P.J. Salvage has it all.

www.PJSalvage.com

VespaMario Lopez winning a Vespa

To officially go green, you have to rethink how you get around town. By cutting down on oil consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, driving a Vespa is an ideal way to get from point A to point B. These motor scooters get 70 miles per gallon and go 40-100 mph depending on the model.  It’s also been reported that just by switching 10% of Americans’ total mileage to scooters, we would consume 14-18 million gallons less fuel per day and carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 324 million pounds per day. On an individual level, Vespa drivers would also reduce fuel consumption by approximately 58%, carbon dioxide emissions by 80% and significantly reduce traffic congestion. Driving around L.A. would definitely be a whole lot easier if more people ditched their cars in favor of scooters and one such Angeleno will get his chance to do just that. Vespa had a contest in which the celebrity who picks the right key that starts the Vespa, wins. Mario Lopez from “Dancing With The Stars” was their lucky celebrity winner!  He was very excited to win the beautiful, environmentally friendly, yellow Vespa LX-50 saying “Really I won? No way! I really won the Vespa! Hey everybody, drinks on me!”

www.Vespa.com 

Renee Ryan of Cargo Cosmetics CARGO’s Plant Love Lipstick

Not only will your lips look luscious with Cargo’s new 12 color collection of lipsticks, but you’ll also be supporting an eco-friendly make-up company.  Coming in a completely biodegradable box, the packaging is made out of corn and is embedded with wildflower seeds, which can be moistened and planted.  The lipstick tube is made out of PLA (polyactic acid), which is corn-based, made from a renewable resource and is greenhouse-gas-neutral.  The lipstick itself is botanical based, containing jojoba and shea butter with no mineral oils or petroleum’s added.  Many shades were inspired by naturally beautiful places around the world such as Yellowstone National Park and Killarney in Ireland, as well as famous celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Courtney Cox and Maria Menounos.  CARGO doesn’t only look out for the planet, they’re also concerned with helping the people in it, as they donate $2 from every lipstick purchase to St Jude’s Children’s Research Center.  CARGO Plant Love is available exclusively at Sephora.

www.Sephora.com

Sonya Martinez shows off Porridge Clothing Porridge

Founded in 2004 by Laura Stang, Porridge came from the desire to create clothes that are comfortable and unique. Creating fashion that reflects different styles and tastes, Porridge gets it’s inspiration from all aspects of life.  Ideas often stem from vintage clothing and textiles, old movies, home décor and even nature. Exclusive prints are used on high quality fine fabrics chosen for each season, reflecting the sentiment and theme of each collection.  Made for women and girls alike, Porridge’s lifestyle assortments can be found all over the country.

www.PorridgeClothing.com

Warren-Tricomi

Open since 2005, the L.A. location on Melrose Ave is the Warren-Tricomi5th Warren-Tricomi salon to open.  Designed by owners Edward Tricomi and Joel Warren, the partners promise that none of their salons look exactly the same.  As a leader in the latest trends, Warren-Tricomi stylists also take into consideration each client’s individuality. With their multicultural and highly skilled team, this salon has their finger on the pulse of current trends and the surrounding culture. Edgy or modern, sleek or elegant, this team of hair styling experts creates clean, classic and tailored looks, all while offering their clients a personalized touch.   The L.A. salon also offers private or semi private rooms for exclusive service.  Unique to the L.A. location is a Redken Color Lab that works to help clients determine what haircolor works best for them.  Providing hair and makeup services, Warren-Tricomi also offers massage and skincare treatments and will even come to you to perform essential services for special events With an upscale retail area offering prestigious hair care products, accessories and makeup, Warren-Tricomi features All Soft, with new silk luxe complex.

www.WarrenTricomi.com

Christian Clemenson of Boston LegalHimalayan Goji Juice

Considered the most nutritionally dense food on the planet, the goji berry is packed with antioxidants.  Utilizing this berry’s health benefits, Himalayan Goji Juice  standardized their formulation to contain goji berries that have 4 unique polysaccharides that aid in the functioning of just about every cell in your body.  Taking 2-4oz every day can result in increased energy, stamina and brighter moods.  This health drink also helps you feel younger, supports your immune system and promotes cardiovascular health/circulation.  Although not certified organic, Himalayan Goji Juice is produced to the highest standards of ecological and environmental responsibility, is free of detectable pesticide and herbicide residues and contains no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors or flavors.  Served at the Green with ENVI suite, many celebrities were seen sampling Himalayan Goji Juice.  Lisa Edelstein (House) took three shots in a row, Christian Clemenson (Boston Legal) was heard saying, "Oh wow, this tastes delicious", Charlie Sheen’s fiancé Brooke Miller let it be known that they have a fridge full of the juice at home and Jeff Lewis of Bravo’s Flipping Out exclaimed, "Have you seen my show?  I think I’ll need more than 4oz a day of Himalayan Goji Juice!"

Medi-Spas

Ranked as one of the top 10 spas in the U.S., Medi-Spa was founded by Rashel Pouri who wanted to offer treatments and services many other spas did not.  From Express facials for quick skin fixes to Aqua Life Anti-aging facials, which diminish fine lines, Medi-Spa has just what you need.  As it is a medi-spa, medical services can also be performed on site.  Offering Botox injections, Collagen Injections, Laser Treatments and Chemical Peels, Medi-Spa is all about defying the appearance of aging.  Accommodating both men and women, this one stop spa also offers their clients Spray Tanning, Manicures, Pedicures and Body Scrubs.  With locations in Encino and Calabasas, Medi-Spa offers Ravi Skin Care and Hair Care products. You may also be seeing Rashel and her spas on TV soon, as she let us know a reality show for BBC America is in the works!

www.ThisIsMediSpa.com

 

PUR

Unfortunately, the water we drink isn’t always as clean as we would like.  Tap water is often coming from water pipes that are over 100 years old and bottled water doesn’t always live up to its promise.  By using PUR water filtration systems, you will be ridding the water you drink of almost all its toxins.  PUR systems remove 99.9% of microbial cysts, 98% of lead, and  98% of chlorine.  In addition, PUR filtration reduces by-products from chlorine, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, and they reduce contaminants in the water while leaving fluoride, which maintains healthy teeth.  PUR is certified by NSF International, is tested by third-party laboratories and has been granted the American Dental Association Seal of Approval for helping to promote oral health. If you need a little flavor with your beverage, PUR filtration systems have added flavor options in both their faucet attachments and water pitchers.  Containing no calories, sugar or dyes, flavors come in raspberry, strawberry and peach.

www.purwater.com

 

Kasil Jeans

Starting out as a muralist before moving on to become a costume designer on films such as Jet Li’s "The One", David Lim naturally transitioned into clothing design at his father’s tailoring business. Playing with scraps of denim in his fathers’ fabric collection, he soon found various ways to manipulate the fabric by sanding it down to fade the color, dying it to alter the hue, and painting it to add a whole different element. What started out with a couple of clients, soon turned into a huge business.  With Kasil’s Pacific, Baltic and Atlantic washes, Lim borrowed the colors that reflected the individual bodies of water for his hand-created, original, one of a kind looks.  Using ring-spun Italian denim for construction, indigo dye for richness and Japanese denim for stretchiness, Lim has garnered a loyal celebrity following including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Nick Lachey, Lindsey Lohan and Fergie. Kasil jeans can be found across the country in high-end boutiques including Lisa Kline, Fred Segal, Ron Hermann and Nordstrom.

www.KasilJean.com

Other vendors on hand included Chinese Laundry (www.ChineseLaundryBags.com), Fancy Corn (www.FancyCorn.com), Acme Studio, Inc. pens and accessories (www.AcmeStudio.com) and Lotus Henna (www.LotusHennaOnline.com).
 

About the author

Staff Writer

2 Comments

  • Dear Jane – what wonderful coverage of an amazing set of people involved. Made friends with everyone. I applaud you!!

    Best,
    Nico

  • Great Coverage of this “Green with ENVI” gift suite! Did anyone cover the Alive!Expo Mix Media Green Detox Suites at the Sofitel? Any good stuff there? Please report!