Top 10 Green Hotels in DC

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

The fine folks over at RezHub.com have compiled a list of DC’s top green hotels based on a “Green Score” that uses criteria such as recycling, organic food offerings, water conservation, use of Energy Star appliances, non-toxic cleaning products, and more. Props to Kimpton for dominating the list:

1. The Hotel George – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 19
Priced From: $168.75

2. Jurys Washington Hotel
Green Score: 18
Priced From: $235.00

3. Hotel Helix – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $128.75

4. Hotel Madera – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $98.75

5. Hotel Monaco DC – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $168.75

6. Hotel Rouge – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $138.75

7. The Fairmont Washington DC
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $189.00

8. Topaz Hotel – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 17
Priced From: $128.75

9. Phoenix Park Hotel DC Capitol Hill
Green Score: 14
Priced From: $128.66

10. Hotel Palomar Washington DC – A Kimpton Hotel
Green Score: 13
Priced From: $158.75


Digg!

Fairmont+Lexus=Eco Luxury

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Are luxury and green mutually exclusive? Not necessarily. Case in point: The new travel option from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Lexus. These two luxury brands have teamed up to unveil “Lexus Hybrid Living Suites” geared for eco-conscious visitors. The first one opened at The Fairmont San Francisco in April 2008, and now we have our very own at The Fairmont Washington, D.C.

You can kick back in a fab room, designed by L.A.’s Kelly LaPlante Organic Interior Design. The D.C. suite includes 100 percent recycled polyester drapes, bedding by Coyuchi Organic, salvaged birch tree installations, countertops made from 100 percent recycled concrete and glass, and eco-friendly paint. Then, when ready you’re ready to hit the town, you can do so in a complimentary Lexus LS 600h L, a low-emission luxury car.

And if that’s not enough, now through December 30, 2008, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. will make a $100 donation to The National Geographic Society with the purchase of each Eco Power package.

Lots O’ Green Events

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

Starting on Tuesday June 17th, there are three great green-related events that you don’t want to miss. Check out the line up:

WHAT: EcoHour sponsored by DC EcoWomen
WHEN: Tuesday, June 17th, 6-8pm
WHERE: Teaism @ 8th & D Streets (400 8th Street NW) Metro: Archives/Navy
Memorial, Gallery Place/Chinatown, and Federal Triangle.
WHY: Because local sustainable food is simple genius and because the Teasim basement is a cool oasis in this heatwave. This month’s speaker is Susan Harris, president and newsletter editor of the Takoma Horticulture Club and co-creator of GardenRant.com.
RSVP: email rsvp@ecowomen.org. If you are new to the group, please include your name and institutional affiliation. And sorry guys–it’s women only.

Also on Tuesday, drop by Greater Goods on U Street for an organic wine tasting at 6:30pm. Sample organic wines for free and browse all kinds of groovy eco products including portable solar panels for your laptop, reusable grocery bags, and organic toys.

Last but most certainly not least is the official launch party for Live Green. Full disclosure: I’m on the host committee, so if you decide to attend, please tell them I sent ya! Now, onto the details:

What: Live Green Launch Party
When: Wednesday, June 18th, 6:00
Where: Local 16 (16th and U Streets NW; Green Line U Street/Cardoza Metro)
Cost: $15
Details: Live music from local faves the Black and Tan Fantasy Band, food, drink specials, optional one-year membership to Live Green, and more information about how the organization can help you live a more affordable green lifestyle in DC and beyond.
RSVP: contactlivegreen@gmail.com

Climate Conference on Wheels

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

The eco-bikers are coming, the eco-bikers are coming! Strap on your helmets, fill up those aluminum water bottles, and get ready to bike for the planet. It’s all part of Brita Climate Ride 2008, the first group bicycle ride to raise awareness of climate change and renewable energy.

One hundred cyclists will pedal from NYC to DC on September 20-24, 2008. Want to join in the 320 mile ride? Sign up here. Cyclists will leave from Manhattan and will wind through the country roads of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. On the fifth day, riders will cycle past the Washington Monument to arrive near steps of the Capitol.

During each night of the ride, expert speakers will meet with the cyclists and members of the community to discuss climate science, green technology and what can be done to reduce our collective carbon footprint. Beneficiaries of the ride include Clean Air–Cool Planet and Focus the Nation.

Get Balm-y

Posted on by Sacha Cohen

This weekend, I treated myself to a little spa excursion at Derma Hair Care Medispa. Now, you already know I’m a big fan of the spa and owner Honi Borden, who truly walks the walk when it comes to holistic treatments that are environmentally sound as well as pampering.

This time around, I also got to meet esthetician Sara Damelio, who performed my amazing facial and part of my Detox Heaven treatment. Sara has created a line of skin care products, including Combat-Ready Balm and Combat-Ready Lip Balm, and she was kind enough to let me try samples of both. The lip-balm smells yummy and doesn’t have petroleum like many others on the market. The skin balm is a creamy, delicious mixture of bees wax, black tea, shea butter, and other natural and organic ingredients.

Sara mixes all her products by hand and they’re already flying off the shelves at shops up and down the east coast. She also donates her product to soldiers in Iraq, who have found the balm helps soothe and heal bug bites, sunburn, and other skin irritation.