Giorgio Armani teams up with Livia Firth to take on the Green Carpet Challenge

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Giorgio Armani, Golden Globes, Green Carpet Challenge, Livia Firth, Newlife fibers, recycled plastic bottles, sustainable fashion, sustainable style

Livia Firth in Sustainable Giorgio Armani Gown and Alberto Parada Ring

The idea that recycled plastic bottles would be mentioned in a story about haute couture seems unlikely at best, but leave it to Italian Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani to create magic in the most unlikely places.

Sunday’s Golden Globes marked the start of Livia Firth’s 3rd annual Green Carpet Challenge.  The purpose of this challenge is to promote the idea that sustainable fashion can be as stylish and beautiful as conventional fashion and takes place during Awards Season where all eyes are on Hollywood and fashion is, at least in some respects, the main event.

The designer chosen to launch this year’s Challenge at the Golden Globes was none other than Giorgio Armani, a name synonymous with exquisite style and impeccable craftsmanship.  The end result, as seen on Sunday’s red carpet, was a stunning creation, a classic black strapless column gown with a touch of white, featuring a contemporary twist

Ice Pressed Olive Oil, the final step to perfection?

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green gifts, Ice pressed, Organic Olive Oil, Rallis Olive Oil

In its 6,000 year history, Olive oil has been recognized as both a culinary and a medicinal treasure.  In fact, it was referred to by various civilizations as “Liquid Gold” and a “Gift from God” and was viewed as a magical substance that was the “fountain of great wealth and power”.

Olive oil generally requires minimal processing and throughout time, various versions of presses were used to extract the oil.  In more recent times, however the manufacturing of olive oil, for the most part, has taken on industrial proportions from the harvesting of the olives to the processing of the oil.  These new highly mechanized processes have led to a poorer quality oil and has eliminated much of its healing properties.

Questions have also been raised in recent years about the quality of the “so called” extra virgin olive oils, considered to be the gold standard for premium olive oil.  A 2007 report by Tom Mueller pointing to allegations that some of Italy’s biggest producers had been diluting their olive oil with cheap (hazelnut oil) imported from Turkey led to an investigation and arrests by EU authorities.  As well, various reports including one by researchers at the University of California have found quality problems with premium olive oils.  There are various discussions now underway among industry officials on how to establish better guidelines to ensure quality olive oil.

Fortunately for us, there still remains a number of smaller artisanal producers who are dedicated to preserving the time honored traditional harvesting and extraction methods, and as such, have been able to  maintain the superb flavor quality and high level of medicinal nutrients found in pure olive oil.  One such producer, however has taken this one step further to elevate its olive oil to another level.

Rallis Olive Oil comes from a family owned, centuries old olive grove in Greece where the art of producing a superior olive oil has been passed down from generation to generation.  The resulting oil is a single estate premium olive oil produced from Koroneiki olives.  These olives have been described as “very low yield”, but with “an incredible well balanced flavor with grassy notes and a hint of spice”.   The olives are grown organically, are harvested by hand and the oil is extracted within hours of harvesting.

Driven by a desire to maintain the oil’s medicinal properties however, Rallis brothers Theo and Steve worked to develop a new extraction technique that would ensure the maximum level of nutrients while maintaining the olive oil’s superior flavor.  This method was called “ice pressed” and is the first of its kind in the world.  It differs from the cold pressed technique, which does involve some heat, by extracting the oil without any heat at all.  Though more costly to produce than the cold pressed method, it does maintain the oil’s integrity and produces an olive oil with qualities that more closely resembles that which was so revered in ancient times.

Organic Ice Pressed Rallis Olive Oil had been produced for only four short years now and has already won international awards.  With a near flawless acidity of .1% this olive oil is fast becoming a favorite among the world’s best chefs and food lovers alike.

A true luxury!  Indulgent authentic flavors AND life enhancing nutrients.

Who knew living well could taste so good!

Rallis Olive Oil is now available at Fresh Unlimited or can also be purchased by contacting Rallis Olive Oil directly.
See here and here for information about the health benefits of pure olive oil.

You can have your Champagne and drink it too! (if it’s Organic that is)… A Champagne Toast for 2012

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2012 toast, 2Xoz, biodynamic, Champagne R. Pouillon & Fils, organic champagne, sustainable

We like to begin a new year with a champagne toast because champagne is, after all, synonymous with luxury.  For most people however, that’s where it stops, with the image or perception of luxury.  There are still too many that just don’t seem to realize that this luxury beverage they’re consuming is filled with toxic chemical residues from the pesticides and herbicides that were used to grow the grapes.  Now that doesn’t sound very luxurious anymore does it?

It doesn’t have to be this way, however.  It is possible to enjoy champagne without those nasty toxins that create unknown or future havoc with our health.  And that, is what we believe the definition of a “true luxury” is, or at least should be.  A TRUE luxury should be one that not only provides a pleasure, but does so without causing harm to our health or to the planet.

The bad news is, there are still those who refuse to see or accept the detrimental effects toxic chemicals cause to the soil, to the foods we consume and to our health, and they appear determined to hold on to what may seem to them to be an “easier”, “less costly” and/or  “less time consuming ” way of doing things.

The good news on the other hand is we are seeing more and more winemakers who are passionate about every aspect of winemaking starting with the soil that feeds the grapes, to the additives and right on to the creation of the final product.   These vintners are willing to make the extra effort to ensure an end product that is superior in every way.

It all begins with the grapes and the terroir…

One such wine maker is family owned Champagne R. Pouillon et Fils, located about 2 hours east of Paris in the village of Mareuil in the Champagne region.  The winery is now run by Fabrice and Elodie Pouillon, the third generation.  When he joined the family business, Fabrice introduced sustainable agriculture to the family brand.  Since then, the family has been practicing what is referred to as “culture raisonnée” or “reasoned agriculture/sustainable agriculture”.

This approach is similar to Organic as it rejects the use of chemical fertilizers, defoliants and fungicides in favor of certified organic products and herbal infusions.  Grass is also allowed to grow between the grapes and the earth is turned to ensure the soil is alive with vital micro-organisms.  Fabrice has also begun experimenting with biodynamic farming methods on some of his parcels.

The Champagne R. Pouillon & Fils brand includes several champagne options but most notable is 2Xoz.   Fabrice and Elodie wanted to create an exceptional and limited edition champagne that honored a traditional recipe that used only the grapes’ natural sugars (as is reflected in its name).  This required that the grapes be allowed to mature longer to ensure a higher sugar content in the grapes.  Only the best pinot noir grapes, that have had the highest sun exposure on the family’s oldest parcels are selected for 2Xoz.

Though it falls into the rose category, its color is a surprising and intense red.  It has been described as “voluptuous, rich, showing orange peel aromas intertwined with waxy notes and complex ginger/nutmeg spices”.  It is considered by those who have tried it as more than a champagne and an adventure for the palate.

The 2004 harvest, cuvee blanc de noirs resulted in 2,547 bottles and is available for purchase.  The 2007 vintage, a rose is sold out, and the 2009 vintage, a lighter red cuvee is available for purchase by reservation only.  To reserve your bottle or for purchase information,  you can contact the winery directly.

The Toast!
Our hope for the New Year is an increased awareness for all about the true state of our food supply, an awareness of the toxic chemicals that are actually getting into our foods and beverages that we then ingest.  It is only once we have this awareness that we will start demanding the toxin-free, authentic and flavorful foods and beverages we have a right to expect.

So, may 2012 be filled with love, laughter and a little of life’s TRUE luxuries for all!
Happy New Year!
Bonne Année!

A rare find: Swans Island Blankets, Handcrafted Organic Merino Wool Blankets – Just in Time for the cold weather…

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organic baby blankets, Organic merino wool, organic scarves, organic throws, organic wraps, Swans Island

Swans Island Blankets has been providing hand loomed blankets since the early 1990′s.
With a desire to preserve the art of handlooming and an increasingly rare focus on superior craftsmanship, Swans Island Blankets had been creating beautiful heirloom quality blankets since the early 1990′s. It has even been awarded the Smithsonian Blue Ribbon for Craft.

Swans Island Blankets is also committed to earth friendly methods. It has developed its own natural dyes and sources its wool from sustainable sheep farms. Included among its offerings are items made using soft and durable Organic Merino Wool. These include throws, baby blankets, wraps and men’s scarves as well as women’s scarves.

Beautiful items that are authentic, functional and timeless that will last for generations to come.

Heading to Toronto for TIFF? … here are some Green spots you might want to check out !

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chocolate, GMO-Free, hotels, organic, organic beer, organic flowers, organic spa, organic wine, restaurants, TIFF, Toronto

Well it’s on!  The 2011 Edition of  Toronto’s International Film Festival gets underway today.  Though we’ve still got a way to go, Toronto’s green side has evolved nicely and led us to some real treasures.   So if you’re in town for the festival, here are some of Toronto’s best green spots:

Hotels
The Fairmont Royal York hotel appears to be the best bet when it comes to sustainable luxury hotels in the city.  The Fairmont company as a whole has, for quite some time, taken a special interest in greening its overall operations but the Royal York in particular has been recognized for its environmental initiatives including its rooftop organic herb garden and beehive.   Its menu features dishes created with local, organic and sustainable ingredients and meats.  Organic and biodynamic wines are also available.

As well, the Royal York’s Library Bar has created 3 special drinks in honor of TIFF featuring ingredients from its rooftop organic garden and beehive: The Breakaway, Festival Buzz-Tini and the Raj Kapoor.   Cheers!

Restaurants
Restaurants can be a little difficult.  There are a fair number of them that are serving dishes made with local ingredients, natural meats but many don’t specify whether these are organic or not.  Others however are fully committed to using 100% organic ingredients while still others give themselves some leeway by specifying that they  make every effort to use organic ingredients where ever possible – here are a few you might want to check out:

Live and Organic
Live Food Bar   Casual dining – menu includes some cooked items – organic wines, beer and spirits available
Rawlicious   Casual dining – menu includes some cooked items – organic wines and beer available

Organic                                                                                                                  The Beet Organic Café   Casual dining – organic beer and wine available     Camros Organic Eatery   Casual Persian cuisine

Organic where possible
Auberge du Pommier  Fine Dining – Organic ingredients as much as possible, ingredients sourced from boutique farmers, naturally raised meat, sustainably sourced seafood, organic and biodynamic wines available
Banu  Casual/Chic – Traditional Iranian cuisine and vodka bar – organic meats available – organic vodka available
Pangaea  Fine Dining – Seasonal menu organic ingredients where possible – organic wines not available                                                                                              Niagara Street Café   Casual/Cozy dining – bistro french/mediteranean options – natural raised meat, organic dairy, artisan products                                                                                                              Magic Oven  Casual dining – Pizza, pasta – use local ingredients and organic ingredients where possible, no preservatives or additives

If you’re just looking for a quick coffee and snack:                                                                                                                  Cafes, coffee bakeries and amazing chocolates
Alternative Grounds  Fair trade and organic coffees
Soma Chocolate  Chocolate bar and café – in historic distillery district – organic where possible
Organic Oven  Cafe – gluten-free baked goods, desserts, breads and sandwiches, organic coffee and teas
Mercury Espresso Bar  Coffee Bar – Organic specialty coffee

Wines and Spirits
Because of the restrictive laws of the province of Ontario, wines and spirits are only allowed through the producer or the LCBO.  Many of the LCBO outlets throughout the city do carry a selection of organic wines and spirits.

Spas
Bloor West Organic Spa   Facials, body treatments, manicure, pedicure, waxing
Urb Organic Spa  Facials, peels, waxing, tinting, special treatments including LED therapy, oxygen…
Elixir Organic Spa  Facials, massage, manicure, pedicure, waxing
Pure and Simple   Specialized facials, hair removal, tinting
Organic Spa ‘N Lounge   Facials, body treatments, massage, manicure, pedicure, hair removal

Flowers
Eco Flora   Fair trade, organic and wild crafted flowers

Fresh Unlimited has accumulated quite a database during our years in the green gifts industry.  If there is something specific you are looking for in an organic, gmo-free or sustainable version, let us know, we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction!

Enjoy the festival!

George Clooney and Brad Pitt in Toronto for TIFF… and our green gifts???

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Brad Pitt, Canadian Film Center, George Clooney, GMO-Free, green gifts, Moneyball, Norman Jewison, organic, The Descendants, The Ides of March, TIFF, Toronto International Film Festival

It’s been confirmed, George Clooney and Brad Pitt will be among the list of celebrities attending this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  I wonder if they decided to take part to get an invite to Norman Jewison’s annual TIFF BBQ and auction so they can bid on our Fresh Unlimited green celebration package.  Both are, after all, known to lean towards the green side, George Clooney with his electric Tesla Roadster and Brad Pitt’s involvement with environmental architecture and design.  Our green gift would be an excellent souvenir of their TIFF experience and, all funds raised help out the Canadian Film Center, which promotes Canadian film talent. What better incentive for any film maker!

Regardless of whether or not they’re able to make it to the auction, we look forward to their film screenings. George Clooney has two films showing at TIFF, the North American premier of The Ides of March and the world premier of The Descendants, while Brad Pitt’s Moneyball will be making its world premier here.

… and if you want a peek at our green gifts selections just click the link!

Leather iPad Case: A Tale of 2 Cases

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dewdrop designs, Fresh Unlimited, green gifts, iPad, Leather iPad Case, sustainable leather, upcycled leather

Could you tell the difference between these two iPad Cases?  Both are made of high quality Italian leather, both are grey, both would protect an iPad or reader from scratches and smudges, and both have a sleek and polished look and would be suitable for anyone on the move but only one of these is sustainable.  Can you guess which one?  Okay, maybe the fish design is a dead give away but yes, the one with the screen printed fish on it is the one that is also sustainable.

It was created by Dewdrop Designs and comes in a variety of colors and screen printed designs as well as one in a faux snake skin embossed finish.   The high quality Italian leather used to create these iPad cases however is upcycled, meaning it comes from remnants of other industries that would be thrown away and end up in landfills if it were not given another use.  This leather is then dyed using natural dyes, which once again minimizing it’s environmental impact.   Each leather iPad case  is hand stitched in the USA, making each one a truly unique find!

David Rothschild: The Adventure Continues…

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activist, adventurer, David Rothschild, environmental advocate, plastiki, sustainability

We did  a post before on David Rothschild before his Plastiki Adventure and I was really impressed by his willingness to take on such an adventure at such a young age, (31 years old ) as well as by his environmental consciousness, particularly given his background.  He is an  heir to the world’s biggest banking dynasty but has chosen to follow his passion for the environment and has directed his activities towards environmental preservation and education.

I just came across a recent article about him in The Economic Times of India  announcing him as the recipient of the Gyalwang Drukpa Award in Leh, India in recognition for his vision, inspiration and leadership in tackling humanity’s greatest challenges.

It’s an excellent and inspiring article and I highly recommend it.  In it, the British adventurer talks about our failure to promote the environment and make it interesting and inclusive.  I have to agree with that, the planet is in need of a good rebranding strategy, one that allows us to recognize its importance and our dependence on it so that we can not only survive but thrive along with it.

He also talks about his interest in natural medicine and the importance of our connection to the earth and relates the interesting fact that 72% of our bodies are made up of water while 70% of our planet is made up of water.  Coincidence???  With his interest in design, I wonder if he’s aware of the studies on grounding (http://www.earthinginstitute.net/index.php/research) and all of the health benefits we’ve been missing out on by cutting of our skin’s direct contact with the earth?  Hmmm….    Either way, he’s definitely headed in the right direction!

Yves St. Laurent joins the Green Side: Now We Really Have Turned a Corner

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Artisanal, fair trade, Must Two Handbag, recycled, YSL, Yves St. Laurent

Well, the green message is getting through!  It‘s been a long road, with still some way to go but  consumers and manufacturers are starting to realize that you can create beautiful and desirable things in a way that is sustainable both to our health and to the planet.

One of the world’s premier fashion houses, Yves St. Laurent has released a limited and sustainable edition of it’s iconic Muse Two handbag that is produced by women who are artisans with the Gafreh Association, a non-profit organization who’s goal is to realize, promote and sustain the social, cultural and artistic values akin to women and children who face difficulty around the world.

The Muse Two Artisanal Recycled handbag was produced using a unique technique developed by the artisans of the Gafreh Association that creates textile by blending fair trade woven cotton with recycled plastic bags.

I’m not sure how many are left as only 60 were made but they are available at YLS’s online site in the US and the UK and at select YSL flagship boutiques worldwide for $1720.00.

Fingers crossed we’ll see Organic Cotton used in the next edition of the bag!

A truly unique luxury getaway! Immerse yourself in the rich natural beauty and vibrant culture of Uruguay

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Estancia Vik, get away, luxury travel, organic, Playa Vik, sustainable, travel, Vik Holistic Winery, Vik Resort

Located on the peninsula of Jose Ignacio, 12 kilometers northeast of Punta del Este, the Playa Vik Resort and the Estancia Vik Resort ensure an escape like no other where you can experience the beauty of nature’s contrasts from beautiful pristine beaches to rugged open spaces, rolling hills, winding rivers and exceptional sunsets as you discover the rich cultural heritage of Uruguay.

The Playa Vik, a beachfront location and its sister resort the Estancia Vik, located 5 miles north on a 4,000 acre ranch opened in February 2009 and are fast becoming a premier destination for international travelers. Owners Alex and Carrie Vik have blended their deep commitment to environmental practices with personalized service and luxury. Various works of art are featured throughout the resort providing guests an opportunity to view and experience a contemporary art collection by acclaimed Uruguayan and international artists.

The accommodations, designed and decorated to perfection, blur the lines between outdoor and indoor living ensuring maximal natural ventilation both for heating and cooling and include retractable windows, the innovative use of solar technologies (Playa Vik), and wind and geothermal energy as well as a water recycling program.

Indulge in local Uruguayan cuisine from fine dining to traditional barbecues created by the resident chef using fresh organic ingredients from the resorts’ Organic garden, locally sourced fish, eggs and organic meat as well as a selection of fine wines, which as of 2012, will include the world’s first holistic wines from the Vik Holistic Vineyard in Chile.

Dance till dawn, sleep in till noon, lounge by the pool, stroll on the beach, surf, play in the waves, indulge in decadent foods and wine, learn to play polo, horseback ride, take in nature’s exotic sights and sounds and master the art of laid back luxury!