Posts tagged with "sustainability"

The Modern-Day Farmer: Innovation on a 100-Year-Old Farm

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By: Matt Billings

You could call me a third-generation almond farmer turned “entrepreneurial yogurt innovator;” and those two titles are linked more than you can imagine. I’ve been able to combine my love of the land and our family farm with a drive to innovate and create, adding a whole new branch to our family farming legacy.

As a result of running an almond farm in the San Joaquin Valley, California, the land has always been an integral part of my family’s life, and it runs in my blood. My great grandfather started our farm in 1913. For over 100 years, we have been farming in California, and it’s been a true labor of love. Sustainability is the key, and our family is driven by the desire to pass on healthy, living soil to the next generation.

I earned a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of California, Davis, and have served as an alternate on the Almond Board of California’s Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Production Research Committee. Farming is my passion, and I love being a lifetime learner regarding how to constantly innovate and support the farming community. And of course, we Billings love what we think of as a pretty much perfect food–almonds.

Walking the orchard is always the best part of my day. Our almond trees live up to about 30 years, and to watch their seasonal process is both beautiful and grounding. The bare branches of the winter bloom gloriously in the spring and summer. Then, in the fall, the almonds are harvested when the tree is shaken to loosen the nuts. The cycle of nature, as well as the challenges, stay true. Like any farmer, there is so much appreciation for the earth and a strong desire to take care of it. One of the guiding tenets for our farm–and family– is, “leave the earth a better place than when you started.”

I am also an innovator and have a passion for better health through wholesome foods. About four years ago, the family came together to figure out how we could offer our almonds to consumers in a new way. It’s a pretty amazing thing when generations can build upon each other. We believe in the dietary goodness of almonds, and knew we could do more with our product. It was time to take a big chance. For the Billings family, that meant creating AYO Almond-based Yogurt.

At first, it seemed like a pretty straightforward endeavor–using our organic almonds in almond milk based yogurts. But nothing good comes easy. We created a whole new retail product, and we weren’t going to go to market until we were confident that our yogurt was the best offered.

We like to call AYO Almond Milk Yogurt “farm-to-spoon” because we created this yogurt every step of the way. I truly oversee the entire process, starting with the 20 almonds that go into each cup. The almonds are cleaned and sorted, then blanched in boiling water to remove the outer skin. Then, they are roasted and ground into almond butter–the pure nut butter almond base that is used to make AYO. AYP is all-natural, contains nothing artificial, and is probiotic-rich.

Being a father, the importance of creating wholesome food–we call it “better for you foods”–that I want to feed my own kids is a driving force in creating our product. We worked hard to create a healthy yogurt that isn’t full of sugar, but that kids (and adults) like. We did just that, and like to say it’s “kid tested, parent approved.” We churn our organic almonds, and create a creamy yogurt with a touch of toasted almond flavor. Then we picked the flavors the kids and adults love: vanilla, organic peach, strawberry, blueberry, and more to come. And we’ve been proud to say that we are getting fantastic feedback from our customers–they love the taste and texture. We are thrilled with their reviews.

Every day I am reminded of my forefathers’ challenges with running an almond farm–water supply, the challenges of mother–you name it. But jumping into the retail food market is a whole new learning curve. First, I wouldn’t recommend launching a new product during a pandemic. I can say that with a smile, but it has been a challenge to market something with incredible taste when you can’t have in-store tastings. We’ve had to work harder on other fronts and, just like in farming, you have to surround yourself with trustworthy people that share your vision and work hard for a common goal.

I love farming. I love creating wholesome food that our customers enjoy. We’ve had the joy of creating a product our family is proud of in a tough time. Just like the generations before me, I truly believe with a commitment to quality and core values, you’ll find success.

To Find AYO near you, visit this website.

LA ESCAPAR: SPRING SUMMER 2021

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SAINT MOJAVI INTRODUCES SECOND SUSTAINABLE “MADE TO ORDER” COLLECTION

Last Fall, Saint Mojavi introduced their first “Made to Order” collection to consumers. The brand’s founder and designer, Teresa Pinedo, wanted to drastically cut waste and be more thoughtful with each style she created. After seeing the success of implementing this business practice, both in popularity with consumers and in the reduction of her eco footprint, Pinedo developed her second sustainable collection.

The Spring Summer 2021 “LA ESCAPAR” Collection is a collective of silhouettes designed for the jet-set fashionista who has been yearning for an escape. It is an uplifting collection full of color and playful prints to incorporate joy and hope after such a tumultuous year.

“There is a sense of spirituality behind every collection and this collection is for those who have been longing for a deeper meaning or just an escape,” shares designer Teresa Pinedo.

Mixed media fabrics like the Green Polkadot Botanica and the Tri-Color Seersucker Plaid are just a glimpse of how picturesque this collection truly is. Reversible Facemasks and Elbow-High Gloves give you fashion with safety. The sustainably sourced pre-loved, recycled fabrics are from local markets in Los Angeles, making this collection apart of the global initiative to decrease waste and improve our efforts in climate change.

Shop Saint Mojavi’s collection HERE.

See who has been wearing the Saint Mojavi HERE.

Soneva In Aqua Experience

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SONEVA INTRODUCES SAILING EXCURSIONS TO THE MALDIVES’ UNSPOILED GOIDHOO ISLAND

Four-Day Soneva in Aqua Experience Includes Surfing Uncrowded Breaks, Diving Among Shipwrecks, Spotting Marine Life and Snorkeling In Untouched Reefs

Setting sail from Soneva’s original barefoot luxury resort Soneva Fushi, the new four-day, three-night Goidhoo experience aboard the Soneva in Aqua yacht offers an ultra-luxury escape to this unspoiled island in the south of the Baa Atoll, 30 miles from Soneva Fushi. As the island of Goidhoo, which can only be reached by boat, is not often frequented by divers and surfers, it offers a rare untouched paradise full of vibrant marine life and corals.

Soneva in Aqua is a refined yacht that combines Soneva’s iconic barefoot luxury with the sense of freedom and adventure associated with a private boat charter. The 75-foot yacht sleeps a maximum of four adults and two children and has two spacious bedrooms with en-suite showers, while the master cabin has a glass-bottomed spa tub set into the floor for viewing the marine life. There is also an on-deck Jacuzzi, daybeds for lounging, dining area, bar, lounge and library. The crew consists of the captain, mechanic, head chef, wellness therapist and signature Soneva Barefoot Butler. A dive master, surf instructor, photographer and astronomer can be added on request.

Diving and snorkeling sites around Goidhoo include the Corbin, a 400-ton French ship that set sail from St. Malo in search of trade in the East, but met its end off the shores of Goidhoo in 1602. Guests are welcome to search for buried treasure and bars of silver that the ship was supposedly carrying. The Naamuli Wreck can also be explored, with remnants of an old steel ship spanning approximately 164 feet over the reef.

The entrance of Goidhoo Corner offers diverse marine life, including Napoleon fish, lobster, nurse sharks and turtles. The Rose Garden is a shallow snorkeling site that offers a spectacular display that looks like a huge underwater garden of rose-shaped coral. Protected inside a lagoon, the Inside Tilla is best explored at night when all the nocturnal marine creatures come out and the reef comes to life. The Soneva in Aqua crew have often spotted manta rays and whale sharks while anchored within the lagoon.

When it comes to surfing, the Goidhoo Pass is well known for producing some of the best waves in the Baa Atoll, with local surf competitions often being held here. Guests can also visit a local island for a cultural experience, or even join in on a soccer match with locals.

The cost of the Goidhoo four-day, three-night charter is priced at $9,900 for three nights, which includes all food and beverages for the duration. This cost excludes standard dive and surf instructor rates, which are priced at $750 and $600 per day, respectively, for two guests.

For more information about Soneva, visit this website.

ABOUT SONEVA
Soneva is a pioneering family of hospitality properties, offering holistic encounters in luxurious and inspiring environments – from world class resorts to outstanding natural locations. Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives, and Soneva Kiri in Thailand rebuke the traditional concept of luxury and instead promise the luxury of time, purity and solitude. Every day, guests are encouraged to discover sandy feet, inspired minds and full hearts. Combining luxury with a conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, and proactively changing the nature of hospitality, it delivers intuitive service and meaningful experiences to the guests.

China’s EV Industry Growth

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1.3M Electric Vehicles Were Sold In China In 2020 – Projected For 51% Increase By 2021

China has become a relatively rich market for Electric vehicles (EVs) in recent times, and companies like Tesla have pounced on the opportunity. China posted a record number of EVs sold in the country in 2020, despite the global downturn of the automotive industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data presented by TradingPlatforms, 1.3M EVs were sold in China in 2020– a rise of 8% YoY, but is projected to grow by over 51% in 2021 to almost 2M.

EV Enters Mainstream– China One of Promising Markets, Despite Negative Effects of Pandemic

EVs have entered the automotive mainstream in recent times with Tesla setting the tone for affordable and stylish EVs. In 2019, the global EV market was valued at just over $162B and is expected to see tremendous growth in the next decade. The global EV market is projected to have a compound annual growth rate of 22.12% in the period from 2019-2026, and rise to a value of almost $803B in 2026.

China is a particularly strong market for EVs, where a record number of EVs were sold in 2020. However, recent policy changes around the EV industry in China, and the more recent Coronavirus pandemic, have slowed down the strong momentum EVs once generated. Despite this, the number of EVs sold in China still saw a modest increase of 8% YoY from 2019-2020 to a record 1.3M units sold.

Demand is also expected to rebound after 2020’s sharp downturn for the entire industry. EV sales are projected to increase by over 51% to almost 2M EVs sold. Automotive industry expert Chris Jones noted: “Prospects are very good for China’s EV market in 2021. There is already an excellent network of standardized public EV chargers in China, good government support and now a return to strong consumer demand.”

SAIC-GM-Wuling and Tesla Carried Chinese EV Industry Through Turbulent Time

Two brands and their vehicles carried the Chinese EV industry through a difficult period caused by the pandemic: SAIC-GM-Wuling and Tesla. The Tesla Model 3 was the most popular EV in China for a time until the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV entered the market in the middle of 2020. As of July 2020, the Tesla Model 3 was the most registered new electric car in China with the Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV already following closely behind.

An estimated 11,000 Model 3’s had been registered by that period while 7,250 Wuling Hong Guang Mini EV had already been registered despite deliveries only starting in the same month. By the end of 2020, SAIC-GM-Wuling had become the most popular EV brand in China with an estimated 177,000 units in car sales compared to Tesla’s 137,460 units.

The two brands offer two very different EVs, yet found that their shared success that carried the Chinese EV market through a difficult time. Jones further notes: “If it had not been for the huge success of these two very different EVs, the Chinese EV market would have declined in 2020. Between them, the two models represented one in five of all EVs sold in China.”

You can read more about the story with more statistics and information at TradingPlatform’s website.

HECKFIELD PLACE: FIRST 100% BIODYNAMIC HOTEL IN UK

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The Georgian Manor Estate Hotel and Home Farm Completes Three-Year Conversion to Holistic Approach to Agriculture.

Heckfield Place, the award-winning Georgian manor estate turned luxury hotel in Hampshire, England (about an hour outside of London), has achieved 100% biodynamic certification; becoming the very first hotel and farm estate in the United Kingdom to receive this designation.

This pioneering accreditation culminates a three-year process of conversion to biodynamics, an alternative form of agriculture that adopts a “closed loop” and holistic approach to farming–eschewing the use of chemicals to regenerate soil health to preserve the land for future generations, and to produce healthy and nutrient-rich foods. As biodynamic growers, Heckfield uses the cycle of the moon to determine when to carry out cultivations. For growing a root crop such as carrots, the team works when the moon is in an earth constellation (goat, bull or virgin). For leaf crops, such as lettuce and spinach, they cultivate when the moon is in a water constellation (crab, scorpion or fish). For flowers, the focus is when the moon is in an air constellation (twins, scales or water carrier) and to encourage fruiting, the moon will be in a fire constellation (ram, lion or archer).

Heckfield’s Farm now provides in myriad of ways for the hotel: from flowers, beautifully arranged by its floral consultant Kitten Grayson Flowers along with its in-house florist, to rotating arable crops and organic produce that inspire the seasonal menus at the hotel’s restaurants Hearth and Marle, led by Culinary Director Skye Gyngell, who champions a root-to-plate ethos.

In 2020, the Heckfield Home Farm opened its own micro-dairy to produce milk, cream and butter for the hotel and local community from the estate’s Guernsey herd, along with 90 sheep and 20 pigs. An average of 400 chickens and 20 beehives provides eggs and honey.

The farm serves as a shining example of the self-sustaining relationship between the land and the house and captures the essence of the hotel’s unique approach to luxury hospitality in its role as custodians for the 438-acre estate to ensure a sustainable future for the land on which it resides.

“Being certified as biodynamic allows us a clearer framework and positive intent; if we choose chemical-based agriculture as the program for our soils, we will destroy the very life we all depend on,” says David Rowley, Head Market Gardener, Heckfield Estates. “Alternatively, we can choose to feed our soils, encourage all the microbiology and the beings and cycles, seen and unseen, picture the farm 100 years in the future–what would we like our grandchildren to see?”

For more information about sustainability at Heckfield Place and its Home Farm, please visit their website.

ABOUT HECKFIELD PLACE:

A Georgian family home dating to the 1700s, Heckfield Place has been lovingly restored to its classic origins and rewoven into its surrounding 400 acres of farmland, ancient heather and woodlands. The estate’s farm, two walled gardens and orchards nourish renowned chef Skye Gyngell’s epicurean cuisine, bringing the outside gloriously into the property’s three restaurants–Marle, with its outdoor balcony overlooking the property, the Sun House, a unique space for up to 30 guests in the Upper Walled Garden, and the open-flamed Hearth. Aiming to be as sustainable as possible, the estate has a biomass energy center to power hotel water and central heating; an aerobic digester to process all recyclable waste and provide compost for the garden and pellets for the biomass energy center; harvest rainwater and capture spring water. As part of the Assembly, the hotel’s event rooms can host up to 120 guests and the new state-of-the-art, Dolby Atmos surround sound cinema can accommodate 67 viewers. There is also an extensive wine cellar and tasting room, as well as the full service Little Bothy Spa.

COVID GUIDANCE: The importance of TOP-DOWN CLEANING

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Robin Wilson launched Robin Wilson Home in 2000 and created a conglomerate that covers eco-design, licensed products, interior design, and real estate development. Her brand has generated over $82 million in wholesale revenue from sales of cabinetry and textiles. She became the first Black woman with a line of hypoallergenic textiles sold nationwide at Bed Bath & Beyond (now in Wal-Mart), among other retailers. Her book, CLEAN DESIGN: Wellness for your Lifestyle was #1 on Amazon and focused on eco-friendly designs and hypoallergenic products for consumers.

Recently, the lifestyle expert introduced the practical aspect of Top-Down Cleaning. In this era of quarantines and lock downs, the last thing anyone wants to do is add to our work load – and a few simple tips will help you maintain a clean and healthier living space!

The Statistics

Sixty million Americans – that is one in five of us – have asthma and allergies. We sneeze, sniffle, and itch. Expose us to a whiff of dust, a gust of pollen, a sniff of perfume, or an encounter with an inquisitive dog or cat, and before we know it, our airways start to close up, and we begin to cough, wheeze or struggle to breathe.

With COVID in the air, the last thing we need is an inflammatory response. So cleaning your space has never been more important. Remember that asthma and allergies cannot be cured, but they can be managed. We can reduce symptoms by avoiding the allergens that trigger them. Unfortunately, the average home is full of allergy and asthma triggers, which means the place that should be your sanctuary can be a major source of allergenic triggers.

What is Top-Down Cleaning?

Most people create twice the cleaning work by first cleaning the floor, softa, tabletop or countertop and then cleaning the lights, ceiling fan or cabinets – only to see dust drift downward.

Solution: Clean from the top-to-bottom. In fact, if you have a second level, start upstairs and then work your way downstairs. Start at the highest point and make sure you have the following tools: paper towels, microstatic dust mitt/cloth, microstatic duster/floor sweeper, HEPA vacuum and a non-toxic cleaning solution. Cleaning solutions should include: baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste and Coca Cola.

Starting at the Top

We forget that walls are one of the largest surfaces in our spaces. Use a microstatic duster cloth/mitt to rub gently along the walls starting at the ceiling line and let the dust fall. As well, make sure to swipe over light receptables, ceiling fans or chandeliers.

Surfaces

Then clean the surfaces, starting with the highest-level lamp, bookcase, window treatments, cabinet or closet shelf. Allow dust/dirt to fall. As you work you way down, you will find that you need to vacuum or wipe down surfaces.

As mentioned earlier, there are a few tricks that involve cleaning solutions that are non-toxic.

1. Toilet Ring Solution: Pour Coca Cola into your toilet overnight, and use toilet brush in the morning and the stubborn ring will disappear (may have to be repeated dependent on the level of stain) by morning.

2. Crayon Marks: Use toothpaste. Smear on the mark and let sit for about 20 minutes. Using light brush strokes, and the crayon should be removed, or at least diminished.

3. Stained Baking Sheets: to make them look new, use vinegar and baking soda. Coat pan with baking soda. Pour a layer of white vinegar on top. You may see slight bubbling. Let sit for 4 hours. Use gloves and a brush in circular motion. Watch the surface start to look new.

Finish at the Floor

The last thing that you need to do in your space is clean the floor.

1. Make sure to invest in a HEPA filter vacuum as the dust and dirt is stored in a chamber (unlike older vacuum units that sometimes-added dust back into the space), and the canister can be emptied outside.

2. Before you clean, you might want to make sure that you remove rugs and shake them outside.

3. Run a microstatic dust cloth over the floor before you vacuum so that you can ensure that minimal dust flies around.

One tech solution that many working from home families are investing is an electronic robot vacuum that can be programmed to work during the day in various rooms. Some floor robot vacuums have HEPA filters, and can be a great option if you have a pet and want to make sure to limit buildup of dander and hair on your floor.

[SIDE BAR] For a space that follows CLEAN DESIGN protocols, it is important to replace a few items:

1. Change your older model vacuum to a HEPA vacuum to effectively limit dust in the space. Especially important if your home is near any location that had recent fires.

2. Change your vinyl shower liner to a nylon shower liner to minimize mold.

3. Review the window treatments and find options that can be laundered and are not ‘dust catchers’ or which can be easily vacuumed.

4. Replace your pillow after 3 years if it has not been washed frequently or covered with a zippered liner.

5. Think about using your window screens so that you can open your windows for 5 minutes daily.

SIDEBAR

Leading triggers include:

Dust mites in beds and pillows
Dander from pets
Mold growth in walls, bathrooms and basements
Pollen from outdoor trees and grasses in your hair that infiltrates your sleep space or living room sofa
Fumes from cooking and chemical cleaners
Toxic or environmentally unfriendly building materials that permeate indoor air

Remember, you can change that by using the strategies in the book, Clean Design: Wellness for your Lifestyle (Greenleaf, 2015). Create a healthy home environment that manages indoor air quality and protect your family from dust, mold, pollen, fumes, odors, airborne toxins, chemicals and other substances. Create a home environment that nurtures good health.

According to the American Lung Association, “poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer…headaches, dry eyes, nasal congestion, nausea, and fatigue” in anyone, not just those who suffer from asthma and allergies. We can all benefit from living in a more pure home environment.

More physicians are convinced that there is a link between environmental toxins, indoor air quality and allergies. Chemicals we are exposed to in our homes and offices have the power to make us sick, and we can improve our health and wellness using Clean Design principles.

Shopping for Hypoallergenic Options

The pandemic made both me and my clients realize that the CLEAN DESIGN HOME which sells our retail products is more important than ever – and that we should find non-toxic cleaning options and information for day-to-day living, especially since so many of us are working from home. I have pivoted to focus on building out the product line, and have just licensed our brand. So much information involves simple non-toxic options– the ideas are rooted in my bestselling book, Clean Design: Wellness for your Lifestyle.

About Robin Wilson

Her design projects including the White House Fellows office, a part of President Clinton’s Harlem office, and the rustic beach cottage of Robert DeNiro – each project had a very quick turnaround and exacting standards. She was named to the Top 100 Female Founders List in 2020 by INC magazine. Her eponymous licensed brands of textiles is sold at retail and hospitality. She is also in the process of creating Design+Build projects. She is author of two award-winning books: Clean Design She is the first woman with a branded line of custom cabinetry that was sold by over 400 independent kitchen dealers nationwide (2009-2018). First featured in Oprah’s magazines and extensive media coverage since 2005. In May 2013, her furniture line, Nest Home by Robin Wilson, premiered at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York. In 2014, she partnered with consumer products giant Panasonic to promote their latest line of cutting edge products for the home.She is an ambassador to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, and previously served on the board of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

MANN+HUMMEL and ALBA Group Tackle Vehicle Emissions

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At the start of 2020, filtration specialists, MANN+HUMMEL, and global recycling and environmental services company, the ALBA Group, joined forces to launch a pilot project with the aim of significantly improving air quality standards in Singapore. As part of a series of innovative measures developed by the ALBA Group for the city-state, the company’s recycling trucks were fitted with PureAir fine dust particle filter roof boxes from MANN+HUMMEL.

The partnership proved very successful and the two companies now plan to fit more of the ALBA fleet with PureAir roof boxes. The hope, ultimately, is that the technology can be rolled out to wider markets. The roof box design is well suited to trucks and lorries because they generally operate at lower speeds in environments where there is a high concentration of particulate in the ambient air. These are the ideal performance conditions for the roof box, which means these products can significantly reduce emissions from these vehicles.

“Although electric vehicles are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, particulate emissions are still a major problem, especially in cities,” explains Franck Bento, Director of Sales for New Products at MANN+HUMMEL. “Our technology can make a real difference in tackling this problem, so we’re excited to continue our partnership with the ALBA Group and help them install more of our roof boxes in the near future,” he continues.

“It’s vital for us that we protect our environment and preserve our natural resources,” explains Thomas Mattscherodt, Head of Project Management Office at ALBA W&H Smart City Pte Ltd in Singapore. “In 2019 alone, our recycling operations saved 32.3 million tonnes of primary raw materials and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 4.2 million tonnes compared with producing the same materials from scratch. We’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint and the PureAir fine dust particle filters provide a really effective way of reducing the particulate pollution generated by our trucks on their rounds.”

PureAir fine dust particle filter for buses and lorries

The PureAir roof box is a great solution for buses, lorries and other similar use cases. The built-in filter elements are extremely energy efficient. The low flow resistance maximizes the volume of air passing through the filter and guarantees excellent filtration results. In fact, the filter removes over 90% of PM₁₀ particles – that is particles measuring 10 micrometers or less in diameter – from the ambient air. The standard filter element is a PM₁₀ design, but other filters are available on request.

Fans also increase the flow of air through the filter by drawing in ambient air in addition to the airflow generated by the moving vehicle. So even when the vehicle is stationary, the roof box continues to filter particulate out of the ambient air. This low-energy design makes the roof box a very sustainable solution.

Moreover, customers have the option to customize the outside of the roof box with their own company branding or advertising material. As well as working to optimize the aerodynamics, size and efficiency of this product, MANN+HUMMEL has also developed new versions of the technology, including its concept for integrating particulate filters into the front end of cars, which it showcased at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2019.

About MANN+HUMMEL

MANN+HUMMEL is a leading global expert in filtration. The Ludwigsburg-based group develops filtration solutions for vehicles, industrial applications, clean air in indoor and outdoor spaces as well as for the sustainable use of water. In 2019, over 22,000 employees at more than 80 locations worldwide generated a turnover of EUR 4.2 billion. Products include, amongst others, air filter systems, intake systems, liquid filters, technical plastic parts, filter media, cabin filters, industrial filters and membranes for water filtration, sewage treatment and process applications.

You can find further information on MANN+HUMMEL at https://www.mann-hummel.com/

Noorullah

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By Hannah DiPilato

With a line that unites sustainability and style, Noorullah is a brand to watch. The timeless collection features unique and versatile pieces that appeal to everyone.

Recently, we caught up with designer Noorullah Amiri who explained what makes the line different from the rest of current-day high fashion.

Where did you pull inspiration from for this line?

I pulled inspiration from the Ancient Egyptian wardrobe, which is a white linen fabric that has drape. Linen fibers create a very functional fabric that is breathable and good for temperatures all year round. For the pajama styles, I took inspiration from Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s stained glass window in the St. Peter’s Basilica from 1660. It was fitting to use that print for the pajamas, which you can lounge and meditate in.

The tracksuit is inspired by Ancient Greek Olympians, who would participate in the Olympic events. The idea was to create a comfortable and functional tracksuit also for lounging or exercising in cold weather. I also made use of genuine snake leather for small leather goods in relation to Ancient Greek biblical artworks: “Adam and Eve” and “Laocoon and His Sons”. And also, lamb leather in relation to “The Sacrifice of Issac”.

What made you want to create sustainable fashion?

In the fashion industry, 85% of textiles go to the dumb each year and bits of fibers from the washing machine pollute the ocean. Producing new clothes causes pollution and there is post-consumption pollution as well. The best way to be sustainable is to close the loop in the fashion cycle and use only recycled textiles for making new fibers and materials.

It is our duty to take care of the planet for a better quality of life. And the fashion industry needs to be more sustainable to preserve the ecosystem. Our approach currently, is to focus on style and quality to create sustainable products. Style determines how long products will remain relevant and desirable, while quality determines how long the design will hold up during its use. We fully commit to our highly detailed designs with confidence so that they can be everlasting in terms of style and durability.

Have you had any community involvement relating to your company’s purpose?

Last year in San Francisco, on Earth Day, I went to a fair to gain and spread knowledge about sustainability, and also planted redwood tree sprouts that can grow up to 300 feet.

Where do you hope to see your designs in the future?

I hope to keep the designs exclusive and desirable so they can be enjoyed for a long time. We would like to have a strong global online presence with boutiques in strategic locations.

It is a dream to be able to provide people an experience from our world when shopping inside a brick-and-mortar location. I have a passion for storytelling through visual merchandising. In addition, I hope to have a limited wholesale partnership with a luxury department store.

What is your personal favorite piece from the collection and what makes this your favorite?

If I have one pick, I am going with the Wool Overcoat because it is comfortable and warm. I can wear almost anything underneath and still maintain a modern look. Also, similar to all of the garments from the collection, I created each pattern piece custom for your body. And I like that it has 4 deep pockets for holding valuables.

What would you say is the one thing that makes you stand out against other designers?

I would say it is my confidence because my design process is functional yet artistic, producing something with its own identity. I can pull inspiration from nature, for example, to create something that is unique in design having function and playing with silhouettes or other design elements.

When did you begin designing and how did you get started?

I began designing vector artwork using Adobe illustrator in 2011. I was working on a streetwear brand with t-shirts and fleece before designing window displays and private label brands for assignments in college.

I got started with the Noorullah brand by gathering inspiration and having an end-use in mind for the products. The end-use is when the garments will be worn, where, and by who. Getting an understanding of end-use is what enabled me to get started with bringing the inspirations to life.

Why do some pieces have only limited numbers available? Is this something you plan to change or continue doing in the future?

Everything from the collection is very limited because there are so many ideas to play with for new designs. The collection is truly exclusive and there will be a fresh collection to build from the previous one. In the future, as we expand our business, we will continue to keep the merchandise exclusive in proportion to consumer demands.

What is your process of designing sustainable products to ensure they’re functional and stylish?

To have a sustainable design we begin with the yarns that make up the fabric. To have durable fabrics we select the ones made from long filament yarns which are more durable, produce less fiber waste in the washing machine, and even have a better hand. We pay attention to construction details to make products functional, comfortable, and permanent. This way the products fulfill their intended uses while providing comfort and not becoming damaged. Along with durable materials and construction, we produce designs everlasting in terms of style.

How would you summarize the goal of the line in one sentence?

To give the wearer a high sense of confidence with luxury only for them to know.

Do you believe other brands should move away from fast fashion and create more sustainable clothing?

Yes, absolutely. The biggest way to impact the planet through sustainability in the fashion industry is to not produce any more clothes, but even that will not undo the existing pollution that has already been set in motion many years ago. And since we must continue producing products, it is best to be as ethical as possible.

Although the demand for fast fashion is high because some styles are trendy and affordable, the price that the planet pays is too great. Because fast fashion produces fads, where clothing goes out of style rapidly and they are made poorly to save pennies in productions.

What advice would you give to other designers about becoming more sustainable?

To source only recycled materials, and produce clothing that is classic and high quality.

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New Sustainable Hotel Brand, Beyond Green

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Guided by an inherent passion to transform travel as a force for good, Preferred Hotel Group, Inc. – the family-owned company that manages and operates global travel and hospitality brands including Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, PHG Consulting and Beyond Green Travel – proudly announces the launch of Beyond Green. This innovative hospitality brand debuts with a global portfolio of 24 founding member hotels, resorts, and lodges that exemplify sustainable tourism leadership. Driven by purpose, the new brand represents Preferred’s steadfast commitment to building a better and brighter future for travel in a way that also helps to protect the planet for future generations.

Born through an inspired, natural synergy between the Ueberroth Family – the owners of Preferred Hotel Group, Inc. – and ecotourism pioneer and global sustainability expert Costas Christ – the founder of Beyond Green Travel, which Preferred acquired in February 2020 – Beyond Green brings together forward-thinking properties around the world that are committed to delivering on the three key pillars of sustainable tourism: environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics; protection of natural and cultural heritage; and contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.

The name itself – Beyond Green – was chosen in recognition of not only the immense importance of environmentally friendly practices, but also the paramount responsibility that the travel and tourism industry has towards protecting biodiversity, preserving cultural heritage, and improving local people’s livelihoods in travel destinations around the world, all while delivering an enjoyable and meaningful traveler experience.

“Never before has there been a greater need to promote a kinder and gentler way to explore our beautiful, yet fragile planet. Driven by our brand promise, Believe in Travel, which guides every decision we make as a company, we believe that now is the time to go big and be bold as we look to the future of travel,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotel Group, Inc.

“We are humbled by the opportunity to partner with so many inspiring leaders in sustainable tourism to launch our newest brand, Beyond Green, that was built with purpose, gratitude, and respect for nature, communities, and culture, continued Ueberroth.”

“While there may be a tendency to think of sustainability as just the latest travel buzzword, its roots are long and deep. What we are witnessing is an evolution of travel, not a passing trend,” said Costas Christ.

“Beyond Green is about reconnecting with our common humanity and understanding that the diversity of our cultures and different ways of life are what create the rich fabric that makes travel so enjoyable and fascinating. In that same context, nature brings inspiration and renewal to our lives. Sustainable tourism is not about giving something up, it is about gaining something more – a great vacation that it is also a force for good,” said Christ.

The Beyond Green platform will support the needs of its member properties by providing global connectivity, distribution technology, marketing, sales, quality assurance, branding, and sustainability solutions, as well as access to participate in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the world’s largest global points-based loyalty program for independent hotels. Beyond Green will also enhance visibility for its global portfolio and champion sustainability storytelling through its brand website, StayBeyondGreen.com, which launched today in an interim state prior to the brand’s official consumer debut in Q1 2021. Beyond Green member properties will also be bookable on a common GDS chain code, to be announced in early 2021, which will be linked under Preferred Hotel Group Inc.’s master GDS chain code – PV.

With plans for strategic growth over the next 24 months, Beyond Green celebrates its launch in collaboration with 24 inspiring founding members located across 15 countries:

&Beyond Bateleur Camp (Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya)
&Beyond Mnemba Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania)
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (Namib Desert, Namibia)
Aristi Mountain Resort (Zagori, Greece)
Ashford Castle (Co. Mayo, Ireland)
Bentwood Inn (Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA)
Blancaneaux Lodge (Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize)
Borgo Pignano (Tuscany, Italy)
Bushmans Kloof (Western Cape, South Africa)
Cavallo Point (Sausalito, California, USA)
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (Bora Bora, French Polynesia)
Islas Secas (Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama)
Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, California, USA)
Ted Turner Reserves Vermejo (Raton, New Mexico, USA)
The Brando (Tetiaroa, French Polynesia)
The Ranch at Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach, California, USA)
Three Camel Lodge (Gobi, Mongolia)
Turtle Inn (Placencia, Belize)
Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge (Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda)
Wilderness Safaris DumaTau Camp (Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana)
Wilderness Safaris Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp (Kaokoveld, Namibia)
Wilderness Safaris Linkwasha Camp (Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe)
Wilderness Safaris Mombo Camp (Okavango Delta, Botswana)
Xigera Safari Lodge (Okavango Delta, Botswana)

To be considered for Beyond Green membership, a property must demonstrate leadership in the three key pillars of sustainable tourism as part of a rigorous vetting process and show progress in meeting more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Examples of these requirements, among others, which form part of an ongoing, biennial on-site inspection process, include management of overall environmental operations to establish benchmarks and set additional sustainability goals including carbon emission reduction targets; elimination of plastic water bottles and reducing single-use plastics; support for biodiversity conservation initiatives and restoration and protection of natural habitats; embracing local cultural vernacular in design and décor and supporting the preservation of cultural heritage sites, a demonstrated priority to hire locally according to fair wages, benefits, and non-discrimination policies that meet or exceed legal requirements; and priority to purchase goods and services from locally owned and operated businesses.

To help build Beyond Green as a dynamic, digital-first platform that serves travelers through authentic storytelling and wholesome sustainability stewardship, Preferred sought expert direction from two strategic agencies – Robert Louey Design and Spherical. Robert Louey Design was tasked with the branding work, inclusive of brand development, positioning, and strategy, as well as graphic design and language. Spherical has been charged with building a digital identity for Beyond Green to coincide with its consumer launch in Q1 2021, which entails creative direction and channel strategy, the production of a variety of digital assets for advertising, marketing, and social media use, and the creation of a standalone consumer-facing website.

Travel advisors, media, hotels interested in membership, and travelers can learn more about Beyond Green and its founding members by visiting www.StayBeyondGreen.com. Prior to debuting its brand website with full booking capabilities in Q1 2021, Beyond Green invites all travelers who want to book a stay within its unique portfolio of hotels, resorts and lodges to email Book@StayBeyondGreen.com.

Jason Hyde – Plastic Aquarium

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Jason Hyde (JH) invites everyone to come see the exhibition of the Plastic Aquarium, with fishes made of plastic from the ocean, from November 16^th until November 27th. Ironic isn’t it? Not so much, as we all know, our oceans are being affected more and more each day by plastic, little by little it is starting to overcome it and harming the wildlife in it.

Jason Hyde, a company with the goal of introducing fashion in a sustainable and eco-friendly way has brought to the market beautiful and unique products such as jewelry which incorporates charms made from RPO (recycled plastic from the ocean) and unique organic watches whose bands are made with 100% recycled and environmentally friendly materials such as wool, paper, recycled plastic, and cork. Jason Hyde has partnered up with Clean Miami Beach and Plastic Fisherman, nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to organize beach clean ups and raise awareness of the alarming rates in which trash is introduced to our oceans. The exhibition will present, in a fun and unique way, how horrible the circumstances in our oceans are, in hopes to raise awareness and open people’s eyes to reality and to join the movement to save our earth and to live and shop sustainably, in an ecofriendly way.

Jason Hyde stands for sustainability, and stands for upcycling and as we say, there is no TIME to waste.

ABOUT JASON HYDE

Jason Hyde, established its headquarters in Miami in 2018 with the mission to offer customers a new line of watches that captures the essence of style, fashion and upcycling. Jason Hyde embraces innovation and sustainability by utilizing a collection of 100% recycled materials that have been specially selected from around the world. These include Wool, Paper, Recycled Plastic and Cork and RPO charms, charms made from recycled plastic from the ocean. For more information contact info@jasonhyde.com or visit www.jasonhyde.com.