Eco-Coupon Book

The HonuGuide is a guide for sustainable living in Hawaii . Cool!

What's even neater? Inside there's coupons and discounts are from island companies supporting sustainable living (like Whole Foods). Now that's really cool!

Get yours at: http://www.honuguide.com/index.html

town - Restaurant Review

town, with a lower case “t,” was one of the first restaurants I loved when I first moved to to the island. After having the luxury of choosing between numerous organic eateries in California, I found it hard to find a place on Oahu that served local, fresh, and organic dishes prepared with simplicity. Moreover, town lives out what it states it values--the coaster for my glass of water is a cut of from one of their old menus.

In a minimalist urban space, town features silver tables, subtle gray walls, espresso stained wooden chairs, modern wood lamp fixtures, orange chair cushions and dark browh draperies.

The menu is always a little tough to navigate: the font is in an old typewriter style, and the listing on the menu is well…“organic” to put it nicely… or “un-orderly” if you’re in a rush. It’s hard to distinguish what is designated as appetizer, entrée and dessert--but that’s the philosophical point, right?

On the menu: Panino of local mushrooms, tatsoi, caramelized onion, radish, boursin ($8.50). I usually get this, not sure why. It’s a sandwich put in a panini press served with organic greens. Not a stand-out, but healthy and decent.

Today I ordered the Penne—grilled chicken, arugula pesto, tomato, ricotta salata ($12.50). The pasta is cooked al dente, just right, the pesto not too strong, with diced tomato and cheese giving it a subtle spark. The chicken is lightly floured and spiced with coriander. Again, not too over powering and complimentary to the pasta. This is one of the more interesting dishes I’ve had here.

The “hand-cut pasta” with prosciutto ragu sounds interesting ($14.50). The last entrée on the menu (yes, they keep it simple) is the Kulana Short Ribs with argugula, fontina cheese on a baguette ($10.50)

I appreciate that town supports local artists who share values. Three weeks ago the art work on the walls changed. Dave Homey’s black and white underwater photography is framed in his sister’s “Found Wood” custom frames. Recycled Glass Art is represented by Crystal Thornburg.

I love town’s motto: “Local first, organic whenever possible, with Aloha always.”

(also, there are three power outlets and free WiFi. I’m happy to be able to blog as I enjoy my lunch.)

town
3435 Waialae Avenue #103
Honolulu, HI 96816
808.735.5900

Eco-Friendly Furniture Shopping

I never thought of buying pre-owned furniture and antiques as an eco-friendly way to shop until I bought into the idea after viewing the "1stdibs" website. This online company sells trendy home decor items for less the full price...and with the idea of "recycling" furniture as a smart way to home decorate!

Here' s the site: www.1stdibs.com

Men's Suits = Recycled Bottles

How many plastic bottles does it take to weave one tailored suit? Just 30 bottles says the Bagir clothing company.

For $200 you can purchase an EcoGIR suit made of100% recycled post-consumer materials made from PET bottles. It's an incredible concept and environmentally conscious choice. You can now literally wear your politics on your back to the work place and formal events. Bagir also offers a hybrid suit line which uses 55% PET bottles combined with bamboo and organic cotton. These casual suits have buttons made from palm tree seeds that are eco-consciously grown. Supposedly 1 in every 6 European men own a Bagir suit. They are becoming more visible around the world, and are leading the way in greening the fashion houses.

For more Info see:
http://www.bagir.com/?CategoryID=204&ArticleID=288

Fred Segal - Eco-Chic in '08

Wow, who would have guessed that the popular Santa Monica store would branch in this direction? Maybe with the number of celebs gone green, Fred Segal has found a little niche for their clientèle. Opening this summer, the 1,200 sq ft store specializes in green furniture, baby wear, pet accessories and home items. Something to check out!
Where to Get It:
Fred Segal Green
500 Broadway
Santa Monica, California 90401
http://www.fredsegalgreen.com/

Best Water Bottle – Hydrate with SIGG Style

Thumbs up for these Limited Edition Asian-inspired reusable water bottles by SIGG ($22). SIGG, a 100 year old Swiss company, is known for its quality built products, garnering a consistent loyal base in Europe and Canada.

Four good reasons to buy a SIGG:

1) SIGGs are lined with ceramic leaving water tasting like water—not the plastic or metal container it’s in (FDA approved).

2) SIGGs are eco-friendly – Reusable, made from recyclable aluminum and 1% of every purchase goes toward environmental causes!

3) SIGGs are stylish – They come in 149 fun designs, 6 of them Asian themed

4) SIGGs are functional – They are well constructed and durable, noted as “the world’s toughest water bottle” (Backpacker Magazine), yet weighs almost the same as a plastic bottle.

Unfortunately, SIGG manufacturers are completely sold out of their products for 2008, and according to Hawaii store owners the Asian designs in particular are nearly impossible to find.

Island Secret - Where to Get It:

Lily Lotus Boutique, Kaimuki (only a handful of Asian designs left)
Online: REI and Patagonia (regular designs)