Swedish Chic & Lucky Duck

I visited the Eco Chic showcase at the Scandanavia House in Manhattan to get a sense of what’s happening with sustainable fashion in Europe and beyond. There wasn’t a ton of menswear, but there were some gems, and below I’ll share the highlights. My favorite piece in the show was an organic, Japanese denim suit that had a hand-feel very similar to wool. It’s nice to find non-wool suits, now that we know that wool production is one of largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions (for example, New Zealand’s 40 million sheep constitute 90% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions). Julian Red, a sustainable Swedish clothing line, harnesses ecological textiles and fair labor, turning them into universally attractive garments. Over 60% of their entire collection is organic.

Bergman’s has the claim of being the first commercially available organic cotton in the world, beginning in 1986. With partners as big as Levi’s, their have their fingers in many pies. Bergman’s also developed the criteria for organic certification of cotton and textiles, which have been adopted globally. On a neighboring dress form was Zion, a street fashion label using organic cotton, fair labor, and water-based dyes free of heavy-metals. They also support a tree-planting initiative in Tanzania to reduce carbon.

• I was One Lucky Duck when I tried all these scrumptious snacks from the company of the same name. It’s hard for me not to nosh all day long while working or running errands. It’s helpful to have snacks that aren’t going to kill you (either by taste or lack or nutrition). My two favorites are the rich, dark chocolate macaroons and the cheese-y ‘quackers’. They are sophisticated, indulgent, and healthfully vegan, raw and locally made in NYC, like all their treats. One Luck Duck is has two locations in New York: the Chelsea Market, and Gramercy, but their treats can be purchased from anywhere on their website: www.oneluckyduck.com

Polos, Smoothies & Animals Rights in Washington

• A polo is great because it’s somewhere in between a dress-shirt and a tee-shirt. The sophistication of a collar and buttons combined with the comfort and casualness of a short-sleeve tee is perfect for backyard barbecues, outdoor lunch meetings, and Sunday brunches. Thrift stores are chock-full of polos, and here are some ethical polos to ponder in organic cotton, hemp, recycled poly and more:
Palisades PoloPalisades Polo
Mens Polo Shirthttp://www.howies.co.uk/shopimages/products/normal/M-austin_pink-12L.jpg
• You don’t need a blender to make a shake. Vega’s new shake & go smoothie is great because there’s no cleanup. Only 100 calories per serving with 2500 mg Omega-3-6-9, 11 g complete protein, and 1 billion probiotics cultures. Just add two heaping tablespoons to ½-1 cup water, shake and go! Formulated by Brendan Brazier, vegan, professional Ironman triathlete and bestselling author on performance nutrition

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• The National Journal wrote a thorough and objective article about the state of the Animal Rights movement. According to them, the sophisticated movement is gaining momentum, sharpening it’s tools, and ushering in some huge political and cultural changes – but not without a backlash from animal farmers and animal-industry-funded groups like the Center for Consumer Freedom.

Tail docking cattle is among the most disturbing practices MFA’s undercover investigator captured on film during a recent investigation of New York’s largest dairy operation. A worker uses a bladed clamp to slice off the ends of calves’ tails, severing nerves, skin and vertebrae – all without the use of anesthesia. The calves’ legs buckle from the pain, as they stagger and stumble to the ground. The worker then applies a smoking cautery device to the amputations. Find out how you can help.

All That Baggage

A reader recently asked what he should do about luggage. Are there any sustainable suitcases? I did a little bit of research, and came up with a few bags that seemed to fit the bill, and run the spectrum from affordable to expensive. Keep in mind that one of the most sustainable things about luggage is whether it will last a lifetime. Buying poorly-constructed suitcases requires frequent replacements, and thus more garbage and more resources needed to make more. In addition, never forget the almighty favor; most people don’t travel at the same time as their friends – so ask if you can borrow!

The first stop on this search is the most eco-friendly one: used or vintage luggage. Ebay, Craigslist, thrift stores and yard sales are sometimes the best places to get luggage. It’s often quite affordable, too. For example, if you like the aesthetic of an old, beat-up hard-shell or vinyl bag, you may want to go this route. The images above are from Ebay of a burgundy vinyl, and a black hard-shell with canvas straps. These have already proven their longevity, and they have a lot of character. They even look nice when you leave them out on display.

If you are someone that wants to buy a new product, consider these options:

Heys USA Eco Case. Made from 100% recycled plastic, expandable for up to 20% more space and had 360 degree swivel wheels. $340 retail, only $283.99 at luggage.com

Eco Traveler 2-piece Expandable Carry-on Luggage Set. Hemp canvas carry-on bag set, only $49.99 at Overstock.com (a fur-free online store!)

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• Patagonia Freewheeler and MLC lines. Made from 100% recycled fabrics. $300 range at patagonia.com


Patagonia Freewheeler MaxPatagonia Freewheeler  Max

Patagonia FreewheelerPatagonia MLC® Wheelie

Ultramarathoning, Whiskey, Donuts and a Prom

• Ultramarathoner Scott Jurek, is changing the world of sports. The New York Times’ article yesterday by Mark Bittman outlined Jurek’s plans for Thursday and Friday: a “24-Hour Run world championship in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, on Thursday and Friday. It is a grueling race to determine how many miles runners can complete on a 1.4-kilometer road loop (about nine-tenths of a mile) in a 24-hour period.

Scott Jurek is a vegan, and his diet certainly isn’t slowing him down. He holds the fifth-, sixth- and eighth-fastest times in race history on the 153-mile course between Athens and Sparta. He is tall, strong and shows boundless energy – completing training-weeks of 140 miles or more.  “He said he needs 5,000 to 8,000 calories a day, “and I get that all from plant sources.  It’s not hard, either. I like to eat, and I don’t have to worry about weight management. All I need is a high-carbohydrate diet with enough protein and fat.”

Read the rest of this inspiring article HERE.

• How I wish Dunkin’ Donuts were totally vegan. Too bad they use rotten eggs. Thank your lucky stars that Danielle Konya of Vegan Treats whisks icing with brass knuckles and turns dust into earth-shatteringly amazing donuts. Now through May 21st, you can vote for the next Vegan Treats donut flavor! Time to make the donuts...

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Tuthilltown Spirits, my favorite distillery,  is embarking on a three year program to exit the Grid by converting all its waste byproducts to fuel. They just won awards at American Distillers Institute Annual Conference.

“It’s an exciting time for us. The distillery is really established and our products are well received,” founder Ralph Erenzo said. Economy of scale andrecycling of heat and materials are high on the list of improvements.

Brian Lee, the engineering mind behind Tuthilltown Spirits, estimates the distillery could be independent of outside sources of fuel by making use of the waste stream. “We have unpotable alcohol at high proof that burns clean and hot. Our dry distillery grains, grain stalks and chaff can be burned in a furnace to make steam to fire the stills and cookers.

“The CO2 created in the fermentation process is destined to be pumped into a greenhouse where we will experiment with starch bearing algae that can be fermented and distilled to be used as fuel. And then there’s cellulosic fermentation of stalks, cobs and other grain parts for distillation to ethanol. Don’t get me started.”

Lee is enthusiastic about the prospect of a business without fuel bills. “It’s the way of the future for the agricultural distiller.”

All this has a practical side. Virtual elimination of transportation costs for fuel delivery, thereby lowering carbon emissions. Near elimination of dependency on typical fuel sources. No matter what happens out there in the world, says Erenzo, “We’re still making whiskey.”

• Go to the Veggie Prom!

  • • Artwork for this flyer was created by the incredibly talented Michelle Cavigliano.
  • • Veggie Prom is 8 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2010. It will be at Littlefield in Park Slope: 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217.
  • • Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 21 and over. Buy tickets here. There is a cash bar, and VEGAN desserts are free! Music will be provided by veg*n DJs Lil Ray and iLan. A raffle will benefit Mercy for Animals. Creative prom attire is encouraged! Couple themes are welcome too! No date necessary to attend!

A Berry Manly Breakfast

I’m a guy that likes berries. Yes, they are pink and purple and red and really pretty, but who cares! There’s something sexy about them. They taste amazing, they are incredibly supple and healthy, and they make for a perfect breakfast when mixed with some nuts, seeds, dried fruit and non-dairy yogurt. I’ve been trying to start my weekdays with something a bit lighter to keep my engine running smoothly, and this regimen has me feeling great!

Pear Berry Breakfast

WHAT YOU’LL NEED (serves 2):
As always, try to get as organic and local as possible.

  • • 6 large strawberries
  • • 2 pears
  • • 1/2 cup  raspberries
  • • 1/4 cup dried goji berries
  • • 1/4 yellow raisins
  • • 1/4 raw pistachios
  • • 1/4 raw cashews
  • • 1/2 cup unsweetened, non-dairy yogurt

DIRECTIONS:

  1. 1. Clean and then chop the pear into long pieces
  2. 2. Rinse the fresh berries and chop the strawberries
  3. 3. Add all ingredients to a bowl and gently mix.
  4. 4. Sprinkle cinnamon on a touch of vanilla on top, if desired.

Summer Sun: Bamboo Aviators, Fair Trade Fedoras

Men

Vogue recently announced their list of top Ethical and Sustainable Designers to know, and I was inspired by Carry Somers’ hat line Pachacuti. The hat line started when Somers, on a trip to Ecuador, witnessed inequitable and polluting trading patterns where intermediaries made all the profits. Pachacuti is the first Fair Trade organization to complete the pilot for the new World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) certification process, has a extensive sustainability initiative, and became the first international Fair Trade business to be able to put ‘Certified Fair Trade and Sustainable’ on all products. To top it off, the hats are really cool and come in so many different styles and colors. Most of the hats are cruelty-free, but I’m not crazy about the fact that some have leather (the worst possible thing to use if you care about ecology).

Planter Brisa Grade 8 Coffee Flecked Panama Hat Capri

Red Houndstooth Panama Hat Fedora Back Cornflower Panama Hat Narrow Brim Fedora

A lot of the others on the Vogue list lead me to ask what they think is ethical or sustainable about leather & wool? Not to toot my own horn (toot! toot!) but The Discerning Brute’s Top 20 Designers To Know by Earth Day list is a bit more accurate and informed when it comes to tackling the real ecological problems with fashion production.

Acetate and Bamboo Aviator Unitdot Bamboo SunglassesSilver Aviator Unitdot Bamboo Sunglasses

My Life’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades. Acetate or Silver and Bamboo Aviator Unitdot Bamboo Sunglasses, by Designer Cyrus Wong, come in 3 stylish designs and are available with a promotion price of $120. With every Unitdot Bamboo Eyewear sold,  $3 will be donated to UNICEF for the orphaned street children worldwide and Excentree will donate a tree for each pair sold.

They Eat Babies. Happy Mother’s Day.

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Who eats babies? A lot of people. From lamb and veal to suckling pig, like fairy-tale villains with the taste for lambshirtlayoutyoung, tender flesh, this food-fetish is responsible for systematically destroying nature’s bond between mother and child. The dairy industry depends entirely on the exploitation of the reproductive systems of mothers. Can you imagine if you were forcibly impregnated (dare I say raped?) by a farm worker sticking his arm up to his elbow into your anus, threading an implantation device through your cervix into your uterus over and over throughout your life, only to have your baby torn away and shackled so some adults of another specie can drink your milk and devour your baby’s soft muscles? This is beyond any mother’s worst nightmare.

Mother’s Day is a time for honoring motherhood. You can honor the mothers of animal agriculture by not drinking the milk intended for their babies, and not eating their babies. You can show your support by wearing the cow ribbon on Mother’s Day and doing what you can to help them with every meal you eat.

Get your cow ribbon nowLiberation BC

You can also sponsor a rescued farm animal in honor of motherhood:

For a list of excellent gifts for mom, straight from brand-new-mom Chloe Jo at GirlieGirlArmy, Click here!

Imperial Palace Necklace, $129 -and up- @threesistersjewelrydesign.com

PARISIAN PIONEER: C-PAS’ Pierre-André Senizergues

Pierre-André Senizergues has a Hollywood story. He went from a Parisian childhood, to being homeless on the streets of Venice Beach, to becoming an international skateboarding champion and then one of the most influential and respected businessmen in the apparel and skate industry, heading-up Sole Technologies, Inc. Now, with over 25 years of revolutionizing skate culture, Pierre is again setting new standards and breaking new boundaries with social responsibility and environmentalism. C-PAS is Pierre’s latest personal endeavor, and along with designer Pierluigi Pucci, Senizergues is making menswear from recycled parachutes and tarps, organic cotton, soda bottles, sustainable fabrics, and he is finally addressing the fact that leather can never be sustainable.

I stopped by the Soho, NYC studio to try on some of the clothes, and chat about C-PAS, sustainable fashion, and menswear.

Braintree & McDonald’s Wants Green Rock Stars

• Braintree is a UK based clothing line offering up some basics in sustainable materials. Polos, tees, henleys and button-downs in hemp, bamboo and organic cotton blends from.

The New McDonalds campaign has me rolling my eyes, not rocking out. The “Come As You Are” ad series, created by European ad agency BETC Euro RSCG, is basically the European equivalent to “I’m Lovin It” and, while making a Nirvana reference, is trying to appeal to all sorts of white people in France. They have also changed their logo colors to green! This must mean they are now environmentalists, right? Now I can get gas at BP and drive through McD’s and know they are committed to green. The color.

Thanks to Andy for the tip!

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We’re on Oprah! We Eat Donuts! We Rescue Dogs!

Yes sirs and madams, your favorite blog, The D-Bizzle got a major shout out on Oprah.com! Vaute Couture’s Leanne Mai-Ly Hilgart, this month’s gorgeous VegNews cover-girl was recently interviewed on Oprah.com. In that interview, she shouted out The DB, and then featured images from the upcoming menswear lookbook. Yours Truly and the heart-throb vegan model, Jayce Alexander Basques are hanging out in Brooklyn in this image at a thrift store. I am riding a tricycle (my main form of transportation) and Jayce is clearly impressed by my ride. Although we are not really “feminine and flirty” as the title on Oprah.com suggests, the rest of the images featuring Vaute’s amazing winter coats for women, certainly are.

Check out my original article on the Vaute Menswear from fashion week, and our video interview with Leanne!

Men's coats from Vaute Couture

Jayce and I had some time to catch up in San Francisco this past week, and we made a very healthy breakfast of a stack of vegan donuts and soy-lattes from Ritual Coffee Roasters on Valencia. There was cinnamon-sugar, maple, blueberry, and coconut. Oy vey!

In addition to stuffing my face, I finally got to meet my sister Joelle’s rescued pooch, Lina! She is a clever, pretty and loving little gal! It took her about 25 minutes to warm up to me, but by the end of the week I was getting kisses on the face. She was found wandering the streets, pregnant and terrified, but is quickly turning into a trusting friend despite her scary past. If you have room in your house and heart, or are thinking of getting a companion animal, please adopt and rescue. It will be an amazing and uplifting experience for you and your new friend.