From bling to bliss...welcome to the new luxury

This century has seen the bling, ostentatious consumerism of the 90s gradually rejected in favour of all things that is synonymous with terms like organic, natural, eco-friendly, hybrid, homemade and locally-produced, just to name a few. Something peculiar has happened to our concept of luxury in the past few years. Before I allow you to proceed any further with reading, yes, this post may seem biased and that it’s not a fair representation of all demographics across the globe…BUT – if you’re reading this post, then it definitely applies to you. Do not be pointing fingers that it’s been abandoned the situation of the current global economy, but let us at least be enlightened with a sigh of relief in knowing not only what is today’s concept luxury but also that it is so easily attainable by anyone of us.

Social and economic circumstances have colluded for us to change the understanding of the very concept of luxury. Those of you in the urbanized towns of Malaysia, who hasn’t been in close proximity with someone who is toting a Prada bag or Gucci shades? Pardon the decadence in tone but if you’re really interested in luxury today, you won’t find it plonked on the lap of the girl next to your workstation.

Clearly, the concept of luxury is far from dead. The luxury goods market was worth more than US$ 200 billion last year, and according to Bain & Co., even in light of the global economic turmoil triggered by the subprime crisis, it only has a projected decline of only between 3 to 7 percent in 2009 (after a steady expansion over the past few decades). It’s just that its rules have changed. Generations ago, luxury wasn’t a product, available to anyone who had the money to purchase it, it was founded on a tradition that maintained quality and integrity. And in the Twentieth Century there was the exclusivity of precious Mikimoto pearls and anything that comes with a wait-list that came along with unjustifiable figures to many like the Birkin bag. Today, ‘luxury’ goods can be found piled in mountains by workers in China gluing away thousands of “Made In Italy” tags to leather goods.

As a result, true luxury today embodies something entirely different. Luxury was once in the form of tangible items. Now, it’s sitting on the sofa with the kids after having a warm home-cooked meal together. Duck confit at the latest “It” restaurant in town, or the ability to go on a weekend getaway to an organic farm tucked away from the urban towns we live in? In our time-poor society, it’s not getting one’s hands on the iPhone but the ability to shut it off for the evening.

The new luxury hinges on originality, traceability, ethics, eco-consciousness and a first-hand experience. Sprouting out from the mega-success of online-auction eBay is etsy.com – a site catered entirely to dwellers of luxury being able to make their own hand-made items and then selling it on etsy.com. You’ve been forewarned that it’s another online empire in the making but who would have thunk that an infinite amount of hand-made items could be so in demand? And never mind the fight for the latest mean machines menacing the roads, Chanel has taken a cue of the change in trends by producing its own line of bikes. Imagine that, never mind the special edition automobiles lining up the driveway – in place of that, a Chanel bike tucked under the stairs. And no silly, if you are thinking that Chanel is solely (and arrogantly) attaching its heritage of yester-years with the bike, it’s them inevitably keeping up with the times of the eco-conscious society. And at $12,400 a pop, believe you me that the bike comes with a price enough to rival its engine-enabled counterparts.

Some new ways to indulge in luxury today ranges from spending an entire day in your PJs, and eating organic ice cream straight from the local farm, or growing your own herbs to even sponsoring an orang utan. With the challenging times that lie ahead for most of us in the coming year of 2009, let us not get carried away in benchmarking against what now constitutes as ‘old luxury’ and indulge whenever we can in nouveau luxury.

Cool Green Gadgets

I came across some really weird but cool green gadgets. These might not be available locally, but I think it is quite fun to know that these kind of stuff do exist.

Now That's Lawn Furniture!Where better to focus your Earth-friendly efforts than in your yard? Just assemble this eco-friendly chair's skeleton, cover it with soil and seed, add water, and wait for it to transform into a chair.

The FlowerPod Concept designed by Designnord of Denmark, presents you with a full-grown digital flower (right) if your energy use is moderate. If your eco-consciousness lags, so does the flower. The idea is that the reward of a healthy-looking blossom will encourage everyone in your family to do their part to shrink the home's carbon footprint. The FlowerPod also hooks up to an Information Portal, which displays your usage of electricity, heating, cooling and water.

These weird, spaceship-looking, green balls are billed as detergent substitutes. Put them into your washing machine with your dirty clothes, and they supposedly produce ionized oxygen, naturally activating nearby water molecules. This, according to their maker, enables the balls, priced at approximately $70 for a set of three, to penetrate deep into clothing fibers and lift dirt away. Eco balls promise to be chemical-free and environmentally friendly, and the maker says that one set will last for 1,000 washes, which would make them less expensive per use than regular detergent.

In this concept design for the Core77 contest, Jim Mielke of the United States really pushed the boundaries of his imagination. When the cell phone rings, you push a small dot on your arm. A 2-by-4-inch tattoo with the image of the cell phone's digital display then appears. Answer the call by pushing one of the tattoo's buttons. When you're done, the tattoo disappears. And best of all, you'd never leave this phone in your jeans in the washer. The HYmini is a baby wind turbine that can produce sufficient electricity to charge most gadgets, including MP3 players, digital cameras and cell phones. Attach it to your bike handlebars or to your arm as you move about. Just 20 minutes of wind exposure will give the device's internal battery enough juice to support 30 minutes of iPod time. The $49.99 HYmini comes with mini solar panels and extra batteries, too, so you can switch elements to store power. And in a pinch, you can charge it in a regular wall outlet.

Source : http://tech.msn.com/guides/green/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=6998573

Source: DiGi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd.

Google has been touted as “the most desirable place to work in the United States”. All the way across the globe however, I have discovered that based on aesthetics alone, in my own personal experience, DiGi Telecommunications’ head office, aptly named Digi D’house, is undoubtedly the most desirable place to work in in Malaysia.

It was a good while ago but I significantly recalled reading the newspaper write-up on DiGi’s head office in Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park. I remember seeing the pictures of the head office and thinking to myself “this can’t be in the country!” but yet I continued ogling at such a marvel of an office place. Needless to say I leaped at the opportunity to see first-hand the place DiGi calls home. I certainly went with my own set of expectations in mind and I must admit that right from the moment I set foot in the lobby, keeping my cool was quite a task in itself.

Indeed, we met DiGi. No, the resort-like workplace is not an urban myth but I digress. When we heard of DiGi’s latest Corporate Responsibility (CR) programme we knew we wanted to know more. Any one of us who has lived in Malaysia in recent years will know that DiGi is synonymous with the colour yellow. So when DiGi announced Deep Green (“DG” – pun intended?) it certainly piqued our interest in wanting to delve deeper into DiGi’s CR initiatives. And upon finally coming to a time that is in agreement with the right people, DiGi graciously allowed us to pick at their gray matter.

Initially, the initiation seemingly appeared as a shift in terms of DiGi’s CR efforts. We have always known to associate DiGi’s efforts to community engagement, with which more often than not, it is in relation to the young and the creative ones. “Why the sudden shift?” we thought. It was then revealed to us that it is not a sudden shift that was conceived out of the inevitable growing affinity towards all things going green. It has been a while now that with much awareness, DiGi recognized that there is an alarming and urgent need for change in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. The one fact that stood out was that from “a McKinsey report on the environmental impact by various industries revealed that the ICT industry is set to outstrip the aviation industry as the major source of CO2 emissions by 2012” (Source: DiGi Telecommunications Sdn. Bhd.).

This doesn’t just involve the industry makers alone – but this includes consumers, myself included, who depend on the ICT industry that contributes to the alarming statement. It is with this in mind that DiGi has cultivated a stance consistent throughout its organization to ensure the preservation and salvation of the environment. It is with such conscientiousness that has led for DiGi to include Environment as one of the legs of the tripod that forms the CR Strategic Focus. From the preservation of the hillock in its office grounds that was kept and built around down to the concept of the large, wide windows throughout the building to ensure reduction of electricity consumption, DiGi is consistent in that it has clearly incorporated sustaining the environment within its own organization before venturing out into the community.

The tagline under the company’s Corporate Responsibility arm – “Doing Great While Doing Good”. The office culture, working environment and D’House alone, this a reflection and fair representation of the company? I for one definitely wouldn’t mind clocking in the long hours (if necessary) in a working environment like this – if everyone works together a common belief, a common good. And yes, I shamefully admit that claiming a site like DiGi D’House as a second home is an all-too alluring thought.

A Crude Awakening - The Oil Crash (Film by Chris Paine)

About 2 days ago, during the weekend, I went to Malaysia's first ever Eco Film Fest 2008. It was held at the National Arts Academy in KL. Well it was freaking hot when i got there. But nevertheless, the hall for movie screenings was cold as the Arctic. Then i thought to myself, omg, this is madness. The weather outside is hot as hell and the air-conditioning inside is ridiculously cold. It's not really good for the body, really.

But then again, this is Malaysia and not like anyone would give two hoots about this situation as long as they are comfortable with where they are.

The film on oil crash was an eye opener for me. I think it was an eye opener for the rest of the audience as well. We were so enthused by the commentaries made by the people whom the film director interviewed. And mind you, these are former politicians who served the Bush Sr. administration, Reagan administration and Carter administration. They had points of view that will blow your mind away. And they even had information that will make you want to run for President of the United States just so you could stop the oil crisis.

Americans are addicted to oil. It's sad to know that they produce only 2% of the worldwide oil production but they use 25% of the world's oil reserves. And the figures will continue to rise if whoever's at the administration this year don't put a stop to this oil blunder.

In 1977, Americans used over 8 million barrels of oil per day. In 2000, the barrels now amount to more than 13 million a day. The oil economy will continue to peak and according to Hubbert's theory it happens every 20 years or so. And when it does happen again, there might not be anymore reserves left for us to dig.

It took the Earth 150-200 million years to naturally produce crude oil, and it took humans 200 years to use up almost all of it. I don't think we can afford to wait any longer until the last reserve is discovered. Our grandchildren might not even get a chance to ride an airplane because by then, cars and airplanes will be rides for the elites.

It's really depressing sometimes to know that these big fat capitalists are the ones who have to power to change everything. Unfortunately, greed is all they have in their hearts. Too bad for the rest of us, only a crude awakening will knock them hard in their heads. By then, hopefully all is not too late. Because I believe that human creativity will prevail because we're all inventors. I believe another kind of 'oil' will be contrived for our industries. And i do hope it's friendly for the earth.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways To Repel Mosquitoes

We know all tropical countries are filled with blood-sucking mosquitoes that are too dangerous for us. We're not safe in our own homes, let alone in the jungle.

I was browsing through the internet and i found this info on how to repel mosquitoes without having to buy mosquitoe or insect repellent. So to not let the mosquitoes make a meal out of you, here's how you can do it in 4 eco-friendly ways:

1. A citronella candle works well to cover an area. Or you can use citronella oil. The oil or the essence comes from the leaves or the stem of a type of plant from the Cymbopogon species. This plant is also known as the 'mosquitoe' plant. Unfortunately, citronella doesn't remain potent for long on human skin. So you'll need to apply the oil every 30 minutes or so.

2. Wear light-coloured clothings. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark-coloured clothings.

3. Remove or cover all standing water near your home. This will induce the varmints to breed elsewhere.

4. Remain unscented. Mosquitoes are attracted to floral smells. Do not use scented soap if you do not wish for the mosquitoes to make a meal out of you.

So here you go. Four simple ways to repel mosquitoes. You can stop buying Ridsects now...hehehe!!!

Protecting the environment an uphill task

I saw this article titled "10 things to do if I were the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment" and i think that it is very insightful and perhaps if some of the things were to be implemented, it would do the environment more good than harm.

Revenue sharing between federal and state government
I will formulate a scheme that will give the state governments a better slice of government revenue while giving them greater responsibility for caring for the environment.
I will provide performance-linked incentives to the state governments to protect their forests, water catchments, and other natural resources.

Environmental Quality Council
I will revamp and revitalize the Environmental Quality Council. The council, despite being in existence since the enactment of the Environmental Quality Act, 1974, has not made any impact on environmental protection and management. When I say advice, I expect advice at a policy and strategic level, advice on the direction to move forward, advice on how the Department of Environment is doing, and advice on where we are going wrong.

A more visible minister
I will be more visible, more vocal and strive to be the face of the country's environmental management. This sector has a visibility problem. All the key government people keep a low profile. The public has no icon, no champion to look up to.

Better support for NGOs
I realize that many of the effective environmental programmes in this country, particularly those at the community level, have been implemented and funded by NGOs. I will ensure that my ministry appreciates and accepts their independent thinking and constructive criticism.

National transportation policy
I will cajole, and if necessary threaten, my colleague, the Minister of Transport, that the National Transportation Policy should be jointly formulated by three ministries -- my ministry, Transport Ministry and Ministry of Energy, Water and Telecommunications. Transportation has such great impact on the environment and energy use that it cannot be left just to one ministry to decide. I do not want the Transport Ministry to just invite one of my officers to sit in some committee.

National Biological Diversity Policy
I will reformulate the National Biological Diversity Policy. The present policy is outdated, so obscure that almost no one outside my ministry knows it, sets no targets, provides some vague directions and was formulated without serious stakeholder engagement.

Environmental impacts of the Malaysia Development Plans
It is time that we started looking at how our major policies, programmes and plans are affecting the environment. For example, we can't blame a farmer for opening farm land in Cameron Highlands -- our National Agriculture Policy encourages temperate agriculture. We can't blame TNB for building coal-fired power plants -- our Energy Policy explicitly calls for the use of coal.My ministry will study the environmental impacts of the major initiatives under the 9MP so that we can advise the Cabinet appropriately when the 10th Malaysia Plan is drafted in two years' time.

Biofuel
Although the original intentions were noble, viz to produce more environment-friendly fuel and to rely less on fossil fuels, there is now an increasing body of scientific knowledge that there are unintended adverse consequences. Demand for palm oil and other biofuels is now threatening forest land and many important wildlife species, as well as pushing food prices up to the point where they threaten the welfare of millions of people, especially in the Third World. Given the volume of scientific and economic analysis that is emerging, it is just a matter of time before many developed countries change their biofuel policies, almost certainly reducing demand for palm-oil based biofuels. We need to rethink our strategy now

Water resource management
If you look at our rivers, you will know instantly that we have not got it right.
I will push for a re-examination of these shortcomings, streamline the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies, and push for greater responsibility of state governments in water resource management.I will also give emphasis to the many grey areas such as catchment management and protection, sullage discharges, riparian reserves, quality of surface runoff, and protection of river aquatic life.

Environmental awareness and education
I will work with the Education Minister to infuse greater environmental understanding into the school curriculum.While there is some ongoing effort in this respect, this is not enough. We need to nurture teachers who are "environmentally-sensitive" -- hence the need to expand environmental education in teachers' training.

Source : News Sunday Times October 26 2008

Eco-Living

Planning to build a new house or looking for some furniture? Check out these eco-friendly houses and eco-friendly furniture!

Chairs and tables designed by a UK designer David Stovell from newspaper that are tightly rolled and bundle up together. The wine racks are made out of sustainable English wood.

This is a house that us made out of aluminum cans. The Paper House is an actual house made from paper. It was built in 1922 by Mr. Elis F. Stenman, a mechanical engineer, who created building block material purely out of newspaper (about 100,000 newspapers were used). The only wood used in the house was for the frame, floor & roofs. The house was built with electricity & had running water but no bathroom.

Hope these will provide some inspiration to all the eco friendly people out there!

The Unsung Heroes

And so it is. Ingenuity in the green context does pay off. Here are some of the rich greenies who earned enough fortune and deeds to help save planet earth! Well at least to some certain degree - to sustain a livable future.

Some of these rich greenies proved one thing. That being environmental responsible and earning the millions at the same time is possible. I wonder what it’s like to be waking up to the world every day with such complete sense of satisfaction. My business will change the course of the human race. That is big. Surely it is something that anyone can live with for long.

[Source from http://earthfirst.com/tag/renewable-energy/]

John Mackey, Whole Foods

Way back in 1978, John Mackey dropped out of college and borrowed $45,000 from family friends to open Safer Way Natural Foods, a small vegetarian health food store in Austin, Texas. After experiencing some difficulty in his first few years in business, Mackey approached the owners of another Austin health food store about a merger, and together they became Whole Foods, which later became the most successful natural foods chain in the world. Mackey has declined to disclose his personal net worth, but we know that prior to 2006, when he announced that he was no longer in the business to make money and would henceforth only make $1 per year, he was netting $400,000 annually. He reportedly has enough money now to give at least $1 million away to charity every year, and as CEO of such a huge company, we’re sure he’s pretty damn comfortable.

Pedro Moura Costa, EcoSecurities

EcoSecurities is an Irish carbon mitigation firm that has developed more projects than any other similar business, and co-founder Pedro Moura Costa got $10 million richer last year when he sold some of his shares in the firm. Moura Costa knew that the carbon market could be big business, especially once the Kyoto Protocol was established. It may have taken longer than he expected for the market to become very profitable, but he’s done well and will continue to make even more: his remaining shares are worth an estimated $83 million.

When asked by Reuters whether the thought green business was a bubble, Moura Costa said, “It’s become quite obvious we do something now or it will be an irreversible trend with catastrophic consequences. The only chance of it being a bubble is if we lack the political commitment to drive emission reductions worldwide — and if we do that we might as well forget about any environmental effort whatsoever because climate change is hitting us hard and the trend is likely to accelerate. I think it’s very unlikely political support will go away.”


David Scaysbrook, Novera Energy

When David Scaysbrook founded Australian firm Novera Energy in 1998, he was convinced that unlike other forms of renewable energy that were available at the time, wind power had real potential. He became a millionaire when cashing in $7 million worth of shares in the company, and is still a non-executive director on the board. He’s also a founding shareholder of Viridis Energy Capital, a specialist green energy fund with a global focus and a portfolio of investments in landfill gas, biomass and hydro power.

David is confident that we haven’t seen anything yet when it comes to the success of the wind power industry, telling Reuters that he believes fears about energy security, the rising price of oil and growing concerns about the environment will push the scale of investment in wind to far greater proportions, which will undoubtedly continue adding millions to his bank account.

THAT trip to the Gardens - Taman Botani Putrajaya

I remember the time when I got furious with my eldest sister upon her insisting that we made a trip to a botanical garden instead of settling for Zoo Negara (Malaysia’s National Zoo). I remember how disappointed I was at giving up the chance of being able to catch the animated antiques of the animals in the Zoo and instead having to settle for what to me was the still and less exciting version of nature…and not to mention how unhappy my parents were at me being difficult in coming to a compromise. This happened, of course, was when I was very much the little hyperactive girl who only knew that she wanted to catch live animals in action. But upon hearing from Sue-Anne that we are to make a trip to Taman Botani Putrajaya (Putrajaya Botanical Gardens), I was reminded of that fateful day and how I have concluded that my one and only trip to a botanical garden was tainted by the disappointment of something I looked forward to so much more. However, this time, it was different. I was almost raring with enthusiasm to go – almost as if I wanted to challenge the recreational facility to engage me with its botanical heritage – all 63 acres of it!

So, early on a Saturday morning, Sue-Anne, Toon and I made our way to Taman Botani Putrajaya. Awang who’s our tour-guide for the day was already there bright and early ready to take us on what was to be a trail in the Gardens that would change my take on all things green. In a nutshell, the 3 of us combined said an astounding amount of “oooooohs” and “aaaaahs” (I’m sure Awang found that amusing). We were first taken into the Visitor Centre, which is a building with its white oval roof reminiscent of traditional Minangkabau forms with a touch of the futuristic. And the Botanical Gardens is not just a place to feast one’s eyes on the lush greenery that exists in our climate but in every corner you look environmental consciousness is incorporated into the entire Gardens. Many of the designs employed derive their inspiration from nature. Where possible, natural materials are used to create nature friendly surroundings – including the use of oil palm shells on certain parts of the Garden to give it a different feel, laterite curbs lining the walkways and even a recycled railway sleeper just to give the area a ‘jungle-y’ feel. And with the use of nature comes the replacement of it where to compensate for the use of Chengal timber in the garden structures, many Chengal trees have been planted around the Garden.

Leaf imprints on the concrete that welcomes visitors at the Visitor Centre

Upon entering the Visitor Centre, we were then greeted by a too-gigantic-in-size replica of praying mantis.

It is said that the praying mantis is displayed at the entrance of the Visitor Centre because it plays a vital role in maintaining the balance in the botanical eco-system. I was a wee bit disappointed when told that the mechanism of the gigantic insect was not working at the time of our visit. I can only imagine what an interesting form of welcome for the bus-loads of kids that come in to visit. There was even a Mushroom Room that displays the different types of mushrooms including the ones that glow-in-the-dark! Awang gave us a quick tip on how to spot and differentiate a poisonous mushroom from an edible one. But the one thing that truly caught my attention and intrigue was when I saw and discovered Malaysia’s very own version of the Venus Flytrap – the Nepenthes Rafflesiana.

Lo and behold the Nepenthes Rafflesiana – otherwise known as the Raffles’ Pitcher Plant

We then made our way out to the 170m long Canopy Bridge that is suspended high across a valley that linking the Visitor Centre with the Heliconia Trail. In a few years’ time, visitors will have the unique experience of walking through the canopy of a rainforest (hence the aptly named Canopy Bridge) – but as yet, it is a work-in-progress by Mother Nature. As we were walking along the bridge while stopping to take pictures of the view of the Gardens from what works like a long observation deck, we saw the Sundial standing tall at the end of the bridge. Almost like moths to a flame we hurried our way over to the where the Sundial stood in the Sun Garden. Having never looked at the time on a sundial, I went up-close to try to identify the time shown on the Sundial. It took a while to understand how the readings work but after confirming with modern day time-telling devices, the Sundial showed an estimated time of 10:30 am (give or take 15 minutes).

And we walked along the Canopy Bridge...

Catching the view of the Gardens from the Canopy Bridge

The view of the Visitor Centre from the Canopy Bridge

And as we walked, watch us all be drawn towards the Sundial...

And walked…before finally feeling a little pooped out from all the walking. We were told that there was the alternative of renting a bike or even taking a buggy-like tour. In which we thought would have been a better choice to have made in attempting to cover as much of the Botanical Gardens as we could. So Awang suggested we took a quick break at the seafood restaurant that was situated right next to the lake that fringes the Garden. After recharging ourselves we then made our way to the Astaka Morocco (Moroccan Palace). For the breathtaking architecture and view of the palace we witnessed, well, I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Every piece of material of the palace is brought in straight from Morocco.

What the people of Taman Botani Putrajaya have to say:

“Once all phases of the Garden are up and running, Taman Botani Putrajaya will be the leading institution dedicated to the preservation of the country’s rich botanical heritage. It’s 3-pronged mission is encapsulated below:

A venue for the display of tropical flora and a centre providing educational information on plant.

An organization contributing to the scientific and cultural understanding of plants.

A sanctuary for the conservation of rare and endangered species.

What I have to say:

Personally, not being one who is very close to nature, it was a surprisingly pleasant experience for me. With the right development, conservation, maintenance and support, Taman Botani Putrajaya is definitely a beneficial necessity (on so many levels) to the country and its nation. But if one is on the lookout for a getaway from all the hustle and bustle of daily humdrum, we can take a cue from the visiting birds from Zoo Negara who does a daily stop-by at the Gardens and make it a trip - be it with family, friends, that special someone or even if it is only to for a major oxygen or shutterbug therapy. And you know what they say about the benefits of green for that perfect vision. ;) My only wish was that if only as a little girl, if only there already existed this botanical garden during the time when I made that trip with my family then…

Byte-size geography:

Taman Botani Putrajaya is located south of Kuala Lumpur, at about latitude 3 degrees north and longitude 102 degrees east. The climate is uniformly warm throughout the year, seldom falling below 25 degrees Celsius at night or rising above 30 degrees in the day. The annual rainfall of about 240 cm is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Rains usually occur in the afternoon and rarely last more than an hour or two. The day length varies by only half an hour between the shortest and longest days of the year.