Eco-friendly super yacht by Dennis Ingemansson

While many environmentalists feel that mega-mansions, yachts and other trappings of the uber-wealthy just can’t be green no matter what, others don’t think the public should be asked to give up luxury to save the planet. But where is the line drawn?
A new “eco-friendly superyacht” raises this debate anew. Sylvain Viau’s 80m OrganiK is a yacht of absolutely ridiculous proportions, including a private apartment, guest gym, large salon, dining room, galley, second salon/library, four guest cabins and more.

So what makes it (supposedly) green? Other than its sleek aerodynamic shape and the fact that it runs on hydrogen fuel cells, details aren’t too clear. Super Yacht Times says,

Many of the on-board services, such as the hot water production and air-conditioning, are based on Ecological-friendly systems. Here again significant savings are expected by the designers, enhancing the green idea behind the concept.
The superyacht’s composite mast will hide all antennas and domes, keeping the overall design of the superyacht clean. The entire concept has been designed towards minimum carbon footprint, in both construction and use of the vessel.

At this point, it’s tough to tell whether this yacht has any real eco-cred or it’s all just lip service. But if it’s the real deal, it’s a step forward, even if a frivolous one. Being green doesn’t mean giving up all the fun things in life – just finding better, more planet-friendly ways to enjoy them – but there is a definite difference between harmless fun and selfish showboating.

(other yacht)
by Stephanie Rogers | January 13, 2010
Source: http://earthfirst.com/can-a-super-yacht-ever-be-green/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Earthfirst+%28EarthFirst%29

Uniqu Eco looks on the flip side

Top shop; Accessorize; Muse, everyone has heard of these high street shops, right? What about Flip Flop? Never heard of it? Well I think it’s about time you do. If you want custom made handbags; bracelets; necklaces that are all made from recycle flip flops, yes flip flops, then you found it in UniquEco.

Flip flops washed up and reused

UniquEco is a foundation set up from East Africa; the project was founded by the woman of Kiwayu, which is a small island in Northern Kenyan Coastline. Not only does this project help the environment it gives the women of Kiwayu, who live in Africa a source of power. In the remote areas of Africa there are very few ways to earn a living; now woman’s roles in the community have grown; they are now economic decision markers paying for households; food and education for the families.

Why flip flops then, why not plastic or snack wrappers? Well flip flops are washed up on East African Beaches. Waste is a problem all around the world but in East Africa it was becoming a real big problem and the locals needed to do something with the sudden growth of rubbish on their beaches.

So what does this organisation do then? UniquEco collects the flip flops; recycles and cleans everything they find; create their wonderful work; sells all the products to tourist and local residents in all the shops and craft fairs; amazingly 80% of their goods are exported all over the world; the sales generated are put into buying more flip flops and getting 150 people employed; it rises education in Africa, by recycling all rubbish and flip flops that end up on the beaches. UniquEco are spreading the word about recycling and making everyone think we should do something about it.

So from all this do you still think high Street is the best? With companies like UniquEco around that are helping the environment and have such good intentions behind them not just to making you look good. Then is it really a good plan to splash your hard earned money on a £25 bracelet that might only last a few weeks in the cutting edge of fashion or your money on something that will look good all year round and that is made with love and attention.