This week’s hotlist is all about sustainability gone sexy.
Amidst talks of colossal plastic islands out in the Pacific, water crises the world round and of course global warming, keeping our footprints to a minimum and supporting all things responsible – especially in travel – has never been more in.
Here are the little thoughtful things we’re loving in this week’s Citizen Femme hotlist…
TRAVEL HERE Zermatt, Switzerland
One of Switzerland’s iconic Alpine resorts, you might already have Zermatt on your list of chic must-visit destinations. But if you’re particularly conscious when it comes to travel, you’ll want to bump it up a few spots. Becoming home to the country’s very first plastic road, this Swiss mountain town has just earned itself even more cool-points.
Tucked away in the Alps in the south of a landlocked nation, Zermatt might be far removed from the woes of the ocean we’ve heard so much about over the last few years, yet it’s doing its part to tackle the plastic pile-up in its own unique way.
While the plastic content of this new tarmac might be low, if used exclusively throughout the country, Switzerland could put 16,000 tonnes of used plastic to good use on their roads. And the quaint chalet-lined streets of Zermatt might just be leading the way…
ADVENTURE IN THESE Soludos Ashore Sneaker
Like to walk the talk? You’ll love these sustainable soles by Soludos. Besides being cute, comfy and pastel-coloured, the Ashore sneaker has plenty of purpose. They’re each made from ocean-bound plastics, specifically four post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, and every detail – outsole to upper, laces and logo included – means business when it comes to responsible fashion. In other words, they’re the only plastic that should ever make an appearance at the beach!
Soludos is otherwise famous for their playful embroidered espadrilles which have become iconic summer essentials for everyone’s wardrobe. And while before, the USA-based brand would invite all their globetrotting fans to #adventurebeautifully, we can now explore sustainably and stylishly thanks to their smart innovating.
STAY HERE Kinkara Luxury Retreat, Costa Rica
Newly opened last month, Kinkara brings experiential luxury to the lush mountains of southern Costa Rica – in the form of 31 Lotus Belle tents set amidst an impressive 800 acres of farms, forests, rivers and waterfalls. Designed to help all who visit align body, mind and spirit you can expect plenty of “wellness” but not necessarily in the traditional sense. Yes, you can practice yoga to your heart’s content, but with a slogan like “The New Path is an Ancient One”, unsurprisingly there’s everything from temazcal-inspired sweat ceremonies and heart-opening cacao ceremonies too.
But we also love Kinkara’s eco credentials. Our favourite sustainability highlights? The retreat’s gourmet earth-to-plate cuisine all prepared with organic ingredients grown on-site; the wild bee houses and hotels dotted throughout the grounds; and the impressive creation of a 10,000 tree Food Forest and an entirely edible Mandala Garden.
SHOP HERE Greenhaus, London
Recently opened in Shoreditch, Greenhaus is a retail-meets-co-working space dedicated to championing ethical entrepreneurs and providing them with a pop-up platform to get their eco-innovations out to the world.
In this little store in the heart of London’s artsy east you’ll find everything from spaghetti straws made by a charismatic consultant turned pasta-preneur, stylish eco underwear, bamboo toothbrushes, speakers made from non-recyclable plastic, all-natural cacao deodorants and you can even test ride a wooden bike.
Expect to leave with a nice little selection of life’s essentials, a great photo with a pair of eco-angel wings, and a smile knowing that there are some tenacious young Londoners out there taking on some of our everyday sustainability challenges.
DRINK HERE Quaglino’s, London
Quaglino’s in Mayfair might have you thinking “old-school”, but it isn’t all classic fare at this iconic London spot. In fact, Quaglino’s might have come up with London’s most sustainable cocktail, a welcome and unexpected find on the city’s most lavish nightlife scene.
The cocktail named Blossom, which features on the bar’s new ‘Science of Sustainability’ menu, blends organic vodka infused with the peel of purple carrots destined for compost, with Jasmine milk, off-cut mandarin cordial and mint stick oil. And best of all, it’s served up in a fully edible, homemade crunchy pasta cup.
Sip, swig or bite as you like, this zero-waste tipple is a treat for the taste buds as it is for the eye. Just be careful to keep things in tact when you cheers – to London’s eco luxury movement, of course.
Any Questions or Tips to add?