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Paint the Penthouse GreenMaking the best even better by Erica Gehrke, photo by Jaime Kowal Just to make a point, we started with what many folks might consider one of the most beautiful rooms in Vancouver: the Metropolitan Hotel’s penthouse suite. How, you might ask, could we possibly improve on such perfection? How about a green makeover? By adding a dash of eco-chic and sustainability to the picture, we believe you can make the best even better!
Paint the Penthouse Green credits: Model: Amber Borycki is a Vancouver-born actress. She has guest starred in various local television series including Whistler, Supernatural, Blood Ties, and Kyle XY, and can be seen as Jesse Metcalfe’s girlfriend in the summer blockbuster John Tucker Must Die. She was recently cast as the character Felicia in a pilot titled Sex Ed for Global. When asked what she’s done in the area of eco-friendly movies, Amber named her recent staring role in the horror movie Loch Ness, quipping “It was shot totally outdoors.” Model: Mr. Piddles. This handsome chihuahua is a member of the SharedVISION staff and veteran of stage and screen. His name is based on a character from the Showtime series The L Word, and not what you thought. |
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Reduce greenhouse emissions by increasing your home energy efficiency with Gienow’s SOL-R glass windows. This energy- saving glass has a transparent coating that acts as a shield from the heat and the cold, blocks harmful UV rays, and provides thermal insulation. Gienow Windows, #178-21300 Gordon Way, Richmond, 604-270-1488, 
Make your footprint on the planet as small and green as possible with Green Earth Organics. This home and office delivery service brings fresh fruit and vegetables right to your door. Not only do they fill your belly with goodness, they donate 10 per cent of their profits to local non-profit groups, including A Loving Spoonful (which offers meals to AIDS patients), the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, and the Vancouver Food Bank. Call 604-708-2345, 604-708-5969 (a 24-hour hotline), or go to 
Summerhill Winery—a certified organic vineyard—grows grapes without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Cipes Brut, their gold- medal sparkling organic wine, won over hearts in Champagne, France, and is sure to win yours. Pick up a bottle of this effervescent beverage for $23 a pop at Village VQA Wines, 1811 W. 1st Ave., 604-732-8827, 
Indulge your urban K9 with a raw-food diet—a food regime that most closely parallels dogs’ evolutionary diet in the wild. Not only is a raw-food diet less expensive than commercial dog foods, but there are enormous savings to be made by not having all those vet visits to fix your dogs’ allergies, teeth, and other health issues such as arthritis. Made without by-products and artificial flavourings, grain-free raw food and treats for optimal pet health and nutrition can be found at The Cat and Dog Shop, 2637 W. 4th Ave., 604-733-3390, 
Eliminate toxic gases that can lead to respiratory problems and allergic reactions by opting for non-toxic zero per cent VOC emissions paint by AFM’s SafeCoat. Available at GreenWorks, 386 W. 8th Ave., 604-685-3611; or CBR Products, #102–876 Cordova Diversion, 604-254-3325, 
Drape your windows in locally produced, pesticide-free, natural fibres. With no bleaches or dyes, natural cotton is perfect for people with sensitivities to chemicals and synthetics. Pick up ready-made, 100 per cent natural cotton drapes ($35) or customize your own at Dream Designs, 956 Commercial Dr., 604-254-5012. 
Since bamboo reaches harvesting age faster than any other wood, it is considered a renewable and sustainable resource —not only for the environment, but also for your wallet, as it is generally cheaper than other wood floors. Bamboo flooring at Bamboo Direct Building Products runs in the $3-$5/sq. ft. range. 2106-151 W. Second St., N. Van., 604-926-4257, 
See the forest through the water with furniture made from reclaimed wood. Triton Logging, 6675 Mirah Road, Saanichton, 1-250-652-4033, tritonlogging.com. Alternatively, embrace eco-friendly Industrial Artifacts’ motto—reclamation, restoration, transformation—into your urban dwelling. Using recycled industrial materials, the company creates unique furniture and decorative accessories, ranging from tables to light fixtures, made of recycled traffic- light lenses. 49 Powell St., 604-874-7797, 
Buy local and come out smelling like a rose. Sniff out Earthrise Garden Store for houseplants and fresh-cut flowers from local growers, to reduce the amount of toxic pesticides, such as DDT, which are often used in commercial plants and flowers. 2954 West 4th Ave., 604-736-8404.
Nature’s Carpet offers a stylish line of natural fibre rugs made from biodegradable high-quality wool, natural jute backings, and natural bonding agents. These magic carpets have the lowest percentage of chemicals and are lab tested for negative health effects, making them safe for infants, children, and those with high sensitivity to toxins. Colin Campbell & Sons, 604-734-2758, 
Here’s a bright idea: replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)—an eco option for both the environment and your wallet. You’ll get more light per watt with these 15W Twister CFL medium-base bulbs. Packages of three are $10 at Home Depot, 900 Terminal Ave., 604-608-1423, 
Get your groove on with Michael Franti’s latest album, Yell Fire! Raise your awareness with these politically and socially conscious lyrics aiming for peace and justice. $21. Highlife World Music, 1317 Commercial Dr., 604-251-6964. 
Turn your car keys green and save money and time by joining the Co-operative Auto Network, a non-profit venture that’s an alternative to a privately owned car. To become a member: 604-685-1393 or 
Keep beauty and sustainability in mind with natural-mineral cosmetics, products that nurture your skin with antioxidants and offer broad-spectrum UV protection. Get an all-natural glow, free from chemicals and additives that can aggravate sensitive skin. Glominerals are available at Spa Ethos, 2200 W. 4th Ave., 604-733-5007; Phresh Spa, 1160 Davie St., 604-662-4462; and glominerals.com. Also, try Accents Cosmetics at Kripps Pharmacy, 994 Granville St., 604-687-2564, or 
Can sustainability be sexy? Absolutely! Twice Shy knits their ethical values into urban clothes made from sustainable fibres, such as organically grown cotton for fashionable women, children, and men. Available at Global Atomic, 1006 Mainland St., 604-806-6223, 
When it comes to holistic skin care, Dr.Hauschka keeps the big picture in mind. Every plant and mineral ingredient is based on sound ecological and ethical sources; even the packaging is eco-friendly, allowing products to be free of artificial preservatives. Available at Capers, Choices, Finlandia Pharmacy, and Whole Foods.
