It was an interesting week to say the least. By the time the Lexus pick-up team arrived to retrieve their prototype, I was clear that I would likely measure all hybrid vehicle test drives by this first one. This was not my first hybrid test ride, nor do I hope it is my last, but I found myself more attached than I wanted to be as I saw its sleek yet short silver body reflect brilliantly for the last time. Yes, I am waxing (or waning perhaps) poetic for a car . . .

I come by it naturally as my father had a love for cool cars and gadgets - the Lexus HS 250h hybrid presented a satisfying blend of both.

A few of the ergonomic and gadget-type features that I loved had little to do with the hybrid or eco-factor. However, a couple of things in particular stuck with me and I suspect will be incorporated to some degree in most hybrid cars - or they should be for at least one model generation:

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On day 4, I was inspired to actually lift the hood (or bonnet, depending on what type of english you speak) to see if the engine was as new and space-age as the interior of the vehicle and to see what a 187  horsepowered hybrid engine looked like.

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Day 3 was painful because I had to go to work and my ability to drive was severely limited for most of the day.

Still loved the ride.

Hooked up my phone to the built-in bluetooth, hands-free system, which was a fairly painless process, but friends on the receiving end of these hands-free calls complained about the volume and my sounding ‘far away’ (which could be attributed to my lack of height – perhaps I am at a greater distance than the average person who would be driving the car?).

Using the USB port, I hooked up my iPod and prepared to rock myself to work. While it seemed to play okay, it locked up the device controls and I was unable to make any changes from the iPod itself. It seems I have to preset the music and then plug it in. Perhaps it is better with an auxiliary plug, which is also available, but I don’t have one of those cords handy. Will have to work on that one more.

Otherwise, the sound system is very good and as you can tell, a priority to me. I’m kind of superficial in being less concerned about what is under the hood than I am about the ergonomics of the experience.

Speaking of ergonomics, I read in the press release that some of the materials used for the dashboard are made from natural castor seeds and renewable kenaf plants, rather than petroleum-based sources. VERY cool.

I promise I’ll get into what is under the hood . . . that’s tomorrow’s post.

eat. blog. be merry!
gd meg

Sorry about the blue tint . . . even photoshop couldn’t fix this one! Anyway . . .

Day 2 was Sunday. It was a gorgeous day - a good day to have the sunroof open as I found more reasons to drive around and play with this new shiny eco-toy. While cruising on a major interstate bouncing in our seats to the rather good sound system, my daughter noted with alarm we were going 80 mph. Yikes. We gently applied the breaks and discussed how smooth a ride the vehicle was. We also noted that when the music was off or very low, there was not much exterior road noise. You are kind of cocooned in your own little peaceful, sci-fi environment.

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I don’t do this ‘green diva’ thing for the financial rewards (slim pickins these days), but there are times when a special event or product review opportunity comes along and I experience a sense of purpose and well, it is just flat out fun!

This week is one of those times when I love being a green diva. The smart PR folks for Lexus found me and decided I should test drive this beautiful not-available-till-2010 HS 250h hybrid sedan. Unfortunately, I’m on lock-down at my office most days and couldn’t get to the event in NY back in June. I whined a little by email with this sweet PR rep about how my man, Wayne drives a Lexus 400h and he rarely shares it.

She indicated that the cars would be back on the East Coast in July and she could hook me up with a ONE WEEK test drive! I asked her to repeat that message and she confirmed that they were offering to drop off a car anywhere I needed them to and let me play with it for a week and then pick it up at my convenience at the end of a week. Hmmmmmm? I played along, but expected a catch, like a huge deposit or ransom to include one of my children or something.

Apparently there are no catches and it’s all real and I aim to give you a daily account of my experience in fostering this car that I will want to adopt at the end of this week . . .

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Goldiehome is a collection of eco-conscious homewares “inspired by the geometry and tactility of nature. By fusing sophisticated design with environmentally-responsible practices, Goldiehome strives to set a new standard for organic modern luxury.”

• Each piece is made with careful attention to design and form, comfort and softness
• The home collection is entirely SKAL & GOTS certified organic cotton.
• Fibers are custom spun to achieve fine detail in jacquards and higher thread count sheetings.
• The actual products and the packaging and collateral materials all reflect the best environmental choices within the framework of commercial manufacturing.

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While the whole concept of an eco hotel conjures up hefty price tags, The Gaia Anderson was extremely reasonable ($125 a night) and while small,it sports an on-site organic restaurant, a spa and pool and comfy rooms. The boys enjoyed swimming in the saline filter pool…a concept I’ve been learning to like a lot since I learned about the hazards of chlorine. I enjoyed walks through the pesticide free, native plant stocked gardens. And my friend raved about the organic cotton comforters on each bed to the point where she became the subject of six-year-old ridicule.

Since none of us had ever stayed at an eco hotel before, it became a game for us to try to find all of the environmentally friendly points. The boys located the recycling bins in each room and the ‘Do Not Disturb” sign made from recyclable and reusable foam. My friend pulled back the organic sheets and mattress to uncover beds from Cost Plus made from sustainably harvested wood.

We noted the dispensers in each shower for shampoo, conditioner and body wash, though since they weren’t labeled we not really sure if we washed our hair with soap or shampoo…maybe there’s not really a difference. But we did recognize the large refillable containers (no small or often “take home” size containers here) of EO lotion and hand soap on each counter…yum.

The organic continental breakfast in the lobby was a bit disappointing – organic, yes, well- balanced not really since it consisted primarily of organic pastries. But with the on-site organic restaurant opening next month, I’m guessing the offerings will expand.

I have to admit, we liked this hotel so much, though we drove 30 minutes north to get a bit closer to the attractions of Mt. Shasta, intending to spend a few days at a different hotel… after one night we returned to the Gaia.

And the boys proclaimed, “Ah…home sweet home” as we entered the courtyard. My friend and I had to agree.

Related Posts About Eco Travel:

Summer Vacations that Create a Green Tomorrow

Eco Trips for Families

Carbon Offsetting the Family Vacation

With stringent fair trade practices and extensively researched textiles she trademarked the term “Luxury Eco” to describe her line before the concept was known to the masses.  Her pieces are created in Los Angeles with fabrics like seacell (seaweed bonded to wood pulp), sasawashi (Japanese leaves), bamboo and organic cotton.

Introducing her denim line last Spring, she was the first to bring sasawashi denim to the fashion marketplace.  Linda indicates that it takes one pound of pesticides to make one traditional pair of jeans and she was determined to introduce a better alternative.  

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