Eco Corner: Choices for Sustainable Lifestyles

Eco Ride
High Performance Folding Bike
www.slingshotbikes.com

If a Saturday morning bike ride in the countryside seems like a pipe dream, a folding bike may be the answer. Although small wheels and heavy frames have been a limitation for serious rides, Slingshot Bikes from Grand Rapids, Michigan, now offers high performance bikes with an innovative “sling power” replacing the down tube with a steel cable and spring. This reduces weight and increases pedaling efficiency. Currently available in mountain and road configurations, and a cross-over model is expected soon. The mountain bike frame weighs just six pounds. Contact dan@slingshotbikes.com for Japan sales and distribution.

Eco Networking
Greenz Drinks
http://greenz.jp

Green Drinks Tokyo is a monthly social event in Harajuku for environmental professionals, social entrepreneurs, NGO activists, journalists, designers and anyone interested in “green stuff and sustainability.”
Green Drinks Tokyo is a monthly social event in Harajuku for environmental professionals, social entrepreneurs, NGO activists, journalists, designers and anyone interested in “green stuff and sustainability.” Stop by if you would like to present a project or just want to make friends, socialize or find out more about the green movement in Tokyo. The event is an offshoot of Green Drinks International held monthly in 400 cities around the world. There is a big all-you-can-eat buffet of tasty food. See the Greenz Website for details.

Eco Deliziosa!
Organic Cuisine in Roppongi
www.ciaobella.jp

Ciao Bella is a quaint, organic Italian restaurant with a “Cuisine Nature” menu emphasizing good health.
The unique and delicious dishes use organic ingredients mainly from Japan, Italy and Greece, with careful care given to select food from producers who put nature before profit. A great variety of cheeses and wines are also available, and there are plenty of veggie options for non-meat eaters. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Mondays; reservations recommended. Tel: (03) 3479-0046.

Eco Pioneers
Earth Island Institute
www.earthisland.org

“Polite conservationists leave no mark save the scars upon the Earth that could have been prevented had they stood their ground.”
— David Brower

Earth Island Institute (EIA) is a long established incubator for start-up environmental groups. Founded in 1982 by legendary environmentalist David R. Brower, the first executive director of the Sierra Club. EIA currently has more than 40 projects under way including protecting red pandas, farm education for urban youth, women’s advocacy, eco villages and much more. They also publish the award-wining Earth Island Journal. If you are looking to get involved in a project, start your own, donate or just get up to speed on who’s who in the eco movement, visit their Website.

Eco Homes
Lake Saiko Eco Lodges
www.eden.st

If at last you are ready for that home in the mountains and piece of land to call your own, check out the Lake Saiko Eco lodges. These beautiful solar-powered houses and spacious wooded lots are available in a variety of sizes to suit home owners’ needs and budgets. Located near the shores of Lakes Saiko in the Fuji Five Lakes area of Yamanashi, these lodges are less than two hours from downtown Tokyo by car, making commuting possible. Yet they feature high-speed Internet, so telecommuting is also an option. The homes are built with all natural materials, the latest eco-technologies and space for your own little farm. Contact Eden Homes for viewing.