Is a Luxury Lifestyle Bad for the Environment?

When we think of a luxury lifestyle, what comes to mind? Expensive cars, private jets, vacations to faraway places, fancy dinners in fine restaurants and the like? While wealth does have its advantages, one key benefit is allowing the individual the freedom to choose the lifestyle they wish to experience.

While this freedom of choice is cherished and envied by many, it may be surprising that many affluent people are choosing to use their freedom to engage in and promote environmental sustainability, reduced environmental footprint, conservation and global stewardship. What is even more exciting is that regular everyday people can also participate without the need for extreme wealth.

Bright Idea

While the light emitting diode has been in existence for decades, we have only just begun to see the transformation of this technology into a proven tool for the replacement of incandescent and halogen light bulbs while significantly reducing energy consumption.

LED light bulbs now come in every size and shape and have evolved from their clunky unrefined beginning to sharp modern designs that appeal not only to the eye but to the pocketbook. They also last much longer than regular light bulbs, which is a bonus for sure.

When considering how many individual light bulbs are in a single average sized home and the expense associated with providing energy to those lights, it is no wonder that a key priority for many is the conversion of their existing lights to LED lights.

The only factor inhibiting the widespread proliferation of LED lights is the initial expense. Not everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars converting all of the lights in their home to LED lights, even if they will get that money back in lower energy bills.

The good news is that as more people such as those enjoying the luxury lifestyle demand more LED lights, the cost to the consumers will become more reasonable, thus lowering the cost of access to these fantastic products. Some websites even allow you to purchase LED lights in volume at great discounts and deliver them to your door, proving that bright ideas can be affordable.

Pimp My Ride

If you think of the wealthy riding around in their Bentleys, Ferraris and Cadillac SUVs, have a look again. Many affluent are making a conscious decision to reduce their carbon emissions footprint by supplementing their collection of gas guzzling flashy rides with Hybrid vehicles or fully electric rides.

Although until recently there were only a few hybrid or electric options for commercial consumption, the array of choices has exploded and with fantastic styling that will make heads turn. With brands such as Lincoln, Lexus and Porche now producing hybrid options, you can have your cake and eat it too.

And for those who enjoy the look and feel of an exotic car, take a look at the Karma by Fisker Automotive. With styling reminiscent of Aston Martin, this car definitely delivers in the “hot ride” category.

But if you live in a modern metropolis like New York, Toronto or London, the more appealing option for both functionality and style would be a moped, or to be more exact, an electric bike. E-bikes are spritely electric powered bicycles that can get you places quite quickly especially when there is any level of traffic.

Consuming mere pennies per charge and being able to travel 40-50 kilometers on a single charge at 30-50 kilometers per hour, the benefits of this mode of transportation are being looked at by more and more people.

Along with being a bit more affordable than a car, e-bikes are extremely fun to drive and are perfect for quick trips to the market or to visit friends. The bonus every time you drive your hybrid or electric vehicle is the good feeling you have in knowing you are creating a minimal environmental footprint.

A Sneak Peek at Teak

If you entertain often or have lots of friends over to enjoy the barbecue in the summer, you will know that buying a good patio set is an essential addition to your home. Patio sets come in a variety of styles, materials and price points. Everything from cheap and cheerful to ultra-high-end with the associated price tag can be found in this home furnishings category.

So how could a patio set have an impact on the environment? You don’t drive it and it does not use power. The key traits that have an environmental impact for patio furniture are the materials used to make the furniture and the frequency of replacement. Cheap patio furniture is typically made from tubular metal that has been painted, along with plastic parts.

The materials themselves can be hazardous to the environment as materials rust, paint bubbles and chips off, and plastic components become brittle and break. They need to be replaced every few years with new sets, with the old sets being sent to the dump and placed into landfills. The cheaper the sets, the more environmentally harmful and less biodegradable the components typically are.

Now the flip side to this coin is teak patio furniture. Teak is a natural material that is now being harvested in an environmentally sustainable commercial environment. Traditionally teak has been known to be high end when created into patio furniture and along with this the price has traditionally been very high.

Once built into furniture, it will last for generations if properly maintained. In this sense, you can rationalize paying a bit more for teak furniture if you know that the replacement costs will be minimal.

The Picture is Getting Clearer… Butt Wait!!

Bathrooms provide a small degree of privacy and peace in an otherwise hectic life. The few moments spent in it, taking a relaxing bath, collecting ones thoughts and preparing for the beginning or the end of each day are cherished by many.

But when you take a closer look at this shelter from the outside world, there are two key points of waste that when multiplied by the frequency and number of people that use this room in every household in the world, that’s potentially a huge problem.

The first is water, specifically hot water. For most of us, hot water sits in a tank in our basement which occasionally uses gas or electricity to keep the internal water temperature at a set level of hotness. Many people who lead the luxury lifestyle enjoy things “on demand”. They like their TV “on demand”, fine dining “on demand” and hot water “on demand”.

On demand hot water heaters have proliferated greatly in other areas of the world, but are only beginning to become popular in North America. Small devices are installed close to where hot water is needed and as the hot water is called for, the device heats up the water instantly to the desired temperature. This eliminates the wasted energy of keeping a tank of water hot when it is not being used.

The second area of waste is paper, most of which goes down the toilet… literally. Toilet paper is the norm for keeping us clean, however there is great expense associated its purchase as well as in addressing the environmental impact of this volume of organic waste.

The solution for this problem can be traced back to the 17th century with the creation of the bidet. Popularized in the early 1900s with the proliferation of modern plumbing, the bidet was not only the epitome of high class and elite living back then, but has experienced a resurgence in this modern age.

Although more commonly seen in Europe, the health benefits and smaller environmental footprint of the bidet has been a draw for the wealthy. A bidet uses a gentle spray of water to wash oneself and a dedicated towel is used to dry after use, thus eliminating the need for paper products. Installation of this fixture has become a staple in mansions, high-end hotels and resorts, and spas across North America, Asia, South America, the Caribbean and elsewhere.

For those of us that do not have the washroom space to install an additional fixture, technology has been created to allow the bidet function to be integrated into the toilet seat. This means that with replacement of the toilet seat and some very basic plumbing, anyone can have access to the benefits of a bidet in their home at quite a reasonable price for the average consumer. This is yet one more way that people looking for luxury are asserting their caring for the environment into conscious daily choices that can have the greatest impact in their lives.

Conclusion

So what we are able to conclude from our brief look at the modern technological advancements and keen choices available to those who value luxury in their lives, is that more so than ever people who have the means to obtain these products are making environmentally good choices. So that begs the question, what about the rest of us? We all choose priorities differently in our lives and that is a right afforded to all.

Some may prefer to make a statement by choosing to drink an organic or fair trade coffee every morning while others rollerblade or walk to work to save money and the environment all at the same time. Whatever your preference, the choice is yours to make as you wish to set your priority.

The good news is that all of the technologies and products I have mentioned in this article, if any have peaked your interest, are becoming more affordable to the regular consumer.

With their increase in popularity, the growth in international logistics and trade, availability of information on the internet, not only is it possible to find wonderful products that are beneficial to the environment but you are now able to score them are great prices. With this in mind, it has never been easier to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and feel even better about helping the environment.

RV Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous

Most people are unaware that there are Recreational Vehicles in excess of 1.5 million dollars now. They are more luxurious than a private jet. These super luxury recreational vehicles are owned by Saudi Princes, heads of state, professional athletes, movie stars, NASCAR drivers, businesspeople, politicians, entertainers and some of the Worlds movers and shakers; even the top mobile car wash franchisor in the World (that’s me).

Although not at the level of these other folks, I can tell you this. Cruising in comfort in a recreational vehicle is about the most fun I have ever had and the freedom is intense too. So what can I tell you about the RV Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, well they are a fun bunch really and some of these coaches would blow you away indeed.

These coaches spare no expense and have everything you could ever dream of inside. Sure these larger coaches do not get very good fuel economy. Mine does not even get 10 miles to gallon. It is 68 feet long and feels like a 747 when you try to turn the darn thing around.

But all in all after being on the road for 4-5 years I can tell you this much. I would rather have my freedom than be trapped in a single city as a brick and mortar dweller. Apparently, I am not alone as, I see others have also experienced the joy of luxury RV’ing. You should try it and hit the open road. Consider this in 2006.

Weight Loss: It’s a Lifestyle, Not a Diet!

Stand in line in a local store and glance at the person in front of you, then the person directly behind you. Statistically speaking, one of you is obese. A growing epidemic in the U.S., obesity rates are soaring not only in adults, but in children as well.

Miracle pills, hormone therapy, special shakes, and others have helped some people, but overall, we are a larger unhealthier country than we were a generation ago. Examining healthy detoxification diets as well as brief modifications in lifestyle can help aid weight loss for people who are categorized as “obese.”

Obesity has various definitions, but a simple way to define it is that it is when your body weight is 20% more than your ideal weight. Between 1980 and 2000, obesity rates doubled amongst adults. About 60 million adults, or 30% of the adult population, are now obese. Since 1980, overweight rates have doubled among children and tripled among adolescents.

This is largely due to poor diets and lack of exercise, which are contributing significantly to joint problems, diabetes, and the onset of various other health issues. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year. This is the equivalent of almost three jumbo jets filled with people crashing every day!

More than 50% of American adults do not get the recommended amount of physical activity to provide health benefits. I hear it all the time: “Dr. Laurence, I don’t have time to exercise”, or, “I don’t like to exercise”, or “The weather is bad outside.” You can start by simply walking. Walk every day; outside, inside, in the local department store or mall (Just don’t bring your wallet!). Walking can gradually turn into jogging.

If you have bad knees, then try swimming or a water aerobics class. Weight loss occurs when fat cells shrink. During Liposuction, fat cells are removed in one part of the body, only to find that fat will deposit in a different part of the body. Therefore, the only way to truly achieve weight loss is to exercise and modify your eating habits.

A healthy diet is essential to losing weight. This doesn’t mean that you have to starve yourself. Eating larger meals earlier in the day instead of later in the day will help keep pounds off. While asleep, your metabolism lowers. Eating a large meal late in the day will only cause weight to gain.

Try eating smaller meals. Research shows that only 25% of U.S. adults eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. More people are eating convenient, sugar-laden, processed foods that lack vitamins and minerals essential for health. Over a life time, this can contribute to other more serious health risks, such as arthritis, joint replacements, asthma, and other degenerative diseases.

Where should you start? Try removing all sodas and sugary drinks from your diet. Replace them with organic juices and water. Start reading labels for hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, sucralose, and other malnutritious ingredients.

Eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Below is a Diet that I am recommending to you for three weeks, and, as always, first be sure that you consult your doctor, nutritionist, or chiropractor before beginning, to see if it is right for you. It is meant to be temporary.

Detox Diet

Foods Allowed: poultry, seafood, eggs, butter, whole nuts (except peanuts), all vegetables, including asparagus, cucumber, celery, green peas, onion, broccoli, lettuce, okra, carrots, etc., all salads, beans, ginger root, and low sugar fruits including all type of berries, pears, green apples, unripe bananas, and grapefruit. Only use small quantities of high quality oils if necessary, such as olive, sunflower, canola, fish oils, flax oil, and borage oils. Spices are ok; ginger and turmeric are highly anti-inflammatory.

Restricted Foods: all grains, bread, pasta, cereals, rice, sweet fruits, juices, sweets, candy, cake, corn, potatoes, starches, chips, and crackers, high fructose corn syrup, and sugar. No alcohol. No Carbohydrates for three weeks.

Things to be Mindful of: Make sure that you drink plenty of water, and prepare your meals. This can be done in conjunction with a healthy exercise program. When you are finished with the three weeks, it is still very important to eat less starch and processed sugars, as these items in particular contribute to weight gain.

Again, this is a guide, and should be followed closely with your health care practitioner. It can be quite challenging, but you will see results. By being proactive now, you are insuring your most valuable asset: YOU! As the famous saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Aristocard Membership to Challenge American Express Centurion (Black Card)

A new kid on the block has emerged to give the American Express Centurion, otherwise known as a ‘Black card’, a serious run for its money.

Aristocard describe their exclusive social club as ‘the key to the most desirable venues and brands in your city’.

Unlike its rivals, Aristocard links to your existing debit or credit card, rather than issuing a new card.

Members are hand-selected to embody a lifestyle of elegance and sophistication, which Aristocard say is enhanced through their ‘carefully curated member benefits program’.

The benefits programme promises an embarrassment of perks, including reservations at the world’s finest restaurants, rare access to super exclusive events, night clubs and parties and enhanced shopping experiences with discounts at some of the world’s best luxury stores.

The programme also offers customized travel packages including villa rentals, private jets and yachts and helicopter charters.

If you fancy attending some of America’s most illustrious events, Aristocard has you covered.

The club offers a list of events its members get unparalleled access to, including the Grammys, Super Bowl, Monaco Grand Prix, NBA Playoffs, U.S. Open Tennis, Indianapolis 500, and Broadway shows.

Impressed? Well this is just the tip of the ice-berg.

The program can bag you exclusive access to Sundance Film Festival VIP parties and premieres, fashion and yacht weeks, the Kentucky Derby, Art Basel, and New Year’s Eve parties at the Playboy Mansion.

You heard right, the Playboy Mansion.

Not only can the service offer unparalleled access to some of the world’s most prestigious events, it can also save you a few bob too.

Thanks to partnerships with luxury hotels, the company grants its members huge discounts and amenities.

Members can also take up a wide range of travel packages, but not exactly the kind that you will find down your local travel agents.

Recent offerings were tailored around the World Cup in Brazil, and included accommodations in Rio de Janeiro, reserved tickets for all of the matches and an opportunity to meet and greet with a number of the players.

Of course not just anybody can become an Aristocard member, as they must first ensure that you embody the qualities they demand from their members.

Once you’ve filled in an application on their website, considered applicants will be followed up with a phone call or an in-person interview to finalize the application process.

If deemed worthy, hand selected members pay an annual membership fee of $250, after which a custom card is constructed and linked to the card of your choice.