I have written already about Carrotmob in the past. A really great and inspiring project promoting climate change and sustainability in a very practical and hands-on manner. The so-called “carrotmobs” are a gathering of people who organize themselves over the net and show up at a certain time and date in a shop or business which was selected before. The selection is based on a reverse bidding process: Whoever gives the highest percentage of his additional turnover to “green” improvements of his shop or other “green” projects gets the crowd into his shop. The whole thing started in California and spread to various cities across the US and reached Europe, too. One of the next carrotmobs is taking place in Frankfurt on December 12, 2009. It is organized by Christoph Harrach and his team who are the leading LOHAS bloggers in Germany. Their blog “Karmakonsum” is very established and added more than only digital value. Once a year they organize the Green Camp where people from various backgrounds gather and discuss the latest topics, trends and challenges. I have attended on of this events and can only recommend it if you are interested in sustainability and social entrepreneurship matters.

Why do I tell you about this? Well, first of all becauce it is worth mentioning! Secondly, you should make time and pop up at the event in Frankfurt – if you are nearby – and last but not least because I invite you to join me and make the next carrotmob happen in Stuttgart. You are welcome to give feedback and contribute. Every additional team member and supporter can boost this beautiful project and create even more buzz. Thank you in advance. Keep on rocking…

Some useful resources for organizing a carrotmob:

• How to guide: www.carrotmob.org/organize/
• Past mobs: www.carrotmob.org/mobs/.

A new survey has revealed that Europeans are 50 percent more likely to buy environmentally-friendly products than Americans, from solar panels to organic foods and sustainable wood to toiletries and household products. The survey also shows that Europeans are 25 percent more likely to recycle and to try to influence their family and friends to buy green goods and be environmentally conscious.

Green consciousness is now a way of life in Europe.

The results of the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) study, which were released on 29 October, show how far green consciousness has filtered into everyday European life. The study divided the adult population of Europe according to people’s buying patterns, product use and attitudes to various matters, including sustainability, corporate responsibility and the use of environmentally friendly products and services.

The eight countries featured in the survey were Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Insights revealed included what people think about health and environmentalism, as well as how they affect their lives, where they buy environmentally-friendly goods, what motivates their choices, and their attitudes towards issues such as the responsibility of large corporations towards the environment.

The results also showed that Europeans are 32 percent more likely to buy products that have organic or environmental stamps of authenticity on them, despite the fact that the researchers found that Europeans are approximately 25 percent less likely than American shoppers to pay more for environmentally friendly products.

Environmental initiatives carried out by the European Union in the past 20 years, such as the creation of recycling points across Europe, and policies on major environmental issues such as sustainability and cleaner air and water have played a large role in developing a “green consciousness” among European consumers. The enormous rise in popularity of organic food production and natural medicines and therapies, which are publicised frequently in the media, are also contributing to the growing green consciousness.

The LOHAS survey was the result of a partnership between the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) and the international public relations firm Porter Novelli. Steve French, managing partner at the NMI, said, ‘As the global eco-momentum in the marketplace continues, the LOHAS movement will accelerate consumer alignment of social beliefs and personal values with those of brands and companies. It is this frame of mind that will drive the LOHAS market and make sustainability the key growth driver of long-term stakeholder and brand equity for decades. We are delighted to partner PN in helping companies to understand this truly sustainable opportunity.

Source: European Commission Research, November 14th 2007

人们的生活节奏随着社会改变而加快，社会跟着加快的脚步

Ohne jeglich Farbstoffe, künstlichen Stabilisatoren, Konservierungsmittel oder industriellen Zucker kommen leckere Kreationen aus der Bio-Eis Manufaktur.

Gourmet Bio Sorbet

Bio Milchspeiseeis

DasEis. in Bio Qualität von healthy planet - biologisch, saisonal und klimakorrekt

Nicht nur im Frankfurter Shop, auch in gutsortierten Bio Läden und Bio Restaurants ( gesehen bei waku-waku in Hamburg -  auch wirklich bemerkenswert, aber Eins nach dem Anderen …)

Man schmeckt den Unterschied! Wir waren begeistert und fordern: einen Store in Berlin

http://daseis.eu

DasEis.
Hasengasse 1 – 3
60311 Frankfurt am Main

Über sich hinauswachsen/ Nicole Heißner

Genetisch bin ich, was meine Haarpracht angeht, leider nicht besonders verwöhnt worden. Dünnes, feines, seidiges Haar, das nur deshalb merkwürdige Wellen schlägt und ”Antennen” ausfährt, weil etliche Wirbel dafür sorgen. Als ob das nicht schon genügen würde, verwandelt sich das einstmals glänzende Brünett nach und nach und immer schneller in eine silbrige Pracht. Bis vor Kurzem ließ ich nichts unversucht, meine Haare voller wirken zu lassen: Dauerwellen, Strähnen und die unterschiedlichsten Farben (nein, blond ließ ich aus!) malträtierten meinen zarten Schopf! Bis ich am Tag X, es ist jetzt ein paar Wochen her, die waghalsige Entscheidung traf, jedes neue Haar freudig zu begrüßen, denn schließlich verfügen diese leuchtenden, silbrigen Keratinfäden über eine mir bis dato unbekannte ”Dicke”.

In aller Konsequenz und nach dem Motto “zurück zur Natur”, suchte ich vor einigen Tagen eine Naturfrisörin auf. Ich fuhr extra bis nach Köln! Und, ja, das gleich vorweg: Es hat sich gelohnt und ich kann es jeder Frau und jedem Mann empfehlen. Ich bin jedenfalls für jeden konventionellen Frisör bis auf Weiteres verloren.

Hier traf ich auf eine Fachfrau, die zuhörte, die Fragen stellte, nach Lebens- und Ernährungsgewohnheiten, die einen feinen Sinn dafür entwickelte, wo Empfindsamkeiten sein könnten und die sich mit voller Hingabe und fast schon Liebe um mich und meine Haare kümmerte.

Ich verlor meine Angst vor dem Friseur! Denn von einem laut durch den Salon gebrüllten ”Mein Gott, sind Ihre Haare dünn” oder einem sorgenvollen ”Sind Sie krank, weil, Ihre Haare sind ja sooooo dünn”, fühlte ich mich Lichtjahre entfernt.

Zugegeben. Nicht alle Empfehlungen kann ich für mich annehmen und umsetzen. Doch sind mir die Zusammenhänge zwischen ”Haut und Haar”, zwischen ”Seele und Haar” durchaus bewusster geworden.

Wusch ich meine Haare bisher täglich und mit der vollen Portion Shampoo, so übe ich mich darin, diesen Rhythmus zu reduzieren. “Ihre Haarwurzeln laufen einen Marathon nach dem anderen, wenn Sie sie so fordern. Die können einfach nicht mehr.”

Ich könnte noch ganz viel über die Stunden in der Haarpraxis Theissen in Köln berichten. Wer sich dafür interessiert, kann sich gerne bei mir melden.

Zum Schluss noch eine kleine ”Warnung”: Die Umstellung von dem, was wir im Umgang mit unseren Haaren gewohnt sind, auf das, was Naturfrisöre empfehlen, ist “nicht ohne” und erfordert ein bisschen Mut. Mein “Prozess” ist noch nicht abgeschlossen doch ich bin mir sicher, dass alles richtig ist, logisch irgendwie.

Sogar der Kurier widmet sich in der heutigen Ausgabe den LOHAS-Typen. Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability heißt das Zauberwort um die Welt zu verändern. Ist das nur Trend oder steckt wirklich mehr dahinter? Wenn damit die in alternativen Kreisen so beschworene Bewusstseinserweiterung für 2012 gemeint ist, dann darf man LOHAS wohl näher betrachten. Rund 60 % der Bevölkerung beschäftigen sich nämlich mit alternativen Gedanken und Handlungsfeldern, die so gerne verächtlich als “Esoterik” abgehandelt werden. Da steckt ein riesiges Marktpotenzial dahinter.

Was wird gegessen, wie wird konsumiert, wieviel Dreck hinterlässt der Mensch? Solche Fragen haben ihren Platz in einer Welt, die von Konsum geprägt ist und erkennt, dass man damit in eine Sackgasse manovriert. Weniger der Konsumverzicht ist das Resultat von LOHAS, sondern das bewusste Hinsehen, was Konsum bewirkt. Das eine soll das andere nicht verdrängen. Konsum ist auch auf bewusste, ökologisch nachhaltige Art möglich. Der Mensch will ja schließlich konsumieren. Schon jetzt geht der Fleischkonsum in Deutschland angeblich  zurück. Dahinter verbirgt sich das Bewusstsein des Ressourcenverbrauches durch Fleischproduktion. Fleisch ja, doch bewusster.

LOHAS denken aber nicht nur über die Umwelt und den Fleischkonsum nach. Sie stellen sich auch soziale Fragen. Wie gehen wir miteinander um, was braucht unsere Gesellschaft? Da passt der Trend vom Krankenhaus zum Gesundheitshaus bestens ins Konzept. Nicht Behandlung sondern Prävention. Hoppla, taucht da gar ein Lebenskonzept auf, das man von einer ganz anderen Ecke seit Mitte der 1990er präsentiert bekommt. Ein Leo Nefiodow schrieb das Buch “Der sechste Kondratieff”. Dort liest man über ökologische, soziale und ökonomische Nachhaltigkeit für die sechste Kondratieffwelle. Einer Zeit, die von der Informationsgesellschaft geprägt ist. Und sich über das eigene Handeln, die eigenen Auswirkungen des Konsums zu informieren, ist Teil der Informationsgesellschaft. Die LOHAS sind schon da und – es gibt sie in jedem Alter! Nun gilt es nachhaltig, wenn man so will auch “grün” zu handeln. Keine Innovation, die nicht grün ist. Keine Wirtschaft, die nicht grün handelt und plant. Kein Tourismus, der nicht grün ausgerichtet ist! Jeder dritte Arbeitsplatz hängt in Österreich vom Tourismus ab – direkt oder auch indirekt. Da wird es in der touristischen Infrastruktur zum Rauschen im Blätterwald kommen. Denn die LOHAS wollen keine Umwelt zerstörenden Megaevents und  Beschneiungsanlagen, die schon bei positiven Temperaturen arbeiten. LOHAS wollen sich der Langsamkeit der Jahreszeiten hingeben. Das Leben ist schließlich stressig genug. Einfachheit und natürliche Rhythmen haben somit die Chance, ein Luxusartikel zu werden. Sanft und CO2-neutral.

AMW

I have written recently about the fun theory and my opinion that is important to transport serious matters in a funny and entertaining way. I am convinced that messages would reach and influence much more people if they would just consider this. Especially among the younger generation this would be more effective than pumping ad dollars into conventional media. Look at the developments in social media such as social networks like facebook and you will see that the mostly used applications are based on fun: Take games such as farmville or cafe world (by Zynga) for example who have reached an audience of tens of millions or numerous quizes about the funniest topics. If agriculture (farmville) is interesting enough there are tons of other stories to tell. Now, here is my idea for a sustainable business:

Let`s take the solar industry which I am observing and supporting for over 4 years now. What stops a company like solarworld – a leading brand of integrated solar technology from A-Z –  to develop a game named solar world or sushine world or whatever. Creating a funny virtual place where people can develop solar energy fields, set up solar modules on their houses reducing their carbon footprint and gaining points by spreading the word. I guess there are unlimited possibilities of how to create such a game and as a by-product increasing brand awareness and educating people about such important sustainability matters. I would love to assist in refining this concept and bringing people together to make this happen.

Tell me about your ideas of using social networks for sustainable businesses. I am curious to hear your stories:)

By the way: I will drop an email to the solarworld people and will let you know about their reaction.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PITTSBURGH (ESSpa.com) — For some Black Friday shoppers, 7 years of opening at 4 a.m. just wasn’t early enough, so ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Spa has upped the ante.

The nationally-known skincare establishment announced it will open its Aspinwall location at midnight after Thanksgiving Dinner and start the shopping all-nighter with its iconic Cardapalooza Buy One Get One Deal and a host of other special Gift sales.

“Black Friday is our biggest single sales day of the year,” said Eva Kerschbaumer, Founder, CEO and Esthetic Director for ESSpa Kozmetika. “This will be our 7th year for our Black Friday BOGO Event and every year we have seen more and more customers taking advantage of these special deals so this year we’re really pulling out all the stops for them to save and live healthy.”

For the past 6 years, ESSpa Kozmetika has opened its doors at the crack of dawn on Black Friday. This year, Eva and her husband Scott will open the doors at 12 Midnight to provide this unique healthy BOGO opportunity to more people than ever before. “We asked our guests what they would prefer,” said Scott Kerschbaumer, COO and Director of Marketing. “We set up an online poll and responded to our customers’ request to open earlier than past years. Beginning at 12:01am, when someone buys a Gift Card, we will give them an additional 100% Bonus Gift Certificate.”

According to the Spa Owners and customers of previous Black Friday Events, There are no limits to how much (or how little) a customer can spend. If someone buys a $1000 Gift Card they will receive a $1000 Bonus Certificate.

ESSpa Kozmetika will offer other special Gift Card BOGO deals on Black Friday when the spa opens for regular hours at 9am. The Kerschbaumers also said that the first 25 customers will also have the ability to purchase Buy One Get One Free Spa Club Memberships.

ESSpa will continue to have additional sales throughout Black Friday that will extend until the close of business at 8pm, such as 50% and 30% Buy One Get One Free Bonus Certificates for purchasers of standard Gift Cards..

And another new offering this year designed to leverage the social networks of its clients, this local spa will also provide 4 complimentary Gift Invitation Cards, to everyone who buys a Gift Card between Midnight and 2am.

When asked why someone in a turkey-dinner-induced coma would visit a dayspa at Midnight, Mr. Kerschbaumer said “When you can come out to a local dayspa at Midnight, spend $100 and walk out with $420 in Free Bonus Certificates, that is a deal worth staying up for!”

Indeed it is.

For More Information Contact:
Scott Kerschbaumer
ESSpa Kozmetika Organic SkinCare
17 Brilliant Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
412-401-4219 cell
412-782-3888 spa
www.esspa.com
news@esspa.com

A freestyle attempt to share my ideas and thoughts about governing Germany and how I would face the challenges ahead of the country I am living in at the moment. Some of the aspects can be transfered into a broader context (e.g. Europe). This article does definitely not cover all aspects of governing a country but as from my point of view the the most relevant for the future:

Economic stimulus packages for new technologies and upcoming industries. Think about internet and data infrustructure across Germany. High speed data networks and hotspots all over. State of the art computers, servers and software for educational institutions. As well as conventional roadworks and (electric) power station network to serve the new generation of mobility (e-car, hybrids, f-cell) and sustainable architecture of public buildings as role models for housing of the future. Wouldn`t it make much more sense to invest in these areas than keeping the coal mines alive and rescuing dead industries? If you ask me this would be the right way for future economic growth in areas which really matter.

Besides that I would set up creative work spaces for early stage entrepreneurs to work on and grow new ideas and innovations till they reach a certain maturity level with their products and services. Think of open plug and play-centers in every major city where the office space and infrastructure can be used for startups and upcoming businees at no or low costs. This would be an innovation booster. I think back to the times where we tried to get something started and off the ground with some friends. Good ideas and a big dream but no place and support to go any further. It would also make sense to give some basic business support and consulting at such innovation “labs”.

I would also re-mix our energy mix towards alternative energy replacing more and more nuclear power stations with solar, wind, geothermal and other solutions over the next 15 years. In order to get there I would keep up the subsidies of the new energies slowly decreasing over time and rewarding the players who make the most efforts and improvements in terms of efficiency and costs with further tax reductions.

By the way tax reduction could be also used as a reward system for social responsibility and sustainable business practices and good cititzenship. Think of a point system evaluating the efforts and performance of businesses and individuals and rewarding the ones who do the most and have the best results. The more you do the less you pay! Naturally, this would need rules and standards and evaluation systems and processes. However, this is not the final plan in detail. The chancellor would delegate the detailed work to his/her ministers and experts and I will do the same with you now: Feel free to make your adjustments and further develop the concept I mention. My government is open innovation place and we love crowdsourcing;)

Another crucial point to focus on would be education. And if I say education I mean it from A-Z. Not only do we need completely new content structure and programme for schools/universities but whole new methods of learning. We have to re-think the training and recruiting of teachers as well. No need to say that some new tools and methods are already there and that we only need to be put them into place. Education should be a mash up of old and new approaches allowing people to become eternal learners. Learning does not stop after school or university! Society has changed, technology has changed and education will change. On lesson at a time. (Short notice: From today everybody can start his own school and simply create his own social learning network. Where? At http://www.supercoolschool.com/)

Last but not least I would concentrate on health matters. An idea would be to reward healthy lifestyles from nutritional aspects to excercising. Why not allowing people to set off costs for healthy products and gym from their tax liabilities? If one can send in bills for business dinners or office space at their home, why not sending in bills for renewing their bodies and for health improving measures? Think a little bit about this! By being healthy, you get rewarded and by rewarding you the government and especially the compulsive health insurance funds (supported by government) are released from a lot of “heavy weight”, right?!

I believe that Germany can play a leading role in the further development of this world. It has been a role model in the past in various industries and still is a leading country in Europe and the world. If we want to stay on top of the world we need to take bold decisions and thereby influence the development in the emerging and developing countries as well. Never underestimate the influence we still have with our western lifestyles on people in areas like upcoming economies like India, China, Russia, etc… If we establish being green as cool they will adopt. If we renew education they will do. If we set new standards in sustainable mobility they will follow. So what are we waiting for then?!

Feel free to comment, join the conversation and further elaborate my thoughts and ideas;)

If I were the chancellor...

Varje dag skapar vi “världen” genom de val vi gör…

- Och vad vi väljer att konsumera har stor betydelse både i det lilla och i det stora, i nutiden och för framtiden.

Om vi vill vara medskapare till en sund värld här och nu, behöver vi också göra sunda val, annars är det svårt för ekvationen att gå ihop. Sunda val= en sund värld

Här följer shoppingtips från föreningen Medveten Konsumtion, vars förhoppning är att det ska bli naturligt för oss alla att ställa följande frågor innan vi shoppar loss:

1) Behöver jag verkligen den här varan ? Hur viktig är den för mitt välmående ?

2) Går den att hitta begagnad ?

3) Om jag måste köpa den ny, hur ser jag till att mitt val blir så bra och miljövänligt som möjligt ?
- Har jag råd med ekologiskt ?
- Har jag råd med högsta kvalitet på varan så att den håller så länge som möjligt ?

4) Kan jag annars vänta med att köpa tills jag har råd med en miljövänligare ny vara eller hittar den begagnad  ?

5) Om jag köper en ny vara kan jag kanske dessutom göra ett val som är bra ur ett rättviseperspektiv. Ett val som gör att den som tillverkat varan fått rimligt betalt och arbetat under humana omständigheter. Finns något sånt alternativ för det jag tänkt köpa ?

 Att tänka på och begrunda…

Vänliga Hälsningar

Camilla

www.hallbarlivsstil-webbmagasin.com 

Conducted in partnership with Porter Novelli’s (PN) first EuroPN Styles study, the data and analysis in this report were fielded in July 2007 via a primary consumer survey of 16,000+ adults, 2,000+ in each of eight countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. The results of this survey are nationally projectable to each country’s adult online population and statistically valid at the 95% confidence level +/- 2%. The data have been post-weighted to match multiple census demographic measures. The study utilized a leading online research firm, and was designed, managed, and analyzed by NMI and PN.

This research was conducted because companies across a diverse range of industries and geographies are recognizing a growth in ethical consumerism and a shift in how consumers purchase goods and services. As eco-momentum and social consciousness grow, consumers are drawn to companies whose values and social beliefs are aligned with their own. There is a global market opportunity to help companies effectively market goods and services to this nuanced and dynamic consumer marketplace. The partnership between PN and NMI provides clients with a complete end-to-end solution, from consumer segmentation and insights, to counsel on product development and packaging, to strategic communications campaigns and measurement and evaluation.

One of the motivations for conducting this research is the commonly held belief that Europeans are, as a whole, “greener” than Americans. While in many respects this is true, the LOHAS survey results are more nuanced than that. Europeans certainly are heavier consumers of many green products, but not of all green products. And, while they are more passionate than Americans in some regards, this is also not true across all measures.

One of the more unexpected findings in this analysis is that “not all segments are created equal”: segments in different countries behave quite differently. Specifically, NATURALITES in many European countries are significantly more engaged in many green behaviors than NATURALITES in the U.S. Also, CONVENTIONALS in many European countries sometimes are more engaged than LOHAS consumers (in, for example, recycling). Only in a few instances has NMI found another segment to be more active than LOHAS consumers, underscoring the significance of this find. Consequently, DRIFTERS (who in the U.S. are currently a very opportunistic segment) appear to be much more challenging to appeal to in most European countries.

LOHAS behaviors and attitudes in many European countries seem somewhat second nature. As government policies in these countries have encouraged green behavior for many years (e.g., gasoline taxes), this is to be expected.

Since many companies that are active in (or are exploring) the LOHAS space operate globally, these subtle differences become important. Products that are viable in one geography also have potential in others. Marketing and positioning may need to vary culturally, but the opportunity is certainly expanded.

Also important are the significant attitudinal and behavioral differences within the eight countries surveyed. As most European marketers know, a national (and sometimes local) context is needed to make a product successful. These data and analysis can be used to understand where the true opportunities lie, and to identify the cultural differences that will affect a product’s launch.

NMI believes that the European LOHAS marketplace is very opportunistic and will remain so for the foreseeable future. As so, there are basic principles that hold true regardless of the country. That said, the information contained in this report will allow marketers and strategists more specific understanding of target markets and consumers, which will increase the probability of success.

Source: Marketresearch.com

Kabukicho is now full of ads for this new (?) host club called Smappa!, which seems a blatant rip-off of SMAP, the boy band now entering middle-age. The Smappa ad for Shun-kun above hilariously promises 夜のロハス, night-time lohas.

Lohas means Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, and applies to a 30 something female demographic. What has made hairspray and men’s make-up sustainable? I think actually, like the club name, it is a blatant attempt to connect with larger pop culture themes (like a bad porn title that mimics a Hollywood blockbuster).

From their incredibly complete Smappa! website, I have borrowed these staff images. Scroll to the bottom to see their onsen/ryoukan holiday. These boys are well-documented. Check their Smappa website for more!

With strong competition in world markets, the development of specialty agriculture, improvement of product quality and increase of output value have become the key components of Taiwan’s “blue ocean” strategy for its agricultural sector. Taiwan’s dense population, limited space and family structure have been key factors contributing to Taiwan’s small-scale farming style. The operators of resulting small-scale farms face tough price competition from the larger-scale operations found in the United States and Australia. Thus, developing high added value produces is crucial for the future of Taiwan’s agricultural sector, so the following strategies will be Taiwan’s golden goose in the future.

Organic farming

The organic farming sector is expected to reach an annual output value of NT$74 billion by 2012. With LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) becoming a trend in Taiwan, consumers want to establish safe and healthy eating habits and have grown more concerned about their food’s safety. Safe, healthy and high-quality products, toxin-free products to organic agricultural produces , surely will create huge business opportunities. To safeguard consumer’s rights and safety, the Council of Agriculture (COA) has implemented agricultural product certification systems such as “Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)” fruits and vegetables, “Certified Agricultural Standards (CAS) ” products, traceability product , as well as and organic Awards . The COA estimates that Taiwan’s GAP, organic and traceability product sectors will attain an annual output value of NT$74 billion by 2010. The Council of Agriculture, in cooperation with farmers and consumers, is confident that Taiwan can be transformed into a toxin-free island in the future.

Agricultural Excellence

The “agricultural excellence” program focuses on the development of agricultural biotechnology. Many people consider agriculture to be a sunset industry, but with the injection of high technology and the development of new technology , the agricultural sector can write a new chapter. As a result of this initiative, it is expected that agricultural biotechnology will join the financial and high-tech industries as one of the country’s star industries.

The flower industry, for example, is one of the industries with the greatest potential. Taiwan is known as the “Kingdom of Orchids” worldwide and phalaenops (butterfly orchids), flamingo flowers and Oncidium are the country’s top three exported flowers. The volume of floral seedling exports, exceeding 10 million per year, proves that Taiwan is a major player in the world flower industry, and its quality is confirmed by the fact that Japan is the top importer of Taiwanese cut flowers.

To help spread agricultural biotechnology industry development in the country, the Council has not only established the “Agricultural Biotechnology Information Center” Web site but also the “Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park.” The development of the park is aimed at creating a biotechnology cluster, expanding the overall scale of the biotechnology industry, generating more job opportunities and boosting the agricultural sector.

“LOHAS”– leisure agriculture in Taiwan

The rise of leisure agriculture in Taiwan can be attributed to trendy recreational lifestyles and ecological awareness. Based on these trends, crop production is no longer the main source of money for farm owners. The owners of various theme farms provide tourists farming experiences such as picking fresh fruit and ecological education, hoping that these experiences and activities become a favorite family pastime. In addition, tours like flower, firefly and whale watching have gained popularity in Taiwan. The annual flower blossom festivals in Taichung’s Sinshou and the East Rift Valley, for example, always lure thousands of tourists.

While leisure agriculture has attracted increasing numbers of tourists, specialty agricultural products make great gifts for consumers to purchase and boost the industry’s profits. The development of these “boutique” products aims to showcase the innovation, design and characteristics of local specialties. Products presented in the top 100 agricultural and fishery goods fair, which is held annually by COA, have shown great improvement in quality and packaging. According to the COA, the annual output value of boutique agricultural products, including liquor, top-quality rice, bamboo products, and high-end fish and animal products, will reach NT$12.3 billion by 2012. In addition, 4,500 job opportunities will be created by the industry in four years, the COA said. Moreover, the COA hopes to improve the competitiveness of leisure farming by taking advantage of the development of recreational farms and boutique agricultural products.

With the government’s sound policy , public support and farmers’ efforts, the agricultural sector will no longer be considered a sunset industry. To diversify Taiwan’s agricultural sector, more marketing and research talent is needed. With the improvement of such talent, the agricultural sector will make Taiwan more prosperous again and at the same time expand the new international markets for Taiwan’s agricultural products .

Hej!

Varmt välkommen att ta del av det nya webbmagasinet och den här bloggen.

Det känns glädjande och kul att sajten äntligen är klar för lansering! (säkert med en hel del stavfel och kanske med några missade länkar… Men ändå redo att möta dig och världen!

Här kommer vi att blogga dels om Hållbar Livsstil Webbmagasin, och dels om vår egen personliga resa i och till hållbar livsstil.

Välkommen att inspireras!

Vänliga Hälsningar

Camilla

Kneebody

Veggie Grill

Down to Earth Oils

Ok, I’m a fairly enlightened consumer, and know that every act of consuming something has environmental impacts. Of course, the truly environmental thing would be to consume next to nothing. This is impossible, even for a thrifty shopper like me. So I do my best to buy less packaged, organic, fair trade products. But am I really making a difference or just buying myself a better conscience? And even more importantly, how much are the companies ripping me and other Lohasians off for the willingness to be an ethical consumer? Though I’m usually in favor of achieving big things by small changes, I also happen to understand that usually the only true purpose of businesses is to make profit – that’s why they’re called businesses and not charities. And I feel like that even more so today, because I attended a meeting yesterday, which reminded me again that the reason most companies are increasingly taking an interest in corporate social responsibility and greening their products is that they don’t want to miss out on a possibly profitable consumer trend. The same goes for businesses operating in the environmental industry, such as waste management companies, biofuel producers, manufacturers of renewables, environmental technology consultancies - very few of them are in it for the sheer love of sustainable development.

Some days it’s just harder to be a believer. I’ll get back on track tomorrow.

So a friend of mine recently took a trip to New York and her friends decided to make a stop in one of the many salons that line the streets of Brooklyn. Her friends frequent these places because they are quick, always have an open seat and are very inexpensive. That raised the question, why come to ESSpa?

At a quick in-and-out salon, the focus is not really on your relaxation or your enjoyment or your health, but rather about performing the service as quickly as possible. At the end of the day, these places sole focus is on squeezing as many people through their chairs as possible – its all about volume and turnover. At ESSpa Kozmetika, we are first and foremost honest and I would be lying if I said we were not interested in making a profit. But that is about the only thing we have in common with 99% of the other establishments in the beauty industry.

Lets talk about our Unique Selling Point (or USP as my husband likes to call it). From the day we opened, I have always approached the treatments that we offer at ESSpa Kozmetika as part of a healthy lifestyle. 7 years ago, the idea that spa treatments should (or could) be part of a personal preventative health maintenance program was not nearly as hip or fashionable (or even clearly understood) as it is today – especially in Pittsburgh. Now, after walking the walk and leading by example and opening our doors, tables and treatments to everyone regardless of age, gender or position – the industry has begun to look at ESSpa Kozmetika as what the definition of a successful and sustainable dayspa should be.

Rest assured that we are dedicated to making your entire spa experience something that you will happily remember – regardless of whether you visit for a simple eyebrow wax or six hours of rejuvenating transformative treatments! Even though our focus is on your overall health, the atmosphere of our spa is the complete opposite of clinical or typical. Huge trump d’olie murals and actual storefronts with real cedar roof shakes, leaded glass windows and heirloom furniture from my husband’s family help to create a soothing, stress-free environment that bekons you to come in, sit down, linger and enjoy a cool glass of lemon water or choose from our selection of herbal teas or fresh fruit – both before and after your treatment. Our technicians work very hard to make your treatment as healthy and as relaxing as possible, whether it is a Swedish massage or a body waxing. At ESSpa, our team prides themselves at getting to personally know each of our guests – and it is our goal to make our treatments accesible to every member of your family. All of our treatments are individually customized to focus on your needs and desires on the day of your treatment because we understand that everyone’s skin and body has unique requirements that might change with age, environment and the seasons. We also work hard at staying “green” with all of our products for treatments and retail…something that you will not find anywhere else, an achievement recognized by our membership as a Founding Seed Spa of The Green Spa Network (one of only 12 such establishments in all of North America and the only member in the State of Pennsylvania.

Our team has definitely proven themselves over the past few years. Even within the last 12 months, ESSpa Kozmetika has been named “The 3rd Best Spa in America,” as well as Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Best Organic Spa” and “Best Skincare.” In honor of this, we have recently introduced 7 new treatments that I would like to share with you:

7. Hands and Feet are often the most overworked and overlooked when it comes to our personal care. So first up is our MojiToes Pedicure. This exceptional treatment utilizes a steaming bath of muddled mint, sugar, fresh limes and aged, Caribbean rum in addition to all of the other organic scrubs, masks, paraffin and other lotions and potions to create the perfect pedicure. When researching nail services you need to be very careful. For instance, our base manicure and pedicure both include a heated, aromatherapy-infused paraffin treatment as well as a relaxing massage. Double your pleasure and have a Mojito Manicure as well for a total of $120 (for both). If you don’t have time for the full Duo, call (412) 782-3888 and ask about our Express Petite Nail Treatments.

4. Few things are as quick to deliver positive health benefits as a Therapeutic Massage Treatment at ESSpa Kozmetika but almost all of our hour long therapies are available for under $100 (and you actually get to stay on the table for a full 60 minutes, unlike many spas where an “hour” massage is really only 50 minutes). We have a massage for any budget. And now, we are proud to introduce the incredibly soothing (and very difficult to find) Therapeutic Bamboo Massage. This relaxing and relieving therapy uses polished, organically harvested bamboo to relieve pain, clear away stress and soothe stiff joints. Ask around about the training other therapists have received in Bamboo Massage – as our specialist Dori comes to us from Canyon Ranch with specific certification in this unusal modality.

1. And last but certainly not least is our brand new Pore Refining Blueberry Facial Peel. Where other spas might commonly use a harsh glycolic or chemical acid to peel away layers of your skin (leaving your face red, sore, flaky and irritated), this natural treatment uses organic, boidynamically grown and harvested blueberrys, raspberrys and blackberries to thoroughly slough away the outer statrum corneum (epidermis) leaving you with a smooth, glowing, dewey, “fountain of youth” countenance. Ask to add this peel to any of our facial treatments and enjoy the most incredible of results without any kind of invasive surgery, injections or “down-time”. But be forwarned, this peel does have a bit of a kick to it when used at its most undiluted concentration.

I invite you to try each and every one of these amazing treatments (or stick to your favorites)!

Spa You Soon,
Eva Sztupka-Kerschbaumer
ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare
17 Brilliant Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
(412) 782-3888
www.esspa.com

素食理由之一：演化、分类决定，人类应属杂食

作为灵长目动物的人类,可以进食少量的肉,但不应擅自提升自己的生态位，向肉食动物靠拢。人类在自然界的进化史已有数百万年，其间的绝大部分时光，都是作为动物界的一员— —灵长目中的无尾的、素食的类人猿在自然界中存在的，直至今天，一味强调社会属性的我们，仍无法摆脱这种「裸猿」的自然属性，无论你承认与否，我们都是一种偏于素食的杂食动物。

从解剖结构看，不应过度食肉的本该是我们。 食肉动物因进食的脂肪、蛋白、胆固醇含量高，为防止易腐之肉类在体内停留太久毒化血液 ，故演化出较短的消化道，约为体长的三倍；食草动物因食物中的纤维素含量高，养分须慢慢吸收，故肠子很长，其消化系统的长度约为体长的十二倍。人是杂食动物，人的肠子长度约为体长的8－10倍，是不是更接近食草动物？

由于消化道长短的差异，肉类在食肉动物体内停留时间只需半天，在人类体内却需经过几天漫长的旅程，如有过量脂肪、胆固醇融于血液，就会导致诸如脑溢血、高血脂、高血压等疾 病，肉类中的毒素还会加重肝脏的负担，弄不好甚至会导致肝癌。

其实，人类的素食本能一验便知：蒙住双眼的猫，令其闻生肉如活鸡后，食欲大增，闻水果 则无动于衷；人却相反，在自然状态下，感受不到活体动物的香味，只有经过烹调才有反应 ，对水果的芬芳则十分敏锐，这便是人类素食天性的直觉反应。

将肉食的大量摄取看作经济水平高的标志，实乃人类的误解，过度食肉满足的只是口腹之欲 和对饥贫往事的补偿，却背离了人类的杂食本性和自然生态位。

最早将人类的地位确立为灵长目，而非食肉目动物的瑞典博物学家林耐曾经说过:「人类的结构，无论从内在或外表看，若与兽类比较，都显示出，谷、菜、果乃是他的天然食物。」

素食理由之二：食过犹不及，素食有利身体

经常有人问：你为什么素食？我说：为了其他生命，更为自己健康。听听营养专家的告戒吧 ：脂肪的摄入量不应超过30%，略低于20%有利于健康，即每人每周的食肉量不宜超过 500克，若超过1000克，就意味脂肪摄入量超出,而过度摄入动物蛋白和脂肪的结果将导致一系列的富贵病：心脏病、脑血栓、血管硬化、高胆固醇、肥胖症……

我们一贯认为，块大膘肥就是健康，常说，看欧美人多壮呀，人家吃什么长大的，牛肉哇！ 但是，现代健康标准不是肥胖，而是匀称。相反，肥胖乃是一种病——肥胖症。WHO不久前公布的人类健康十大危机中,其中一条是：中、高收入国家的大量人群， 因饮食过度而有身体过重、过肥（约300万人）的症状，在欧美，每年至少有50万人， 是因过度肥胖所引起的疾病而死亡。

我素食之后，经常有人不无忧虑的问，营养不足怎么办？实践证明，没有身体上的任何不适 。理论上讲，食素，照样能获得充分的营养：

首先，素食品的蛋白质相当丰富,各种坚果、瓜籽中的蛋白质达30%，谷物约含10%， 豆类中的蛋白质含量更高，近40%，是肉类的两倍，豆皮的蛋白质更高达50%，且大豆中的蛋白是完全蛋白，更易为人体所吸收。

人们常常用肉类进补，其实，肉类是各种食物中最缺乏矿物质的食品,豌豆、小麦、燕麦所含的铁是牛肉的两倍，几乎每样植物中的铁质都比肉类高；再看钙质，每百克食物中所含的 钙质（毫克）,鸡肉为5，牛肉为8，猪肉为12，鱼为30，豌豆为71，香菇为125 ，木耳为207，紫菜为850，无疑,许多植物中所含的钙质都比肉类高。中国人普遍需钙，或因爱吃肉而致钙磷比例失调。

脂肪提供热量，我们总以为只有肥肉是脂肪，其实，有些植物中的脂肪含量也很丰富，如核桃达66.9%；花生达48.7%，芝麻达48.23%，黄豆达20.20%；脂肪酸共有13种，动物性油脂中含6种，植物性油脂中却含全部,且动物性脂肪为饱和脂肪，胆固醇含量高，易引发血管硬化、高血压、心脏病，并利于癌细胞繁殖；植物性脂肪为非饱和脂肪，能促进胆汁酸排泄，减低胆固醇，避免心脏病和各种心血管病。因此，食素不会营养缺乏且可防病，单纯摄取动物性食品，却会营养不良而且找病。

素食理由之三：食素减少毒素，荤腥病从口入

食肉者位于食物链的最高环节，现代农业广施化肥和农药，食草动物吃植物即家禽家畜吃饲 料、人又以动物为食,人便成为有毒物质高度富集的最后摄入者。

毋庸讳言，植物上有农药残留，但美国爱德华州立大学的研究结果显示，肉类中的DDT等杀虫剂残留物的含量是植物的13倍,即食肉者身上的农药残留量可能比食素者高出13倍 。更何况植物上的农药残留物可以洗涤，动物肉内的农药残留物则无法洗掉。

某些商家为了获取最大利润，刺激畜禽生长，强迫喂食、注射荷尔蒙、在饲料中加开胃药、 抗生素、镇静剂、防腐剂（这类含硝酸盐的肉，喂猫都很危险）等化学药品，根本不顾这些化学物质的致癌作用，这样的肉，您还愿意吃吗？

美国是世界上肉食程度最高的国家之一，由于过度肉食,在每两个美国人中，就有一个死于心脏病、高血压等心血管方面的疾病；每六人中就有一人身上有绦虫；每十名妇女就有一人得乳腺癌；每二十人中就有一人得糖尿病；欧美国家人群中的肥胖症、骨质疏松症简直比比皆是。摄入过量的荤腥和过多的肉类残毒，结果便是这些挥之不去的文明病。

素食理由之四：维护生态平衡，缓解承载压力

「每制作一个汉堡包，就要砍伐掉相当于一块厨房大的热带雨林」。中美洲的瘦肉型菜牛个大肉多，90%出口到美国，美国快餐业风靡世界,却以中美洲成片的森林被夷平后辟为牧场为代价。为不断提供快餐用牛肉，二十世纪七十年代以来，中美洲已有2000万公顷的热带雨林消失，岂不知，全世界3000种抗癌药，有70%是蕴涵在热带雨林里的。为生产牛肉汉堡,砍伐森林，满足了牧场主、食品商的利益，麻痹了儿童的口味，填饱了快餐业 主的腰包,却导致了生物多样性丧失、地球气候升温等一系列灾难；还有这样的比喻：吃一块牛排对地球变暖的影响，相当于一辆小车行驶两英里。我们的嘴通过肉食，不仅在进食森林、海洋，还在进食草原、耕地。

如果把我们本可食用的粮食作为饲料，去再生产，收获肉产品，在能量上是不经济的，可养活的消费者数量大打折扣。举例，我们用100斤黄豆喂猪，能回收12公斤猪肉，喂牛， 能回收10公斤牛肉；为吃肉，我们浪费了90%左右的食物，还要以多出10倍的土地来耕种，为了足够的耕地，人类便要开垦草原、森林,而不去顾及大自然的生态平衡。

近年沙尘暴频频，荒漠化严重，原因何在？超载放牧。 内蒙古33个牧业旗中，有28个在超载放牧，结果是白灾、黄灾、黑灾接踵而来，究竟是 谁破坏了草原植被，导致生态退化？我们的嘴！以往我们总把罪责推到羊的头上，但正因为我们的口腹之欲，才刺激了放牧规模的无度膨胀，当牧业生产规模超过草原的承载负荷时， 结果势必是荒漠化。

联合国规划署警告，全球 33亿公顷干旱牧场，已有73%处于中度沙化。 我国是世界第二草地大国，但家畜的数量随着人口、特别是人们食肉水平的增长而增长，过 度放牧,造成全国13亿亩土地荒芜或出现水土流失，60%的草原退化。国人日益荤化的 饮食结构，越来越大的食肉胃口，形成了对海洋、草场、森林、耕地的巨大压力，「杀鸡取 卵」、「寅吃卯粮」的消费大潮，加剧了生态失调、国土凋敝。

素食理由之五：素食就是环保，圈养导致污染

为什么说食素环保？因为食肉不环保！为什么说食肉不环保？因为我们为满足肉食消费而饲养了太多的禽畜，现在,全球圈养的牲畜数量是世界人口的三倍。大量畜禽生产造成的环境污染和生态破坏日益严重。1992年联合国环发大会通过的《21世纪议程》指出：「地球所面临的严重问题之一就是，不适当地消费和生产模式，导致环境恶化、贫富加剧和各国的失衡发展」。

1992年流入太湖的畜禽粪便达200万吨，1993年88万吨，是工业排污的6－1 0倍，造成严重的富营养化和藻类爆发生长；美国饲养的家畜总数是美国人口的四倍，每年粪便排放高达16亿吨；为了满足肉食，仅北京就饲有260万头猪、360万只鸡、20万头牛，养殖业每年粪浆的排放量约1200万吨，最高时达3500万吨，相当于4000万人口的污染量。动物身体中排泄出大量硝酸盐、农药、生长素、抗生素等化学毒素，渗透到土壤或流入河川、湖泊，渗入地下水，不仅污染水体，更危害我们的健康。荷兰的畜禽 饲养业十分发达，被欧共体称为「粪肥过剩区」，其粪肥对大气的污染比汽车排放还多，粪便中的氮和氨以气态形式进入大气，甚至形成酸雨，一头牛每天打嗝放屁所产生的甲烷气体 约200升,看来微不足道，但全球有15亿头牛，那影响可就大了，

因为，甲烷对地球温 室气体的「贡献」远远超过工业二氧化碳排放的影响。因过度食肉导致了这么多的环境问题，所以，作为环保志愿者，我宁愿少吃或不吃肉。素食者萧伯纳曾说：「一个个体，用行动表现出他的良知，然后再去呼唤集体的良心，没有什么比这更强有力的了。」

素食理由之六：降低饲粮转化，力求经济、公平

有一次，我在广播电台作一个直播节目，题目是「宁可食少肉，不可居无书」。当讲到多食肉，会耗费大量粮食时，一位持反对意见的听众打进电话，说：「我多吃了肉，就会少吃饭 ，这不是省粮食吗？」

看来，问题的症结在于，人们只知表面现象，而不知食肉背后，我们的生存方式是多么的不经济，对粮食的浪费又是多么的巨大。

任何以动物性食品为主的食物结构，必须以雄厚的植物生产量为基础，在饲养行业称肉料比 。肉类生产需要大量谷物，在美国每生产1公斤牛肉约需5公斤的谷物，生产1公斤猪肉约需7公斤的谷物，生产1公斤鸡肉约需2.6公斤的谷物。中国的肉食消费量是发展中国家平均值的两倍，超过日、韩，猪肉消费世界第一，但从持续发展角度看，这个「成就」并不值得乐观，我们如此大的人口基数，全国人民每多消费1磅猪肉，就须多生产250万吨谷物。

人类作为杂食动物，以五谷杂粮果菜肉蛋奶为食，其中粮、果、菜的摄取途径是沿着最短食物链获得的，从收益最大化角度讲，我们直接利用生产者从太阳辐射固定下来的能量，是最经济的。因为，提高肉食量势必损耗更多的粮食。所谓动物性食品,不过是植物性产品的转化形式，但这种转化要以大量的物耗：水、肥、化石燃料等为代价；一块用来养活30个素食者的土地,只够养活一名肉食者。

为获得高热量的动物性食品，发达国家耗用了世界小麦产量的三分之一、玉米产量的三分之二、大麦产量的100%来喂养畜禽，世界约38%的谷物、美国约70%的谷物、中国约20%的谷物是用做饲料，甚至世界上30%的海鱼被加工成鱼粉添加到饲料中。一些国家的部分人因吃过多的肉而患肥胖症。因胆固醇过高，全球每年有410万人死亡，另一些国家的数以亿计的人却因缺粮而饥馑不堪,全球平均每年饿死的人口达300万。还是WHO 提供的数据：目前，全球贫国营养不良的人口约1.7亿，2000年因缺粮造成的死亡人数达340万。电视上不时出现的母子饥饿，体重过轻的非洲难民场面，对照大腹便便的欧美人，让我们深切地感受到世道的不公平、不道德：可不可以说富国人嘴里的肉，夺走穷国人手中的粮？

如果我们减少10%的肉食程度，就相当于省下1200万吨粮食,使6000万人免于饿死； 如果我们把饲养家畜的粮食都省下来，救济饥民，全球至少有5亿人就能免遭饥馑。为了世界大同，至少，可以从我做起，良心发现，选择一种经济的、俭约的生活方式，那就是素食 。

每年圣诞节的前一个月即11月25日，是世界无肉日，这是1986年发起于印度的「群众性」的素食运动，全球共有950万人响应。素食有助于遏制腐败与奢靡、减少贪欲和杀戮、增加德行和幸福感。「勿以善小而不为」，愈益普遍的素食行为，堪称协调天人关系、 敬畏万物生灵、尊重传统文化、消除世界饥荒的经邦济世的途径之一。

（摘自《人与自然》杂志2003年第5期）

早上四點半起床，坐計程車5點10分永吉路至君悅飯店坐大有巴士，5點25分出發至桃園中正機場，六點40分到達，七點10分 check in 完成，接著等上飛機，

中午12點40分日本時間，到達成田機場，下午一點10分出關並已在地鐵站，買suica卡+NEX套票3500日圓，

在成田機場坐2點15分的NEX，並在成田機場一樓租到免費手機，3點40分到達新宿站，

在新宿歌舞伎町裡迷路了一下，最後終於在四點半左右找到新宿東橫INN，整理完行李跟旅館詢問過東新宿站的方向，五點多順利到達明治神宮前站，意外走到原宿站找到一家九州XXX拉麵吃吃，結果好吃之外，

還有任意夾取的辣酸菜，也是好吃的要命，六點多走到表叁道同潤館的Idea Frames Omotesando 買了很可愛的企鵝迴紋針，

進到表叁道Hills中，買了張大象動畫的明信片，親眼看到他們的拉鍊袋，可以任選不同顏色的拉鍊，組合你想要的袋子，實在很好玩，只是要價也是不便宜。

窺探他們的建築物和商店之外，欣賞到用燈光與建築物與人搭構出的動態與靜態合存的藝術，見識到Dior、LV、prada建築景觀的魅力，

但小巷中的店家設計更出色特別，八點多從表叁道搭車回東新宿站，到赤札堂與24小時的激安殿堂採買食物與休足時間，回到旅館看日本新的日劇不毛地帶，上網(免費)與家人朋友聯絡告知平安，喝到赤札堂賣的小岩井蘋果汁(^ ^ 好喝)，旅館有洗髮精和沐浴乳之外，貼心的附有潤髮乳，房間不僅有電視、冰箱、吹風機、雜誌、網路線還有小茶壺可加熱，還有每天會補充兩包煎茶與兩包好喝的梅昆布茶。

第二天，睡到八點起床後，在一樓吃著旅館附的味增湯，多種口味的飯糰、優格，不同口味的夾心土司和沙拉跟醬菜，如果覺得飯糰吃法吃膩了，你可以試著將飯糰放進味增湯中，像茶泡飯吃法，飯在湯裡變得更好吃，很Ｑ又很有味道，吃了四天早上的早餐，在台灣都還是很想念呢！

八點40分吃完早餐，從東橫ＩＮＮ走到新宿ＪＲ站，看著事前在網路上找好的交通路線圖，順利的找到黃色的中央快速線上車前往三鷹市，從新宿站不到20分鐘就道達三鷹市站，在三鷹市南口出站往左走一段，找到九號的龍貓巴士站牌，看到站牌旁邊的車長先生、說著 ides…..，才知道眼前這輛巴士是可以到達吉卜力的，只要投200元單程就可以，不到10分鐘就到達目的地，心想，不錯、這天早上也是順利就到了，才這麼想、….奇怪，相機裡的電池哩….=  = 我們忘了裝進去了，可惡、想說不會吧！這麼可惜嗎！想到我們還有最後的依靠，就是我們免費租來的日本手機、哈！可以照ㄟ，呵呵！太好了，雖然會有點小，但比一臺沒有電池又比較重的相機實用多了。

10點鐘，我們排隊走進吉卜力博物館的門口，在櫃台，服務人員會問你是否來自台灣，接著牠會拿出上面有底片的入場卷，和中文簡介，就這樣進入了宮崎峻的吉卜力世界，一進去，很多東西你可以看到的，不是圓滑的木頭就是看起來有復古材質的金屬裝飾，我一進去就很好奇的先往廁所裡瞧，一樣是用木頭搭建的牆壁洗手台，連水龍頭都是有復古的英國貴婦風，當然裡頭一定有免治馬桶，連坐的馬桶蓋都是電動溫好的，上完廁所，水蜘蛛的小電影剛好開始，就進入小電影院看著短短15到20分鐘的動畫短片，看完後，發現裡面像其他部動畫一樣，蘊藏著宮崎峻的老梗，就是夢想，賦予動畫夢想，讓生活平凡努力的水蜘蛛，用兩隻水汪汪大眼的扮演著楚楚動人的表情、讓觀眾從不喜歡水蜘蛛的外表，到發覺牠的可愛，近而進入水蜘蛛的池塘中，跟牠一起夢想，背景的交響樂跟著畫面律動，劇情進展改變著音樂的起伏，這種交響樂應該也沒有人會討厭了吧，看完之後的心得，就是感動，一個短短10幾分鐘的動畫，讓我們看到了水蜘蛛本來平凡的人生，因為巧合，他開始著牠不一樣的冒險，害我看完很想大聲拍手叫好，但發現四下無聲，就只好收起雙手，暗自驚歎看了不錯的電影。

看完小電影，前往樓上一樓，看著宮崎峻的工作室，手稿和剪貼簿，他們為找合適繪畫素材做過的辛苦研究，不斷的提醒大家在電腦數位之前，手稿製作動畫電影的辛苦歷程，所以現場很多可以利用轉動方式來手工播放一段段的底片動畫，也有著用不同場景相繼搭配著連續圖片，用不同的方式轉動來表現動畫，當然最酷的還有包括吉卜力的龍貓幻影箱，看過吉卜力的幻影箱後、再看皮克斯的幻影箱，其實有一點小失望，吉卜力的幻影箱整體感讓人看得最為耐看有趣，即使一直整天坐在幻影箱前，也不會感到頭暈不舒服，可能是皮克斯幻影箱動作的部份，和整體層次感沒有到達很協調、燈光與環境上的處理也有差別的關係吧。

在吉卜力裡面，即使你是人高馬大的成年人，你也要蹲下你的身子像稚氣的孩子般，對吉卜力的任何一個裝置、機關、塔樓，即使只是個手扶梯，上面的線索都在暗示著吉卜力的世界裡是有多有趣。逛累了，坐在吉卜力的窗邊，曬著溫暖的陽光，看著小個子們各各對吉卜力內的好奇眼神，這裡如果不來走一遭，實在很可惜，因為只有你親眼探索，你才知道這裡實在美的驚人。

下午二點多，尋著秋天的陽光，依依不捨的離開吉卜力，左轉前往井之頭公園內部走去，大操場、樹林間、連小女生都帶著家貓出來在操場上曬著陽光躺在草皮上歇息，我怎能放過這個可以躺在日本國土草皮上的機會，呵呵，雖然草皮跟台灣的沒有什麼不一樣，但陽光跟空氣還有這裡的寧靜，實在很愛，為了填飽肚子，沒幾分鐘就起身繼續往公園更裡面走去，大樹很多棵，有點像之前在惠蓀林場散步的感覺，只不過這裡離新宿市區坐電車也只不過20分鐘左右的區域，又近又快，讓我羨慕的要命、繼續走下去，會先聞到充滿香氣的鬆餅味，接著看到一間Ｌa table du lievre 的法式小館，我只在店前面拿了幾張cool card ，

又再一次依依不捨的離開，（P.S.附註它的地址：東京都武藏野市御殿山1-19-43、若有興趣的人可以進去坐坐），走著走著，繼續看著陽光在樹林縫隙間穿透在草地上的畫面，讓我突然想起在吉卜力一樓的宮崎峻工作室中看到的水彩草稿作品，同樣的光影相間，同樣的相似樹林，忍不住心想，就是要住在這裡才畫的出嘔心力作嗎！呵呵！平凡人怎可跟大師相題並論，腳步頓時放慢，發現不知不覺以穿過這可愛的公園，看著公園附註的地圖，繼續右轉朝吉祥寺站旁的串燒店邁進，散佈途中，還是可以看到他們對住家，店面建築的用心，小小的道路與行道樹，心情好，連看得路上的公車計程車，都好像有設計過的一般，整體乾淨，寧靜又舒適，如果可以，這裡還真是個很棒的住宅區。

就這樣欣賞著道路建築，不一會就找到在網路上有人介紹過的串燒老店，整體外觀有點像鐮倉會看到的老式木頭建築，仔細一看，門口還有幾個阿伯站著吃著一串串的串燒，

找個門口進入後，看到裡面有座位，就開始來日本覓食的第二頓，看著菜單只知道一支串燒80日圓，但菜單上的日文….ㄟ….連有些英文單字都不記得了，就這樣看著服務小生的眼睛，用一些簡單的英文問，服務小生很厲害，知道我們不懂的字，他就寫一些漢字在便條上，我們就懂了，原來這家串燒有賣很多豬跟雞內臟的串燒、但因為我們都沒有很愛內臟就點了一些雞皮、烤豬肉、豬軟骨、烹Ｘ煮的聽說是他們的招牌，還故意隨意胡亂點一串，他還會問說醬汁是要鹽味還是甜味，點完後，沒多久，香噴噴的串燒就來了，呵呵，一來才知道，原來剛剛胡亂點的是蔥呀！哈！一口豬肉+一口烤蔥，哇，好好吃喔！

雖然豬軟骨很硬不太愛，但烤雞皮還真是美味的不得了，最後因為雞皮實在太美味，又再加點了兩支，本以為服務小生，忘了問我們醬汁口味，原來是因為小生一直都有記得我們上一串雞皮是甜味醬汁，才沒有另外再問我們，>< 日本人實在有夠貼心的，吃完美味串燒，過馬路至吉祥寺站對面、會看到比較多人潮、這邊有很多賣手工雜貨居家用品店、還有一些老字號的店面，跟市區相比，這邊多了比較多悠閒的老人家，走起路來輕快閒適很多，我們在這邊買了一家在網路有介紹到的專門賣「最中」的店家，上前購買了最小盒的分量，打算待會在等電車時可以吃個幾口，礙於時間規劃之下，我們下午三點多離開吉祥寺，前往六本木站。(附註給想吃吉祥寺牛肉丸的人地址，東京都武蔵野市吉祥寺本町１丁目１；想吃串燒的網址，http://www.iseya-kichijoji.jp/)

坐著JR總武線在代代木站轉都營大江戶線，在代代木站轉車，問過工作人員，確定要先出站再往左走進入都營大江戶線，30多分鐘順利到達六本木站，直接前往我想看安藤忠雄設計的21_21Design Sight，這個時候剛好是深澤直人的展覽，誤以為是門票3000日圓，覺得太貴時間不太夠，就沒有看展覽了， 但是21_21外面的環境也很不錯，有噴水池、草地、還有一些小帳篷裡在辦活動，走沒幾步，旁邊就有一座設計過的小橋，可以前往Midtown，在通往橋時，橋旁還會有人聲傳來，向您用英文問候，日本人在小地方果然很厲害，在midtown逛了一下MUJI，沒有找到可以貼在頭上的暖包器，就出來再繼續前往六本木Roppongi，一路欣賞路旁的店家裝潢與設計，其實從21_21Design Sight過去有點小迷路，路旁很多設計，讓我不介意繼續迷路這小事，剛好有人提醒著，既然可以看夜景的大樓，應該就是最高的那棟吧!果然，順利找到六本木Roppongi，

用了之前在林氏璧和美狐團三狐的小天地 的入場割引卷，本來1500日圓的入場卷，使用割引卷可以減到1200日圓，這個卷到明年3月都可以用，很不錯喔!我們拿著卷先到森美術館看完艾薇薇的展覽，接著坐著電梯到達53樓，看東京的夜景，

看夜景的旁邊有一些小店家，有在賣有關村上龍的伴手禮，還有一些其他設計師的商品，而最讓人吸引的，是一款Stereo Viewer卡片，從卡片的兩片放大鏡的地方看去，努力調整將眼前的兩張照片，調整成同一張，你不在東京也可以看的到東京鐵塔的景色，

這款卡片550日圓，覺得不到很貴又很值得收藏把玩，於是拜了一張，希望下次有人有看到別種的版本，也可以幫我買一張回來^ ^。

在Roppongi上坐著看夜景，等到小川的電話，就起身下樓，經過有村上龍和奈良美智商品的Design Store，小逛了一下，其實跟表參道裡的design store有點像，但Roppongi比較多不同設計師的東西可以挑，買了兩個奈良美智的徽章，= = 六本木物價有名的貴，只是兩個小徽章也要700多日圓，回到台灣一直嫌太貴，又不稀奇，純粹為了奈良美智的名買下，看完馬上起身到都營大江戶線六本木站撘車，一直以為很快就可以到達的地方，= = 同樣是六本木站，都營大江戶線、日比谷線等，每個線的六本木站，都可以差距走個10到15分鐘，記起小川的提醒，在青山一丁目轉銀座線前往涉谷，就是這裡，深刻的感受到都營大江戶線轉銀座線的路程，真是遙不可及，只是轉個站，也要上樓下樓走個20分鐘，= = 找知道就該聽小川的話，坐巴士還比較快又便宜，(P.S.照小川講法，在日本搭巴士若在下巴士90分鐘內，再搭乘下班巴士，可以優惠100日圓喔!)就這樣本來約好的時間又遲到了，最後到達銀座線涉谷站的東急東橫百貨出口，在百貨五樓找到投幣電話，向小川報告一下現在的位置，還好小川來找我們，讓我們省去要找他的時間，小川帶我們到車站出口旁很多居酒屋店家的小巷子，

介紹了一家可以吃到大螃蟹還有新鮮生魚片的店，就這樣我們日本行的第二餐，新鮮大海膽、大隻帝王蟹、比目魚生魚片，還有烤鮭魚和魚下巴，第一次吃到入口即化的新鮮大海膽，其實有點膽怯，不熟悉牠的味道，小川直說再臺灣這樣一大盤海膽要很貴，= = 但….其實，我們沒有很愛，但可以吃到這樣的海膽，還是讓我們開心了很久，

三個人肚子吃的飽飽，照過像、錄影過，海膽、帝王蟹、烤鮭魚、魚下巴…..只有一盤比目魚生魚片吃光光，其他留了一桌，將海膽帝王蟹交給小川打包回家，這晚真是幸福一餐，

^^ 謝謝小川! (P.S.聽說最後剩下的帝王蟹是落入小川家的貓咪口中….)

在回旅館途中，新宿歌舞伎町的路上巧遇也剛好來日本玩的 Tracy，在台灣沒遇到反而在日本遇見了，有緣分的照了一張，作為自由行第二天的最後ENDING，接下來的幾天，要前往鎌倉、橫濱、台場、秋葉原、涉谷，還有六本木 midtown的產品設計展，^ W ^  我會盡量加快腳步將剩下的自由行寫完的，敬請期待囉!

What makes ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare so successful and keeps our guests both happy AND coming back again and again? It is a combination of many things but at the end of the day IT comes down to one very important thing above all others. IT is our TEAM. Comprised of professionals from all over the reiong, country and the world, our staff is absolutely the BEST in the business. Our team of highly-trained therapists exceed the highest expectations and would be welcome additions at any spa in the world (in fact, many of our therapists have come to us from some of the most well-known spa resorts in the world). Therapists come to us because Eva takes the time to teach them her unique and ultra-effective Hungarian methods and because we have created a fun, friendly atmosphere where the best in the world can thrive without stress and a corporate mentality. I invite you to watch this short video that includes only a few of our great employees. AND to them, Eva and I say “THANK YOU!”

Das als 6-er Set (3 Audio-CDs + 3 DVDs) erhältliche ‘Green Tomorrow’ Courage & Love Climate Change Concert von Michel Montecrossa bietet 35 Songs zum Klimawandel, mit dabei der Titelsong ‘Green Tomorrow‘, ein neuzeitlicher Message-Song mit poetisch-aktuellen Aussagen und Themensongs wie ‘Ecoworld & Cyberworld‘ und ‘Earth Story Song‘.

Die CD ist die Live-Aufzeichnung des 25. Konzerts von Michel Montecrossa’s ‘Courage & Love Climate Change Concert Tour 2009.
Mit bei den Klimawandel-Songs, die Mirakali und Diana Antara beitragen sind ‘Mysterious Earth‘ und ‘Live Love‘.

Über ‘Green Tomorrow’ sagt Michel Montecrossa: „ Green tomorrow comes with a change of consciousness.“

Bestellt eure ‘Green Tomorrow’ Concert CD beim Mirapuri Shop gleich hier:

‘Green Tomorrow’ Concert beim Mirapuri-Shop

Michel Montecrossa – alle Infos: www.MichelMontecrossa.com

Große Auswahl von Michel Montecrossa Songs zum Download von iTunes: www.Michel-iTunes.com

Michel Montecrossa CDs, DVDs, Bücher, etc. beim Mirapuri Shop: www.Mirapuri-Shop.de

Michel Montecrossa Songs auf dem Mirapuri Planet Radio: www.Mirapuri-PlanetRadio.net

Michel Montecrossa auf dem Mirapuri Planet TV: http://mirapuri-planettv.blip.tv

今天突然驚覺，下禮拜就要出國去東京了，來跟大家分享一下，這一個月來努力爬文做的行前準備功課，希望跟我一樣第一次出國的人可以有所幫助(…羞)。

在搜尋網頁打上『東京自由行』關鍵字，就這樣開始我對日本東京的好奇，剛開始就從關鍵字搜尋網頁上出現的項目去點選，出現一堆XX旅行社的介紹，有些旅行社的方案還真的有時候會優惠很多，但因為我太晚在旅行社線上下單，才決定找尋其他方案，在詢問日本達人_akira後，介紹可以去玉山票務查查最近是否有優惠機票，查完之後，針對幾個一定會去的景點做行程安排，景點確定後，藉著一些旅行社方案上介紹的旅館查看幾家飯店，再來就是去好用的背包客論壇上察看一下東京住宿攻略，上頭會有很多很值得參考的經驗分享，有時可能也會有幾個令人意外的旅遊景點出現喔!

看過林氏璧和美狐團三狐的小天地的部落格上，發現到很多實用的資訊，像goolmap的檢視功能、東京景點介紹、東京交通資訊、遊東京有用的coupon，實在也是很好用的旅遊網站，其他有咕嘟媽咪、兌換外幣現鈔資訊整理、價格查詢網站、日本文化便利商店、東京Metro地鐵、樂活的大方@用心玩樂學 、看楓葉的網站、日本與旅遊生活指南、落入凡間-<旅遊>、新宿逛街網站、菓子屋橫町、東京天氣、免費線上翻譯器、日本漫遊+旅遊會話、自由行完全攻略手冊、東京自助旅行文章大集合、SHOP99，還有PTT板上標題: [資訊] 真。懶人包: 新手去東京自助指導 step by step ，參考這些網站很有趣，也讓我googlemap上的地圖景點豐富很多實用的資訊

，並且加上http://www.ekikara.jp/top.htm和http://transit.ekitan.com這兩個交通網站，還有gmail中的document功能，讓我隨時可以在線上整理旅遊的行程和地圖，更讚的是，這功能也可以與同行者一同編輯，讓我之後在日本只要有網路的地方，我也隨時可以觀看並且安排行程。

下面的行前規劃表就是這次玩東京gmail的Google Docs，雖然這次旅行規劃一開始是以川越的祭典為重要景點之ㄧ，但有Ogawa的ㄅㄨㄅㄨ自由行，讓我小小捨棄了一下祭典之旅的安排，希望這次的東京冒險自由行可以很有趣囉!