Eco-Nudists Go Naked to Save the Planet & Paltrow's Fur Furor

CitizenSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:46:39 -0700

Want to help the planet? Then what are you doing sitting there all dressed and everything? The newest wave in eco-activism is all natural, sans a stitch of clothing. Gwyneth Paltrow may be wishing she'd followed that example after her deal with Italian designer Tod's and resulting ad showing her wearing fox fur and fur-lined boots has earned her heat from animal rights groups.

Gwyneth has been known for her embrace of holistic practices, yoga, vegetarian husband, and pal and vegan designer, Stella McCartney - but this campaign stands to erase that cred. The director of Respect for Animals, said: "Gwyneth Paltrow should be ashamed. I can only assume that Paltrow either is ignorant of the facts or lacks human decency and compassion." Friends have even said that Gwyneth's decision will flay her close friendship with Stella McCartney.

If Gwyneth wants to get back on track, maybe she can embrace the naked eco-movement? To see the story and a cheeky protest, read more.

Not satisfied with the casual sun-bathing reputation of nudists, Econudes.org have embraced the naked as the ultimate way to erase your carbon footprint. After all, clothes (and everything that goes into making and transporting them) are a major cause of climate change. Take those off, and the planet might be happier. It's apparently an ancient practice dating all the way back to the 70s when nudism was defined as "a way of life in harmony with nature, characterised by self-respect, respect for others and for the environment."

If warming skepticism is more your schtick, you can shuck your socks for that too, sort of. A renegade group called Nudists Opposing Winter actually like the warmer weather because, well, it's nicer to be nude. The founder "Pantsless James" says, "we actively support pro-global warming places and companies. No longer will nudists be forced into the fetish of clothes wearing. It frees up everybody to go clothing-free, the way God intended."

Silliness aside, is nudity a good way to bring attention to the strain on the planet we wear on our backs everyday? Is Gwyneth's endorsement deal a slap to animals? Should we all just go-go naked?

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Northern California Must See Spots

DearSugar — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 08:11:10 -0700

Dear Sugar
Vacation time is here and this year my husband and I are headed to visit his family in San Jose. It is my first time in this part of CA and I can't wait.

The plan is to roll it into a week of; family, San Francisco,
Napa/Sonoma, and anything else we can fit in. Can you help me fill out my must do/see list?

I need a locals take on things like the best wineries to visit, the best sushi, best shopping, the best fancy restaurant (we enjoy eating). Just help me make it a sensational vacation! Cal Gal

Dear Cal Gal
Check out this post Honeymooning In San Francisco we wrote. They know their town so get after it and have some fun.

Town Hall and Gary Danko are the two top schmancy restaurants in San Francisco - and right now Town Hall is hotter than ever. Try and call ASAP for a reservation (rumor has it they book up two months in advance).

As far as "must see spots" in San Jose, I recommend going to Santana Row. It's the city's finest shopping district (Gucci, Escada, Tods, etc...) with a collection of fabulous restaurants as well. Blowfish (sushi) is a must eat as well as Amber India (Indian) and Straits Cafe (Malaysian).

Gilroy Outlet Stores are 20 min south of SJ. There are 145 stores there if you are really looking to tear it up.

Big Basin State Park has beautiful hiking trails in the coastal redwood groves. If the weather cooperates, it's a nice place to hike and picnic.

In downtown San Jose, there ain't a whole lot happenin outside of work hours, but there are a couple of good places to eat. The Fairmont Hotel has a nice fancy brunch, there’s an upscale restaurant called Arcadia in the Marriott Hotel and Kubota, in Japantown has amazing sushi.

Outside Of San Jose there are several attractions as well:
The Monterey Aquarium is about an hour and 15 min from SJ. It's a bit touristy, but also a fun place to buy souvenirs, eat ice cream, rent kayaks and see the beach and the seals.

About an hour West of SJ is the famous Santa Cruz boardwalk. (They filmed The Lost Boys there, remember the carnival scene?) It's sort of an Atlantic city on the west coast.

Also, about an hour 15 min drive is the quaintest town I've ever encountered called Carmel By The Sea. It's filled with restaurants, art galleries, candy/cheese shops and cottage homes by the ocean. Clint Eastwood used to be mayor here!

Carmel Valley is in the same vicinity. The weather is almost always perfect and it’s a wonderful, rural alternative to Carmel. The top hotel, restaurant and winery is Bernardus Lodge - the fancy restaurant there is called Marinus. Have a fantastic trip.

TresSugar

Eco-Nudists Go Naked to Save the Planet & Paltrow's Fur Furor

Northern California Must See Spots