The folks that market the Grace e-bike created a new product category for their zero emissions, electric cycle – they call it the first e-motorbike.  Definition: a high-performance electric bicycle that has the performance characteristics of a small motorcycle or e-scooter.  The Grace, which is purported to be the first street-legal e-motorbike,  is handcrafted in Berlin and comes with a very hefty price tag (somewhere around $8 grand U.S.) – though it does look great.

Some details:

• in Europe the Grace can legally hit a top speed of 45km/h (they make a 70km/h sport model)
• the handcrafted, aircraft grade aluminum frame contains all batteries and electronics
• street model has a range of 15 – 30 km on a charge
• 1.3kw brushless hub motor
• 13AH capacity lithium ion battery
• 32 kg total weight
• fully charges in about 1 hour

I don’t know why it took me so long to find out about Brad Pitt’s amazing non-profit org.  Its call Make It Right NOLA and it is dedicated to making a difference in the New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward that was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina.  It’s amazing that Katrina seems to have been so long ago with how quickly time always flies, but it was only 5 years ago that it damaged more than 4000 houses leaving thousands of people homeless and the city of New Orleans in desperate need for help and a hopeful future.

And this is where Brad Pitt comes in, making me swoon and melt when I come across Make It Right.  His non-prof is like the cherry on top of the sprinkles, whipped cream, peanuts, hot fudge, five different flavors of ice cream all in a waffle bowl with ONE spoon (mine!).  Aka, he just keeps getting better.

Make it Right is committed to building affordable, storm resistant homes for those in need.  Not only are they storm resistant and adept to the ever changing climate in New Orleans, but the houses are green!  The architects that work at Make It Right are experts at green technology, landscape architecture and design.  Using products like recycled wood, energy efficient designs and appliances, solar panels, storm fabrics and a special drainage building wrap that is water and air resistant prevents mold from growing and wood from rotting in the humid and moist environment of New Orleans.

Not only do they build the houses with storm resistance and green design in mind, but the architects have even built houses that float during flood seasons!  When floods occur, the house can easily create a raft underneath and drift upwards and away from power lines, guide posts and electric units.  The architect, Thom Mayne, says the house can even power itself for up to 3 days with its charged batteries during floods.

The houses look so good, I’m ALMOST jealous of the Lower 9th Ward neighborhood.  Who am I kidding though?  I am so spoiled with my San Diego weather I don’t think I could ever give it up!  Unlesssss, Brad comes with! ;)

Protect those precious eyes in sustainable fashion with iwood shades. From their Harmony Collection, these frames are made from certified reclaimed exotic wood Forest Steward Council, sustainably harvested; lenses by Carl Zeiss, 100% UVA & UVB protection — polarized lenses are available upon request.

What better way to say you’re creative?  Check out the multi-font belt crafted in Seattle, Washington; and made from recycled bike tube and letters pressed in pewter.  Perfect for writers, designers … and vegans.

Ready to tie the knot? Let your fingers do the talking with ethically made jewelry from Ingle & Rhodes — diamonds, gold and platinum fashioned into Eternity, Engagement and Wedding rings, all Fairtrade and custom made.

If you’re having trouble finding a pair earth-friendly, casual summer sandals that still have some style we may have uncovered a solution -  these snappy two-strap, totally vegan, Birki Freeport clogs, feature a comfy cork shoe bed and replaceable soles.

@ shoepeddlers.com

Made in NY from Brooklyn-based, Feral Childe, get ready for fall – snatch up a fitted corduroy blazer, on sale @ beklina.com

Get over to Gaiam if you want to save big on all manner of green goods, from yoga duds to outdoor furniture, bedding, towels and all kinds of stuff to make your life a little greener.  Sale ends 6am tomorrow.

Remember to enter the sale code – BMSM24HR – at checkout for additional savings.