What’s your score?

Sure, you reduce, reuse, and recycle, but are you curious about how your other day-to-day activities are impacting the environment? LowImpactLiving.com has created a neat Environmental Impact Calculator to help you gauge your current environmental impact.

Photo Credit: Low Impact Living

Explains the site, the calculator “shows not only the carbon footprint but also energy, water, wastewater, trash, and stormwater runoff footprints of your home and lifestyle. In addition, it recommends projects based on your specific inputs that can save you money, reduce your environmental impact, or in many cases both at the same time.”

The calculator also gives a Low Impact Living Index™ score, which compares your home’s activities to the average environmental impacts of a home in your region.

Try it out here:  Environmental Impact and Carbon Footprint Calculator

The Great Green Debate

This Thursday, August 5th from 8 PM-Midnight (doors open at 8, event begins at 9), a debate entitled The Darker Side of Green explores pressing environmental issues facing the world and all that entails going green. The discussion takes place at The Ivy Room (12 East Ohio Street, Chicago, 60611). David Roberts, the proponent, and Steve Everley, the skeptic, provide educational and fascinating dialogue on green matters with moderator Mark McGrath. Featured musical guest is NYC famous band/DJ’s The Misshapes and Million $ Mano.

The complimentary event has limited seating and RSVP is required for admittance. Please follow this link to secure your seat.

Hotel Felix Gains Silver LEED Status for Green Design

We have some great (green) news to share. Hotel Felix has been recognized for its environmental efforts and received official notification of its certification as a Silver LEED Hotel, making it the first hotel in Chicago to earn this prestigious status. This high level of certification is earned when a building performs in several key areas, including water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Hotel Felix meets LEED standards for its adaptive reuse of an existing urban structure, convenient access to public transportation, and the use of green materials throughout, such as recycled content in the corridor and guestroom carpet, and bamboo and cork flooring in the public areas.

LEED certification was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in an effort to promote sustainable design and construction practices. LEED certification is world-renowned and is the most prestigious achievement in sustainable building. We are pleased to be recognized with Silver certification status for our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. This year alone, over one million gallons of water will be saved through our water reduction program.

We’d like to express a special thank you to our guests for helping us achieve this monumental goal. We remain committed to lessening our environmental impact, while also providing an upscale and intimate luxury hotel experience for our guests.

Come and see how we are making a Silver LEED Certified difference!

360SEE Gallery and Hotel Felix Chicago Partner to Offer Sustainable Art Tour Package

Book a stay at the Hotel Felix, which recently earned the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging-Silver certification, and enjoy a night out in eco-friendly style. Hotel Felix has teamed up with the 360SEE Gallery to give guests an inside look at the gallery’s sustainable art, for a truly eco-evening in Chicago.

Guests at the Hotel Felix who book the 360SEE package will be picked up from the hotel in a hybrid Going Green Limousine and drive to the 360SEE Gallery, located in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. At the Gallery, guests will receive a private tour by owner Jordan Witkov, who will show them the gallery’s sustainable art, furniture and design object collection while they enjoy a sampling of organic wine, beer, cheese and fruit.

Photo courtesy of 360SEE

The package is available for $175 in addition to the hotel room rate.  For rates, reservations and more information, visit www.hotelfelixchicago.com or call toll-free 877-848-4040 or direct at 312-447-3440. For up-to-the-minute information on special promotions, become a fan of Hotel Felix on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Go on - You deserve it!

1) Give your basic bath a boost

Baths are a simple way to de-stress after a long day and relax tired muscles. Several pure, all-natural household ingredients make it easy to transform your everyday bath into a luxurious soak session. Simply add a cup of milk, two tablespoons of honey, two pinches of sea salt, and a ½ cup of oatmeal to running bathwater. The wholesome ingredients work together to detoxify, soften, and soothe skin.

2) Fix yourself a cup of green tea

The Chinese have been aware of the mind-blowing benefits of this miracle brew since ancient times. A study from Harvard outlines several of the medical benefits to this bloat-banishing drink, including lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of cancer. Steep a green tea bag in a mug of hot water for several minutes, add a spoonful of honey for a little extra sweetness, and cheers to your fabulous self!

photo by northern star

3) A facial regimen to please every green gal

Put your best face forward. The SPA at Hotel Felix offers a number of world-class and environmentally-friendly treatments for your pleasure. Here are two of our favorite eco-friendly facial treatments offered exclusively at the SPA at Hotel Felix:

• Sundari Omega 3 Facial: Breathe new life into dry or stressed skin with this deeply nourishing, intensely hydrating facial. Our own Omega3+ complex uses naturally active ingredients to restore skin’s lost lipids; softening, renewing and awakening your natural glow. ($120*)

• Sundari Facial: Awaken and rejuvenate your skin with this holistic facial that is customized for your skin’s specific needs. Naturally active ingredients like lemon, sandalwood and lavender are custom-blended for an intensive cleansing and gentle exfoliation. Our signature balancing marmassage completes this experience for newly radiant skin. ($105*)

Call to book a treatment with us at 312.256.8000 or make your reservation online.

To keep your skin naturally vibrant and gorgeously glowing in between treatments, be sure to exfoliate at least once a week. Here is a simple, all-natural recipe to transform your face into lustrous, baby soft skin:

photo by tribal

Ingredients:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• dash of honey

Mix all ingredients together. Smooth the mixture onto face and décolletage and massage gently. Rinse with warm water.

*Prices subject to change, see website (www.hotelfelixchicago.com) for complete pricing details

4) Refresh your feet the all-natural way

Your tootsies are tired! Reward them with a nice, long, relaxing soak. Prepare a pail or bathtub with warm water. While the water is running, add two drops each of chamomile and lavender essential oils. Both herbs are known for their relaxing properties.

Next, immerse your feet in the fragrant water. After soaking for several minutes, gently slough away dead skin and fast track circulation with a pumice stone. Pumice stones are naturally formed from lava and are an excellent tool to smooth your feet. Dip your feet back in the water to rinse off any remaining dead skin. Finish off by slathering on your favorite deep-moisturizing lotion.

5) All-organic (& edible) deep-conditioning hair mask

For a silky smooth mask for your mane, look no further than your kitchen cabinet. Our all-natural hair treatment will turn your limp, lackluster strands into shiny, luscious locks. Simply mix one jar of organic mayonnaise (such as Spectrum®) with one ripe organic avocado (the riper it is, the easier to mash) until you have a uniform mixture. Apply the mask liberally to your hair, from roots to tips. Wrap hair with a slightly damp towel and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and enjoy your newly conditioned coif!

The SPA at Hotel Felix

Saving Green on Green Travel

TravelZoo’s Gabe Saglie talked about how to $ave green, while traveling green with ABC 7 this morning.  Watch this segment to hear what Gabe has to say about the Hotel Felix - Saving Green on Green Travel | ABC-7 News (video).

The Hotel Felix is proud to be Chicago’s first hotel to be LEED silver certified, Green Seal silver, and we don’t skimp on the luxury!

Readers Choice 2010: Best of Mindful Chicago

We’re thrilled to be a finalist in the Readers Choice 2010: Best of Mindful Chicago in the category of green hotels.  We’re among a great group of organizations and businesses who are mindful or green in their industry.

Please take a look at the survey and vote for Hotel Felix in the category of Green Hotels.  If you’d like to learn more about us, please take a look at our web site. Note: To find us in the survey, you’ll need to click through a few pages.  Thanks and good luck to all finalists.

To vote: www.mindfulmetropolis.com/vote

House of Balls (and art) Sculptor, Allen Christians, Visits Hotel Felix

Art sculptor Allen Christians from House of Balls stayed at the Hotel Felix this past weekend. While his car did not qualify for the free parking Hotel Felix offers for all hybrid vehicles, it did draw the attention of many people in the area. Christians, known for his belief that we all have a creative impulse, also made a trip to 360SEE Gallery over the weekend.
Christians’ House of Balls is located in Minneapolis. His pieces are created from found materials such as bowling balls, wine bottles, skillets and more. Learn more about Allen Christians and his work on his website.

Love Thy Neighbor

As we all know, one key component to green living is taking advantage of your local resources, which is why we’ve decided to dedicate this post to our wonderful neighbors in the River North District of Chicago.

Green Heart Shop – There’s more to being green beyond the tangible, and Green Heart Shop fully embraces this – this nonprofit shop carries eco friendly and fair trade products – twice as rewarding. Follow Green Heart Shop on Twitter.

Flair Tower – If you love our neighborhood as much as we do, be sure to check out Flair Tower for eco-friendly living. Follow Flair Tower on Twitter.

Scoozi Chicago – Enjoy the tastes of a home cooked Italian meal, and please, don’t forget to take a look at Scoozi’s Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Follow Scoozi on Twitter.

East Bank Club – This is a gym that you’ll never have a hard time getting to, even on those lazy Sundays. East Bank Club’s amenities make any gym experience feel more like a retreat. Follow East Bank Club on Twitter.

Allyu Spa – Place the focus on you at Allyu Spa for an all around spa experience. This healing environment celebrates you and the world outside simultaneously. Follow Allyu Spa on Twitter.

WEAR Eyewear – a cutting-edge eyewear shop located in the heart of River North, you’re sure to leave with specs that will attract the attention of others. Follow WEAR Eyewear on Twitter.

Imerman Angels – This nonprofit organization ensures support and strength through one’s fight with cancer. Imerman Angels provides one-on-one cancer support, connecting fighters and survivors. Follow Imerman Angels on Twitter.

How do you and your neighbors work together for a more sustainable lifestyle?

Hotel Felix Earns Green Seal Certification

We’re thrilled to announce that we received the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging - Silver certification this week. This adds us to an elite group of hotels nationally to earn this certification.

The certification process takes three months minimum and includes nearly three dozen environmentally responsible criteria for lodging properties.

Green Seal is a national nonprofit organization that provides scientific-based environmental standards in this increasingly competitive marketplace. To learn more about Green Seal, please visit www.greenseal.org

Hotel Felix Receives Green Seal Certification