As Lexus states, “It’s more than just about the car you drive, but about the food you eat, what you wear, the places you travel and just really showcasing all of the eco-choices out there.” Welcome to the Lexus Lifestyle!
To be more precise, welcome to Lexus Hybrid Living! Just what does Lexus mean? "Lexus has long been the leader in luxury hybrid vehicles, but we have extended our commitment to the sustainable lifestyle through Lexus Hybrid Living. It showcases people and products dedicated to minimizing their impact on the earth without sacrificing style and comfort," said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus Vice President of Marketing.
As the only luxury automotive company selling low-emission hybrid vehicles, Lexus is a leader in offering products that minimize the impact on the earth without sacrificing style and luxury. Lexus is bringing like-minded individuals and companies together through its Hybrid Living initiative, a series of events and a web portal that showcases luxury products made with sustainability top-of-mind. Lexus Hybrid Living helps to define and inspire a new eco-luxury lifestyle by featuring furniture, fashion, art, food, architectural structures and other products that are kinder to the environment.
For example, in February of this year, Lexus Hybrid Living participated in New York’s Fashion Week by bringing together 30 of the world’s top designers at Manhattan’s Gotham Hall to present fashions incorporating renewable and reusable materials. Sponsored by Lexus, the FutureFashion event by Earth Pledge was a hit. A few days earlier, Lexus Hybrid Living sponsored the Rodarte show, one of fashion’s most anticipated ready-to-wear collections. "Lexus Hybrid Living illustrates how design conscious consumers can maintain their penchant for luxury while helping to alleviate pressing environmental concerns," said Kimberley Gardiner, Lexus Event Marketing Manager. "By sponsoring innovative institutions and events, such as EarthPledge and Rodarte, Lexus hopes to demonstrate that making eco-friendly choices does not require sacrificing luxury and style."
More recently, Lexus Hybrid Living reaffirmed its commitment to luxury, style and sustainability with the grand opening of two "Lexus Hybrid Living Suites" geared for eco-conscious visitors, the first launched at The Fairmont San Francisco in April 2008, and the second at the nation's capitol at The Fairmont Washington, D.C. in May, timed to coincide with Earth Day 2008.
Guests can sleep, eat and drink sustainably in these unique suites with every aspect of the room meticulously planned for the eco-minded traveler, incorporating ideas and products from Lexus Hybrid Living partners (lexus.com/hybridliving). Complimentary use of a Lexus LS 600h L awaits the Lexus Hybrid Living Suite visitor who wishes to explore the area in the comfort of a low-emission luxury car that spoils the driver, not the environment. The Fairmont Washington suite resides on the coveted ninth floor and boasts its own concierge and complimentary access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge.
Well-known eco-designer Kelly LaPlante of LA's Kelly LaPlante Organic Interior Design (kellylaplante.com) is responsible for the design. Organic materials and rapidly renewable resources, such as bamboo, have been used in the creation of the suite. Highlights of the D.C. suite décor include furniture from Kelly LaPlante’s jak collection, 100 percent recycled polyester drapes by Robert Allen, bedding by Coyuchi Organic, salvaged birch tree installations by studio JEFRË, Icestone countertops made from 100 percent recycled concrete and glass, eco-friendly paint provided by Benjamin Moore Aura and comforters by Sleep & Beyond. Lexus has also installed a unique painting created by Jon Wassom, which utilizes pieces of leather recycled from Lexus vehicles. Additionally, LaPlante worked with First Finish, a sustainable renovation service that used local vendors to recycle demolished materials, such as carpet and padding, metals and ceramic tile debris.
Now through December 30, 2008, guests at The Fairmont Washington, D.C. can enjoy the Eco Power package featuring a one-night stay in the luxurious Lexus Hybrid Living Suite, use of the Lexus LS 600h L Hybrid luxury vehicle, complimentary parking, a bottle of organic wine and local artisan cheese upon arrival. The Fairmont Washington, D.C. will make a $100 donation to The National Geographic Society with the purchase of each Eco Power package. The National Geographic Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is "Inspiring people to care about the planet.” The exclusive package is available starting from $999 plus tax per night. For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/washington.
Guests of the Fairmont Hotels in San Francisco and Washington will enjoy a complimentary Green Guide during their stay. The guide recommends environmentally friendly activities to seek out when touring in the Lexus LS 600h L.
For a more routine hotel stay, Lexus owners can enjoy a special offering at 13 other boutique hotels and receive a $100 voucher for dining and spa services. Those hotels will also offer no-charge access to Lexus vehicles to test drive. To book the Lexus Hybrid Living suite or to find out more about the Lexus Boutique Hotels offer, please call 202-429-2400.
This year, Lexus proudly offers three vehicles that feature hybrid technology: the RX 400h, GS450h and the LS 600 L. Each of these vehicles delivers impressive power, improved fuel efficiency, lower levels of noise and vibration and significantly reduced exhaust emissions. The Lexus commitment to the environment goes beyond the vehicles’ powertrains to encompass manufacturing methods that incorporate sustainable and recycled materials. Lexus even maintains a zero landfill policy. Lexus is committed to producing alternatively powered vehicles that complement, rather than compromise, the driving experience.