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If predictions of catastrophic temperature rises come true few people may be better equipped to deal with that nightmare than graduates of a unique eco-school on the Indonesian island of Bali, where an innovative curriculum has been designed to produce future “stewards of the environment”.
Founded last year by Canadian John Hardy and his American wife, Cynthia, the Green School is nestled in a tropical grove near Ubud, in the centre of an island better known for its luxury beachside resorts.The only man-made structure visible at what amounts to the school gate is a 140-foot bamboo bridge with a sweeping roof made of traditional grass slats known locally as alang-alang.Small crops of rice and vegetables grow on each side of the river, living class projects meant to connect the children to the food they eat.
Following the path on the other side of the bridge, the hypnotic humming of cicadas and the gurgling of the Ayung is suddenly broken by children’s laughter, the first reminder that this is actually a schoolyard.
And so it unfolds: a school made entirely of bamboo, with open classrooms covered by roofs of alang-alang; a campus dotted by crops and edible plants like fragrant lemon grass and papayas; and John Hardy, sitting in a sarong and sandals and explaining that it is time to “bring the kids back to the Earth”.
“Green School is like a seed for the future, something that will grow in spirit,” Hardy tells AFP in an interview, over a cool drink made from fresh ginger which has been grown by the students. “We are teaching reading, writing and arithmetic but we are doing it in a completely ‘green’ environment. My belief is that this affects the heart of the child and we will end up with ‘green’ beings.”The Hardys, 30-year residents of Bali, provided the start-up capital for the school through the sale of their jewelery business in 2007.
Opened in September last year, the school has around 150 students from 23 countries, ranging from grades one to nine.In addition to core subjects like maths and literacy, which are based on the Cambridge International General Certificate in Secondary Education, the school offers ecology studies and “mud-between-the-toes” activities tailored to each age-group.
Experiential learning is encouraged through the growing of crops and projects involving aquatic systems, awareness of waste and water usage, animal care, sustainable building and renewable energy. Teachers and students use self-composting toilets and a biodiesel generator supplies most of the school’s electricity. The plan is to take the school “off the grid”, using solar panels and a hydropower unit connected to the river.
Sony is known for making killer electronic devices and gadgets. When it created the original PlayStation, gamers were amazed. The latest follow up to the PlayStation is PS3. It is a feature rich and advanced gaming console that has seriously powerful hardware. Sony also offers Blu-Ray playback with the PS3. There are a few versions of PS3 available in the market and the console has found many takers among the avid gamers.
For those that need something no one else has a 24k gold plated version of the system is being offered. It looks stylish and gorgeous for sure but to take it home a buyer needs to shell out a whopping amount of $5000. However, there will probably not be many takers for a Gold PS3. The US economy has recovered from one of its worst times and now might not be the best time to be selling a gold PS3.
John Hardy and his stunning one-of-a-kind Cinta collection was hand picked by Monique Lhuillier to accessorize her Spring 2009 Fashion Collection Presentation. Head Designer and Creative Director, Guy Bedarida provided Monique her selection of John Hardy Cinta seashell rings, pendants, and cuffs for the event. Handcrafted from hard to find vintage shells and then sculpted with gold and set with colorful gems, these rare, unique pieces were the perfect compliment to Monique’s ornate and elegant gowns.
Monique Lhulllier quickly became a fan of John Hardy when at the Georges V during Paris Couture where designer, Guy Bedarida was showcasing its Cinta collection. Renowned for her glamorous designs, partnering with John Hardy was natural fit as both embody the same cutting-edge style, luxury, and refinement. John Hardy continues to show its support for the fashion community and demonstrate its commitment to innovative style and design elements.
Sterling Silver Aquamarine Pendant
Just picked up my package from FedEx……WOW!!!
Now you have to understand that I’ve been told by ALOT of people that I should have been a writer and yes I DO love to write and generally can express myself pretty well no matter the topic on hand…but again - WOW!!! I simply cannot find the words to express how absolutely incredible this pendant is. Honestly, it almost brought a tear to my eye when I saw it.
In any case, thank you SO MUCH for an incredible job and please pass along my thanks to anyone and everyone involved in the process.
Images Jewelers and designer Kelly Klose have been awarded second place in the first Matrix Solitaire Design competition. The design competition was sponsored by Gemvision and Stuller.
The competition sought out unique and marketable solitaire designs. Each ring needed to be accompanied by a matching wedding band. All of the winners were picked by a select panel of judges.
Custom 14k White Gold Celtic Band
Thank you so much for everything. The ring is perfect. I know he is going to love it. You have been so helpful from beginning to end. I will tell everyone I know about you and Images Jewelers. Thanks!
Custom Sterling Silver Cross Pendant
My son loves his cross! When he opened it he said “there is only one thing wrong with it, its too perfect!” He received lots of compliments on it yesterday at church. Thank you very much for all your help, we are very happy with it!
Sterling Silver Pendant / Key Chains
They arrived…..WOW!!!!!!! If you ever need a referrral, I would give you one in a minute. You guys do excellent work and you gave me better than great service. I am so happy I found you on the internet. THANK YOU SO MUCH…..
John Hardy
The management and employees of John Hardy take being environmentally conscious as seriously as they do their jewelry designs. But they don’t advertise the fact. Although it’s lately become popular to market ‘green’ causes, you might not know John Hardy has been at it for years.
It’s all about authenticity, says Damien Dernoncourt, president. ‘When we at John Hardy speak about our marketing, the emphasis is on great design and handmade quality of our artisans and craftspeople. Yes, we are a green company and trying to be an even better one, but it’s not something we advertise.’
Although a small logo on John Hardy advertising refers to ’sustainable luxury,’ a concept that includes giving back when spending money for business, the company’s efforts aren’t touted in advertising and marketing materials. ‘The fact is, being green is really part of our brand DNA,’ says Dernoncourt, who points to other successful green brands, like Patagonia, which has been a model of authentic environmental activity.
Dernoncourt led a management buyout of John Hardy last June. John Hardy, the company’s founder, and his wife Cynthia, left to pursue their own philanthropic endeavors, many in Bali, their home where the studio and workshop are located. Dernoncourt says Hardy’s vision continues to inspire employees in the company’s offices in Bali, Hong Kong, and New York.
The company’s first initiative involved planting bamboo, the long-lived, fast growing perennial grass that can grow to mammoth size. John Hardy, a seasoned environmentalist, initiated the planting of bamboo in Nusa Penida, an island near Bali where deforestation had ruined the tropical landscape. Bamboo also has a role in the making of John Hardy jewelry. The company’s workshop, Kapal Bamboo, which is situated amid rice fields, is made entirely of bamboo and alang-alang grass. No hardwood, which takes years to grow and is endangered in many tropical rainforests, was used. Designed by Malaysian architect Cheong Yew Kuan, the workshop cost only about $6,000.
The bamboo collection is carried through in the company’s sustainable advertising program, which is funded by a limited edition collection of sterling silver bamboo jewelry which is available on its web site, www.sustainableadvertising.com. Each piece of bamboo jewelry is inscribed inside with the number of bamboo seedlings that will be planted as a result of the sale of the jewelry.