SUMBA, INDONESIA—When I bid on an “Eco Resort Experience” last March at the : Christie’s Green Auction, I thought we were probably headed to a typically exotic deluxe vacation spot on the other side of the world. It turns out that I was in store for one of the most memorable experiences of my life, reminiscent of Marty McFLy traveling in his “Back To The Future” DeLorean car. A visit to Nihiwatu in Sumba, Indonesia is truly a trip back in time.
Nihiwatu is an exclusive resort but not in the traditional sense. It is built into the raw, previously uninhabited beach of West Sumba. This ain’t Bali, folks, far from it. Bali is New York City compared to Sumba, which is located about 400 miles east of Bali. The area in Indonesia is truly a time warp, one of the last animist societies remaining in the world. It was discovered by one of Magellan’s companions, in the 16th century on a spice gathering voyage. Overall, not much has changed on this island of 600,000 natives since those days, with the exception of the Nihiwatu compound brought to you by visionaries Claude and Petra Graves. Intimate and personal, the resort holds about 32 guests maximum in a series of tastefully outfitted villas and bungalows.
In case you’re wondering, yes, the Sumbanese still hunt heads. While this is illegal according to the Indonesian government, there were four beheadings in the past few months. It’s not dangerous for tourists, however, as this type of island justice is strictly reserved for tribal disputes. Apparently, centuries of headhunting is a hard habit to break. Each village used to feature a “skull tree” at its gate, with examples of recent battle victories for all to see.
When I arrived, there was really nothing here,” recalled Claude Graves, a New Jersey native who with his elegant German wife, Petra, founded and began building out Nihiwatu in 1989. “As a surfer, we looked out at perfect 20 foot waves on an absolutely pristine beach, and after a lengthy search, we knew we’d found our piece of paradise.” As Petra described it, “We didn’t even say a word, we just started setting up camp”.
From an environmental standpoint, the Graves were committed to remaining true to the three-pronged agenda of economy, environment, and social equity. This made things even more difficult, as the environment is raw, breathtakingly beautiful, but equally harsh and unforgiving. Winds, torrential rains, blazing sun, dangerous ocean currents, lack of any infrastructure or built environment, much less availability of building materials on the island, all conspired to make the construction of Nihiwatu a multi-year project filled with challenges and disappointments.
Despite these obstacles, locally sourced sustainable woods were used throughout the facility. Locals sell coconuts to the resort, which has an on-site processing capability to turn the coconut oil into which powers all vehicles, generators, air conditioners, boats, jet skis, and the kitchen. A large pile absorbs all food waste (and miraculously, does not give off any foul fumes, unlike my home composter.
Most of the is locally sourced, organically grown, harvested and prepared Fruits are predicably exotic and wonderful, as in mangosteens, dragonfruit, lycee, mangoes and coconuts, all right off the stem. Coffees and teas give Starbucks a run for their money, which is good since Sumba is one of few places on earth that will never qualify for Starbucks-ization. Best are the Sumbanese, Sumatran and Balinese beans which made my morning Joe especially memorable. It’s probably best to bring your own wines, as Nihiwatu’s cellar is not geared for the connoisseur. It’s a little tricky getting your own bottles through customs in Bali, so, be prepared for a “discussion” with the agents as a bit of “negotiation” may be required. Nihiwatu could double as a training ground for the Survivor or The Great Race television series – its athletic offerings will especially be appreciated by amateur adventure athletes. To that end, Nihiwatu offers the best athletic equipment we have used at any resort. Dive gear is first rate (bring your own mask, that’s all you need), the mountain bikes are pricey and well maintained, surfboards are properly waxed, the list goes on.
The mountain biking offers plenty of climbs and downhills, overall the terrain is rugged but scenic; the hiking is literally bushwhacking, crossing narrow, muddy trails and creaky bamboo bridges in driving rains to reach thundering 100+-foot waterfalls (how I wish I had thought to put my camera in a Ziplock bag…); the surfing and standup paddle boarding are great but not for the inexperienced as strong currents and riptides are found all along the beach; horseback riding is best reserved for accomplished cowboys and cowgirls as the small, super-cute but untamed Sumbanese Sandalwood horses are exciting to ride but tend to be unruly. Scuba diving is decent but don’t expect the crystal clear waters and visual delights of Grand Cayman or Belize. The coral in particular is varied and vibrant, but currents even at 60-100 feet can be strong. The jet-ski is Yamaha’s newest high horsepower model, don’t twist the throttle unless you are ready for instant-on acceleration from this heavyweight, blazing fast craft. Even the three+ mile out and back run along one of the world’s most scenic beaches, while not to be missed, isn’t just a casual jog. The sand, wind and high humidity made this inspiring route feel longer and more difficult than expected. I encountered not one human, only water buffalo that had grazed down from the foothills. In the morning, the sand is less soft and running barefoot was especially satisfying. Mosquitoes can be a problem at Nihiwatu $nbsp; You’re in a true jungle, and malaria is a common ailment. We bathed in Off spray twice a day, which was an effective deterrant for the most part. We also took anti-malaria medicine, which is recommended. One pill a day for 12 days and you’re good to go. Sumba Foundation, which has provided schools, water wells, medical and anti-malaria clinics and other critical services to over 20,000 villagers in West Sumba. The Graves have made this their life’s work, sacrificing profits from Nihiwatu to fund these projects for the impoverished natives. The Graves were in Bali in the 70s, and could have devoted their resources to building hotels and restaurants there and enjoyed the benefits that would have undoubtedly followed. So why would a young, attractive, successful couple give up such opportunity, all to go to a primitive island and help people living as they did 1,000 years ago?
We employ these people, we have taught them English, how to hold a job, how to fish and cook with modern equipment, how to take better care of their families, and showed them why they need running water and cleaner conditions. Many of them still don’t really get it, but some of them do, and that has been very rewarding to us,” Claude Graves explained. “The mortality rate of their children has decreased nearly 50 percent since we brought the malaria and medical clinics on stream. And our better local employees have gone on to purchase land, build improved houses and take care of their entire extended families through what they have learned at Nihiwatu. This is the work of the Sumba Foundation, and we have a lot more to do.
One thing I didn’t get to see was the Pasola, a traditional contest among tribes that features warriors atop the miniature sandalwood horses, armed with spears (the Indonesian government has required the spear tips to be dulled). It is basically organized chaos, very colorful and exciting, and inevitably, there are deaths. In fact, the Pasola is not considered successful unless there is bloodshed, the more the better as blood on the earth symbolizes a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
Perhaps the most fascinating thing about Sumba is seeing the Graves work with the natives. They have mastered the art of transitioning people out of poverty, without infringing on their cultural values. Governments could learn a lot from studying the Sumba Foundation. Be sure to view the Sumba Foundation video and tour one of the Sumbanese villages, it’s a trip back in time that is not to be missed. Be prepared, however, for the primitive conditions, which can be a little disarming – Gilligan’s Island it ain’t. People, dogs, cats, swine, horses, monkeys and other family “possessions” share the same living quarters.
You will also meet some interesting people as Nihiwatu attracts the cultural and physical elite. Film producers and directors, philanthropists, designers, CEOs – most of whom appear to be in great athletic shape – populate the place on a regular basis. Oh, one more thing. Not much nightlife on Sumba, but Sumba tends to attract eco-conscious movers and shakers from all over the world as its guests. Thus we managed to make our own New Year’s Eve party, and as the saying goes, what happens in Nihiwatu, stays in Nihiwatu
Typical Sunset at Nihiwatu Beach
GETTING THERE: Fly out of LAX or JFK to Denpasar, Bali, usually via Taipei or Singapore. Overnight in Denpasar, then catch a surprisingly large jet for the 50 minute flight to Sumba. SUVs from Nihiwatu will be waiting to take you on the 90 minute drive across the island to reach the resort, located at the extreme edge of West Sumba. COST AND AVAILABILITY: Variable according to season. Most packages include room, three meals per day, welcome massage, all non-alcoholic beverages and other extras end up at between $730 and $3500 per night, depending upon accommodation. Surfers should pay special attention to timing, as during prime surfing season management only allows 10 surfing guests. You won’t have to compete for the best waves here. Read more by Jennifer Schwab on her Inner Green
Nihiwatu is an exclusive resort but not in the traditional sense. It is built into the raw, previously uninhabited beach of West Sumba. This ain’t Bali, folks, far from it. Bali is New York City compared to Sumba, which is located about 400 miles east of Bali. The area in Indonesia is truly a time warp, one of the last animist societies remaining in the world. It was discovered by one of Magellan’s companions, in the 16th century on a spice gathering voyage. Overall, not much has changed on this island of 600,000 natives since those days, with the exception of the Nihiwatu compound brought to you by visionaries Claude and Petra Graves. Intimate and personal, the resort holds about 32 guests maximum in a series of tastefully outfitted villas and bungalows. In case you’re wondering, yes, the Sumbanese still hunt heads. While this is illegal according to the Indonesian government, there were four beheadings in the past few months. It’s not dangerous for tourists, however, as this type of island justice is strictly reserved for tribal disputes. Apparently, centuries of headhunting is a hard habit to break. Each village used to feature a “skull tree” at its gate, with examples of recent battle victories for all to see.
When I arrived, there was really nothing here,” recalled Claude Graves, a New Jersey native who with his elegant German wife, Petra, founded and began building out Nihiwatu in 1989. “As a surfer, we looked out at perfect 20 foot waves on an absolutely pristine beach, and after a lengthy search, we knew we’d found our piece of paradise.” As Petra described it, “We didn’t even say a word, we just started setting up camp”.
From an environmental standpoint, the Graves were committed to remaining true to the three-pronged agenda of economy, environment, and social equity. This made things even more difficult, as the environment is raw, breathtakingly beautiful, but equally harsh and unforgiving. Winds, torrential rains, blazing sun, dangerous ocean currents, lack of any infrastructure or built environment, much less availability of building materials on the island, all conspired to make the construction of Nihiwatu a multi-year project filled with challenges and disappointments. Despite these obstacles, locally sourced sustainable woods were used throughout the facility. Locals sell coconuts to the resort, which has an on-site processing capability to turn the coconut oil into which powers all vehicles, generators, air conditioners, boats, jet skis, and the kitchen. A large pile absorbs all food waste (and miraculously, does not give off any foul fumes, unlike my home composter.
Most of the is locally sourced, organically grown, harvested and prepared Fruits are predicably exotic and wonderful, as in mangosteens, dragonfruit, lycee, mangoes and coconuts, all right off the stem. Coffees and teas give Starbucks a run for their money, which is good since Sumba is one of few places on earth that will never qualify for Starbucks-ization. Best are the Sumbanese, Sumatran and Balinese beans which made my morning Joe especially memorable. It’s probably best to bring your own wines, as Nihiwatu’s cellar is not geared for the connoisseur. It’s a little tricky getting your own bottles through customs in Bali, so, be prepared for a “discussion” with the agents as a bit of “negotiation” may be required. Nihiwatu could double as a training ground for the Survivor or The Great Race television series – its athletic offerings will especially be appreciated by amateur adventure athletes. To that end, Nihiwatu offers the best athletic equipment we have used at any resort. Dive gear is first rate (bring your own mask, that’s all you need), the mountain bikes are pricey and well maintained, surfboards are properly waxed, the list goes on.
The mountain biking offers plenty of climbs and downhills, overall the terrain is rugged but scenic; the hiking is literally bushwhacking, crossing narrow, muddy trails and creaky bamboo bridges in driving rains to reach thundering 100+-foot waterfalls (how I wish I had thought to put my camera in a Ziplock bag…); the surfing and standup paddle boarding are great but not for the inexperienced as strong currents and riptides are found all along the beach; horseback riding is best reserved for accomplished cowboys and cowgirls as the small, super-cute but untamed Sumbanese Sandalwood horses are exciting to ride but tend to be unruly. Scuba diving is decent but don’t expect the crystal clear waters and visual delights of Grand Cayman or Belize. The coral in particular is varied and vibrant, but currents even at 60-100 feet can be strong. The jet-ski is Yamaha’s newest high horsepower model, don’t twist the throttle unless you are ready for instant-on acceleration from this heavyweight, blazing fast craft. Even the three+ mile out and back run along one of the world’s most scenic beaches, while not to be missed, isn’t just a casual jog. The sand, wind and high humidity made this inspiring route feel longer and more difficult than expected. I encountered not one human, only water buffalo that had grazed down from the foothills. In the morning, the sand is less soft and running barefoot was especially satisfying. Mosquitoes can be a problem at Nihiwatu $nbsp; You’re in a true jungle, and malaria is a common ailment. We bathed in Off spray twice a day, which was an effective deterrant for the most part. We also took anti-malaria medicine, which is recommended. One pill a day for 12 days and you’re good to go. Sumba Foundation, which has provided schools, water wells, medical and anti-malaria clinics and other critical services to over 20,000 villagers in West Sumba. The Graves have made this their life’s work, sacrificing profits from Nihiwatu to fund these projects for the impoverished natives. The Graves were in Bali in the 70s, and could have devoted their resources to building hotels and restaurants there and enjoyed the benefits that would have undoubtedly followed. So why would a young, attractive, successful couple give up such opportunity, all to go to a primitive island and help people living as they did 1,000 years ago?We employ these people, we have taught them English, how to hold a job, how to fish and cook with modern equipment, how to take better care of their families, and showed them why they need running water and cleaner conditions. Many of them still don’t really get it, but some of them do, and that has been very rewarding to us,” Claude Graves explained. “The mortality rate of their children has decreased nearly 50 percent since we brought the malaria and medical clinics on stream. And our better local employees have gone on to purchase land, build improved houses and take care of their entire extended families through what they have learned at Nihiwatu. This is the work of the Sumba Foundation, and we have a lot more to do. One thing I didn’t get to see was the Pasola, a traditional contest among tribes that features warriors atop the miniature sandalwood horses, armed with spears (the Indonesian government has required the spear tips to be dulled). It is basically organized chaos, very colorful and exciting, and inevitably, there are deaths. In fact, the Pasola is not considered successful unless there is bloodshed, the more the better as blood on the earth symbolizes a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
Perhaps the most fascinating thing about Sumba is seeing the Graves work with the natives. They have mastered the art of transitioning people out of poverty, without infringing on their cultural values. Governments could learn a lot from studying the Sumba Foundation. Be sure to view the Sumba Foundation video and tour one of the Sumbanese villages, it’s a trip back in time that is not to be missed. Be prepared, however, for the primitive conditions, which can be a little disarming – Gilligan’s Island it ain’t. People, dogs, cats, swine, horses, monkeys and other family “possessions” share the same living quarters. You will also meet some interesting people as Nihiwatu attracts the cultural and physical elite. Film producers and directors, philanthropists, designers, CEOs – most of whom appear to be in great athletic shape – populate the place on a regular basis. Oh, one more thing. Not much nightlife on Sumba, but Sumba tends to attract eco-conscious movers and shakers from all over the world as its guests. Thus we managed to make our own New Year’s Eve party, and as the saying goes, what happens in Nihiwatu, stays in Nihiwatu
Typical Sunset at Nihiwatu Beach
GETTING THERE: Fly out of LAX or JFK to Denpasar, Bali, usually via Taipei or Singapore. Overnight in Denpasar, then catch a surprisingly large jet for the 50 minute flight to Sumba. SUVs from Nihiwatu will be waiting to take you on the 90 minute drive across the island to reach the resort, located at the extreme edge of West Sumba. COST AND AVAILABILITY: Variable according to season. Most packages include room, three meals per day, welcome massage, all non-alcoholic beverages and other extras end up at between $730 and $3500 per night, depending upon accommodation. Surfers should pay special attention to timing, as during prime surfing season management only allows 10 surfing guests. You won’t have to compete for the best waves here. Read more by Jennifer Schwab on her Inner Green
Our economy is slowly but surely heeding the signal that carbon is the new watchword. During the past few years, a steady stream of so-called “biobased” products have been making their way to retail shelves — compostable dinnerware made from corn, plant-based laundry detergents, and bamboo flooring among them. 
Have you ever thought of applying logics of mathematics to the irrationalities of emotion? That is what Chip Conley has done in his latest book 
This month I spoke with Matt Bogoshian in DC. He is the Senior Policy Counsel for the Environmental Protection Agency. One of the ways I reconcile being apolitical and staying as far away from DC as possible is because I know I have kindred spirits like Matt fighting the good fight there. He works quite a bit with businesses, so I asked him about CSR this month.
This last week I had a chance to listen in on a discussion with some of the leaders of the 
“These days people are gathering in unusual groups. Not large groups but different ones. They are the ones who grew were the sensitive children. These are the ones that wanted to save the polar bears and save the world and were disturbed by the mistreatment of others. This tribe is just beginning to find each other. There are more people entering life who are sensitive. Something happening where humanity is being tested and if we don’t pass nothing will be left. Will humanity prove to be a blessing or a curse. This the first time technology and size make up a force of nature. The creator could have made us as robots he did not. We are something more interesting. We have free will, choice and decision making abilities. All other species are set in process. 
Bud Wilson was a student-athlete-activist during the tumultuous era at Harvard University and emerged with an interdisciplinary degree combining, child development, innovative education and urban social policy. He the Global Director of Bio-Regional Leadership and an awareness instructor and wilderness guide for Sacred Passage and The Way of Nature. Bud has devoted his passion and energy to raising awareness (including his own) and shifting human consciousness to appreciate that we are all living in an interdependent, interconnected world where there is more than enough for all of humanity to live in peace and harmony. A proud dad of 2 wonderful grown children! 
Spending over $300+ billion dollars annually, the demographic called LOHAS, continues to change the way marketers conceptualize the 4 P's of marketing. LOHAS is Lifestyles of health and sustainability. The consumer group identifying themselves with LOHAS are a megatrend not to be overlooked or taken for granted. Consumers have traditionally expected governments to take the lead in protecting the environment, but now they are looking more to the corporate world to take action, rather than individuals. Increasingly, Asians want economic growth but believe it should be achieved through greener industry Market research conducted in 2010 revealed an untapped multi-billion dollar demand from households with significant purchasing power that relates to exactly this. THE LOHAS Asia and NMI research on China, for example, questioned 1,000 consumers across the five cities of Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou and Shanghai. Results showed that 88% agreed that it is important for companies to be mindful of their impact on society. With China having overtaken Japan as the world’s second-biggest economy, the LOHAS consumer demand is on the rise month by month and there is an urgency for the market to respond. Asia isn’t regarded as a pioneer on the CSR front, but in recent years, action on CSR is growing amongst Asian firms. In Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, and more recently Singapore and Thailand, stock exchanges are playing an increasing role in raising the visibility of businesses and encouraging reporting on sustainability. However, despite years of education on the issue, businesses across Asia still carry the common misperceptions of CSR being equivalent to philanthropy, which is what you do with your profits while CSR is what how you go about making those profits. Given the real concern from knowledgeable consumers, this also means companies have to deliver more than just lip-service and stand true to what they claim. Governments are also helping to develop CSR practices, such as in Singapore with the Green Mark Scheme for buildings as a key initiative to promote sustainability in the building sector. The Singapore Government is also pursuing sustainable fashion as another sector, and launching new subsidies for industry training.
Here are some LOHAS trends to consider that we feel will be impactful for the next year in the area of health and wellness. Ive done some research and here are my list of top wellness trends to consider significant in the LOHAS market.
Wellness Through Nature -
Bringing out the Monk in You
Technology Becomes a
The Science of Wellness
Canned, tinned and frozen foods are likely to benefit from consumers’ bunker mentality and the search for stability in a tumultuous world. Certainly there is greater awareness that freezing foods early locks in their nutritious benefits. The continuance of record setting seed sales from garden centres and supermarkets indicates the continued trend towards self-sufficiency such as organic gardening and herb window boxes. Market research firm 
The economic slump has hit men hard in traditionally male dominant fields such as finance and construction. Women in the workforce are now better qualified, command higher salaries and work longer hours – which mean men need to do more of the shopping. Plus, many women are employed in fields that are expected to thrive the next few years. This is leading to a new balance of power and the rise of the “
As smart phones become commonplace more apps will be available for people to find local organic restaurants and grocery stores, 
More people want their local economies to succeed and are choosing to support local farms and restaurants. For many of us, eating honest, fresh and real food has taken on a higher priority in our lives. More consumers are willing to take the time to visit specialty shops for foods of a higher quality and relationship with the merchant. There is a movement that is returning to neighborhood butcher shops, specialty bread stores, and boutique shops for buying food needs. Grocery stores aren’t going away but there is a surge in farmer markets with one-on-one relationships. These may cost a bit more but is attractive for people with the time and money to do it, such as empty nesters and those young singles we used to call yuppies. This trend is about growing and tending—if someone, somewhere, is personally growing and tending to this product, as opposed to packing and sorting on the assembly line, then it’s local. It means someone is personally committed to it. Someone has made sacrifices to bring it to market. 
We all know the obesity epidemic is rampant in the U.S. More awareness of issues have been brought up by efforts from 
sourcing and ingredients of products and have become more aware of genetically modified foods (GMOs). Despite the claim from companies like Monsanto that GMOs are sustainable and are the only way to feed the world’s growing populations, opponents contest that they do more harm to the environment, farming economies and our health than good. Books such as the 
2010 saw a rise in concen with BPA (Bisphenol A) used in containers for food and drinks - mostly canned goods. BPA was developed in the 1930s, and commercial uses exploded in the 1950s after scientists discovered its ability to make plastics more durable and shatterproof. BPA is used in thousands of consumer goods, including compact discs, dental sealants, and credit card and ATM receipts, but health advocates say they are most concerned about BPA's presence in plastic food containers, bottles and the epoxy linings of metal cans because it can leach into food and beverages. It is found in the urine of more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, according to federal estimates. Recent 
Earlier this fall I was fortunate enough to hear Van Jones speak at the SVN fall conference. Van Jones was the Green Jobs Czar that Obama appointed only to be ousted by people who felt he was too controversial for the job. Prior to being appointed he founded Green For All that promotes green jobs in inner city communities solving both unemployment and the development of a green industry. He also wrote the Green Collar Economy that outlines his vision on how this could be done. I had not heard anything from him since his resignation from the White House appointed position and was curious if he had any remorse and what he thought of the current political and economic climate. What he said I found quite profound. He started out by talking about how disasters like the BP oil spill demonstrated what can happen from a perceived insignificant cheat from someone in the BP office that created catastrophic results and untold environmental and brand damage. 
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