A Designer's Eco-Chic Travel Guide From Malibu To Mexico
Eco-friendly L.A. designer, Lisa Leija has a passion for sustainable living and a mindful lifestyle. Always on the go, we asked her to share some of her favorite desinations, must-have travel essentials and the best spots near the water to get a bite to eat.
Q&A with Lisa:
Q.
Where did your sense of taste orginate from?
A. I have always been into fashion and style. My mother was a huge inspiration to my bohemian, chic style. She was a very fashionable woman. Over the years, I became more eco-conscious. My passion is fusing these two concepts together, a niche that I like to consider “eco-chic.”
Q.
What was the original influence to start living a more conscious lifestyle?
A. A film I made, “Paper or Plastic: The Documentary,” truly inspired me to give back to our planet. It educated me on how much waste and destruction we, as consumers, can create. By simply being more aware of the harmful effects of using paper and plastic, we can make a great impact by being conscious of the choices we make.
Q.
Where are your favorite spots for food and relaxation along the ocean?
A. One of my favorite hot spots to eat at is Nobu in Malibu because of its exquisite cuisine, pristine view and beautiful decor.
Another favorite spot of mine that I just got back from visiting is Posada Margherita in Tulum, Mexico for Italian! I love the fresh ingredients of their handmade pastas and organic sauces. It’s simply incredible, not to mention the laid back vibe of the town and restaurant as well. Very bohemian chic!
For beauty and serenity, my favorite spa is Sense at Mayakoba Rosewood. The place is pure bliss.
Q.
What are your go-to travel essentials?
A. I love Josie Maran products, especially the:
100% Pure Argan Oil
This oil is rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and can be used as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer or to heal and condition everything from cuticles to split ends. It’s 100% organic, it comes in a recyclable glass bottle.
Argan Lip Gloss
All-natural, moisturizing lip gloss made with jojoba oil and buriti oil, which is a natural skin soother, with rich levels of oleic acid that promotes skin nutrition and locks in moisture.
Josie is inspiring others to give back through programs, such as Morocco Women’s Co-Ops. This program provides rural working women with a steady income, fair wages, literacy and good working conditions.
Q.
What’s a must-have in your own bag?
A. A glass water bottle. Just a little food for thought: Americans buy 25 billion single served plastic water bottles each year. 1.5 million barrels of oil are used EVERY YEAR to produce plastic bottles in America. That’s enough oil to fuel 100,000 U.S. cars for a year. More than 80% of plastic water bottles end up in a landfill. Please rethink before buying a plastic water bottle!
Glass water bottles are a perfect substitution for plastic on the go. I use them every day while driving, going to the gym, at home and in the office. I have also use some of my smaller glass bottles to store my body oils and lotions.