Ecozine Issue 6: Winter 2015 by Ecozine

L U X U R Y + T R AV E L + FA S H I O N + F I T N E S S + H E A LT H + I N N O VAT I O N

WINTER 2015

CELEBRITY of the YEAR

RICHARD BRANSON

2015

TOP 5 TIPS FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE

FEATURING

Jessica Alba Kelly Chin Leonardo DiCaprio Harrison Ford Ricky Gervais Elon Musk Jamie Oliver Pharrell Williams Emma Thompson

HAZY DAYS HOW MUCH IS AIR POLLUTION COSTING US?

HKD $45 USD/CAD $8

GIFTING FOR GOOD + DIY ECO-WRAPPING

MAGGIE

WELLNESS ADVICE TO HELP YOU GLOW & FLOW INTO THE NEW YEAR!

WORKS HER MAGIC TO PROTECT THE PLANET

SUSTAINABLE SLOPES THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER 28 GOOD GIFTS Make your presents matter

RICHARD BRANSON On maintaining balance

32 ECO CELEBS Stars we loved in 2015

58-63 WELLNESS A new section just for you!

42 HAZY DAYS Choke on these air truths

HIT THE SLOPES Skiing sweet spots 20

THE SOURCE

FEATURES

WELLNESS

20 LISA LOVES...

32 TOP 10 ECO CELEBRITIES OF 2015

58 WORK-LIFE BALANCE: MY 5 TIPS

Ecozine’s Founder and CEO Lisa Christensen shares her winter warmers

22 THE LIST: CANDLES

Eco-conscious, gorgeous options for a warm ambiance this holiday season

24 DIY GIFT WRAPPING

Get creative with these crafty presentations

26 BOOK AND FILM MATTERS

Inform yourself about the silent killers – and the people fighting them

28 OBJECTS OF DESIRE

Choose gifts with a difference this season

30 PURE AIR DIRECTORY

You can breathe easy with any of these in your home

We round up A-listers with a whole lotta heart

42 POLLUTION SOLUTIONS?

What’s being done about our air quality, and is it enough?

LIFE + HOME

46 LOFTY IDEAS

Peek inside a high-tech eco apartment in the heart of Hong Kong

Richard Branson, the king of ‘work hard, play hard’, shares his secrets

60 THE YEAR OF YOU

Why prioritise wellbeing and balance in 2016? Read on.

62 9 FAB FITNESS FINDS

There’s no excuse when the options are this awesome and varied!

52 POWERING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

One solar company is brightening lives with its simple innovations

56 SOPHISTICATED SUPERFOOD

Chef Harlan Goldstein shares his delicious beetroot and quinoa salad recipe

SUBSCRIBE TO ECOZINE MAGAZINE (Please see page 11 for details)

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Photos credits: Kalle Gustafsson, Moyan Brenn, Hong Kong Photography Studio Ltd.

STYLE

TECH

ET CETERA

64 FASHION FORD-WARD

10 CONTRIBUTORS

Upcycling car parts into haute couture... with stunning results

SCARLET FEVER: GLAM IT UP

It’s party season, so don’t hold back – shine on!

73 MY ESSENTIALS

Eco chic fashion sweetheart Christina Dean shares her must-haves

TRAVEL

ECO LUXE CITY GUIDE: PARIS

Discover the sustainable side to the city d’amour

ELECTRIFYING RIDES

There’s an electric motorcycle out there for every personality

86 APP-LAUSE

Eight apps to minimise your holiday impact

87 TOP BULBS

14 EDITOR’S NOTE 16 ECORAZZI 92 WHERE TO FIND US

Energy-saving lighting solutions compared

93 SUBSCRIBE TO WIN

PERSPECTIVE

94 ONE MORE THING

PAUL ZIMMERMAN

SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR

Why cities need to be more walkable

The spiritual leader on how to de-stress

SUSTAINABLY SNOWY

SPECTACULAR SRI LANKA

Ski resorts with an eco edge!

The up-and-coming isle embraces eco tourism

COMING TO TOWN 17/12 – 21/2 THE AIA GREAT EUROPEAN CARNIVAL Mark your calendar and get your family ready for some outdoor fun this winter!

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FOUNDER, CEO

LISA CHRISTENSEN | lisa@ecozine.com

SUBSCRIBE TO WIN ECOZINE’S FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER DELIVERS THE BEST OF EACH WEEK, DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX!

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

NISSA MARION | nissa@ecozine.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Alex Andersson, Kathy Yin, Harlan Goldstein, Louis de Tilly-Blaru, Lisa Middleton, Paul Zimmerman, Rachelle Chau, Richard Branson, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Tessa Friend editor@ecozine.com

CREATIVE GRAPHIC DESIGN Andy Lai, IndeeDesign COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kristian Schmidt FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY Samuel Croskery FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Hong Kong Photography Studio ILLUSTRATION Tanya ‘Pirate’ Bennett

ADVERTISING, CIRCULATION & EVENTS partner@ecozine.com

ACCOUNTING & ADMINISTRATION Ho Tak Sang & Co.

PRINT PARTNER Gear Printing

PAPER PARTNERS Polytrade Paper Corporation Ltd. Cover: Opus Dull 216gsm Kin Wah Hong Paper Ltd. Inside: Norbrite 65gsm Ecozine sources paper that contains recycled content and is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSCTM) certified. FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.

HEAD OFFICE Unit 107, 1st Floor, Kai Wong Commercial Building,

VISIT ECOZINE.COM FOR CANDID REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE FEATURES OF-THE-MINUTE NEWS JUICY PRODUCT PICKS ECO LUXURY LIVING

UPCOMING EVENTS PHOTO GALLERIES ECO DIRECTORY STUFF TO WIN CLEVER TIPS

222-224 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong T (852) 2868 5585 info@ecozine.com Editorial views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the publisher. Published by Ecozine Ltd. 2015

Ecozine operates under a ‘CopyLeft license’, meaning that any original editorial content in this publication may be modified, shared, copied, redistributed and used for non-commercial purposes – just make sure to please credit the source!

MAKE LOVE NOT LANDFILL Please share, reuse or recycle this magazine when you have finished enjoying it.

CONTRIBUTORS

< Alex Andersson

< Christina Dean

Alex Andersson is a passionate wildlife conservationist, and has contributed to ivory and pangolin campaigns in this region for both WildAid and Humane Society International. She is also a journalist, and has written on environmental issues for a wide range of publications.

Christina is the Founder of the sustainable fashion NGO Redress, best known for the annual Ecochic Design Awards. She has received numerous recognitions for her work, including being listed by UK Vogue as one of the UK’s ‘Top 30 Inspirational Women’. Prior to founding Redress, Christina was a journalist and a practicing dental surgeon.

Eco tip: Sign petitions! It only takes one second, and it could end up making a huge difference to a being – human or animal – that is suffering somewhere.

Eco tip: Wear the change you want to see in the world!

Lisa Middleton >

Mike Hill >

Lisa has over 12 years experience as a professional facilitator and coach. Her particular talents lie in the area of helping managers align vision, leadership and wellness as the foundation to achieving extraordinary levels of professional and personal success. She works with an integral coaching model that is at the leading edge in human development technology.

Mike Hill is a Hong Kong-based financial professional with 20 years of finance experience in the USA and Asia, including investment management, capital markets trading, and investment banking. A lifelong sailor with a love of the ocean, Mike has an MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon School and BA from the University of Pennsylvania.

Eco tip: Save your health and save the planet - become a weekday vegetarian.

Eco tip: Decline shark fin soup at celebrations; this pointless, unsustainable ‘delicacy’ is responsible for driving some shark species to the brink of extinction.

< Paul Zimmerman

< Richard Branson

Paul Zimmerman is the Southern District Councillor, representing the Pok Fu Lam constituency in Hong Kong. He is also the CEO and founder of Designing Hong Kong, a notfor-profit organisation promoting sustainable urban planning in the city. Originally from the Netherlands, Zimmerman received his Certificate for Naturalisation as a Chinese National in 2012.

Sir Richard Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, which is comprised of more than 400 companies. The mega mogul and entrepreneurial genius also has a very big heart, contributing both his wealth and personal efforts to a number of causes, including WildAid, Cancer Research UK and Virgin Giving. Eco tip:There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions – in a way that serves the world and you.

Eco tip: Recycle your waste at one of the many recycling stations in our city, and set up a compost in your own home.

Sean Baylis >

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar >

Sean was given a Kodak 124 Instamatic Camera for his fifth birthday, and the rest is history! His passion for photographing the world around us spans some 40 years, and over that time has developed into his dedicated profession. He is also an involved supporter of ocean conservation and recycling initiatives.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, which helps people deal with stress, societal problems and violence. He has met with a number of global leaders and helped to mediate conflicts and long-standing disagreements, particularly in South America, and has received a grand list of awards for these efforts.

Eco tip: Please don’t throw anything into the ocean. Think before you buy something wrapped in plastic. Shop at the wet market and take your own bags.

Eco tip: Take time to go out into nature, go for a relaxing stroll and just be, or take some quiet time to meditate.

< Tanya Bennett

< Tessa Friend

Tanya Bennett, AKA Pirate, combines her skills in digital imagery and fashion illustration to create unique paintings, multimedia installations and commercial projects for high-profile clients such as Lane Crawford and Tumi. UK-born, the talented artist is now based in Hong Kong, where she spends her free time exploring its hill trails.

Tessa is the Event Manager at the Hong Kong Cleanup. With a background in environmental science and a deep appreciation for nature, she is also a self-confessed craftaholic. She loves upcycling household items, hand-making eco-goodies and crafting event decorations for her friends.

Eco tip: Don’t add to the masses of holiday

kettle, so when you’re making just one cup of tea be sure to put in only the volume of water you need! Your tea will not only be ready faster, but you’ll be saving electricity.

trash. Make a gift instead of buying – it’s more thoughtful and special anyway (extra points for upcycling)!

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Eco tip: It takes a lot of energy to boil the

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EDITOR'S NOTE

inter is here, and I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. White for snow, yes (I grew up in Canada), but also white representing the dream of clean air – no more brown-clouded horizon! – and the promise of turning a fresh new page (of recycled paper, natch), ready to fill with inspirations and stories in the new year. And what better inspiration than the many musicians, actors and business leaders who are leveraging their celebrity status to bring attention to the most important issues of our time? For this issue’s cover feature, we decided to pull our (LED) spotlight toward a number of faces you’re sure to recognise, and highlight the thing we love about them that you may not know. Be it fundraising, spreading awareness or good old-fashioned protesting in the streets, these celebrities are making waves for the causes they believe in, and we take our hats off to them starting on page 32. On a more serious note, in this issue we also talk about air – and the timing couldn’t be more appropriate. When I first moved to Hong Kong, I had the impression that the brisk winter air must be cleaner than in summer with its stifling humidity. How wrong I was; air quality in Hong Kong is very often worse in winter, due to cooler weather trapping emissions in the urban

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Let it snow, let it snow... whatever the weather, I love being outdoors! valleys, as well as northerly winds carrying particles from nearby industrial Guangdong. As we head into the smoggiest season, on the heels of a summer already filled with air pollution health warnings, it’s a perfect time to explore the issue of air quality (p.42) and how it affects our health and wellbeing. You’ll find this topic threaded throughout this issue, from books and films to technology and even wellness, with a special perspective from Ravi Shankar on p.91. Of course, it’s not all bad news when it comes to the season change. Winter is a time of festivity and fun, with numerous holidays to enjoy and reasons to be generous to those we love. To this end we’ve packed this issue with green-hearted gifts galore, from products to warm up the home to fashion, gadgets and even a DIY guide to wrapping your presents more thoughtfully. Speaking of gifts, what better gift than one that gives all year round? Now’s the perfect time to buy yourself or a friend the gift of an Ecozine subscription – not least because you could win a stunning piece of jewellery for yourself in the process (p.93)! With the year turning over, it’s also the perfect time to look inward, take a mental inventory of the things that we love and

perhaps also some things that haven’t served us in the past, clearing a way for happiness, health and success in 2016. We feel strongly that sustainability is about more than ecology, society, and economy… it’s also about personal wellbeing and stability. One can’t do good for others and for the planet unless ones own garden is first tended! Thus, I’m pleased to share that this is our first issue with a dedicated Wellness section, where we look at mind, body and spirit, kicking off with sound advice from guest contributor Richard Branson (p.58), and explore topics ranging from mindfulness to healthy food to getting fit for spring. We hope you enjoy this issue, and would love to hear from you. I’m always pleased when I receive feedback and suggestions at editor@ecozine.com, so please reach out and say hello – and help us grow and improve to serve you better! And finally, since I won’t be speaking to you again until 2016, may I take this opportunity on behalf of our whole team to wish you a warm and cosy winter and a happy new year.

Nissa Marion Editor in Chief

Ecozine.com

Straws and other disposable plastics litter our ecosystems

Charles Bedford, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, rolls up his sleeves

Sea Shepherd’s Gary Stokes and son team up with HKC cofounder Nissa Marion

Celebrity ambassadors Anthony and Jocelyn Sandstrom joined the effort A keen volunteer on the trails

The 2015 HKC campaign promoted the message ‘let’s work together’

HONG KONG CLEANUP TURNS 15!

Celebrity ambassadors Ankie Beilke, Lisa S and Helena Chan at the kickoff party

The 15th anniversary of Ecozine’s Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge kicked off in September with a chic cocktail at KEE Club, and saw thousands of participants signing up through December 1st. The annual event engages hundreds of teams from schools, companies, government, NGOs and community groups, all taking part to make Hong Kong a cleaner, better place. The Hong Kong Cleanup aims to engage 5% of the population this year, and is well on its way. Congratulations to all involved! Allison Schutes of global partner Ocean Conservancy visited to join the HK efforts

Team Nomura cleaning the country parks

Team Fitbit hit the trails with 100 ‘Fitbit Fans’ Co-organiser The Nature Conservancy at the kickoff cocktail

Bright colours for team spirit! Team Ecozine celebrates the 15th anniversary

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ECORAZZI ECORAZZI A citywide campaign to dress pink on 23rd October

Popular fashion bloggers attended Pink Revolution

VIP guests joined Sally Lo, Founder & CEO of HKCF, and Pink Ambassador Coco Lee

Breast cancer survivor Josephine (right) shares her story

Singer Coco Lee speaks in support of HKCF

Even the venerable Peninsula Hotel gets in on the pink action

PINK REVOLUTION

The HKCF ‘check check’ campaign urges women to check for early signs

Hong Kong Cancer Fund celebrated the 15th anniversary of Pink Revolution in October. This annual campaign gathers combined efforts from NGOs, celebrities, companies, retailers, lifestyle bloggers and cancer survivors to educate women on breast cancer detection. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hong Kong women. Anthony Phillips, Case Everaert

Children from the Po Leung Kuk HKTA Yuen Yuen Primary School

Bruce and Karen Seymour

FCC CHARITY BALL

An enthusiastic crowd of Tears for Fears fans sang along to the band’s greatest hits during the 14th Foreign Correspondents’ Club Annual Charity Ball, with 1,200 local and overseas guests in attendance. The FCC Charity Ball is the club’s main annual fundraiser and has raised more than HK $82 million over the years to support the education of Hong Kong’s neediest children through various projects.

Alexandra and Alex Tracy

Rachel Park-Monballiu, Heather Ma, Mahnaz Lee, Svetlana Pozdeeva, Viktoriya Buck

Monica and Michael Muller Tears For Fears entertained guests

Kelly Lo, Dr. Pollyanna and Kingston Chu Ecozine.com

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LISA

Loves..

STUFF YOU WANT TO KNOW

From travels, treasures and inspirations to body, mind and spirit, Ecozine’s Founder Lisa Christensen shares a few of her favourite eco things

N is an d I en jo y ing a w intr y w on der la nd THE WINTER ISSUE DEAR SANTA

All I want for Christmas is a Tesla Model X! Just launched in the fall, it is a perfect mix of innovation, performance and utility. It features a single-charge driving range of over 400km, and has sexy falcon-wing doors that open optimally based on how much space is around the car. And you know I love speed – well, this spacious SUV can reach 100kph in just 3.2 seconds! P.S. I’ve been a really good girl this year... tesla.com

Whether you want to escape the cooler weather and head south, go north and hit the slopes, or perhaps stay put to enjoy the festive season, this issue is packed with great tips for you!

DRAW THE RIGHT STRAW

Ecozine and Hong Kong Cleanup have just become part of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, and I could not be more excited to join this driving force for plastic-free living, which includes individuals, organisations, businesses and policymakers. This metal straw is just one of many reusable products and plastic-reducing ideas they encourage the public to consider. I love mine and take it everywhere. Join today! plasticpollutioncoalition.org

CITY OF THE FUTURE

I’m loving these personalized 10th anniversary wooden box sets from TREE! Made from a choice of reclaimed teak or colourful recycled boat wood in a variety of shapes and sizes, they can be stacked, hung, or shelved to create a custom storage solution to fit any space. So much room for creativity!

Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is making some noise in the mainstream media as it pushes full speed ahead toward its goal of being the most sustainable city in the world. With a few thousand people currently working and living in the city, it keeps adding businesses, schools, and much more. Here, state-of-the-art technology is combined with ancient architectural techniques to show how cities can reduce energy burn, water usage and waste. Watch this space January 16-23 during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

tree.com.hk

masdar.ae

OUT OF THE BOX

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CAMBODIAN DREAM

The luxurious resort Song Saa in Cambodia – whose name means ‘the sweethearts’ – spans two islands, Koh Quen and Koh Bong, connected by a footbridge. While its overwater, jungle and ocean-view villas are truly stunning and built with sustainable materials, it’s their ethic that I really love. They created Cambodia’s first marine reserve to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine ecosystems, and work tirelessly to improve the environment and community where they operate. Now that’s good business. songsaa.com

FILM AND BOOK FAVES UNDER THE DOME

Under the Dome is more than just a film. It’s the start of a social movement. The documentary reveals the absurdity of China’s pollution crisis, with children having to play in controlled ‘dome’ environments, rather than breathing the air outside. Mother and journalist Chai Jing delivers a passionate and informed ‘lecture’ (similar to Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth) about the extent of the air pollution crisis, and the message has resonated with people across the country. The video has been viewed over 150 million times since its release, and I hope will be seen by millions more.

THE ROOT OF MY BIG TOE

This three part series by physicist Thomas Campbell hones in on consciousness – what it is, what it means, and how to use it. The trilogy titles include Awakening, Discovery and Inner Workings, and explain the characteristics, origins, dynamics, and function of things like ego, love, and free will. I recommend reading all three in order to reach a heightened state of awareness that empowers you with the capacity to think, and dream, big. my-big-toe.com

ZERO WASTE CORPORATE CHALLENGE

Following the success of Hong Kong’s first Zero Waste Week, I’m delighted to share this new programme with you! Reducing waste has become a matter of urgency – for our economy, our ecosystems, and ourselves. Now the Hong Kong corporate world has opportunity to take action through the Zero Waste Corporate Challenge, in which we help companies reduce waste at source. Services include consultations with international zero waste experts, waste characterisation studies, staff engagement tools, events, certification and more! Email for details.

JOY is GRATITUDE – David Steindl-Rast

WINTER GLOW

Just because the season has changed doesn’t mean you have to have drab, pale skin. Get a tan the safe way I say – without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays. To this end ECO TAN Invisible Tan solution is an excellent organic product; just apply, leave on for 8 hours, and voilà – a bronzed goddess emerges. Now available in Hong Kong at JustGreen! justgreen.com.hk

zwcc@ecozine.com

MEDITATE, ALLEVIATE

On a recent trip to India I discovered the amazing benefits of Vipassana, one of India’s oldest meditation techniques. Translated literally it means ‘to see things as they really are’, and it has been used to cure ailments for over 2,500 years. There are thousands of Vipassana centres around the world, including right here in Hong Kong in the New Territories! I highly recommend trying it out. dhamma.org

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LIST 1

CANDLES

Bring warmth and enchantment to your home this winter with these luxurious, indulgent and environmentally friendly candles

KOBO SEEDS COLLECTION – CATALAN CALENDULA Awaken your senses with the scent of cut grass, orange blossoms and fresh flowers. Kobo candles are made from sustainably grown soybeans, and are wrapped in recycled, biodegradable, FSC-certified paper infused with seeds that grow the scent of the candle!

US $28 | phatrice.com

DIPTYQUE – ROSES

Renowned French candlemaker Diptyque’s homage to the queen of flowers – the classic rose – emits a romantic, sweet aroma, and is 100 per cent handmade with a high-grade vegetable wax and perfume mix. Perfect for adding some romance to a wintry eve. US $60 | Diptyque

HOME ESSENTIALS – LIME & PEPPERMINT

After a stressful day, refresh your mind and soul with this zesty, minty scent. These Cerabella candles are made of 100 per cent vegetal wax, and are handmade in Barcelona in a traditional, time-honoured way. US $36 | Home Essentials

ECOYA – FRENCH PEAR

A warm and wonderful mix of spiced pear with a hint of vanilla, this high-quality soy wax candle from Ecoya adheres to a strict no paraffin and lead policy, so you can be sure your candle remains chemical-free.

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US $30 | Indigo

BECANDLE – BEADS BOX SET

BeCandle does things differently, making use of fragrant beads made of vegetable wax. This allows you to refill and reuse the outer glass candle container, or upcycle other glass jars, tins, and the like – just add the beads and a wick. US $39 | becandle.com.hk

COCHINE – JUNIPER & GINGER

This limited-edition winter candle perfectly balances the crisp scent of juniper with the sweet spiciness of ginger. Cochine uses 100% botanical waxes from sustainable plantations, and works with small farming projects to ensure ethical and sustainable ingredients wherever possible. US $58 | Harvey Nichols

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DIY GIFT WRAPPING

There’s no need to buy wasteful wrapping paper, gift boxes and decorations this festive season. Just follow these fun, creative and eco-friendly wrapping ideas that your friends and family will love

POTATO STAMPS Styling Spuds Potatoes, small carving knife, paint > Cut any old potato in half and carve shapes into the flesh for great custom stamps to decorate your gifts! Carved ‘tater stamps can be used to create themed wrapping for individual personalities. Dad loves fishing — make him a ‘fishy’ stamp. Mum loves yoga — flex your carving muscles with an ‘ohm’ symbol!

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FOOD CONTAINERS Carton Catharsis Cookie tins, milk cartons, cereal boxes, soup cans, ribbons, paint > An inconvenient truth of most households is that food comes in pesky, wasteful containers, so why not paint or decorate them once finished for another fun container? Small milk cartons are cute and easy to spice up with googly eyes and paint. Cookie tins, cereal boxes, soup cans, cartons — the packaging is endless, and oh-so-useful!

LEAVES AND FLOWERS Organic and Biodegradable Leaves, flowers, twigs, vines, berries > Just like your favourite Thai desserts, your gifts can come in a beautiful leaf wrapping too! Add flowers, pine and other fragrant plants so that your gifts not only look great, but smell great too. Banana leaves are large, flexible and perfect for wrapping small gifts. Pick up fallen leaves, twigs or flowers for your decorating pleasure. Use vines and toothpicks to stick everything together.

UPCYCLED GIFT BAGS Bags of Fun Newspaper, string, scissors, cartons, ribbon > Make your own bags rather than attempting to wrap oddly-shaped gifts. Newspapers can be brought up neatly around a gift and secured with ribbon for a cute paper parcel. Cereal and other cartons also make great bags by poking holes at the top and knotting string through them for handles. These are great for magazines, books, ONE MAN'S TRASH sweaters and other gifts that don’t mind We waste more useful and sitting in a narrow upright space. viable packaging than we know what to do with. Divert your dry rubbish close to festive seasons for plenty of materials and MATCHBOXES AND TOILET TERRACOTTA POTS resources for DIY ROLLS Plant a Gift gift-wrapping projects. Size Doesn’t Matter Flower pots, ribbon, string Matchboxes, toilet rolls, ribbon, paint > Terracotta pots make a beautiful > These compact cardboard boxes are not only and easy giftwrap that most garden folks incredibly sturdy, but go miles with a bit of have around the house. If the decorating. You can put small, precious gifts in pot comes with a water tray, simply them and paint the surface for a textured vintage turn it over and use it as a lid, tying look. For toilet rolls simply press a roll flat, it in place with a ribbon or textured release it, and fold the ends inward to seal off the string. Otherwise, a tie-dyed or tube – but don’t forget to put the present inside ‘tater stamped cloth over the top first! These decorate easily with a ribbon. will also do the trick!

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Images: Tessa Friend, Lauren Winskill

RECYCLED NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINES Pop-Packaging Old newspapers, calendars, magazines, and maps > We’ve all got these lying round the house – don’t let them gather dust! Instead, spend some time repurposing them into fun wrapping paper. Save a trip to the store by upcycling comic strips or cutting up your newspapers to create entertaining wrapping paper. Just find the right size and wrap your gift like any other!

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Screening Room

Books

That Matter Fresh, clean air and water have become sought-after commodities in this day and age. In our personal lives, media and public policy, pollution is a dominating topic. The following books help familiarise us with the intricacies of pollution from both a first-person and scientific perspective. Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation

(The Random House Publishing Group, 2013) In this book Dan Fagin tells the world about how a small town suffered from pollutant runoffs from large chemical companies using Toms River as a dumping ground. The book illustrates its point with investigations, vivid real-life stories of people struggling for justice, and scientific analysis of the effects of industrial pollution. Toms River won the Pulitzer Prize in 2014 for General Nonfiction due to its fascinating writing and captivating topic.

Pollution is the silent cancer that affects thousands every day. The following are six top movies on pollution and what people are doing to fight it. The Dirtiest Place on the Planet (2014)

(Palgrave Macmillan Trade 2015) Modern industrialised society cannot survive without burning coal. This substance generates almost 45 per cent of the world’s power, but also produces tonnes of greenhouse gases while doing so. In fact, it is estimated that coal is responsible for 43 per cent of global carbon emissions. In Coal Wars Richard Martin visits coal factories from Wyoming, USA to Shanxi Province, China. He interviews people from the coal industry and researches its scientific, technological and economic viability.

The People’s Republic of Chemicals

Toxic Soup (2010)

(A Vireo Book, Rare Bird Books 2014) A rising volume of private cars, toxic factories and coal burn has contributed to the current sorry state of China’s environment. Air pollution (or ‘toxic smog’ as it is commonly dubbed) is particularly ubiquitous in China. This book comes at an instrumental moment in China’s development; awareness of the long-term repercussions of rapid development is becoming widespread. The People’s Republic of Chemicals lays bare the impending ecological calamity, and emphasises the importance of humanity over growth statistics.

How Much Is Clean Air Worth? Calculating The Benefits Of Pollution Control

(Cambridge University Press 2014) This book delivers a cost versus benefit analysis of the environment, and approaches this in a formulaic, scientific manner. It gives a comprehensive explanation of the methods used when calculating the impact of pollution. How Much is Clean Air Worth? also details the reasons a proper quantification of these impacts is necessary. To this end it reviews the results specific policies have had on electricity, transport, and waste treatment. |

Worth Watching

Spending about a day in the city of Linfen, China is equivalent to smoking three packs of cigarettes. And although it may seem like an extreme example, it’s not just here; sixteen of the world’s most polluted cities are in China. This documentary, produced by Vice magazine, lends insight into the devastating effects of rapid development and manufacturing on Chinese cities in recent decades.

Coal Wars: The Future of Energy and the Fate of the Planet

FIVE FILMS

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Over 148 industrial chemicals flow through the veins of the average American, and Toxic Soup tells you why. Chemical pollution is a massive global problem, but one that’s swept under the carpet by corporate powers. This documentary explores the history, development and different avenues of chemical pollution in the consumer market today, empowering you to make more chemically neutral choices.

More Than Honey (2012)

A film on the disappearance of the bees and their importance to our survival, More Than Honey sheds light on the effects of pollution on a dying species. A multi-pronged issue, the recent loss of bees is the

result of pollution aggregation, with pesticides, airborne particles, microwaves and more. This eyeopening film shows how varying our contributions to pollution are. By understanding this, we can more effectively address the problem and maybe save the bees.

Idle Threat (2012)

New York-based ‘green’ vigilante George Pakenham has decided to take the fight for the climate home… by targeting engine idlers. Idle Threat is about Pakenham’s quest to both compile data on every idler he stops, and get the city to reform its laws on police intervention with engine idling. The film demonstrates the impact one person can have, and inspires us to do something too.

Crude (2009)

Crude is the story of a two-year class-action lawsuit against Chevron Corporation for polluting the Amazon rainforest via the Lago Agrio oil field. Also know as the ‘Amazonian Chernobyl’, the spill resulted in the continuous poisoning of native people, riddling them with disease and cancer, while destroying the local ecosystem. For a look under the lid of dirty oil operations, this is the pick. Ecozine.com

Thanks to you, the Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge has made an incredible impact over the past 15 years. What started as a simple idea with a few friends has grown into a civic movement empowered by over 250,000 people. We are proud of our ever-growing community; together, we will clean up every inch of our beautiful city. www.HKcleanup.org Organiser:

Co-organiser:

Sponsor:

OBJECTS of DESIRE Tis the season of giving! These handpicked presents will mean the world

For Him Take a Bow

This cheeky little bow tie from April Look is 100% handmade from carefully selected natural fabrics with beautiful textures. The red hue is perfect for holiday parties! US $40 | April Look

p Smooth Finish An ethical brand from Australia, Aesop uses no animal-derived or animal-produced ingredients in their products. This sleek gift set includes a shaving serum and post-shave lotion with Moroccan Neroli.

US $75 | Aesop

Smell Sublime

Recommended by PETA, this vegan certified organic product is packaged in a recyclable bottle and packaging printed with soy ink. The low-key design gives it even more cachet, and – of course – it smells divine.

p Perfect Timing The Aquatimer watch from IWC, created in tribute to Jacques Cousteau, exemplifies not only technological pioneering but also his commitment to the environment: a part of the sales go to charity for ocean conservation research. US $7,200 | IWC

US $25 Herban Cowboys

Driftwood Dock

Don’t let his iPhone and iPad be homeless! Docksmith only handcrafts their products with driftwood found on beaches, without destroying forests, and the natural design suits any décor. US $120 | Docksmith

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For Her

p Happy Hues Made 100 per cent from glass soda bottles, each one-of-a-kind piece from the Frida collection of glassware is hand-blown by an artisan and will not only brighten her home but also reduce waste to landfill. US $15 | Bambeco

p Deep Blue Give her a piece of the cosmos. Local jewellery design house niin has created the stunning Nocturna Ring with blue drusy agate and gold-plated sterling silver to resemble a magical night sky. US $323 | niin

p Comfort and Joy If she’s been a good girl, Santa might just consider bringing her this opulent gift full of pampering, yummy-smelling vegan shower products for winter – including Comforter shower cream, Reindeer Rock soap, Twilight shower gel and Ro’s Argan body conditioner. US $46 | Lush

p Hand It To Her Cleverly handmade with a recycled design made from crocheted black plastic bags (!), this versatile clutch will get the conversation going at any holiday gathering. Plus, ten per cent of all profits are donated to local charity, Society for Community Organisation, supporting poor communities in Hong Kong.

p Snuggle Up This 8-ply long ribbed scarf in 100% cashmere will keep her warm and cosy through the chilliest winter months. Feine adheres to a strict ethical sourcing policy, and also owns their own factories – which means they can not only strictly monitor quality but also maintain fair worker conditions. USD $159 | Feine Cashmere

p Loungin’ She’ll want to live in this vibrantly hued silk robe. Each one-of-a-kind design is handmade in India from recycled saris, giving new life to the beautiful, iconic garments and providing Indian women with a way to create a better standard of living for their families through a fair trade co-op. US $62 | Uncommongoods

USD $38 | inspired-collection.com

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THE SOURCE

PURE AIR

DIRECTORY 3 1 Breathing clean air equates to having a clean mind and body. Ensure what you’re inhaling is as particle-free as possible with these top purifiers

Alpine Fresh

Back to Basics

Touted as one of the best purifiers on the market, the Swiss IQAir HealthPro 250 can cover a sizeable 100 square metres with a filter that lasts four years – the HyperHEPA. It filters 100 times more than standard HEPA, and eradicates everything down to the smallest particles from your surroundings. The HealthPro 250 comes with a three-year warranty.

Filters On Wheels

Though not yet a consumer product, the Air Purifier Bike (APB) by Lightfog is a concept bike that cleans the air as you ride. Winner of a 2013 Red Dot Design award, APB works by sucking in air through a front-mounted filter and catching particles that enter. The bike also has a photosynthesis component that produces oxygen both while idle and when moving. lightfog.co.th

Ions Force

The Ultra High-Density Plasmacluster Ion Generator from Sharp employs an entirely different method to its high-tech counterparts. Instead of filtering dirty air, this device disperses ions throughout the room that actively attack germs, bacteria, viruses, mold and fungus, and even remove odours! US $100 | sharp-world.com

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Breathe Easy

With a lifetime warranty, four filter options, and eight colour choices, the Alen Breathesmart has a lot to offer. It too has a range of about 100 sq m, plus a status indicator that relays the current air quality. The four filter choices allow you to target specific chemicals, allergens, bacteria or smoke. US $600 | alencorp.com

Bee Pure

Beeswax candles purify the air while adding a lovely atmosphere and smell to a room. By releasing negative ions that negate the positive charge that keep floating particles suspended, beeswax candles can clean your air naturally. US $10 | purebeeworks.com

Soothing Salts Himalayan salt lamps also produce negative ions that tackle floating particles in the air. Not only that, but they lend a warm glow that makes for a perfect nightlight that doesn’t inhibit your sleep cycle. US $50 | himalayansaltshop.com

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Photos by Darcy, PROThien Gretchen, BRF Klattertradet

US $1,000 | iqair.com

Native to Earth, plants are the original air purifiers and their disappearance is aggravating global warming. A plant at home can both clean the air and liven up a space. Select Aloe Vera, English Ivy, Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Snake Plant among others for optimal effect. greenfingers.com.hk

the conscious choice...

FEATURE

TOP 10 ECO CELEBRITIES of

2015

These actors, pop stars and business leaders are setting an example Words by Alex Andersson

We love to follow them, know what they’re doing, discover what they’re thinking. The stars that light the screens, stages and society pages have undeniable power over their fans and the population at large. And, thankfully, many of them are consciously trading on this fact, using their influence to make a positive difference in the world, be it raising awareness, funds, or actions on behalf of their chosen causes. Here, we take a look at a few big household names, and their work outside of the nine-to-five of being famous.

MAGGIE Q

This Vietnamese vixen is no stranger to the screen. The actress and former model has starred in a number of hit TV series, including action-thriller Nikita and drama series Stalker. But on her own time, the Hawaiian-born beauty is an advocate on behalf of wildlife and our environment. Her career really gained momentum during her time in Hong Kong, which is also when she became an early supporter of the Hong Kong Cleanup. Nowadays, Maggie Q puts her acting skills to good use working closely with WildAid. A long-time vegetarian and outspoken animal activist, Maggie has featured in a number of public service announcements for the organisation, including a series of efforts against shark fin consumption that went viral. Her most recent WildAid campaign urges consumers not to buy ivory and rhino horn products. Speaking about the project, Maggie makes no bones about her position on the unsustainable industry: “I am standing once again with WildAid because the demand for ivory and rhino horn is pushing elephants and rhinos closer to extinction,” she says, adding, “I can’t imagine a future without these beautiful creatures. And why are they dying? For trinkets, home décor, and hangover cures. We all must take responsibility to either change our behaviour or inform those who do not see the destruction they are wreaking on these species with their choices.” The partnership is wisely strategic; Maggie’s Vietnamese roots mean she has a strong fan base in the country, which has an unfortunately large rhino horn trade.

HARRISON FORD

The original Indiana Jones is as much of a hero off screen as he is on. As Conservation International’s (CI) Vice Chairman, and member of its Executive Committee, it’s clear that he has a passion to protect the environment. In addition to supporting CI’s activities financially and managerially, he also tapped into his star power this past year to spread the organisation’s conservation message. He featured in its viral Nature is Speaking series of short films, alongside other A-listers including Julia Roberts, Penelope Cruz and Kevin Spacey. In this initiative, the actors take on their greatest ‘roles’ to date – portraying different aspects of nature from a firstperson perspective. Harrison appears as The Ocean, and poignantly points out that “one way or another, every living thing needs me. Humans are no different. I don’t owe them a thing. I give, they take. But I can always take back.”

JESSICA ALBA

What to call Jessica Alba? Start with actress, entrepreneur, mother, activist and Ecozine cover star. The screen babe is the queen of all things natural, having started The Honest Company shortly after embarking on motherhood. The company has since become a one-stop shop for nontoxic family and lifestyle items – everything from household cleaning to childcare and hygiene products. “With every breath they take, children are the most vulnerable to the effects of environmental toxicity on mental, physical, social and cultural health,” says Jessica. Jessica’s book The Honest Life, a guide to resourceful, healthy choices, flew off the shelves and has become a veritable bible of eco-conscious living. She has empowered millions of women with the ability to make informed choices about what they want for their families. Jessica is seen here with Jocelyn LukoSandstrom, Hong Kong supermodel and Hong Kong Cleanup ambassador. 34

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JAMIE OLIVER

In the spring, ever-charming and hugely likeable celebrity chef Jamie Oliver launched Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. His mission is to spread awareness on the food we eat, the industry that supplies it, and our collective health, by increasing food education for children and adults. May 15th was deemed Food Revolution Day, and Jamie launched a petition with the aim to collect one million signatures “to fight for compulsory, practical food education for all children in schools across the world”. The petition will be presented to G20 leaders at their next meeting, to compel government figureheads to take notice and implement changes to food education, so citizens can be better equipped to choose healthy lifestyles. Already, over 1.5 million people have signed their support.

“ FOOD EDUCATION IS A COMPLETE NECESSITY IN REVERSING THE POOR HEALTH OF FUTURE GENERATIONS – JAMIE OLIVER

”

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RICKY GERVAIS

Everyone’s favourite funnyman Ricky Gervais, the mastermind behind The Office, Derek and An Idiot Abroad, is very serious when it comes to one thing – the welfare of animals. And he certainly doesn’t mince his words when expressing what he thinks of people that disagree with him: “If you don’t have empathy with animals, you don’t have empathy at all,” he says. “Most people I’ve met who weren’t kind to animals weren’t kind to people either. Kindness is kindness. Simple as that.” Within the reams of issue-driven posts on his social media channels, the topics include wildlife trade, animal testing and factory farming. A devoted vegan himself, he uses comedy to expose – and ridicule – inhumane and outdated practices such as trophy hunting. He has represented numerous animal welfare organisations, including Humane Society International, PETA, World Animal Protection, and Hong Kong’s own Animals Asia.

DON’T HAVE “ANIMALS A VOICE, BUT I DO. I WILL NEVER SHUT UP WHILE THEY SUFFER ” – RICKY GERVAIS

PHARRELL WILLIAMS

This year has been a big one for pop star and producer heavyweight Pharrell – and not just because he was our Summer cover star. When he wasn’t busy producing hit songs, winning Grammy awards and collaborating with Al Gore on climate change awareness campaigns, he was working on a clothing line made out of recycled ocean plastic. The collaboration with Sea Shepherd and Parley for the Oceans uses Bionic Yarn, which is spun out of plastic ocean debris, to make clothing like the G-Star RAW for the Oceans collection. Pharrell is an investor, Brand Ambassador and Creative Director of this important initiative, which he intends to grow to include many more brands. “When you realise what it is we are trying to do – pulling the roughage from the ocean, recycling the plastic bottles to make yarn – what it represents is what makes it so special,” says Pharrell.

ELON MUSK

The mastermind that elevated electric driving to supercool status is now a household name – and he’s been busy this year. Not only has he continued to push the envelope with Tesla Motors, rolling out ever-sleeker, faster and more efficient models, he’s also initiated a revolution in energy storage. In summer Elon introduced the PowerWall – a home system that allows you to store up energy collected from renewable sources and distribute it when and how you wish. This battery is scaleable to an industrial level, and the waiting list is seriously long. As Tesla delivers more and more of these batteries to homes and businesses all over the globe, and other manufacturers follow suit, it will amount to an inevitable – and significant – shift to renewable energy usage. “The goal is complete transformation of the entire energy infrastructure of the world,” says Elon. “This is within the power of humanity to do. We have done things like this before. It is something that we must do.”

KELLY CHIN

Hong Kong-born singer and actress Kelly Chin is huge on the cantopop scene, having sold over 20 million records and produced 38 albums. Unsurprisingly, she has a behemoth fan base watching her every move. Meanwhile her activity in the philanthropic sphere has earned her a number of accolades, including a Young Global Leaders award at the World Economic Forum in 2009. This past year, she lent her support (and skin!) to the risqué and hugely successful PETA campaign, ‘Help Curb Climate Change, Try Vegan’.

Leonardo DiCaprio photo by Siebbi - ipernity.com / CC BY

LEONARDO DICAPRIO

Leo is as well known for his ongoing environmental efforts as for his eternally boyish good looks and string of Academy Award-winning roles. In 1998, he created the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, with the mission of protecting the world’s last wild places, citing a particular passion for conserving oceans, wildlife, and communities. Since then, Leo and his foundation have awarded over US $30 million in grants to fund environmental conservation projects across the globe, as well as producing a number of documentaries on environmental issues, including the acclaimed 2007 climate change film, The 11th Hour. On a more personal level, Leo was one of the first Hollywood stars to drive a Toyota Prius back in 2006 (later switching to a Tesla Roadster), and has served on the boards of World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, and International Fund for Animal Welfare. He enthusiastically leverages his official website and his social media reach (which numbers in the tens of millions) to promote environmental awareness and action.

EMMA THOMPSON

In September, acclaimed British actress and producer Emma Thompson – who has starred in Love Actually, the Harry Potter movies, and Sense and Sensibility – took to the streets of London with a polar bear the size of a double-decker bus. Dragging the colossal polar bear creation along, she was joined by 64 other activists supporting Greenpeace’s opposition to Shell drilling for oil in the arctic. Once they arrived at Shell’s head offices, she read out an original poem. This action was widely covered by international media, and trained the eyes of the world on Shell’s intent to destabilise a precious ecological environment. The Greenpeace petition on the issue has gained over 6 million signatures. “I’ve been to the Arctic, I’ve seen the beauty, I’ve seen the wildlife, and my heart breaks to think that Shell is up there right now, drilling for the oil that threatens not only their habitat but ours. Make no mistake about it, we’re next,” says Thompson.

AHEAD OF THE PACK Race car driver Rodolfo Avila assesses the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Rodolfo Avila was born to drive. At the age of four, he could already identify car models on sight, and by 14, he had begun his professional racing career. Since then, his successes have been many; In 2002, he made history as the youngest driver to take part in the Macau Grand Prix, and he has continued to break records in international races, including becoming the youngest driver to win the ASCC championship in 2008 and the first Macau driver and youngest race winner in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in 2009.

PORSCHE X ECOZINE

Fast forward to 2015, numerous podium appearances later, and he shows no sign of slowing down, having signed on to drive with Team Jebsen for the sixth consecutive season. But what about off the track, in a car designed for a different purpose entirely? What does a professional race car driver like Avila have to say about a large hybrid SUV, such as the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid? We recently had a chance to drive with Avila in this very car, and asked him a few questions about his experience.

As a race car driver, what is your first impression on driving this car? Porsche infuses the DNA of a race car into every road car they make – even an SUV. So even though it’s a very different driving experience, you still can feel how well engineered the car is, and get a sense of the Porsche craftsmanship.

great for the customer and good for the environment, meanwhile the fact that it’s quiet and has no engine vibration makes it excellent for trafficheavy cities like Hong Kong and Macau. Plus of course, the Hong Kong government currently offers tax rebates for hybrid car purchases, which makes it an even more attractive option.

How would you describe the car to a fellow race car driver? I would say it’s a very fast SUV. Because it’s battery powered, it can do 0-100kph in just 5.9 seconds! And, again because of being electric, it has excellent torque, giving you that exciting sports car feel when you’re driving it – yet it also has great suspension which makes it a comfortable ride. It’s also cool that you can change the ride height. You can set it low for good cornering in the city, or make it higher for off-roading performance. It’s like getting two cars in one, the best of both worlds!

What are your favourite on-car features? I love the eight-speed gear box; you get much lower RPM, which is great, plus it’s very quiet, which made for a great driving experience.

What about friends and family - what would you say to them about the Cayenne S E-Hybrid? As a family car it’s ideal because the size is comfortable and the chassis is very strong; it’s known to be one of the safest SUVs on the market. And hybrids make so much sense for city driving. You save on fuel, which is

How about inside the car? The interior of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid is really special. It feels like you’re inside a spaceship, there are so many intelligent features! And yet it’s also spacious and luxurious; you can tell that a lot of thought has been put into the design. It’s not easy to create a car that corners like a sports car, yet is really big and comfortable, where you can fit a lot inside and not feel crowded. It’s Porsche’s signature engineering that makes this possible. Any final words? You really have to drive this car to feel how it handles. It’s amazing!

About the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid The S E-Hybrid model takes the original Porsche Cayenne’s sporty lines and precise performance and adds an electric motor and 10.8 kWh lithium-ion traction battery – combining unparalleled off-road capability with optimal fuel economy and lowered carbon emissions.

Horsepower 0-60 mph Electric-only driving range Fuel efficiency in hybrid mode CO2 emissions Top track speed

STATISTICS Combustion Engine: 333 Electric Motor: 95 hp Total Output: 416 hp at 5500 rpm 5.4 sec 36km 133.8 kpl 79g/km 243 kph

Available in Hong Kong and Macau through Jebsen Motors.

For any enquiries, please contact: Porsche Centre Hong Kong G/F, AXA Centre, 151 Gloucester Road Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2926 2911

Porsche Centre Hong Kong Kowloon Bay Shop 1 & 2, G/F YHC Tower 1, Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon Tel: +852 2911 5911

POLLUTION SOLUTIONS?

We inhale a heady soup of chemicals on a daily basis, but there is hope on the (hazy) horizon Words by Alex Andersson

he World Health Organisation estimates that 7 million people die prematurely every year from causes directly attributable to air pollution. The myriad components involved in polluting our atmosphere make understanding the issue a complex grey area, but one thing is clear: it’s an issue as critical as the air that we breathe… literally. Firstly, a host of harmful pollutants are swimming around in our atmosphere. There’s carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), which is formed by reactions between various air pollutants. And they’re just the frontrunners in a long list. Secondly, a wide range of culprits are responsible for the presence of these chemicals – including climate change, manufacturing, power production, road vehicles, ships, construction machinery,

and on and on. Where does one begin to tackle the problem? Plus, air pollution knows no physical boundaries, so what’s going on in a neighbouring country can easily blow over into a territory that produces comparatively less pollution. As illustration, simply observe the haze that cloaks Singapore for weeks each fall as a result of forest burning practices in Indonesia for palm oil. Asian countries are at varying stages of development when it comes to managing and tackling the issue of air pollution. Beijing and Shanghai are only just starting to experience slight relief from the decade-long smog that has blanketed them, and much of this is in response to increased public awareness through home-grown documentaries such as Under the Dome, and the pressures of saving face when hosting globally significant events such as the Summer Olympics in 2008, and now the impending 2022 Winter Olympics.

“ 7 MILLION PEOPLE DIE

EACH YEAR FROM CAUSES LINKED TO AIR POLLUTION – THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

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Photos by Andy Mitchell, Toby Oxborrow

FEATURE

nd what about closer to home? It’s no secret that we have air pollution issues in Hong Kong; one look across the harbour on most given days will reveal a thin brown soup overhanging the city. In the past five years Hong Kong has begun to take action, developing a new and improved air quality monitoring system, along with new objectives and policies to quantifiably improve the levels of SO2, NOx and PM in our atmosphere. Now these positive actions are being emulated throughout the Pearl River Delta and greater Guangdong – an encouraging sign for the region as a whole. If momentum is maintained, and serious effort is applied to implementing renewables, a cleaner future may well be within reach. And that’s a big ‘if’. Yet local statistics are promising. Air pollution in Hong Kong has gone from bad, to worse... to actually better. From 1997 to 2004, SO2 emissions in Hong Kong increased by an alarming 50 per cent. This was largely due to an increase in emissions from local power plants that supply the city with energy, according to Christine Loh, Hong Kong’s Undersecretary for the Environment. In the past ten years however, SO2 levels have decreased by 50 per cent – an achievement that has been facilitated by placing restrictions and emissions caps on local power generating bodies, who have had to employ solutions such as flue gas desulphurisation. When power plant emissions dropped, a new top culprit for SO2 and NOx emissions became apparent: shipping. With Hong Kong having the fifth largest container port in the world, this comes as no surprise. So, last July, the government implemented a first for Asia: a law that required ocean-going vessels (such as container ships and cruise ships) to switch to a low-sulphur fuel while berthed in Hong Kong’s harbours. This has had a significant positive impact, according to independent think tank Clean Air Network (CAN): “We found positive signs from the first week of implementation of fuel switch at berth. If we compare the daily average of SO2 concentration it is visibly lower – with the highest hourly reading being 40 per cent lower in July when compared with the last week of June.”

Another law, implemented last April, requires that marine fuel sold in Hong Kong does not exceed 0.05 per cent sulphur content – ten times cleaner than the previous standard. This means all ferries, high-speed boats, barges, tug boats and cross-border vessels are using cleaner fuel, which inevitably improves air quality. Roadside air pollution from vehicle emissions is a serious problem for many dense cities, including Hong Kong. Here, 80 per cent of passenger trips are by public transport, so the main source of roadside pollution is commercial and public transport vehicles, such as diesel-run buses and taxis. In 2010, the transport sector accounted for about 57 per cent of the respirable suspended particulates, 62 per cent of NOx and 48 per cent of SO2. Unfortunately, to tackle this the focus has been to improve emissions from diesel vehicles, instead of a transition to electric. But it’s a step in the right direction. Since 2014, the government has been in the process of phasing out 82,000 old commercial diesel vehicles, via an HK $11.7 billion subsidy scheme. As of August 2015, 40 per cent of all preEuro IV diesel commercial vehicles had been brought to meet the new regulation, or been retired. The programme is on track to be completed by 2019 – its intended end date. Meanwhile in 2013, a subsidy programme was launched to assist owners to replace catalytic converters and oxygen sensors in taxis and mini buses, and 80 per cent of all units in the city took part. The programme has been extended to provide 1,400 larger diesel buses with new catalytic reduction devices by the end of 2016. The government also began doling out Emissions Testing Notices – effectively tickets for excess emission production – at the end of last year, giving drivers 12 working days to rectify the problem. By mid2015, over 3,800 such tickets had been issued, over 200 vehicle licences had been cancelled and 280 vehicles had been scrapped voluntarily as a result. To tackle the emissions from machines such as crawler cranes, excavators and air compressors, a regulation was introduced December 2015 requiring all new such machines supplied to be EU Stage IIA emission standard – which emits 60 per cent less NOx and PM than most existing machines.

SMOG-MAKERS

Photo: Rob Goodier

Among the sectors most responsible for pumping toxins into our air are power plants, cargo shipping and transportation

CLEAN AIR OBSTACLES

The expansion of the airport and the addition of a super incinerator may cost a gloomier air quality forecast ahead

adly, although there is progress, it is slow. Evidence of this was unearthed by CAN, which compared NO2 annual levels in Hong Kong with six other countries/cities (New York, Singapore, Seoul, London, Shanghai and USA) and found Hong Kong to be far behind Singapore and London, with New York, Seoul and Shanghai making faster progress than Hong Kong, and quickly catching up. This is probably to do with the fact that the use of renewables is still hugely underdeveloped in Hong Kong, particularly compared to the USA and even mainland China, where solar power is expanding at a rapid pace, as are electric vehicles. On the plus side, opting for an electric vehicle as a personal car has been incentivised by the government, with significant tax breaks in place since 1994. The number of electric cars on Hong Kong’s road (including the government fleet) has accelerated from 96 in 2010 to over 2,600 in 2015. But the tax exemption is up for review in 2017. The integration of electric vehicles (EV) has not been as rapid in the dominant emissions-producing sector: public transport. The “most important” efforts of the government to this end have entailed initiating a two-year trial of six double-deck hybrid buses and 36 single-deck fully electric buses in 2014 and 2015. “There are more benefits if EVs can be used in the public and goods transport sectors, but there are still many challenges,” Ms Loh explains, referring to a need for larger capacity batteries and more powerful chargers. “At present, the number of commercially available and proven EV models for these operations is still extremely limited and their prices are much more expensive than the conventional ones,” she adds. In 2013, the HKSAR government introduced the Clean Air Plan, and in 2014 it established new Air Quality Objectives and Air Quality Health Indexes. Although there are some positive trends that set the government on track to meet the Air Quality Objectives by 2020, according to Ms Loh, there are also a number of developments that could impair that. “Very often, measures or policies to clean up air pollution and reduce people’s exposure to air pollutants impinge on multiple policy portfolios, such as energy, urban and transport planning, traffic management and district management,” says Ms Loh, and you don’t have to look far to see evidence of environmental considerations taking a backseat when it comes to certain policy developments. The US $19 billion third runway at Hong Kong International

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Airport is set to begin construction soon, as is the super-incinerator on Shek Kwu Chau island. Every day, the waste incinerator will burn tonnes of municipal solid waste and release tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air – during construction as well as operation. A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change entitled Emissions from Waste Incineration states that in Germany the incineration of 1 tonne of municipal solid waste in incinerators produces and releases about 0.7-1.2 tonnes of CO2. Many incinerators in the US and Europe are being made redundant in favour of cleaner energy generating methods. But government is quick to point out that the benefits outweigh the potential onsite emissions. Ms. Loh highlights that the incinerator “will treat 3,000 tonnes per day of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), which means this amount will not need to be disposed of at landfills, hence reducing the release of landfill gas, a greenhouse gas,” adding that “it will also recover the heat from the burning of MSW to generate electricity sufficient for 100,000 households, which will reduce CO2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuel,” she adds, concluding that the incinerator “is estimated to result in a net reduction of about 440,000 tonnes of CO2 release to the atmosphere.” As with other environmental and ecologic concerns, one of the biggest obstacles to improved air may be our own desire for rapid development and economic success. There are interdepartmental clashes of interest within government, to add to opposing public views. “We need to spend a lot of effort to engage the public and the affected stakeholders to understand the benefits; resolve conflicting views and interests; and address their concerns, before we can take forward new measures,” says Ms. Loh, referring to initiatives such as assisting power companies to invest in new technology, and other ‘seemingly obvious’ policies and measures. On more ‘extreme’ ideas such as creating car-free zones, adopting renewable energies and so on, Ms. Loh is reticent. “There is a lot of discussion about creating pedestrian zones, expanding biking, etc. These ideas go beyond pollution control as they impact many other areas where multiple government departments, districts and stakeholders must also be involved,” she explains. A big concern, therefore, is that many initiatives will either a) never get underway, or b) be stalled, changed or eradicated after 2017, when a new government is elected with an entirely new set of figureheads, personalities and agendas in all departments.

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his is also a consideration that affects the nascent cooperative efforts to improve regional air quality. To ensure cleaner air in the Pearl River Delta region, the HKSAR Government and the Guangdong Provincial Government have been pursuing air pollution abatement measures under the Regional Air Quality Management Plan since 2003, which focuses on power plants, motor vehicles and heavily polluting industrial processes. And in the past five years, pollution in the Pearl River Delta has shown a decreasing trend. The average SO2 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3) in the region went from 47 to 18 from 2006-2014, and similar improvements can be seen for NO2 – which went from 46 to 36 ug/ m3 in the same period – and PM, which went from 72 to 57. This positive development looks like it has a good chance to continue. For the past seven years and through to 2020, Hong Konginvested factories in Guangdong will be assisted in adopting clean production technologies under the Clean Production Partnership Programme. Last year, meanwhile, Guangdong announced the Guangdong Air Pollution Control Plan (2014-2017), and this year mainland China launched a Vessels and Port Pollution Prevention Plan, aiming to replicate Hong Kong’s success with decreasing SO2 through fuel switching at berth. All this, however, will require further collaborative efforts in the region and continued, concerted efforts and determination from both sides. Ultimately the pollution forecast for the region is, at the moment, hazy with patches of sunshine. Whether there are clear skies or dark days ahead depends on whether the government can commit to prioritising the environment across the board, opt for and invest in crucial green technologies such as electric transport

and solar power, and continue to work closely with neighbouring territories. There are signs of improvement on the horizon, and we as a population need to encourage this by voicing our support for environmentally responsible policies, and our need for clean, healthy air.

INFORM YOURSELF Use the Air Quality Health Index. This easy to read tool, available online or as a mobile app, gives information on local air quality on a daily basis, and allows you to consider your outdoor activities to reduce health effects from air pollution. The AQHI app provides realtime broadcasting of the air quality at twelve general and three roadside air monitoring stations on a scale of 1 to 10 and 10+, and slots the results into into one of five health risk categories: low, moderate, high, very high and serious. It also provides the AQHI of each district, forecasts trends, and allows users to pre-set health risk alerts according to their needs. Similar tools exist in most Asian cities, so take matters in to your own hands, and make the government accountable for the air that you breathe!

ELECTRIC BUS

It may seem optimistic now, but there’s tentative hope that one day Hong Kong skies may be clear again, with new measures like these being adopted

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LOFTY IDEAS

An open-plan Hong Kong living space that embraces industrial chic and healthy, sustainable living

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Words by Alex Andersson Photography by Hong Kong Photography Studio

erman-born Hong Kong expat Henning Voss has two passions: healthy, sustainable living and real estate. A marketing professional by day, the ultra-marathon runner and his yoga instructor wife have taken – by Hong Kong standards – a rather novel approach to designing their chic, modern loft space in Sheung Wan. “In Germany there is a very popular concept called ‘building biology’, which basically means you should consider your home a third skin,” says Voss. “You wouldn’t wear something that causes you a rash. That same principal can be applied to your home. It should be a healthy environment for you and your family.” Ecozine.com

LIFE+ HOME

he couple acquired the 93 square metre space in 2014. In December that year it received the Best Eco and Sustainable Design Architecture Award from Perspective magazine, and was featured on Bloomberg. That same year Voss started Vivid Living, a boutique development agency and consultancy that specialises in healthy design. Nestled away on the 19th floor of one of the myriad nondescript high-rises on Bonham Strand West, the space is an oasis of serenity and wellbeing – a literal breath of fresh air. “This area has a ‘pre-resurgence Meatpacking District’ feel to it. It’s a bit rough around the edges, with a lot of open-air dried seafood stores and commercial buildings,” Voss notes. But save the odd nod to ‘industrial chic’ in the apartment’s interior design – such as the exposed brick walls, pipe bookshelf and transparent, naked-bulb Muse chandelier lights in the living and dining room area – you’d never know. The underlying ethos to Voss’ apartment is health, wellbeing and sustainability.

Clean lines, muted tones and a wealth of textures welcome you as you step into this exceptional abode. In the open-plan living area, the ceiling beams have been clad in reclaimed wood from an old Chinese boat; the exposed brick is painted over with mouldresistant, washable white paint from Japan; and the kitchen counter top is made from 50 per cent recycled content such as glass chips and quartz. High-tech gadgetry and energy-efficient appliances abound, and are interspersed with air purifying plants such as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and Peace Lily. “Normally I’m a bit more of a minimalist guy, but we try to apply the ‘biophilic design’ principal, which is based on the concept that human beings like to be surrounded by nature,” Voss explains. “There’s a reason we pay more for a flat that overlooks the sea or a beautiful park. It soothes us. Many studies have proven the medical benefits of being close to nature. People in hospitals with a view of a garden recover faster, and need fewer painkillers. Interior design is a way you can replicate that in Hong Kong, where most of us have a view straight into other people’s flats!”

SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY

The loft space integrates upcycled materials and advanced gadgets to great effect

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HEALTHY LIVING

A standing desk with treadmill helps Voss avoid the ills of a sedentary lifestyle

he aesthetic juxtaposition of natural elements and advanced technology continues throughout the apartment. The bathroom features natural stone slabs, pebbles and bamboo cabinets – as well as high-tech Japanese toilets with a multitude of settings and services, and energy- and water-saving taps that appear almost out of thin air. German functionality is combined with Asian exoticism to great effect here. Voss spent time in Japan, China, Singapore and Thailand before settling in Hong Kong ten years ago, and Asian design notes can be found all around the apartment. The bedroom has a raised floor, creating a sleeping arrangement reminiscent of the Japanese tatamistyle, as the stand-alone natural-fibre mattress from Okooko is quite low and close to the FSC-certified wood flooring. On the walls are original pieces by a Burmese artist, and in the living room there’s a small collection of buddhas from Thailand and China, with their very own spotlight inset – a shrine, of sorts. Close attention has been paid to lighting in this apartment. All bulbs are LED and dimmable, and most are controlled by a central tablet. “We have a home automated circadian mood lighting system which creates the ideal light for the specific time of day,” says Voss. “In the morning you want light that wakes you up and has a more bright, blue, content – and in the evening the light should have more red content to help with melatonin management. At night, in your bedroom, it should be pitch black.”

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FORM AND FUNCTION

Clockwise from top left: An oasis of calm in the spa-like bathroom; high tech Grohe water-saving taps offer total control; clean modern lines for a soothing sleeping environment

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The flat is purposefully designed to encourage and enable a healthy lifestyle – there’s a kitchen that invites you to cook, reflexology flooring in the shower and a stand-up desk with treadmill in the study. “Sitting is the new smoking, and working while walking is a great way to do something for your health,” attests Voss. “Plus it really helps with the post-lunch energy slump.” These elements combined create a wonderful balance between industrial chic, exotic Asian elements, functionality and modernity. It perfectly suits the locality, and also reflects an exciting, brand-new development in Hong Kong – where cuttingedge design is synonymous with sustainability.

HENNING VOSS: MY PICKS CLEAN TECH

A host of smart devices contribute to a healthier living environment in the apartment

y the same token, gadget screen exposure is mitigated by an app called Flux, and most of the time phones are kept in a metal charging box in the living room to minimise exposure to electromagnetic fields. Such health considerations are extended to other design specifics throughout the living space. All materials in the apartment are third-party green certified, and all adhesives and glues used in construction are VOC-free, and do not offgas formaldehyde as others do, according to Voss. The highestgrade professional air purification systems are also installed throughout. In the living room there’s even an indoor air quality monitor that measures particulate matter, formaldehyde, VOCs and CO2 levels in real time, and sends status updates straight to Voss’ iPhone. “I love the fact that we have an exceptional indoor room climate and great air quality. It might be the placebo effect, but my wife and I feel like we sleep better and are more relaxed in the flat,” Voss says. Tap water, meanwhile, is purified through an Everpure carbon water filter in the kitchen, as opposed to a reverse osmosis system, which Voss considers “overkill” as far as Hong Kong tap water is concerned. The kitchen space is generous, and is equipped with a juicer, blender, and a garbage disposal in the sink. This method of reducing food waste to landfill is surprisingly underused in Asia, where composting can be a bit of a challenge.

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Okooko – natural fibre mattress 26/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2870 1132 | okooko.com Grohe – energy-saving bathroom tap Suite 1-2A, 23/F., Sino Plaza 255-257 Gloucester Road Causeway Bay 2806 0611 | grohe.com/hk Lechuza – self-watering device for plants lechuza.co.uk Foobot –indoor air quality monitor foobot.io Muse – chandelier linear lights Available at Design Gallery Units HG07-09, G/F, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central 2548 1115 | museinteriors.com.au InSinkErator – garbage disposal insinkerator.com Everpure – water filter Unit 701, 7/F, Kam On Building, No. 176 Queens Road Central, Central 2543 2262 | everpure.com.hk Next Desk – standing desk nextdesks.com

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POWERING A

BRIGHTER FUTURE Failing to adequately tap the sun’s abundant energy is one of mankind’s biggest missed opportunities, but gradually solar power is becoming more affordable and accessible worldwide

Words by Alex Andersson

total of 139 gigawatts of power was harnessed from the sun’s rays in 2013, according to the latest Renewables Global Status Report. Though it sounds impressive, the relatively slow uptake of solar power becomes clear when compared to other renewables. The same report reveals that over twice as many gigawatts were generated from wind (318), and almost ten times more from hydro (1,000). Cost is often cited as the main prohibiting factor in solar power development. This is what puts it particularly out of reach for less economically developed countries in Africa and parts of Asia, where it could have the biggest impact in

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people’s lives. Meanwhile, 2.3 billion people worldwide still do not have access to reliable electricity, or a safe and consistent light source once the sun has set. In 2004, Sam Goldman was on a Peace Corps mission in Benin, Africa, when he witnessed his neighbour’s son badly burned by a kerosene lamp. This scenario is common throughout the developing world, where children are studying and mothers are cooking with nothing but open flames or harmful kerosenepowered lamps to illuminate their work. But Goldman sought to change that. Upon his return to the states, he enrolled in a class of Entrepreneurial Design for Extreme Affordability at Stanford Design School, where he met Ned Tozun, and established the company ‘d.light’ in 2007. Together they set out to design, manufacture and distribute solar powered light products throughout the developing world. Ecozine.com

LIFE+ HOME

hey’ve found a way around the high costs typically associated with solar, and proven that where there’s a will there’s a way. Since being founded the company has sold over 11 million solar light and power products in 62 countries, improving the lives of more than 50 million people. Their most affordable and impressive solar powered lantern, the A1, was launched earlier this year. This ultra-portable, sturdy and powerful lamp retails at just US $5 and provides over 4 hours of uninterrupted light per full charge. It’s also weather resistant, maintenance-free and has a minimum three-year lifespan – now that’s good value! It targets both impoverished off-grid families and developed-world customers that want to be free of fossil fuel dependency. When President Barack Obama spoke with D.light co-founder Sam Goldman at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2015 in Kenya, he declared “we’re launching a game-changer right here!” and Goldman added “It’s small but sturdy – you could drive a car over it, throw it off the Whitehouse roof, or sink it to the bottom of a lake.”

The revolutionary low price of the A1 opens the door to the potential of solar to power the developing world. “Bright and affordable solar lighting is now within reach for every family,” says CEO and co-founder Ned Tozun. “Families living on less than US $1.25 per day no longer need to pay 25 cents a day for expensive and dangerous kerosene. By adopting renewable energy they effectively earn themselves a 20 per cent pay rise!” Another useful innovation is the D20 solar home system, which allows households and small businesses to illuminate three rooms at once. The pack consists of hanging lamps, a portable lantern and separate wall-switches and solar panel. The price for the D20 is inevitably higher, at about US $100-200. But in this instance, micro-finance institutions and pay-as-you-go systems have been employed to ensure affordability and accessibility. By May last year more than 150,000 of this and similar models had been sold.

RAY OF HOPE

Photos by d.light and Chris Connelly

A World bank study found that pass rates doubled from 57 per cent to 97 per cent in Sudan when students used solar lighting for one year

“2.3 BILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE

STILL DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO RELIABLE ELECTRICITY OR A SAFE AND CONSISTENT LIGHT SOURCE

”

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PRESIDENT APPROVAL

Obama praised d.light’s practical, durable and costefficient products at the Entrepreneurship Summit 2015 in Kenya

he knock-on effects in terms of educational outcomes for children in developing countries have been vast. In Sudan, for example, the World Bank found that pass rates doubled from 57 per cent to 97 per cent when students used solar lighting for one year. In a d.light pilot in India, meanwhile, 100 per cent of 275 students surveyed said they regularly studied with a d.light lamp, and all of them experienced benefits such as increased productivity, cleaner air in the home, and reduced fire risk. So far, the company’s products have reached 13 SHINE ON million school-aged children, who are now able to The S20 solar use solar lighting in place of dangerous kerosene powered lantern lanterns or candles for their studies. “We are provides 4-8 hours of uninterrupted light thrilled at this achievement,” says Tozun, “but we on a single charge also realise that our work is just beginning. There are still over a billion people without electricity, and we want all of them to enjoy the benefits of clean, safe and bright light.”

POWER in NUMBERS Collectively, d.light customers have:

j Saved US $1.8 billion in energy-related expenses j Increased productivity by an additional 21 billion hours j Generated 81 gigawatt-hours in solar energy j Offset nearly 4 million tonnes of carbon emissions 54

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SOPHISTICATED

SUPERFOOD

Beat the winter blues with a tasty beetroot and quinoa creation full of goodness

merican-born celebrity chef Harlan Goldstein has had a long and illustrious career in Hong Kong, including a nine-year stint at the prestigious Aberdeen Marina Club, and opened an array of signature restaurants at high-end addresses around town. Best known for his handcrafted pasta and slow-cooking techniques, Harlan has recently developed a passion for healthy recipes – one of which he shares with Ecozine readers.

QUINOA AND BEETROOT SALAD WITH SPICED YOGHURT Makes one serving

Quinoa Salad • Quinoa 600g • Yellow beetroot 40g • Red beetroot 40g • Tomato 320g • Red onion 320g • Cucumber 200g • A handful of parsley • Lemon juice 160g • Honey 140g • Extra Virgin olive oil 100g • Pumpkin seeds 56

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Spiced Yoghurt Dressing • Plain yoghurt 400g • Cumin powder • Coriander powder • Salt • Honey • Garlic • Parsley • Coriander

For the salad, add the quinoa to a pot of boiling water and let it boil for seven minutes. Remove the quinoa from the hob and keep it covered for four minutes. Add extra virgin olive oil to taste. Dice the tomato, red onion and cucumbers relatively finely, and dice the red and yellow beetroot in sizeable chunks. Mix all the diced vegetables together, adding the lemon juice, chopped parsley and honey. Place the quinoa in the bottom of a bowl, and then add the diced vegetable mix on top. To make the spiced yoghurt dressing, put the yoghurt in a bowl and add cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and honey to taste. Crush the garlic, chop the parsley and coriander, and add those to the mix too. Drizzle the mixture on top of the quinoa and veggie salad, garnish with pumpkin seeds and voilà – lunch is served! Ecozine.com

WORK-LIFE BALANCE MY 5 TIPS Words by Richard Branson

WELLNESS

chieving work-life balance is like walking a tightrope: lean too far either way and you’ll lose your stability and topple. Overseeing a global company for numerous decades I’ve witnessed this happen time and time again, but thankfully I have learned a number of tools along the way for finding, and maintaining, equilibrium. Here are my top five tips for work-life balance.

DON’T JUST DO, BE

One of the best pieces of advice I have learned over 50 years in business is that to balance life and work we all need to add yet another bullet point to our growing to-do lists – ‘to be’. Alongside the meetings, appointments and email replies, find time to be inspired, take in the beauty of the world, and laugh with your loved ones. If you slow down, breathe, and be present in the moment you will find balance more easily. Balancing doing and being has been a lifelong lesson for me, one in which I have learned to remember the to-do list, but not to forget the to-be list.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

It’s no secret that I’ve always lived the ‘work hard, play hard’ philosophy, believing that it’s one of the best ways to achieve balance. Having a busy career doesn’t mean that you can’t live your life to the fullest. Prioritise time with your loved ones and put it in your work calendar as you would a meeting. Put on your out-of-office alert - I had mine on around my birthday.

LOVE WHAT YOU DO AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE

I’ve never really thought of work and life as separate. My work is my life, and vice versa. If you can find a career you are passionate about, working hard doesn’t have to be a chore. We spend roughly 80 per cent of our lives at work, so it’s important that we find jobs that we love. If you think of work as a chore and dread turning up every day, maybe it’s time that you consider a career change.

SEEK WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE

If you are looking to change careers or start a new job, seek a company that gives you choice and promotes your wellbeing. At Virgin, we’re actively trying to combat the pressures of modernday hyper-connectivity with a number of initiatives that support the wellbeing of our people. Our Virgin Management offices encourage flexible working, have an unlimited leave policy, and have recently introduced shared parental leave. These initiatives promote choice, and empowering our people with choice means they are able to find a better balance between their work and private lives. Inevitably, through this balance they become happier, more engaged and more productive.

WHEN IT ALL GOES WRONG, DON’T WORRY

We all fall off the tightrope and make mistakes sometimes. The important thing is to learn from it, get back on, and get it right the next time.

“ BALANCING DOING AND BEING HAS BEEN A LIFELONG LESSON FOR ME ”

GO PLAY!

Photos courtesy of Virgin.com and D@LY3D under CC BY

Branson knows how to balance hard work with quality leisure time

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THE YEAR OF YOU

NEW YEAR, NEW HAPPINESS Words by Lisa Middleton

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s we move into the new year, if you’re like many of us, you’re fired up to make a fresh start and get everything you want for yourself this year! But let’s be honest. Whatever your desire – more money, a better job, a fancy car, a new relationship – it’s probably not ‘the’ answer to your happiness. Its not what we get that makes us ultimately happy; its who we become, and what we are able to give because we’ve become more. The key to lasting satisfaction is living a life with a dynamic balance of physical, spiritual, community, career, intellectual and physical stimulation and satisfaction. It’s that feeling of contentment and enjoyment; that uplifting sense of inner peace. So what’s your New Year’s intention going to be? What are you going to have your heart focused on this year? Why not make wellness a priority, and improve the quality of your life. You can influence your present and future health by the attitudes and behaviours you choose. Here are six benefits to achieving optimal health.

GREATER ENERGY LEVELS

Many people are sleep-walking through life, dependent on sugar and caffeine to function, remaining unaware of just how much these poor food choices rob the body of vital energy. The most effective nutritional plan for someone who wants to increase their energy is a simple diet of natural fresh foods. Become more skillful at choosing the right foods to nourish your body, and you will notice a significant improvement in your energy.

WELLNESS

Step out of the world of blind reaction and into a life characterized by increased self-awareness, non-delusion, and self-control. Try a course in yoga, meditation, or nonviolent communication and learn the art of living in peace and harmony with yourself and with others.

IMPROVED SELF-CONFIDENCE

Feel better about yourself by making time for yourself! Do the things that nourish your mind, your body and your soul. Making that time available is critical. If you’re someone who has difficulty saying “no” then your time is often spent focusing on others: their needs, their problems, their relationships. Being a support for others is important, but it`s not helpful if your own needs are left unattended. Make a list of the things you enjoy doing and do something from that list each day. Your confidence will grow exponentially with each daily accomplishment.

IMPROVED APPEARANCE

It goes without saying that you will look as good as you feel. A good diet and daily exercise is crucial, but having these without a peaceful mind will not result in exceptional health. When you can discipline your mind to stay in the present moment, the stressors from yesterday, today and tomorrow diminish, leaving more room for joy and laughter. Consider taking a meditation course and see your appearance improve as a bonus. Even if you don’t notice it, others will!

ENHANCED SPIRITUAL HEALTH

It is possible to be healthy in many areas of your life but still not achieve optimal BALANCE IT OUT BETTER SLEEP levels of well-being. If you haven’t addressed Meditation is a vital Most of us have experienced that tired, listless your spiritual health then you may be lacking an component of health, feeling caused by sleep deprivation, but don’t wellbeing and happiness; important element that gives zest to life. Spirituality regular inward reflection underestimate the importance of consistent good helps us make sense of the world and the part we keeps you grounded sleep. It can boost your mood, improve your mental play in it. Enhancing your spiritual health requires and physical state, and refresh your appearance. Since just as much effort as building your fitness levels and it`s hard to fall asleep with a stomach full of hard-to-digest improving your dietary intake. Try taking 20 minutes per foods, avoid eating heavy meals at night for better sleep quality. day to unplug and engage in personal reflection.

ENHANCED RELATIONSHIPS

Keep the focus on you! Relationships will improve when you improve – your thoughts, your attitudes, and your behaviours.

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fab 9

FITNESS FINDS

Check out these top picks for a fresh fitness start that will take you all the way to the finish line

BIKINI FIT

It’s a revolutionary and multi award-wining fitness concept – and a catchy name to boot! Bikini Fit is 100 per cent focused on women’s health and fitness. Their belief is that every body is different, thus will respond differently to training, nutrition and lifestyle factors. With this in mind, they tailor training programmes to the individual, with experts and health professionals to support. Not only empowering women within the club, they also spread their love to the community, donating to charities and engaging their members in making a difference wherever possible. bikinifit.com.hk

REAL ATHLETIC WORKOUTS (RAW)

A healthy body not only needs proper exercise but also a balanced and nutritious diet. The tailor-made programmes at RAW align your personal habits to optimise your exercise results, by offering advice and even supplements customised to your specific body needs. This holistic fitness studio provides professional personal training and nutrition services to people who want to see results and are committed to working on their goals both in and out of the gym. Elite training equipment and private instruction are complemented with assessment services, so your progress can be effectively monitored. rawpersonaltraining.com

BOUNCE LIMIT

NASA has found that rebounding is an effective way to help recover and reverse damage to bone and muscle – what? Sign us up! Asia’s first trampoline fitness studio is located in a 279 square metre space with accredited trainers on hand. Their mini-trampolines are fully tested for safety and can sustain weight up to 150kg. Bounce Limit offers a range of classes based on clients’ demands, from functional to bodyweight exercise, such as AirBounce, MaxBounce, CombatBounce and even BouncePilates. They also have a ‘lunch express’ (45 minutes) for busy folks, so no excuses! bouncelimit.com

JAB MMA

Looking for something exciting and stimulating, to get that adrenaline pumping? Mixed martial arts may be your thing. Unlike traditional martial arts, few rules and limitations apply; all types of martial arts are allowed in MMA, including striking and grappling. Jab MMA was awarded as one of the ‘Top Ten MMA gyms in Asia’. The training is varied in different categories, but whatever you chose, you’re guaranteed an effective full body and cardiovascular workout. Don’t be nervous if you are new to MMA, either; their expert team caters to all levels, from beginner to professional. jabmma.com

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WELLNESS

CALIFORNIA FITNESS

Whether you are new to exercise or a fitness veteran, California Fitness has something for you. Their ‘Group X’ membership allows access to all of their 400-plus classes weekly (such as Body Pump, Body Balance, Kick Fit and many more), with unlimited entrance. Not into classes? With their locations averaging a whopping 2,788 square metres, there is plenty of room for a wide array of worldclass exercise gear, free weights, boxing rings, cardio equipment, indoor cycling studios and – of course – steam and sauna rooms. californiafitness.com.hk

EVERLAST

Combat sport is more welcome than ever by the general public, as a method to release energy and relieve mental pressure and negative emotions – while getting ripped. Everlast’s first studio opened in 1910, making them a de facto authority in their field. Hong Kong locations include Causeway Bay and Mong Kok, both spacious with comprehensive, all-round fitness training including kickboxing, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, Capoeira, and more. Training is from certified trainers and professional fighters, so whether you’re a novice or an experienced boxer, you’ll find your fit here. everlast.hk

FITNESS FIRST

Including six locations in Hong Kong, this huge privately owned health club group is in 16 countries with more than 360 fitness clubs. This is great news for frequent travelers, as members are free to rock up to any of the centres around the world. Their famous Dynamic Movement Training (DMT) use whole body movement to challenge your cardiovascular, muscular and neural system at the same time, improving muscle control and accelerating calorie burn. The freestyle group training offers different energetic and interactive workouts. Still not sure? Sign up online to get a 3-day free trial with selected activities! fitnessfirst.com.hk

PURE YOGA

Looking for a gentler, more holistic approach to fitness? Yoga can help you not only get physically strong and flexible, but also more mentally focused and relaxed. Anyone can do it, and you don’t need complicated equipment (other than your body!) to get started. Pure Yoga has convenient locations in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei and Singapore, and each branch offers dozens of classes a week, from energising morning flow sessions to relaxing deep stretches at night. Pure is also active in the community, supporting good causes such as HandsOn Hong Kong, HK Cancer Fund and the Hong Kong Cleanup. pure-yoga.com

ISO FIT

Remaining established in Hong Kong for nearly 20 years is a feat in any industry, and in fitness perhaps even more impressive, since the industry has only begun really taking off in the last decade. Iso Fit mainly focuses their service on Pilates and Gyrotonics. Based on principles of yoga, dance, tai chi, and swimming, the Gyrotonic Expansion System was developed in 1994 and uses specialised equipment to support your movements and offer resistance. The emphasis is on strengthening ligaments and flexibility, and the staff is highly trained. The well-equipped studio offers a comfortable, safe and noncompetitive environment in the heart of Central. isofit.com.hk Winter 2015

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STYLE

FASHION

Ford-Ward Ecochic Design Award competitors create couture magic using post-consumer recycled materials from Ford car factories Photography Samuel Croskery Styling Dre Romero Model Mingfei Makeup Lee Lin Hair Andy Fei Assistant Ambrous Young Images courtesy of Ford Motor Company and Redress

Designers: Victor Chu (Hong Kong) and Kristine Hansen (Denmark) Inspired by a Hong Kong building under construction, this piece dramatizes the contrast of organic shapes and straight lines, and takes the palette of the concrete structure.

Designers: KĂŠvin Germanier (UK - with Swiss nationality) and Yvonne Tsai (Taiwan) This design was uniquely inspired by draping a locally found item (a mop!) on top of a Ford vehicle sunroof and observing the resulting play of textures, including reflections of the surrounding buildings.

Designers: Laurensia Salim (Singapore â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with Indonesian nationality) NĂśella Tapasu Koy (France) The designers were inspired by a colonial building, noting the contrast of its elegant lines with its modern surroundings. They used the colour red to represent Chinese culture.

Designers: Aya Qi (China) and Cher Chan (Hong Kong) A traditional shop front gate was the inspiration for this piece, echoing the shapes, structure and details throughout the garment and especially in the skirt.

Designers: Veronica Lee (Malaysia) and Amandah Andersson (Sweden) A destructured kimono jacket offers a texture contrast to the dress, which is made with straps of varying materials, colours and widths to resemble traditional bamboo scaffolding.

Red Allure

You can’t miss with an iconic deep red lipstick. M.A.C. introduced the VIVA GLAM collection in 1997 with this lippie, donating 100 per cent of proceeds to help those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. It’s still a bestseller for so many reasons. M.A.C. VIVA GLAM I US $17

Très Rouge

Add a pop of red to your routine! The Body Shop “Smoky Poppy’ blush brush is made from 100 per cent synthetic fibre, not animal hair, and its soft and soothing bristles caress the face to build subtle glow. The Body Shop Blusher Brush US $25.99

Red Addiction

This seductive shade strengthens and moisturises nails, and is non-toxic and ‘seven-free’ – meaning free from parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, toluene, xylene, camphor and rosin. Available from biofa.com.hk Avril nail polish in Vermilion N.33 US $5.20

Touch of Glow

This subtle highlighter is a secret weapon in illumination - gives a fresh dewy look and conceals minor imperfections. Packed with moisturising ingredients and vitamins, it brightens softens skin while you party the night away! The Organic Pharmacy Liquid Shimmer Highlighter US $37.95

SCARLET FEVER

GLAM IT UP These party-ready products get the kiss of approval from the Ecozine beauty team Bling, Baby

Cheeky Little Number

Formulated with antioxidants and coldpressed camellia oil, this blush provides a fresh-faced flush and can last for up to eight hours of festivities! Bare Minerals is cruelty-free and does not work with any manufacturers that test on animals. Bare Minerals READY Blush The Natural High US $23 70

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It’s time to shine! This bestselling glittery eyeliner will put you in the spotlight. The water-based and buildable liner dries quickly and stays put. It is 100 per cent vegan, and Urban Decay is cruelty-free and Leaping Bunnycertified. Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner Midnight Cowboy US $20

Magic Wand

Long, lush eyelashes are a party season beauty must-have! This organic and 100 per cent natural mascara includes a recyclable EcoBrush with ultra-soft bristles that grab every lash, and layers without clumps or smudges. Plus, over 70 per cent of the ingredients are organic. Physicians Formula 100% Natural Origin Mascara US $10 Ecozine.com

My ESSENTIALS Sharing a few of her favourite things with us this issue is Christina Dean, founder and CEO of Redress – an NGO that promotes sustainability in the fashion industry

HAIR CARE

FACE CREAM

I’m facing up to my age, and my new wrinkles, so am starting to take some basic care of my skin. I love the Swiss brand Arbonne, since it’s based on botanical principles. Smoothing Facial Cleanser US $40 Intensive Renewal Serum US $58 Night Repair Crème US $85

MATT AND NAT HANDBAG

This messenger bag is the perfect sized clutch for dashing around all day. It’s vegan leather (hard to believe it’s not actual leather!) and is also made with cork and recycled polyester. The products from eco-friendly, vegetarian and nature-inspired Canadian brand MAT(T)ERIAL and NATURE are always fab and fashion-forward. Whilem clutch – Natural US $140

I use Ecco Store because I don’t want to slather chemicals all over myself, and this brand produces plant-based, SLS-free, paraben-free hair care products. Ecco Store Normal Shampoo US $35 Ecco Store Normal Conditioner US $11

UPCYCLED CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES

Pre-loved, upcycled clothing is a wonderful way to be unique, economical, and eco-friendly! Give an old item new life by sprucing it up, and create a whole new look for yourself. There are plenty of clothes swaps around town where you can really find some real treasures.

LUNCH BOX

I bring my lunch every day and eat ‘Al desko’ to save time schlepping to the shops, and to save loads of awful packaging. Glasslock food storage US $8-14

BOOKS

I work the old fashioned way with to-do lists, and always carry around inspiring notebooks so I can jot down messages and such. I also regularly dip into Overdressed: the shockingly high cost of cheap fashion by Elizabeth Cline whenever I need a reminder of why I do what I do. Overdressed: the shockingly high cost of cheap fashion US $8 72

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ECO DEODORANT

It always feels better knowing there are fewer nasty chemicals next to your skin, so I use all-organic, alcohol-free brand Laverna for my underarm needs. Lavera Naturkosmetik Soft Deo Roll-On US $19 Ecozine.com

WeddingsHongKong.com | 2834 3200

Eco Luxe City Guide

PARIS, FRANCE

In honour of COP21 being held there in December, we explore the city of romance through a green lens A picturesque city long associated with passion and historical significance, Paris is developing a pivotal role in international politics, diplomacy and the future of our planet. The monumentally significant United Nations Conference of Parties Climate Change talks were held here recently, highlighting the sustainable side of this perennial destination.

STAY

EAT & DRINK

HOTEL BARRIERE LE FOUQUET’S

42 DEGRES

109 Rue du Faubourg Poissonniere This fully raw, vegan restaurant opened in 2013 and has gained quiet notoriety among French foodies ever since. It gets busy in the evening, so book ahead to ensure that you can experience the ambience, art and fantastic fare on offer here. Try the vegan cheese plate for a dairy-free twist on a Parisian classic.

LE GRENIER DE NOTRE DAME

18 Rue de la Bucherie This highly touted restaurant serves veggie versions of hearty, classic, French peasant food. The beautiful building is located in the centre of Paris, near Notre Dame – so it’s a convenient choice for hungry herbivores. Comfort food in a no-nonsense setting is king here, so opt for this as a relaxing reprieve from the capital’s (at times intimidatingly) fancy gastronomy scene. 74

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46 Avenue George V This 81-room top-tier hotel is located right on the Champs Elysées, and has initiated and fully adopted the concept of what it calls ‘dignified luxury’. This means delivering the best of the best whilst maintaining utmost respect to the environment. Serving champagne from an organic vineyard and offering charging stations for electric vehicles and hybrid taxi services are but a few of the expressions of this ethos. This is an excellent option for those that crave 5-star surroundings and service, but place a high value on sustainability.

HOTEL GAVARNI

5 Rue Gavarni Just a few steps from the Eiffel Tower, this chic independent hotel was the first of its kind in Paris to be awarded the European Eco Label. It prides itself on providing ‘ecotourism in the heart of the city’, and does so through making use of renewable power for electricity generation, serving fully organic breakfasts and employing waste sorting services. Ornate plush furnishings create an atmosphere of old Paris at this comfortable, considerate hotel.

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Photo by Lima Pix

Oh, the food! It’s one of the main reasons people visit the cosmopolitan capital, and it rarely fails to impress in terms of quality and creativity. Happily, healthy vegan and vegetarian options are no exception to this rule.

Accommodation options abound in this stylish city – and come in all shapes and sizes. We’ve selected two particularly eco-conscious dwellings that sacrifice nothing in terms of chic character.

TRAVEL

SHOP

Soak up some of that classic Parisian fashion and flair while in the capital of chic – and maybe even bring some back home with you – at these thoughtful boutiques.

to traffic on weekends, such as the promenade from Pont de l’Alma to the Musee d’Orsay. Opt for the bohemian Left Bank for more boutiques, restaurants, and quaint spots to stop.

MAMIE

THE PHILHARMONIE DE PARIS

73 Rue Rochechouart Paris is a goldmine of affordable vintage couture, and this shop is the perfect treasure trove in which to make your discovery. It has three levels – one dedicated entirely to shoes – decked out with retro gear from the 30s through to the 60s. Everything from glasses to dresses, suits to accessories can be found here, so go on – get stuck in!

HUYGENS

24 Rue du Temple Be sure to schedule in a visit to this custom-made natural cosmetics boutique. Going there is an experience in itself, as bespoke blends are created according to your individual needs and personal preferences. All ingredients are organic, and essential oils are used to create an end product that is pure quality and simply divine.

EXPLORE

There are some outstanding stars that often steal the show here – the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Louvre being clear contenders. But there are many other, lesser-known gems that also shine brightly… once discovered, that is.

CYCLE ALONG THE SEINE

An environmentally sound way to enjoy the city is to rent a bicycle (available at a number of stations throughout the city) and cycle it along the Seine. Many of the roads are also bike-friendly and closed

The massive, purpose-built Philharmonie de Paris concert hall opened about a year ago to much fanfare. Designed by awardwinning French architect Jean Nouvel, the grand, modern building houses a 2,400-seat auditorium, is an icon of sustainable architecture, and offers special price shows on weekends.

RENEW

Take a moment out from perusing the Parisian streets and duck into one of these exceptional city spas for a refreshing, indulgent experience.

CAUDALIE BOUTIQUE SPA

8 Rue des Francs Bourgeois Step in to the flagship spa of this well-established, reliable and top-quality brand. Here you can invigorate your spirit with a firming, detox, or anti-oxidant facial, or a luxurious all-body treatment or scrub.

SPA CINQ MONDES

6, Square de l’Opéra Louis Jouvet Located in a listed building right in the heart of a pedestrian square, this 500 square metre spa has received the SPA-A Label for three years running. All formulas are natural and silicon, paraben and phenoxyethanol free. They also provide expert facial diagnostics here. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

PARIS, JE T'aime

Clockwise from top left: The beautiful and iconic Huygens boutique; the new exterior of the Philharmonic de Paris; cycling along the Seine; an all-vegan, raw cheese plate from 42 Degres; a chic and comfortable room at Hotel Gavarni

SUSTAINABLY

SNOWY

These six mountain retreats will make your ski stay unforgettable

TRAVEL

AUSTRIA KITZSTEINHORN

Visionary thinking made Kitzsteinhorn the first glacial skiing area in Austria in 1965. The beautiful scenery being a clear asset, the resort took a pioneering role in local environmental protection to preserve the immaculate surroundings. A zero waste effort is applied at trains and lifts, restaurants and offices. Free shuttle buses are provided to minimise vehicles. Even the letterheads are printed on only chlorinefree paper. Kitzsteinhorn also installed a sewage treatment system back in 1974 by connecting lifts to a sewage pipe to remove waste from the mountain efficiently. Solar panels are located on top of the ski area providing hot water supply for the restaurants, and the lifts and cable cars are powered by electricity, creating zero emissions onsite. The resort also liaises with the Institute of Ecology in Salzburg on planting indigenous alpine vegetation to avoid erosion during heavy rainfall. How to get there: From Salzburg, take the train to Zell am See station then a shuttlebus Where to stay: Tirolerhof Hotel, Prielau, Hotel Schloss, and St. Hubertushof What else: Hiking, mountain biking, ice camping

NISEKO

JAPAN Ecozine.com

Set against the backdrop of Mt. Yotei, the Niseko area is located in western Hokkaido, and is made up of 5 different resorts: Annupuri, Higashiyama, Hirafu, Hanazono and Moiwa Ki. Being a leading agricultural area well known for its fertile land and delicious foods, Niseko closes the loop by by turning garbage into compost for local farms. Meanwhile 70% of the total forest in this area is natural, so strict regulations are in place for all new construction to ensure the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pristine ecosystems remain intact. Nisekoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainable everyday operations also include practices such as carbon footprint reduction, energy conservation and using renewable energy sources. How to get there: From New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido take bus, train or car Where to stay: Ki Niseko Hotel, MY Ecolodge, Niseko Hanazono Resort What else: Traditional Japanese onsen, golf classes

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CANADA WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

This venerable 50-year-old ski resort offers incredible and varied terrain, with mile-long vertical descents for an unforgettable experience. In addition to providing exceptional service to guests, Whistler Blackcomb also relentlessly pursues sustainable operations. Zero Operating Footprint is their target destination, and they’re well on track. Their restaurants have successfully reduced waste by 42 per cent through implementation of large-scale composting. Great effort has been made to improve their energy management, including energy-saving appliances and fuel reduction. The Fitzsimmons River provides renewable hydropower inside the ski area. Meanwhile the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, established in 1992, supports hundreds of community charities. How to get there: Trains depart from Vancouver, or coaches and taxis straight from Vancouver Airport Where to stay: Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Blackcomb Greens, Blueberry 3367 What else: The GLC (‘Best Après bars in North America’), tasting tours, CycloCross Whistler 78

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SWITZERLAND SAAS-FEE

People praise Saas-Fee as the “Pearl of the Alps” because of its breathtaking views and excellent skiing conditions. This internationally recognised resort nestled northeast of Zermatt was awarded Energy Town Status by EnergieSchweiz in 2013, for the community’s commitment to advancing eco-friendly energy policies, pushing renewable energies and using local resources. In the ski resort, all electricity is acquired from 100 per cent hydroelectric power, and their wood-fired furnaces are equipped with particle filters to minimise air pollution. Saas-Fee is a familyfriendly ski resort with many gentle slope choices, and is also entirely pedestrian, only permitting electric taxis and buses in the village. This not only makes it safer for children, but is also a measurable way to reduce green gas emissions. How to get there: From Zurich airport take the train to Visp, where buses and taxis are available to the resort Where to stay: Elite Alpine Lodge, Ferienart Resort & Spa, The Capra Saas-Fee What else: Camping, hiking, Kreuzboden Spa

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USA JACKSON HOLE (JHMR)

This family-owned resort is located south of Yellowstone National Park and offers spectacular, awe-inspiring natural vistas. JHMR is the only ski resort in the USA to have had ISO 14001 certification for almost 10 years. Sixty-four tonnes of waste are recycled every year and 3,785 litres of used vegetable oil waste fully powers their vehicles. They commit to using toxin-free products as much as possible, from bathroom floor cleaners to antimicrobial boot sprays, for guest and environmental health. But theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not resting on their laurels yet; JHMR will be implementing a range of new eco-friendly systems in next five years, such as fully renewable energy installations and water saving measures. How to get there: 40 minutes drive or shuttle bus service from Jackson Airport Where to stay: Alpenhof Lodge, Rusty Parrot and Four Seasons Resort What else: Spas, nightlife, golf, scenic & wildlife tours

FRANCE AVORIAZ SKI RESORT

Avoriaz Ski Resort blends beautifully into the surrounding mountains, with its eye-catching architecture and cliff-top position. They are considered to be one of the greenest ski resorts in France, with ISO certified authentication. In 2013, Avoriaz won the Environmental Award for Ecological Development at the World Snow Awards in London. No personal cars are permitted in the resort, which enables people to enjoy their holiday in quietness. An innovative dual-energy wood-pellet-fired boiler, situated at the top of the mountain, supplies power for 80 per cent of the heat requirement in the resort. They take waste seriously too, sourcing recycled products, sorting and processing waste meticulously, and providing recycling bins throughout the ski area. Ecological management of water resources also helps reduce the waste of snow production. How to get there: Coaches available from Geneva Cointrin International Airport Where to stay: Hotel Neige Et Roc, Hotel Des Dromonts, Hotel Les Prodains What else: Nighttime sledging, skydiving, Segway tours 80

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SPECTACULAR

SRI LANKA

Quaint trains through tea country, wild elephant gatherings, and 2,000-year-old ruins

Words by Alex Andersson

s a comparatively unexplored isle, Sri Lanka is often referred to in the context of other travelling destination mainstays, dubbed an ‘upmarket India’ or the ‘nascent Bali’. But since the end of the civil war in 2010, Sri Lanka has begun to cultivate a name for itself on the travel scene, and with good reason. There aren’t many places left in the world that are as ecologically diverse, culturally rich and easy to traverse as this one. International flights arrive in the capital Colombo. Stop here for a night or two to check out the eye-catching Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture. The restored Dutch Hospital is a now a favourite entertainment spot for locals and expats alike, and houses The Ministry of Crab restaurant – which is listed on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and has a great atmosphere. If you want to get stuck in to some local roti, samosas and curry then dinner at the Palmyrah restaurant at Renuka Hotel is a top pick.

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BREEZY BLISS

Ulagalla resort offers unbroken view of the expansive landscape

into both of these UNESCO heritage sites comes at a fee (about US $30), but it’s worth it. To see the elephant gathering head to Minneriya National Park, which has a central lake that during dry season attracts its entire 300-strong wild elephant population for a collective afternoon splash, is a true delight – go at about 1pm though, in order to avoid the jeep traffic jam that ensues at 3-4pm. For those that wish to view these historic treasures from a luxurious, eco-minded base, Ulagalla resort is the ultimate option. Situated on 53 acres right in the middle of the triangle, it consist of a stunning infinity pool, an ancestral estate and 20 private villas. Plus it provides horse riding activities, has an expansive organic garden and generates 50 per cent of its energy from solar panels! A must-do following this is the train ride between Kandy and Ella, considered to be among the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. It’s long (about 7 hours in total) and crowded, so board quickly to secure your seat. If there’s none left, the intrepid traveller can opt to sit in the open doorways, feet dangling outside the cart – it’s actually the best seat in the house! This roughly 400 rupee (US $3) trip meanders through tea country. You can literally smell the Earl Grey in the fresh, cool air as you undulate through misty mountaintops. Stop off for a night at the impossibly picturesque Nuwara Eliya for a hiking and tea tasting adventure. In the more tropical southern region visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to wild encounters and sun, sea THE ONLY and sand. Yala is the country’s biggest national park, WAY TO TRAVEL and houses the largest concentration of wild leopards Catching the train is a anywhere in the world! However, the leopard safaris cultural experience in Sri Lanka here have recently come under scrutiny for excessively disturbing the normally secretive, rare animals. We say leave the leopards alone and discover the many levels of animal awe this park has to offer. Birdwatching, for example, is a joy in this region, where peacocks, hornbills, kingfishers, painted stalks and ibises abound. You may also spot the odd crocodile! Here, Saraii Village eco resort provides an exceptional stay for the nature lover – offering accommodation in the form of mud huts made by local village women, and sustainable three-storey tree houses. The focus at Saraii Village is on delivering an environmentally conscious and authentically Sri Lankan experience for guests, offering activities such as village lunches, palm leaf weaving and bicycle tours.

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Photos by Alex Andersson, Jan Ardentsz, Bo Jorgensen, Payman Zehtab Fard

olombo is an excellent hub from which to go almost anywhere in Sri Lanka. An eco-friendly and incredibly scenic travel option is rail. The carriages are virtually unchanged since colonial times, and trundling along the mountains of tea country and the coastlines facing the island’s turbulent seas is an experience not to be missed. Though not as comfortable as the (still very affordable) option of private car rental, travelling by train here is easy, and provides a wonderful glimpse into the local culture and its colourful history. From Colombo Train Station you can purchase a ticket to Anuradhapura – about 4 hours northeast – for about 150 Sri Lankan rupees (US $1). If you want to reserve a seat, buy the ticket the day before you travel. Anuradhapura is at the centre of Sri Lanka’s ‘cultural triangle’, which consists of the 2,000-year-old ruins at Anuradhapura, the natural phenomenon of the elephant gatherings at Minneriya and the historical ancient town of Sigiriya. It’s also the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and features a holy Bodhi tree (taken from the original tree under which Buddha was enlightened in India), enormous white stupas and even caves carved out of rocks by monks – the floors of which have imprints of where they have sat for months and years meditating. The site attracts hordes of local pilgrims every day, who pray, chant and smile as you explore. The remains of the immense lion gate and historical town on the top of a protruding rock in Sigiriya, meanwhile, echo a bygone era. Entry

TRAVEL NATURE AND CULTURE

Clockwise from top: Elephant gatherings mesmerise visitors; fishermen in Galle still make their catch the old-fashioned way; stay in an open-air treehouse in Yala; tea plantations are part of the national fabric

alle and the southern coast is where Sri Lanka showcases its glam side. The historic Galle Fort now houses a number of trendy bars and eateries, as well as compelling museums about Sri Lanka’s colonial past. There’s also a number of fabulous seafront hotels, including the recently opened Cantaloupe Levels, which is in a repurposed building in a verdant park, right next to charming Jungle Beach. This sleek, chic and comfortable base is the perfect place to rejuvenate over brunch by the pool before you set out to

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witness the famous stilt fishermen or Japanese Peace Pagoda. If it’s the correct season Cantaloupe Levels can even organise whale watching excursions for their guests! Sri Lanka is so rich in wonders – ecological, cultural and historical – that you could happily spend an entire month exploring the island. The abundant wildlife, varied landscapes, delicious food, welcoming people and unique history make it an experience unlike any other. It will no doubt be long before the masses catch on, so visiting soon, and sustainably, is key in this destination.

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ELECTRIFYING RIDES

Powerful, sleek and sustainable, these fully electric road bikes represent the first wave of a new norm Words by Louis de Tilly-Blaru

The motorbike has always followed the tough-guy trope, but updating, developing and modifying the tank doesn’t mean softening the edges. These sexy, silent, and fully electric bikes leave much to envy from their gas-guzzling cousins while maintaining their cool, hard look. While the electric bike circle is still growing, it has come a long way in a short time thanks to evolving technology. Notable upstarts have cropped up, endured the market and inspired more pioneers to join the race. Harley Club beware – e-bikes are in.

LIGHTNING LS 218 – THE SPEEDSTER The Lightning is the superbike of the market. Hitting a world-record speed of 350km/h with a highway range of 160 kilometres, the LS 218 is incomparably the speed freak’s electric bike pick. There’s no faster electric motorcycle out there – this is it. What’s more, the bike’s average charging speed is a mere 120 minutes, with a 30 minutes max charge time on a fast charger – truly unbelievable for a commercial speed bike. Coming out at a neat US $38,888, the Lightning isn’t for everyone. But she’s the best on the market… if the best is what you can afford. Tax credits might save you a certain sum, along with the savings on fuel over conventional competitors. If you’re a bike enthusiast who loves zooming through the countryside, hitting the racetrack or pulling ahead on city streets, this bike is for you. lightningmotorcycle.com

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TECH

BRUTUS V9 – THE CRUISER What better exemplifies the biker persona than a low, lean muscle hog? The Brutus V9 is arguably the most balanced electric bike on the market. It can go a whopping 450 kilometres at 240km/h — that’s the farthest any electric bike currently on the market goes. What’s more, this fella packs a 33.7 kilowatt-hour battery that doesn’t get noisy, meaning you can rip through quiet residential areas at night or sneak around on your muscle bike easily. The V9 comes in 33.7kWh and 18.8kWh battery options, with charging time increasing with the larger battery. Clocking in at US $26,490, the V9 has a surprisingly flexible price point. It’s in no way a budget bike, but as far as electric bikes go, it’s not bad – plus tax credits for electric vehicles could mean a discount of up to US $9,660 on your shiny new Brutus, putting it well in competitive range. brutusmotorcycle.com

BMW C EVOLUTION – THE BEGINNER The BMW brand delivers dependability, timelessness and quality when it comes to motorbikes, and now it’s begun developing its electric sector. Thus the C Evolution scooter is born. Not quite a speedster superbike, the C Evolution is an entry-level electric scooter ideal for city commuting. It can hit a decent 120km/h for 100 kilometres, which is ideal for an urban setting. What’s great with the C Evolution is that it takes a mere three to four hours to charge, meaning the range won’t necessarily limit you if you stay in the city. The C Evolution costs around US $21,000, and again, tax credits could save a pretty penny here. The strengths of the C Evolution lie in its relatively low price. These bikes are increasingly popular in crowded India, and would do well with a simple commute in other compact cosmopolitan cities in Asia. bmw.com

ZERO SR ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE – THE ALL-ROUNDER The Zero SR is relatively fast, goes far, and is in the mid-range when it comes to price point. It carries an integrated lithiumion power pack and on-board charger that provides it with an impressive range of almost 300 kilometres. The weight of the motorcycle is low, which allows for a rapid acceleration of 3.3 seconds (0-100km/h), and a top speed of about 160km/h. Total price is US $16,000, and everything from the power pack to the engine is automatically air-cooled, meaning you also save on maintenance. This is in addition to the fact that each kilometer driven on an electric motorbike is considerably less expensive than conventional gasoline-driven motorcycles. There are lots of exciting add-ons and accessories you can purchase to make your electric moto even cooler. For a nice toy that goes the distance (literally), this is your best bet. zeromotorcycles.com

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1 3 Kitchen Stories

We all occasionally fall short of creativity when preparing a holiday meal for family and friends. But not with this app! It provides easy-to-cook recipes, plus video and photo instruction – making anyone a master chef in minutes! It also offers different categories of recipes, and provides vegan and glutenfree options.

Meaningful, efficient and zero waste, this app allows you to gift your loved ones with a wide selection of virtual presents, meanwhile contributing to a charity of your choice for each ‘gift’ given.

TO MAKE YOUR CELEBRATIONS

ECO-CONSCIOUS

Think Dirty

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Super Spelling Winter & Christmas

Keep tots entertained and educated during the holiday season with this special edition of a popular children’s app that makes spelling into a fun game. It includes an ‘extra level’ of fun seasonal words!

Winter 2015

Insert your face (or anyone’s) from your own photos, and watch yourself dance around as a holiday elf, then add a personal note and send it as a jolly greeting to friends and family. It’s easy, it’s entertaining – and it’s paperless!

FESTIVE APPS

Lotions, soaps and bubble bath are always a foolproof, go-to gift – particularly in the wintry season! This app helps you access easy-to-understand information about if there are any potentially harmful ingredients before you buy. Simply scan the barcode and you’re ready to go!

Elf Yourself

APP-LAUSE!

Gift of Kindness

GoodGuide

Instantly check product ratings based on the level of safety for your health and environmental or social impact. You can browse categories to choose products, search specific ones directly, or scan the barcode. Don’t go gift shopping without it!

DIY Projects Ideas

It’s always nice to receive an original gift made from scratch! This app offers ideas and steps for DIY projects that can be given as presents, or even used for upcycling and waste reduction – like making wall decorations and party accessories.

Eco Traveller

This app advises its users on global sustainable tourism and offers comprehensive information about specific destinations through interactive features, written guides and interviews. Grab this app and your holiday is a-go!

Ecozine.com

TECH

TOP BULBS

Nanoleaf 1800 Lumens

Nanoleaf produces some of the most efficient light bulbs on the market. Bestowed with numerous international awards, this particular bulb can save you up to US $300 over its lifetime – which can span 27.5 years! It’s also self-reinforcing for extra strength, and comes in a number of colours. Plus, it has a built-in dimmer!

Feel right about these lights

US $30 | nanoleaf.me

Original Plumen 001

Low-energy lighting design brand Plumen is behind the development of this dynamic energy-saving bulb. Categorised as energy class A, when used on full power this bulb can save up to 80 per cent on your energy bills. The lifespan of the Original Plumen 001 is 8,000 hours – eight times longer than a standard incandescent bulb.

US $35 | usshop.plumen.com

Philips SlimStyle

This sleek-looking dimmable LED light bulb has a flat design that is ideal for use in wall sconces, table and floor lamps, open pendant or ceiling fixtures. The lifespan of Philips light bulbs can reach 22.8 years or 25,000 hours. This particular bulb uses 80 per cent less energy than mainstream bulbs. It is also child-friendly since it is totally mercury free. Another major bonus here is the price point.

US $7.60 | philips.com

Nanoleaf

Plumen

Philips

TCP

77mm x 110mm

192mm x 100mm

106mm x 160mm

280mm x 158mm

Wattage

12W-115W

12W-60W

10.5W-60W

10W-65W

Lifetime

27.5 years

8,000 hours

22.8 years

25,000 hours

Warranty

3 years free replacement

No warranty

3 years warranty

No warranty

Built-in dimmer

Has a unique, sleek design

Competitive price

Comes with remote control

Dimension

Bonus

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TCP Wireless LED lighting

TCP Wireless LED lighting is known for the extraordinary average life of 25,000 hours. With your purchase of the light bulb, you get a kit that has everything you need to control your electricity usage at home. You can even do so from afar with your smart phone using the 4-zone light remote! US $25 | go.tcpi.com

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perspectives

HOW SMART DESIGN CAN MITIGATE POLLUTION

Words by Paul Zimmerman

oadside air and noise pollution limit the enjoyment of many busy areas of Hong Kong. Despite low car ownership, Hong Kong with its limited road network has a very high density of vehicles. The topography of the city – with a harbour in the centre, and mountains where others have ring roads – has resulted in a need for busy, high capacity roads. The challenge is now to rethink our urban plan together with our traffic flows to find ways to reduce our exposure to the pollution caused by all this transit. An air quality assessment carried out by the City University of Hong Kong School of Energy and Environment in 2014 identified that, although Connaught Road Central has ten times more traffic than Des Voeux Road Central (DVRC), air quality is persistently worse along DVRC, due to the “street canyon effect”. Connaught Road is open and exposed to winds, but along DVRC the heat, exhaust and dust from vehicles remain trapped between buildings, pushing up roadside air pollution. As a result, pedestrians suffer. In 2000, the Hong Kong Institute of Planners (HKIP) and the Chartered Institute of Transport (now known as The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong) promoted a scheme “Creating a Better Place for People: Des Voeux Road Pedestrian Precinct.” The study identified a unique window of opportunity arising from massive public investments in transport infrastructure to significantly improve the pedestrian environment in Central. In 2014, this plan was rekindled with a new updated study and put again to Government, and in 2015, an application was made to the Town Planning Board by Clean Air Network, Designing Hong Kong and other concern groups, to rezone Des Voeux Road Central (DVRC) between Pedder Street and Morrison Street as a pedestrian area with environmentally friendly public transport.

Except for some north-south cross roads that would remain open so that traffic can connect between Queen’s Road and Connaught Road, all traffic except the tram and environmentally-friendly buses would be rerouted away from DVRC. This re-organisation of bus routes and other vehicles is actually feasible now; the recent completion of the MTR West Rail Line, and soon the South Island Line and the Shatin to Central Link, as well as the Central-Wanchai Bypass, will all help shift traffic volume away from DVRC. The benefit of this plan is enormous. With noise and air pollution dramatically reduced, there will be ‘room’ for a vibrant environment where people can breathe and whisper, and enjoy outdoor seating, al fresco food and beverage, street markets, community events and other activities. DVRC will become the most popular route for connecting on foot between Admiralty and Sheung Wan. All stakeholders including the business operators and property owners would benefit, as more people spend more time along DVRC. In turn, this will attract tourists. And there is little downside, as no delivery or car park entrances are along DVRC. Green mobility along DVRC – on foot, bike, tram or environmentally-friendly bus – will increase accessibility to the entire Central Business District and help make our city truly sustainable. DVRC is a magnificent opportunity for Hong Kong to mitigate pollution for the large number of residents and visitors who frequent the area. The campaign and decision making will take some years, as questions over traffic, transport and street management will require studies and funding. Hopefully soon we can make a start with temporary closure of DVRC during holidays. In the meantime, through engagement of commuters, local business and property owners, and the government, the design and management of the future DVRC as a pedestrian precinct can be worked out. Let’s take back and reshape the city we love.

TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR WALK “ OUR BUSY DISTRICTS. YOU’LL SAVE TIME,

REDUCE POLLUTION AND ENJOY A HEALTHIER LIFE

”

Ecozine.com

Winter 2015

E COZ I N E

| 89

perspectives

POLLUTION, STRESS and RELIEF

Words by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

ir pollution affects your state of mind and your body, as well as your mental wellbeing. Big cities are polluted, with air becoming trapped within concrete jungles. City planning has an important job to do, and there is a lot of scope for implementing – in almost every city in the world – something better. I would suggest to people instead of complaining, why not think about something practical, innovative and useful to reduce the effects of pollution on our lives? It is vital that in the hustle and bustle of life you find time to walk around in greenery. Go out, find good nature – if you don’t do it, it’s a big loss. You must take some time for yourself. Get some fresh air. This is essential, especially if you are stressed with work and highpressure situations. Every two seconds, seven people lose their lives because of stress. This figure is alarmingly high. Young people in their twenties and thirties are dying of heart attacks. This has never been heard of before, and it’s simply because of stress. We need to change our lifestyle; we need to add good things to our lives that will bring happiness. Otherwise, why would you do all that you do? Because you want to be happy – that’s the main reason anyone does anything! And if you are missing out on that goal it’s time to rethink your ways. We can do this by creating a balanced lifestyle, and spiritual harmony within oneself. Breathing and meditation help to uplift one’s prana – your life energy. When that is high, you can combat stress, fatigue and many different challenges you face in your life, and be successful.

The definition of stress, for me, is too much to do, too little time and no energy. You must increase your energy through proper food, sleep, and meditation. Meditation gives us the deepest rest in the shortest space of time, and it helps your nervous system and your mind to feel calmer. And it increases your patience. Impatience is growing in all spheres of life. People are becoming more impatient, from taxi drivers to officials and politicians! There is a constant sense of urgency and frustration. We must try to rid ourselves of this frustration by working on ourselves. Breathing exercises, yoga, teamwork, celebrations, music and dance – these are all important. Make time for them. And take some time for social service; it creates such a positive energy within us to help those that are in need. In the corporate sector I would recommend you to share a meal with your colleagues, even ten minutes of lighter time – not always work, work, work. When you work with a group of people in a professional setting, personality clashes can happen. A sense of connectivity with people can make a big difference to that. Just two months of meditation changes the structure of the brain and increases the grey matter – this is what research scientists have found recently. The impact is enormous. We should not miss the opportunity to take just 20 minutes a day to meditate and relax. In additional to all this, improving communication and dialogue is essential. Frustration does not yield anything. I believe that there is not anything in this world that cannot be solved with dialogue.

“ACHIEVING HAPPINESS

IS THE MAIN REASON ANYONE DOES ANYTHING

Ecozine.com

” Winter 2015

E COZ I N E

| 91

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