Ecozine Issue 7: Spring 2016 by Ecozine

ELON MUSK

Y O U R

G O- T O

G U I D E

F O R

S M A R T E R

L I V I N G

SPRING 2016

JAMIE OLIVER

SERVES UP A SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD FEAST

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME & GARDEN

ECOZINE SPRING 2016

WELLNESS

TRAVEL THE ULTIMATE ECO-LUXE CITY GUIDE

WHAT DO OPRAH, ROGER FEDERER, MADONNA, MARK ZUCKERBERG AND OBAMA HAVE IN COMMON? (SEE PAGE 52!)

MELBOURNE ADVENTURES IN INDONESIA + CAMBODIA

JUICE

YOUR WAY TO GOOD HEALTH

HKD $45 USD/CAD $8

E XC L U S I V E

ECOZINE.COM

SPRING IT ON !

EARTH DAY HISTORY AND HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD

ELON MUSK SHARES TESLA’S “SECRET MASTER PLAN” AND MISSION TO ACCELERATE THE WORLD’S TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

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

SOMETHING AWESOME IS IN THE WORKS! IF YOU’RE OVER MASS TOURISM AND ARE LOOKING FOR BESPOKE POSITIVE LUXURY, WE ARE WORKING ON A NEW WEBSITE THAT WE THINK YOU’LL REALLY LIKE. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN WE LAUNCH, AND CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM. T: +852 2868 5583 E: info@refinedtravellers.com

w w w. r e f i n e d t r av e l l e r s . c o m coming soon

L I V E

L U X U R I O U S L Y . T R E A D

L I G H T L Y

w w w. r e f i n e d t r av e l l e r s . c o m L I V E

L U X U R I O U S L Y . T R E A D

coming soon

L I G H T L Y

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER 16-28 FRESH IDEAS Brighten things up with these lush picks

WELLNESS Empowering morning rituals JUICING TRENDS 8 nutritious drinks from juiceries in Hong Kong

ELON MUSK Gives Ecozine the lowdown

EARTH DAY From the origins to today’s celebrations

68-78 TRAVEL Ideas for revitalizing getaways!

JAMIE OLIVER Serves up a dream bream

THE SOURCE

FEATURES

WELLNESS

16 LISA LOVES...

30 ELON MUSK

48 MEDITATION STYLES 101

18 THE LIST: VEGGIE DELIVERY

36 CELEBRATING... EARTH DAY

Ecozine’s Founder and CEO Lisa Christensen shares her spring faves

Get fresh organic produce delivered to your door

20 DIY WEDDING FAVOURS

Add a personal eco touch to your big day

22 Q&A LOUIE PSIHOYOS

The award-winning filmmaker discusses his latest project, Racing Extinction

24 BOOK AND FILM MATTERS

Why the ‘organic’ label means so much to us

26 OBJECTS OF DESIRE

Picnic in style with these fabulous finds

28 CLEANING PRODUCTS DIRECTORY Clean your home without damaging the environment – or your health

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

The genius behind SpaceX and Tesla Motors on inspiration, motivation, and innovation

Ever wonder how Earth Day began? And how it’s celebrated around the world?

LIFE + HOME

38 JAMIE OLIVER: SPRING FRESH

Get grounded in Hong Kong with the meditation style that suits you MORNING RITUALS

Start every morning with power

54 SPRING INTO JUICING

Top tips, recipes, and ingredients from the city’s juicing experts

A light, easy seafood dish from our favourite celebrity chef’s kitchen

40 INTERVIEW WITH OSCAR MONTAÑA PORRES

How tradition and caring for the soil produce great wines

42 AN ECO WEDDING TO REMEMBER

Getting hitched with a vow to help the planet

46 GET COOKING

Make cooking more enjoyable with these fun, functional tools

SUBSCRIBE TO ECOZINE MAGAZINE (Please see page 93 for details)

Ecozine.com

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

STYLE

TECH

ET CETERA

58 FROM DISCARDED TO DIVINE

80 APP-LAUSE

8 CONTRIBUTORS

Innovative designs from the hottest sustainable fashion competition

SPRING NAILS

Chic, earth-friendly nail products and shades you’ll love

66 MY ESSENTIALS

What Tony Sandstrom takes to the beach

TRAVEL

ECO LUXE CITY GUIDE: MELBOURNE

CAMBODIA CALLING

Find out why Melbourne is consistently voted most livable city

Discover a side to Cambodia you’ve probably never seen

74 WILD INDONESIA

Think you’ve ‘done’ Indonesia? Think again.

78 ESCAPE & EXPLORE: NIHIWATU RESORT The embodiment of paradise on Earth Ecozine.com

Eight brilliant apps for health and fitness

BIOMIMICRY MAGIC

When technology pays Mother Nature the sincerest form of flattery

86 TOP JUICERS

Best juicing machines compared

14 EDITOR’S NOTE 92 WHERE TO FIND US 93 SUBSCRIBE TO WIN 94 ONE MORE THING

PERSPECTIVES

CRAIG LEESON

DR. WAYNE MCCALLUM

The director of A Plastic Ocean gives his account of the battle against plastic

Song Saa Foundation’s Executive Director on conserving Cambodia’s environment

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS SUMMIT ASIA 2016 Join industry leaders to discuss what it takes to be a viable business of the future May 17-18, Singapore Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 5

FOUNDER, CEO

LISA CHRISTENSEN | lisa@ecozine.com

SUBSCRIBE TO WIN

EDITOR IN CHIEF

NISSA MARION | nissa@ecozine.com MANAGING EDITOR

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

STUART HAMBY | stuart@ecozine.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

ecozine.com/subscribe

EDITORIAL Abbe Ho, Alison Freeman, Craig Leeson, Jamie Oliver, Jason Sylvester, Joyee Chan, Kathy Yin, Lisa Middleton, Tessa Friend, Wayne McCallum editor@ecozine.com

CREATIVE GRAPHIC DESIGN Andy Lai, IndeeDesign COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy of Tesla Motors FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Wong FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Hong Kong Photography Studio, Jean Sebastian Roy 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

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

Unit 107, 1st Floor, Kai Wong Commercial Building, 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. 2016

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

< Abbe Ho

< Craig Leeson

Abbe Ho is an Irish-born interactive multimedia graduate who takes interest in creating digital media content and eLearning. He is currently on the path to becoming literate in Chinese whilst improving his coding skills at the same time.

Craig Leeson is an award-winning television presenter and filmmaker. He is the CEO of Leeson Media International and Ocean Vista Films, and founder of the I Shot Hong Kong Film Festival. He is the Asia correspondent for the Seven Network and a correspondent for Al Jazeera English. His latest work is his debut feature film documentary, A Plastic Ocean, which highlights the environmental problems facing the world’s oceans.

Eco tip: Embrace a minimalist lifestyle. De-clutter your life and help the local community at the same time by donating your unwanted goods to charity shops or books to your local library.

Eco tip: Prevent excess waste by investing in a reusuable coffee cup and skipping the stirrer.

Jason Sylvester >

Jean S. Roy >

Jason Sylvester is a passionate marine environmentalist and active member of the Sustainable Development Committee at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, where he has co-organized the annual Team Canada Beach Clean since 2007. Jason is a published author (Manifest Insanity, Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying & Think For Myself) and has been invited to lecture on religious history to a number of groups in Hong Kong and regionally.

Optimistic always, and committed to making the world a better place, Jean loves travelling, and expresses himself best through his art, design, and photography. From building houses to restoring properties, sustainability is always top of mind. Eco tip: Think before you act and buy.

Eco tip: Protect our oceans – they are what keep us alive!

< Joyee Chan

< Lisa Middleton

Joyee is an environmental journalist and recent graduate from the University of Hong Kong’s MSc in Environmental Management programme. She is on a mission to document green troubles and triumphs. Her work has featured in South China Morning Post and Time Out amongst others.

Lisa has over 12 years of 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.

Eco tip: Subscribe to a healthy diet and support local farmers by going for homegrown, seasonal and organic foods.

Eco tip: Use stronger, reusable bags as an alternative to non-biodegradable plastic bags.

Sean Baylis >

Tanya Bennett >

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.

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.

Eco tip: Wherever possible, replace disposable products with reusable ones.

Eco tip: Host a clothes swap day with your friends to get a new wardrobe without generating waste.

< Tessa Friend

< Wayne McCallum

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

Wayne first journeyed to Southeast Asia in 2003, when he began working with indigenous communities to conserve the last populations of tiger, elephant and Siamese crocodile. Wayne has been pecked by cranes, had his camera destroyed by orangutans and been punched by an angry elephant. Since 2011, he has spearheaded Song Saa’s efforts to conserve the environments of southern Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago.

Eco tip: Learn to upcycle and turn your unwanted items into things you really need.

Eco tip: Get up early and cycle to work. Watch the city come to life while curbing those carbon emissions and getting a great workout.

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

STOP!

SUBSCRIBE TO ECOZINE

Choose the gift that gives – for yourself, the planet, and for that special someone

FOR JUST HK $135, YOU GET: • Four issues of the print magazine delivered straight to your door – containing exclusive high-profile editorials, special reports, travel guides, sustainable shopping, lifestyle tips and more • FREE access to the weekly newsletter, and the website updated daily with green products, eco news, events and galleries! PLUS A CHANCE TO WIN (Offer valid until July 1st, 2016 – see page 93 for details)

SCAN THE QR CODE, or visit

ecozine.com/subscribe

EDITOR'S NOTE

Getting hitched Ecozine style.. yes, the wedding car was a Tesla!

pring is here, and change is in the air! Birds are singing, the weather’s getting warmer, and optimism is high as the dreary haze – literal and figurative – of winter dissipates. Change is good. As humans, we both crave change and resist it, torn between seeking new experiences and wanting the familiar. Ultimately though, we can’t prevent change, so my philosophy is to embrace it. And it’s certainly not an overstatement to say that our planet needs to see some change for the better. Fittingly then, we’ve chosen this issue to feature on our cover someone who is undeniably changing the planetary (and soon, interplanetary!) game, with his innovative entrepreneurial thinking: one of my own personal heroes, Mr. Elon Musk. When he visited Hong Kong earlier this year, he was welcomed by throngs of admirers and Tesla fans – and Ecozine was extremely fortunate to meet him. Flip to

page 30 to hear what he has to tell us about cars, energy, and the future. If you have been following Ecozine, you may already know that we chose to release this issue on Earth Day (April 22nd). While we believe it’s important to make every day and every action count, we also love taking the opportunity to specially acknowledge and celebrate our amazing blue and green home whenever we can. So to you our readers, we raise a (reusable) glass: Happy Earth Day! Check out page 36 to know more about this global celebration. Speaking of celebrations, you’ll find another one on page 42 – yes, it’s Ecozine’s first-ever green wedding article! And it’s particularly exciting for me, as it features my very own recent nuptials and the steps we took to make it both special and sustainable, with the help of some really fabulous vendors right here in Hong Kong. I hope that our story can help inspire lovebirds and nearlyweds out there who

may be wondering how to lighten the footprint of their big day. Of course, with a wedding comes a honeymoon, and we’re planning ours for this summer! There’s nothing like knowing you’re about to embark on a journey to somewhere new and exciting – and no matter what exciting means for you, if you too are planning your summer travels, you’ll find loads of options in our travel section this issue (from page 68). We’ve gone all out, highlighting choices ranging from the wide-open wilderness to urban escapes to the ultimate lap of luxury. Find what calls out to you – then book it. There’s no time like now.

Nissa Marion Editor in Chief

GET MORE ONLINE AT ECOZINE.COM EVENTS CALENDAR

DAILY NEWS + REVIEWS

WHAT TO BUY

TIPS + IDEAS

LISTINGS

STAY CONNECTED 16 16

| |

E COZ I N E E COZ I N E

| |

ecozinemagazine Fall 2015 Spring 2016

nissa_ecozine

ecozinemagazine Ecozine.com Ecozine.com

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 things

H ik ing m y w ay int o

spri ng !

SWEET WHEELS

THE SPRING ISSUE

porsche-hongkong.com

I’m loving nood’s new juice selection! Spring Clean has a light, refreshing flavour that is the perfect pick-me-up after a morning workout. Plus, it’s packed with calcium, magnesium, and iron, which help purify your blood and rid your body of toxins. I take my own reusable bottle and they’re happy to fill it or recycle their bottles!

The highly anticipated Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid scheduled for release later this year will closely echo its earlier model, released in 2015 to overwhelming success. A plug-in hybrid vehicle that promises a smooth and quiet ride, the Panamera drives like a sports car with the comfort of a luxury sedan – without compromising on powerful performance capabilities or the sleek, sporty, luxurious image that Porsche is worldfamous for.

Now that the weather is turning warm again, it’s time to hit Hong Kong’s beautiful country parks and enjoy Mother Nature! Just remember when you’re out there to take only photos and to leave no trace. See you on the trails!

LEAN, GREEN AND CLEAN

allnood.com

HANDMADE HEAVEN

Lovingly handmade in Australia, Pana Chocolate is raw, vegan, organic chocolate crafted with the vision that chocolate should be good for everyone. The silky smooth texture is rare for ‘healthy’ chocolates, and combined with such creative flavours as goji berries, fig and wild orange, and sour cherry and vanilla, it makes Pana Chocolate a force to be reckoned with. Not only does each bar include ingredients that love your insides, but the recyclable packaging loves the Earth, too. The chocoholic in me couldn’t be happier! foodforlifehk.com

SAVING FACE

Ten years after the success of their first anti-UV protective skin care product designed for life in the city, Clarins offers even higher protection. Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution is a powerful face shelter against not only UV rays but also against the harmful effects of pollution. Its “plant-powered 10-hour multi-protection formula” leaves my skin looking and feeling smooth and pampered. clarins.com.hk

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

BEAUTIFUL BALI

Suspended above the Indian Ocean and designed in harmony with the natural environment, Alila Villas Uluwatu radiates graceful luxury. Constructed using locally sourced materials and strict design practices, this Balinese resort was the first in Indonesia to receive EarthCheck’s prestigious ‘Best Practice Building Planning and Design’ award. The daily operation of the villas also smoothly intertwines guest comfort and sustainability. They even utilise the local plants for their wastewater management system and conserve water through rain gardens. Highly recommended! alilahotels.com

FILM AND BOOK FAVES A PLASTIC OCEAN

The film A Plastic Ocean follows the journey of two intrepid explorers as they travel to remote parts of the world documenting the magnitude of plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems, animals and human health. Headed by acclaimed natural history film producer Jo Ruxton, this hard-hitting documentary collaborates with scientists, conservationists and engineers in a story that challenges our flippant use of plastic.

GROW YOUR OWN FOOD

With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to start planting seeds. Arthur van Langenberg’s book Growing Your Own Food in Hong Kong is great for anyone with access to a garden, balcony or rooftop space. By sharing invaluable techniques, Langenberg teaches the budding and seasoned gardener alike how to grow produce such as avocados, chayote, dill and dragon fruit in containers. When your homegrown produce is ready, there are also delicious recipes to follow.

A ZERO WASTE FUTURE

This fall, Ecozine will host the second annual Zero Waste Week, November 11-18th in Hong Kong, inviting citizens to be part of the solution through taking pledges and attending events around the city. The week will be anchored by a high-profile Zero Waste Global Summit, with international and local expert speakers. Last year’s event was a sold-out success so get your tickets early! We’ll be posting event updates and ticket details on our Facebook page, so ‘Like’ us to stay in the loop! I hope to see you there! Facebook.com/ZeroWasteWeek

NO MORE COFFEE FOR HAMBURG

Well, no more single-use coffee pods, anyway. This German city has become the first in the world to ban these polluting cups from all government-run buildings. Made up of a nasty cocktail of plastic and aluminum, these capsules cannot be recycled by most recycling plants, which means that we’ll be cleaning up after this incredibly damaging trend for decades to come. This is particularly worrying since the sales of single-serve coffee have more than tripled in Western Europe and the US since 2011.

Ecozine.com

NOURISH YOUR SKIN

We all know that eating organic makes sense not only for the environment, but also for our bodies. However, we often forget about the damage chemicals can do to our skin. Synthetic chemicals in beauty products can trigger skin irritations and allergies. Emmanuel F. spa in Hong Kong, one of the city’s first truly organic spas, treats you with 100 per cent natural and certified organic products under the care of their trained therapists. They do a fantastic soothing facial, which leaves my skin glowing for days. I also love popping into the spa after a long flight to get the Legs Revitalizing Treatment. Emmanuel F. offers a range of hair and body spa treatments, and their new location in The Pemberton is absolutely stunning! emmanuelf.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 17

THE SOURCE

The

LIST

VEGGIE DELIVERY

Whether it’s pouring down rain outside or you just appreciate a helping hand, these services have you covered

3 |

E COZ I N E

Dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting small businesses, Homegrown Foods works with farms in Hong Kong and Southern China to deliver fresh, clean food harvested at its peak. Their seasonal and organic fruit and veg is complemented with sustainably-sourced grocery items from eggs, tea and sauces to microbrewed beer.

homegrownfoods.com.hk

EVERGREENS REPUBLIC Evergreens Republic is the largest commercial aquaponic farm with USDA organic certification operating in Southeast Asia. The farm reproduces the symbiotic interactions of a natural ecosystem, allowing them to grow an impressive range of fruits and vegetables. evergreensrepublic.com

EAT FRESH Offering farm-to-home delivery of their finest organic seasonal produce and a selection of body care products, Eat Fresh are committed to minimal packaging, and encourage their customers to return their bags for re-use with each new order.

HOMEGROWN FOODS

Spring 2016

eatfresh.com.hk

CHEF’S GARDEN

Chef’s Garden supplies an extensive range of fresh and frozen produce from Australia, Europe, the PRC and the United States. Fruits and vegetables, baked goods, drinks, dairy, seafood and meat – you name it, Chef’s Garden will bring it to your door. They’ll even get it to you by the next day if you order before cut-off time! chefsgarden.net

FARMER PORTER Farmer Porter is all about trust and traceability with the majority of its organic produce sourced from small Australian family farms. Currently in beta phase, this startup home delivery service offers not only organic veggies, but also rare organic fruits and organic grass-fed meats. Ecozine readers can quote ‘Ecozine’ to receive a 20 per cent discount off their first order! farmerporter.com

Ecozine.com

THE SOURCE

DIY WEDDING FAVOURS

These little gifts will add a personal touch to any wedding and are eco-friendly, adorable, and inexpensive to make

WATCH LOVE GROW Seedlings and seed packets > There’s nothing more eco-friendly than the gift of nature. Buy some seedlings, potted cacti or locally sourced seeds and package them up for your guests to plant when they get home. This gift will last for years to come, and always remind them of your special day! When choosing seeds or plants, select ones indigenous to your country.

LOVE IS SWEET Farm-fresh fruit > After indulging on your wedding day spread, your guests may be craving a sweet healthy treat! Buy a crate of delicious farm-fresh organic fruit, such as cherries, strawberries or grapes. Decorate small brown paper lunch bags and pack them full of goodness. Then leave them on the table for your guests to enjoy! These favours are perfect for a summer outdoor wedding and couldn’t be easier to make – or more delicious. SPICE THINGS UP Spice mix or chili sauce > Create your own “Love Spice” and package it up for your guests to use at home. All you need to do is order some glass test tubes, spice jars or small glass vials, use a funnel to pack them full of flavor and attach a label or tag made from recycled paper. For a cute and useful addition, tie small wooden spoons around the bottle. Your guests are sure to enjoy these useful gifts; after all, love is the spice of life!

E COZ I N E

LET LOVE BREW Coffee beans and tea leaves > After dancing the night away, chances are your guests could do with a healthy dose of caffeine in the morning. Use some raw linen or canvas bags and twine to package up your favorite single-origin coffee beans or a customised blend of tea leaves. You can decorate them with a personalised rubber stamp or craft labels from recycled card.

Spring 2016

TAKE FLIGHT Birdseed hearts > These ecofriendly wedding favours are a great way to thank your guests (and the birds) for coming. Simply combine flour, water, gelatin, corn syrup and birdseed in a large mixing bowl. Fill a heartshaped cookie cutter with the mixture and be sure to make a hole at the top so you can thread the heart onto some string later. Remove the seed heart from the cookie cutter and DOUBLE DUTY leave it to harden and dry. Add string Bonus: with personalised and attach your thank-you note! labels including the guest’s name, any of these favors can double as a place setting and help reduce unnecessary waste!

THE PERFECT MATCH Matchbox or packets > Upcycle some matchboxes for a quick, inexpensive wedding favour that your guests are sure to use! Put your painting skills to the test or print custom labels to create an eco-wedding favour and remind your guests how you struck it lucky!

Ecozine.com

Photos courtesy of (clockwise from top left): AlPartyFavours.etsy.com, Tessa Friend, TheWeddingMarket.etsy.com, CoCreativeDesign.etsy.com, InNonnasKitchen.etsy.com, FancyThatLoved.etsy.com, LittleIndieStudio.etsy.com

SPREAD THE LOVE Jam jars and honey pots > Why not leave each guest with something sweet and sticky to spread on their toast in the morning? Buy small glass jars, cover the lid with some fun fabric and twine, design a personalised label and fill them with your chosen spread! If you’re good in the kitchen, whip up a batch of your own jam – otherwise, locally produced honey is a great option!

Save money on your organic groceries with Eat FRESH subscriptions Organic, fresh, high quality produce HKORC, Canadian Organic Association, USDA Certification Fresh produce, eggs, milk, gluten free bread & pasta, superfoods, body care & more Healthy, easy and yummy recipes in our blog www.Eatfresh.com.hk | delivery@eatfresh.com.hk | FB : EatFreshHK

THE SOURCE

What was your favourite moment during the filming of Racing Extinction?

I think one of the most powerful events for me was trying for the last four years to project images of endangered species onto the Empire State Building. Everybody thought I was crazy. They told me it was impossible, it’d be too much bureaucracy to go through, and it’d be too expensive. On the evening of the show, it was beautiful to see taxis stopping in the middle of the street and kids’ faces lighting up. It was a dream come true, that we could stop a busy city like New York in its tracks just by showing them the beauty of nature.

You discovered that you used 646 tonnes of carbon to produce The Cove. Did Racing Extinction do any better with its carbon footprint?

Louie Psihoyos

ward-winning filmmaker and eco-activist Louie Psihoyos is back with a new mission. While The Cove focused on the plight of dolphins, his latest movie Racing Extinction takes on a more far-reaching issue: mankind’s role in a potential catastrophe that could wipe out half of the world’s species. Ecozine contributor Joyee Chan asked him to share about the journey.

What inspired you to make Racing Extinction?

The idea was to make a film about the most important, pressing problem in the world. There have been five major extinctions in the history of the planet. A mass extinction is when we lose half or more of all the species on the planet. And we’re going through that again right now. The last dinosaurs were killed by a meteor, but this time, humanity has become the meteor and this new epoch is called the Anthropocene [or the age of men]. Our own species name, Homo sapiens, means the wise ones. But how wise [can we be] to cause, as some scientists say, 30,000 species to go extinct every year? What we’re trying to do with this movie is not just create the awareness that we’re going through [another massive catastrophe]. We want to create a movement to prevent it, so that in fifty years, we aren’t looking at ourselves and saying, ‘why didn’t we do enough to try to solve this problem?’

Yes, we did quite a bit better. After we made The Cove, we went completely solar – the last half of The Cove was created completely on solar. We now generate 140 per cent of our energy off the roof of Oceanic Preservation Society, my base of operations in Colorado. The state has 300 days of sun a year – more than the ‘sunshine state’ of Florida. I used to spend about US $1,000 on electricity. Now I don’t pay – the electric company pays me [because the panels generate more electricity than we need].

Did Racing Extinction bring about any immediate changes?

We infiltrated a lot of illegal wildlife markets. In China, we helped bust several rings selling endangered shark species and closed down six illegal operations. In the United States and Korea, we also busted some restaurants selling whale meat. We didn’t think about the associated risk so much. Only after we left did we think about how scary and crazy all that was!

You talk a lot about hope and inspiring people, but do you ever feel pessimistic?

I don’t ever feel really pessimistic because I’m surrounded by too many people making great changes. I mean you look at the people in this film… say someone like Shawn Heinrichs, an ocean activist from landlocked Boulder, Colorado. In the course of this film, he helped create the world’s biggest marine sanctuary for manta rays in Indonesia. Or look at Leilani Münter. She’s a five-foot-tall woman in the male-dominated world of car-racing… She’s a real inspirational character, she’s exciting, [and she] brings environmental messages with her car to people who traditionally wouldn’t listen. I don’t hang out with that many people who feel glum. I don’t think we can allow ourselves to feel too sorry for ourselves. I think when you do that, you miss the opportunity to create change.

“ WE WANT TO MAKE PEOPLE

EMOTIONAL AND EMPOWERED, BUT NOT AT THE RISK OF REPELLING THEM

”

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

THE SOURCE

Screening Room

Books

That Matter An organic lifestyle is a responsible and thoughtful way of living that is good not only for you but also for the planet. Here are a few book recommendations to help you explore and understand organic choices. The GMO Deception: What You Need to Know About the Food, Corporations, and Government Agencies Putting Our Families and Our Environment at Risk

Ralph Nader, Sheldon Krimsky, Jeremy Gruber (2014) Did you know that 75 per cent of processed foods contain GMOs? The long-term impacts of consuming these food types on human health remain largely unknown, but public concern has been increasing. For people who aren’t sure what all the fuss is about GMOs, this is a good place to start.

A Farmer’s Life for Me

Jimmy Doherty (2011) TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty shares his knowledge on how to successfully grow your own food and even sell it, whether you have an acre of land or just a window box. From skills to equipment to marketing, Jimmy will show you how to reduce your grocery bills and live the lifestyle of self-sufficiency.

The Uncook Book: The Essential Guide to a Raw Food Lifestyle

Tanya Maher (2015) With health issues arising from consuming modern day processed food, more and more people are becoming conscious of what they put onto their dinner plates. The Uncook Book offers easy-to-follow recipes with a modern twist that will ease you into a raw food lifestyle – which is not only healthy, but also offers much-needed energy and mental clarity for a busy urban lifestyle.

Keeping the Bees: Why All Bees Are at Risk and What We Can Do to Save Them

Laurence Packer (2015) As the title suggests, bees worldwide are currently on the decline due to human activity. Humans count on bees for a third of the world’s food supply, so we are putting ourselves at risk, too. As well as giving ideas on how to stop the dwindling of bees in your garden or town, the author goes ‘behind the scenes’ to learn from scientists who are attempting to save these nectar-loving insects from disappearing. 24

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

FIVE FILMS Worth Watching

When we label food ‘organic’, we mean that it is grown without the use of chemical pesticides, antibiotics, hormones or synthetic fertilisers. But why do we now place so much value on this label, after having worked so hard to industrialise our food production? Find out for yourself through our list of film recommendations. Food Fight: The Debate over GMO Labels (2013)

The main aim of genetic modification is to help make our food source more resistant to diseases and to return a bigger harvest. But there are insufficient long-term studies to conclude what types of health risks may come with these short-term benefits. The main question in this film is not whether GMOs should exist, but if it should be compulsory for producers to differentiate between GMO and non-GMO foods through labelling.

One Day in the Life of a Rice Farmer (2012) From the growing to the selling of rice, this quaintly watchable documentary showcases a normal day in a rice farmer’s life, and how rice is produced. Each step in the process forms part of a selfsustaining system, perfected over centuries. Refreshingly, the entire short film eschews music or even commentary and instead relies on the ambient sounds present in the footage to convey its message.

Hungry For Change (2012) Based on interviews with health and medical experts, this documentary exposes the truth

behind the diet and food industry that keeps people hooked and coming back for more. It uses science to back up claims about the negative effects that food additives can have on our bodies, and makes a solid case for getting ourselves out of the diet trap.

The Soil (2015)

Conservation International’s Nature Is Speaking series has gone viral across the planet, with international stars providing voices to natural wonders. In Soil, we are treated to Edward Norton’s mesmerising voice representing soil, as he tells us ‘you’ve treated me like dirt’ and begs humankind to let Earth’s soils heal. It’s incredibly powerful stuff for a 90-second film. Watch it, and share it.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2 (2014)

The original Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead started off as a story about a man who documented his own 60-day juice diet. However, he then came to the realisation that there is a lot more to becoming healthy than he had imagined. In this sequel, he continues his quest to educate himself about a healthy lifestyle, this time in relation to the food we eat. Ecozine.com

OBJECTS of DESIRE

These spring picnic essentials will bring colour and sustainable style to your outing

Keep it Warm

You don’t want cold soup at a spring picnic. This pink container set by Thermos keeps your lunch warm and delicious. It includes boxes for rice, soup and veggies for a balanced meal. The insulation keeps your food hot for up to 6 hours.

p Fork It Made from certified organic bamboo, this cutlery is both elegant and sturdy enough for most foods, providing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic cutlery. HK $78 | Bambu

HK $465 | Thermos

That’s Twisted

Enjoy the fresh and delicate taste of citrus wherever you go. Simply twist half of any small citrus fruit into the built-in press and add water. The Citrus Zinger flavor infuser is free of toxins, BPA and phthalates. Vitamin C on the go! HK $124 | G.O.D

p Loungin’ Bring these colourful folding chairs on your picnic! Not only is this a stylish sit, but this environmentally conscious company will require all their wood to come from sustainable sources (either certified or recycled) by 2020. HK $193 | IKEA

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

THE SOURCE

Sun Power

Prolong those enjoyable summer picnics with a stylish, portable solar lamp. Created using sustainable materials, these lamps harvest the sun’s energy to light up your nights wherever you are. Fit for all terrains and situations, they are durable, weatherproof and water resistant. HK $2,220 | everythingunderthesun.com.hk

p It’s a Wrap Wave goodbye to disposable wrappers and still keep your lunch fresh all day with Roll’eat’s Boc’n’Roll environmentally friendly sandwich wrap. This nifty wrap uses an easy Velcro fastener that makes it adaptable to foods of all different shapes and sizes. It can easily be wiped clean or tossed into the washing machine after use. HK $75 | rolleat.com

p Colourful Corkscrew This beautiful parrot-design corkscrew is the perfect picnic accessory. It’s handy and versatile – simply use its ‘beak’ or ‘tail’ to break into your favourite bottle. Cast aluminum makes it more durable and lasting. Additional colours are available to match your picnic ensemble! HK $488 | Alessi

p Pack and Go The joyful, energetic pattern on this Atelier Box from Tulisan will bring another ray of sunshine to your spring. The water-resistant, non-toxic cotton canvas is coloured with eco-friendly water-based dyes. Each product is handmade with love in Indonesia. HK $780 | Sooq

p Chop to It This stylish bamboo cutting board with a pop of blue or green edging is made from sustainable bamboo, which is one of the fastest growing plants. Each board is crafted from a single piece of bamboo without lamination! It’s the perfect board for serving cheese, fruits, and bread. HK $388 | TREE

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 27

THE SOURCE

SPRING CLEANING

DIRECTORY Our eco-friendly household cleaning picks will make your spring cleaning enjoyable, sustainable, and better for your health!

This multipurpose spray is designed to clean and deodorise any hard household surfaces, such as kitchen counter tops, decorations, and bathtubs. Their safe plant and mineral ingredients are even suitable for cleaning baby’s belongings. And it smells great!

HK $70 | soapnutrepublichk.com

Get Pumped

This ultra-strong and biodegradable grease-fighting dish detergent is bottled as an elixir of sea salt and frozen lime that offers a pleasant scent to your grungy dishes. All of Method’s ingredients have been assessed to ensure they are safe for humans and the environment.

HK $30 | methodhome.com

The ingredients in this non-aerosol air freshener bottle are at least 94 per cent naturally derived. The natural essential oils and fragrances perfume any room with a garden-fresh geranium aroma. HK $39 | mrsmeyers.com

E COZ I N E

April Showers

HK $15 | fishpond.com.hk

HK $60 | ecostore.co.nz

Spring 2016

Spraying a few drops of this 100 per cent natural, coconut oil-based, biodegradable stain remover will clean up emergency spots on most fabrics. It works best against stains and odours caused by organic materials.

The Glass Saver

Made from plant-based ingredients and packaged in a 100 per cent recyclable bottle made from renewable sugarcane plastic, this eco cleaner is perfect for cutting through dirt, soap scum and hard water spots in your bathroom and shower.

HK $43 | greengourmet.com.hk

Eco Sponge

The humble sponge is a daily necessity in every home. This sustainable and ethical product is made from recycled foam, aiming to wipe up your spills, drips and stains without costing the Earth.

Stain Away

Freshen Up

Soapnut Sensation

This non-toxic, unscented cleaner is made from a high percentage of allergen-free ingredients, meaning that even allergy sufferers can use it worry-free. Plus, it’s biodegradable, and leaves windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces sparkling and clear. HK $93 | thelaundress.com

Straight Flush

Discover the magic of soy! Extracts of soy mixed with essential oils of mint and micro-scrubbers fight tough stains and deodorise toilet bowl odours. This product is free of harsh fumes, acids, caustics and artificial fragrances. HK $78 | serendipityhouse.com.hk

Ecozine.com

La Lampe by Maiori: Solar Lighting Redined

Solar powered lights offer substantial savings on electricity bills and help reduce carbon emissions. But there’s more to sustainability than just saving energy. The design maestros at Maiori Lab understand that sustainable design is about caring and planning for each stage of the product lifecycle. A well-designed product makes sense at every stage of its life - from sourcing the raw materials, to production, use, and final disposal. Based in this ethos, La Lampe Collection is an inspiring collection of solar lighting that sets a new bar in sustainable product design. A stateof-the-art renewable energy device encased in a high performance exterior, this beautifully-crafted autonomous light object can bring light virtually anywhere.

In low-impact production, choice of materials is critical; Maiori uses Aluminium T6, a metal that is not only well known for its rust resistance but requires much less energy to process than hard metals like steel. It is also 100% recyclable.

La Lampe’s technology is a departure from conventional solar powered garden lights. Its sleek designs combine high-conversion solar panels with low-consumption LED bulbs, resulting in a more efficient lamp that gives more hours of light on a single charge.

All aluminium parts are powder coated with advanced methods that eliminate waste and dust pollutants. Powder coating produces no fumes or toxic waste, and contains no lead, making it one of the safest painting methods for workers, users and the environment.

The solar-powered light has three levels of luminance intensity, and is equipped with a photo sensor that activates the lamp when it detects darkness, then turns off to save power in the day. It’s capable of illuminating for up to seven hours and is weatherproof and water resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use in all seasons.

When it comes to fabrics, Maiori uses only renowned Serge Ferrari Batyline fabric made in France, a high-tech fabric that offers exceptional weather resistance, and is 100% recyclable too.

Curating Sustainability at an Industrial Scale

With more than 25 years of creating beautiful, versatile pieces with precision and attention to detail, Maiori’s heritage and expertise as an outdoor furniture maker is unmistakeable in the La Lampe collection. Sustainability is an integral part of that vision.

EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN X ECOZINE

La Lampe comes in recycled carton packaging with water-based ink. There is no plastic or polystyrene used at all in the packaging, which is both recyclable and biodegradable. Bring light into your life. The Maiori La Lampe solar collection is exclusively available in Hong Kong at Everything Under the Sun www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk

ELON MUSK BOY GENIUS

Earlier this year, Ecozine shared the stage with the biggest tech celebrity on the planet, right here in Hong Kong, and got the scoop. Why are millions of fans swooning over every move he makes, and snapping up his products before they even hit the market? It’s all part of his “secret master plan”…

Words by Jason Sylvester

usiness magnate, engineer, inventor and investor Elon Musk was born in Pretoria in 1971 to a South African engineer and a Canadian model. His predisposition for innovation emerged early: by the age of ten, he had taught himself to program a computer, and at twelve, he had written and sold a video game. College for Musk consisted of two years of undergraduate studies at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned two degrees: one each in physics and economics. He later enrolled in the PhD programme in applied physics at Stanford University – and stayed for a grand total of just two days. Like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and a host of other tech idols, Musk left his studies to pursue what became a list of stellar accomplishments during the dot-com boom. Musk’s first coup was to start a software company called Zip2 with his brother, which they sold to Compaq in 1999 for just over US $300 million. Using the money from the sale of Zip2, he quickly co-founded X.com, merging a year later with Confinity to become the online money transfer service PayPal. In late 2002, eBay acquired PayPal for US $1.5 billion.

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

FEATURE

fter the sale of PayPal, Musk says that he had a realisation that would drive his future projects. Instead of searching for the best way to make money, he asked himself which problems were most likely to affect the future of humanity. And that’s when the really cool stuff began to take shape. Having always entertained dreams of space exploration, and particularly the possibility of sending humans to Mars within his own lifetime, Musk used the money from his digital successes to establish Space Exploration Technologies (or SpaceX) in 2002. SpaceX was formed with the intention of creating new technologies that would drastically reduce the cost of space flight, paving the way for colonisation of Mars. You might wonder why Elon Musk, a silicon valley success, would be concerned with relocating humanity to the red planet; in his words, “[space exploration] is an important step in expanding – or even preserving – the consciousness of human life against the many threats we face on Earth.” Musk has also noted, with coy insight, that “since Mars’ atmosphere lacks oxygen, all transportation would have to be electric.” The foundation for the success of SpaceX was the abolition of expendable – and expensive – launch vehicles. Musk’s view was that “the revolutionary breakthrough will come with rockets that are fully and rapidly reusable. We will never conquer Mars unless we do that. It’ll be too expensive.” With SpaceX underway in 2003, Musk, never one to sit still, went on to tackle his next big vision: designing the perfect allelectric vehicle (EV). He had been thinking about EVs for a long time, knowing fossil-fuel combustion to be an inefficient propulsion method that pollutes both locally (as roadside emissions) and globally (as increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide). At this time, Musk met JB Straubel, another forward-thinking engineer. Musk and Straubel soon found their way into the office of AC Propulsion to see the company’s prototype, the tzero. AC Propulsion introduced them to three more entrepreneurs eager to license the technology and bring it to market. Reaching into his deep pockets, Musk funded the venture, which became known as Tesla Motors, and in 2008 became its CEO. Tesla’s official mission was “to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport by bringing compelling mass market electric cars to market as soon as possible.” However, for the company to have any chance of succeeding against the market stranglehold of the oil industry, with its long history of buying up

and suppressing new technologies, their product would need to be literally game-changing. Only by designing a car that created strong public demand for EVs could Tesla force other automakers to follow their lead. The strategy, which Musk jokingly refers to as his “secret master plan”, was to bring to market a high-priced, low-volume electric sports car for the wealthy and in so doing, create a brand legacy that would allow more affordable vehicles to be produced for the general market at a later date. In 2008, the now-famous Tesla Roadster was launched to global applause as the embodiment of this ambition. The first production automobile to use lithium-ion battery cells, the Roadster accelerated from zero to 100 kph in under four seconds, cost around US $100,000, and earned rave reviews and a cult following. It remained limited and exclusive, reaching sales of just 2,450 cars in 31 countries before closing production in 2012. As with any new and innovative technology, research and development costs were high. In 2008, just before the Roadster hit its stride, Musk reached what he refers to as his lowest point: “My proceeds from the PayPal acquisition were $180 million. I put $100 million in SpaceX, $70m in Tesla, and $10m in Solar City [a solar power provider launched in 2006 by Musk’s cousins based on his concept]. I had to borrow money for rent.” The truth was, Tesla Motors was on the verge of bankruptcy; SpaceX was looking doomed after three failed rocket launch attempts; and the American economy was in a tailspin, making capital hard to come by. But perseverance paid off: the fourth rocket launch was a success, and just days later, SpaceX won a US $1.6 billion contract from NASA to deliver cargo, filling the role previously handled by the shuttle program. Building on that success, the company has in the years since become a major player in private space exploration, with nearly 5,000 employees and a valuation in excess of US $10 billion. And Tesla? As the Roadster’s cult following helped the auto manufacturer finally turn a profit, Musk was able to take the next step in the carefully wrought strategy of ‘cool first, masses later’ and fund the development of their flagship sedan for the upwardly mobile crowd: the Model S. Consumer Reports called the Model S “a technological tour de force, a high-performance electric vehicle with usable real-world range” and gave it an unprecedented test score of 99 out of 100, rating it the best overall car for two consecutive years. Additionally, the Model S received the highest-ever safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“PERSISTENCE IS VERY IMPORTANT. YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE UP UNLESS YOU ARE FORCED TO GIVE UP

”

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 31

erhaps not surprisingly, given Hong Kong’s obsession with ‘the latest thing’ and our shortrange driving distances, the Model S gained rapid and extreme popularity here. It was the city’s top selling sedan in 2015, making Hong Kong the city with the largest number of Tesla cars per capita. When Musk spoke at InvestHK’s StartMeUp Forum earlier this year, he commented on the future of EVs here: “I think Hong Kong will, over time, have the highest percentage of electric vehicles of any city in the world. And it can therefore serve as a model for how other high-density cities can transform to a sustainable transport future.” He remains, however, realistic about the challenges in a market like Hong Kong: “One of the things that we need to work through, in any dense city, is that as you have more and more electric vehicles on the roads, you have to find someplace to charge them. The ideal place to charge the car is at your home or office; essentially, the same place that you charge your phone. This is challenging,

because a lot of apartment buildings didn’t anticipate having that level of power in the garage.” Musk also notes that challenges vary from market to market; in North America, where private homeowners can install solar panels on the roof and chargers in their garages, the main concern is the distance between charging stations on long highways. Not one to be held back by obstacles, Musk has a plan for that, too: a worldwide network of Supercharger stations. While Supercharger stations are currently proprietary to Tesla, Musk plans to partner with other manufacturers to make the stations usable by other EVs. With cross-manufacturer cooperation, sustainable transportation will become even more attractive and available to the public. Perhaps the most astonishing fact about this plan is that using the charging stations is absolutely free for drivers. Not only that, but plans are in the works to make the Supercharger stations solar-powered, for a fully self-contained, low-cost, clean energy solution. But Tesla’s core business, for now at least, is making excellent electric vehicles, and to this end you can expect a flurry of activity over the next few years. Last year the Model X – the world’s first gas-free SUV and arguably the best SUV now on the market – was launched, to wide approval from both critics and consumers. And further down the road, plans are rumoured to be in place for a newgeneration Roadster as well as an electric pickup truck.

always innovating

Musk spoke about innovation in Hong Kong earlier this year; one of his innovations, the Supercharger station, is sweeping across Asia and the world

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

COMING SOON

Musk recently unveiled his latest vision, the affordably priced Model 3

urrently causing global buzz is Tesla’s newest, and in some ways perhaps most significant, release: the highly anticipated Model 3, unveiled globally this spring. Adhering to its market strategy, Tesla re-invested the profits from the Model S into development of a mass-production, low-cost EV aimed squarely at the average buyer. And it couldn’t come too soon: consumers, industry watchers, and environmentalists alike have been eagerly awaiting the first mass-market EV from the car company that pioneered the fusion of battery-electric technology with striking design and performance. And how does the Model 3 stack up to previous Tesla offerings? For starters, all Model 3s come standard with autopilot software, and in line with its predecessor, the Model S, Tesla expects the Model 3 to be the safest car in its class once testing completes. Musk also played up its roominess, musing, “Can you fit a sevenfoot long surfboard inside? The answer is yes.” Furthermore, the Model 3 achieves a snappy zero to sixty in under six seconds (as Musk quipped, “At Tesla, we don’t make slow cars”) and has a range of 320 km before recharging.

Although the Model 3 won’t go into production until late 2017, eager buyers can already reserve a place on a waiting list… and they have – in droves. Tesla had reportedly taken nearly 300,000 pre-orders within 72 hours of the unveiling. At roughly half the price of the Model S, the Model 3 finally puts high quality, proven EV technology within the budget of the general public. Not only is the Model 3 priced affordably, but consumers will continue to save over the long run by using the network of free Supercharger stations spreading rapidly across Asia and the world. But even with these successes and innovations, Musk is not resting on his laurels. SolarCity has gone on to become a leading supplier of solar power systems to residential, commercial, and government users in the United States. Musk predicts that solar will be the largest energy source by 2031, due to “this handy fusion reactor in the sky, where you don’t have to do anything – it works, it shows up every day, and it produces ridiculous amounts of power.”

“ YOU WANT TO HAVE A FUTURE WHERE YOU’RE

EXPECTING THINGS TO BE BETTER,

NOT ONE WHERE YOU’RE EXPECTING THINGS TO BE WORSE

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

” E COZ I N E

| 33

peaking about his vision for solar power in Hong Kong and China, Musk acknowledges barriers for rooftop solar as a main power source in a place like Hong Kong, where tall buildings block the sun for much of the day and frequent cloud cover and haze reduce the number of optimal days for solar charging. “It’s true that in dense cities, rooftop solar is not going to solve the energy need. What you can do is have ground-mount solar power, let’s say near Hong Kong, tapping into the existing power lines. So, you can supply HK with solar power – it would just need to be coming from a land area that’s not too far away.” He suggests, “China has actually an enormous land area, much of which is hardly occupied at all. Given that the Chinese population is so concentrated along the coast, once you go inland, the population, in some cases, is remarkably tiny. So, you could easily power all of China with solar.”

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

And, finally, what does Musk have his sights set on for the future? In addition to fully autonomous cars (which he predicts Tesla will be the first to launch in just a few years), he shared some thoughts in Hong Kong on the eradication of genetic diseases, and even a braincomputer interface at the neuron level: “Intelligence augmentation, as opposed to AI. You would never forget anything; and you wouldn’t need to take photographs.” He’s also resolute about the potential of a highly publicised super-speed transportation concept known as the Hyperloop, and has proposed a supersonic electric airplane, known as the Musk electric jet, that can take off and land vertically. Many people dream of living in a better world, a fairer world, a cleaner world. Elon Musk is a man who not only shares that dream, but acts on it. If he has anything to say and do about it, it’s going to happen – and soon.

Ecozine.com

CELEBRATING...

EARTH DAY Words by Abbe Ho

their last studio album, and students protesting against the Vietnam War. Environmental protection was becoming a big theme culturally, but not yet in policy or industry. It almost seems surreal, but before 1970 it was normal for industrial waste to be dumped into rivers and toxic smoke to be released into the open air. It was a perfectly legal practice, since there were no laws imposed to protect the environment from such hazards. Earth Day came into being as an attempt to force this problem onto political agendas and dialogues.

SO LONG AS THE HUMAN SPECIES INHABITS THE EARTH, “ OUR VERY SURVIVAL WILL DEPEND UPON WHETHER OR NOT WE ARE ABLE TO PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND OUR ENVIRONMENT – SENATOR GAYLORD NELSON ”

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

Photo by Flavio Takemoto

very day really should be Earth Day. But there actually is an official day, and we’re as proud as the next guy to celebrate it wholeheartedly. Earth Day officially began when United States Senator Gaylord Nelson organised a grassroots demonstration in 1970, with 20 million people across America rallying for better protection of the environment. In the US, 1970 marked the peak of hippie culture, with The Beatles having just released

FEATURE

elson’s inspiration for Earth Day came about after he witnessed the disastrous aftermath of the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, and became keen on educating the public about environmental issues. The very first Earth Day paved the way for the formation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. “It was a gamble,” Gaylord recalled, “but it worked.” In 1995, Nelson was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Clinton in acknowledgement for his work and for founding Earth Day. Established by President Kennedy in 1963, The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest award of honour for civilians in the United States.

In 2009, the United Nations joined the party, designating April 22nd International Mother Earth Day, honouring the Earth and its ecosystems as our one and only home. Since the first Earth Day, the environment has grown from a fringe topic to a mainstream concern. Today, over a billion people from nearly 200 countries celebrate Earth Day each spring. From tree plantings to corporate commitments to rallies and protests, the movement unites people in a common desire to protect the planet that sustains our lives. To commemorate the success of the movement and celebrate within our own pages, we selected a few snapshots from the Earth Day Network of Earth Day activities across the globe. What will you do this year to celebrate?

USA Lively crowds from all

BOLIVIA Celebrating Earth

INDIA School students in

South Kolkata make their own gardens from used plastic bottles to demonstrate upcycling.

JAPAN Students in Tokyo organize a series of events across the city, from debates and lectures to concerts and children’s activities.

HAWAII A beach cleanup organised by Surfrider gives citizens a chance to show their commitment.

SOUTH AFRICA

PHILIPPINES

TAIWAN Enthusiastic

walks of life join together to enjoy music and festivities at different venues across the country.

Ecozine.com

Day in customary style, with ceremonial folk dances and vibrant costumes.

These two young children are proud of their work tree-planting in the area around their home.

Community members gather in the sunshine for a ceremony celebrating Mother Earth, music, food and unity.

youths take the opportunity to transform a daily school task into a touching call to action.

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 37

SPRING FRESH Our favorite celebrity chef brings you a light dish from Jamieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian that is perfect for spring dining!

LIFE+ HOME

BREAM ACQUA PAZZA Serves 2

• 1 small fresh red chili • 2 cloves of garlic • ½ bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley • 120 g ripe cherry tomatoes (mixed colours if possible) • 1½ teaspoons capers • 2 x 300g whole gilt-head bream, from sustainable sources, scaled, gutted and fins removed • olive oil • 6-8 black olives, such as Gaeta olives • white wine • 160 ml organic vegetable stock

1. Preheat the oven to the lowest setting and pop your plates in to warm. 2. Finely slice the chili, peel and finely slice the garlic, then pick the parsley leaves. Halve some of the tomatoes, leaving the others whole. Rinse the capers. 3. Score the bream on both sides to about 1cm deep, in a crisscross fashion. 4. Place a large frying pan over a medium-high heat, add a lug of oil, then add the fish, chili and garlic. Fry for around 30 seconds, then add the parsley, capers, olives, tomatoes and a pinch of black pepper. 5. Fry for a further 30 seconds, add a couple good splashes of white wine and the vegetable stock, then cover and cook over a medium-low heat for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the fish is beautifully cooked and the flesh pulls easily away from the bone. 6. Transfer the fish to warm plates using a slotted spoon, then continue to cook the sauce until slightly reduced and it has a reddish tinge. 7. Pour the sauce over the fish and serve immediately.

JAMIE’S SUPER LUNCH

Not only do we love the food (who doesn’t!), but we’re excited that all of the meat and produce used at Jamie’s Italian is free-range and super-fresh. Jamie’s Italian now has two locations to choose from in Hong Kong: Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 39

LIFE+ HOME

An Interview with Oscar Montaña Porres Chief Executive Officer, Premium Fincas

ine wine is no longer the domain of aficionados and wine snobs. Particularly in Asia, which has long viewed wine as a ‘luxury’ or western accoutrement, many are discovering the enjoyment of wine and learning to distinguish flavours, pairings and vineyards. We had the pleasure of chatting with a true wine expert, Mr. Oscar Montaña of Premium Fincas winery, about this trend.

How did your personal passion for, and knowledge of, wine originate?

I was born into a winemaking family; it has been part of my life since forever. Our family has been producing wine for four generations! In 1920, we were the first vineyard to sell bottled wine in Spain, and in 1960 we began selling wine to Europe. In 1996, I took over the winery and I have been proud to continue the tradition. I believe that wisely choosing when is the right time to harvest and how to get the best wine from your grapes is something only someone who grows up in the business can know innately.

Tell us about Premium Fincas. What is the story behind the company? Fincas means land, and we are conscientious about the land because we have deep respect for the soil where our grapes are grown. The soil itself is the beginning of a good wine. So, Premium Fincas creates wines from grapes grown in the best soil.

Where do your wines come from?

The Marqués de Tomares estate, our family’s oldest vineyard, is in the heart of Rioja Alta, one of the top winemaking regions in Spain. It was founded in 1910, so the grapevines there are over 100 years old. You can see and feel their longevity when you are on the vineyard – it’s amazing! Growing in the same place for that long means that they are incredibly robust and strong.

What sets Premium Fincas apart from other wineries?

Our estates have been run by families for generations, and to this day we manually harvest and produce the wines. This means the grapes are handpicked and we use traditional winemaking techniques. We are fortunate to have Spain’s most acclaimed winemaker, Isaac Fernandez Montaña. His expertise is widely known, and his wines have won top international ratings. Having Isaac on our team means we can be confident of consistently producing unique, authentic wines that we can be proud of. Also, our cultivation is carried out under organic and biodynamic farming guidelines; this respect for the earth results in high quality grapes. 40

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

With so many wines on the market, what is your strategy to ensure success?

Every distributor we work with first comes to Spain to experience our grapevines, our wineries. They are introduced to the whole world of Premium Fincas, not just the product. Then, in the markets we’re in, we train restaurant owners and waiters about the product: how to make recommendations for pairings, how to distinguish different flavours, and how to set prices to make it accessible for customers.

What inspired you to bring Premium Fincas to Hong Kong?

We are investing in Hong Kong because it is a city where people are open to new experiences and to learning new ways. You will see that not just in Western but also in Chinese restaurants, young people are ordering wine with their meals – so we are hoping to help enhance that experience for them. We want to convey to people that wine is not merely a luxury product, but something you can enjoy day to day. To learn more about Premium Fincas or to find out about upcoming tastings, contact Oscar Montaña Porres: oscar@marquesdetomares.com

Ecozine.com

Premium Fincas is a family business, producing fine wines since 1886. Originally from La Rioja, we offer premium wines and cava from four Spanish winemaking regions. With grapes handpicked from the same vines for over 100 year vines, and using biodynamic and organic farming methods, we combine traditional winemaking techniques and modern technology to bring you the best of Spanish wine. Contact info@premiumfincas.com to learn more about our wines, join a tasting, or become a partner.

ECO WEDDING TO REMEMBER

Ecozine’s editor in chief shows how to bring sustainable thinking and concern for the environment to a wedding and still make it a fun, heartwarming celebration

Words by Stuart Hamby Photography by Sean Creamer

hen the Co-founder of Ecozine marries a marine conservationist, you might expect there to be more than a passing nod to environmental awareness at the wedding. Setting the bar for memorable nuptials with an eco spirit, Hong Kong residents Andy and Nissa Cornish – affectionately called “Hong Kong’s eco power couple” by their closest friends – aspired for a wedding that was as low-impact and respectful of the natural environment as it was celebratory of their love. One of the first priorities was the engagement ring. Rather than buying in a store, Andy sought out one of the city’s finest jewellery designers, Nathalie Melville of Melville Fine Jewellery. Nathalie worked with the couple to custom-design a ring that reflects their aesthetic, their history, and their shared love of the ocean. And, most importantly for this couple, Nathalie works only with sustainably and ethically sourced stones and metals from reliable suppliers. No less care went into the selection of Andy’s wedding ring. The work of fine art jeweller Christopher Timberlake, it was custom made from recycled precious metals in a style known as mokume-gane, a 17th-century Japanese technique that creates a pattern resembling wood grain.

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

ith the rings sorted, the couple looked to planning their day. They designed their own invitations, which were printed locally on FSC paper, and used a wedding website in lieu of reply cards, minimising paper and effort for guests. Nissa chose a locally-made dress that she later upcycled into gifts and mementos made from its fabric. Andy busied himself crafting handmade touches for the day, including vintage-inspired lighting for the head table. The couple put an enormous amount of thought into selecting the wedding venues, knowing that they wanted to wed in Hong Kong, but didn’t want a typical Chinese banquet or hotel wedding. They settled on WWF’s Island House Conservation Studies Centre in Tai Po for the ceremony – a stunning and little-known location featuring a 110-year-old colonial house and a wide garden overlooking Tolo Harbour. The couple made a donation to WWF on behalf of their guests as a thank-you for hosting their special day. For the reception, Zen Organic Farm in Fanling proved a perfect setting. A working farm, Zen Organic does not normally host events as large as a wedding, but a little vision and a lot of help from the owners and the couple’s expert wedding planner, Bliss Creations, allowed Nissa and Andy to achieve their vision of a magical, fairy-lit venue for the occasion. On the big day, preparations began at the nearby Hyatt Regency Sha Tin hotel, then a sleek Tesla Model S provided zero-emissions transportation to Island House and throughout the day. At the ceremony venue, a simple and thoughtful décor reigned: leaves hand-picked in the forest by the wedding couple decorated the aisles, while the altar’s sole decoration consisted of a pair of potted trees that the couple will nurture and cherish for years to come. Local, rather than exotic, wildflowers proliferated at both venues in an array of milk bottles and tin cans collected by friends over the month leading up to the event, creating a playful atmosphere that

LIFE+ HOME was also inexpensive and completely recyclable. After a touching ceremony, guests toasted the nuptials in the garden with glasses of champagne and homemade lemonade. Post-ceremony, guests were shuttled to the reception venue, where they spent the magic sunset hour roaming the farm and enjoying cocktails, locally-brewed beer, and organic wines from La Cabane, before moving to the open-air barn for the main festivities. The venue transformation had been a labour of love, from removing vats of fertilizer and farming equipment to finding ecofriendly ways to create the warm, rustic vibe the couple sought. Highlights included vintage film posters from Andy’s personal collection, handmade chalkboard signs, and custom wood tabletops crafted from wine cases. Lengths of colourful upcycled fabric bunting, handmade by an accommodating Etsy seller, anchored the festive feel, complemented with vintage mirrors found in the barn and hundreds of soy candles and wildflowers. Hay bales, blankets and a projector with black and white romance films turned an unsightly, immovable white shipping container into a relaxed chilling-out area. Another Etsy find – a framed ‘guestbook’ of reclaimed and sustainable wood – now hangs on the couple’s wall as a permanent reminder of the day. Setting the tone of romance and fun, a talented local busking trio that the bride had discovered on Youtube provided live music. Children at the wedding played with washable sidewalk chalk and soap bubbles, and made their own pizzas in the farm’s clay oven. As evening fell, guests sat down at tables graced with reusable glasses, flatware, tablecloths and linen napkins rented from Pyjama, a company that provides everything you could possibly need for an event, making disposables unnecessary. In lieu of place cards, guests found at their seats personalized favours, caringly handmade by a friend, consisting of chrysanthemum flower tea in unbleached fabric sachets for a relaxing next-day recovery treat.

SUSTAINABLY SPECIAL

Clockwise from top left: ethical rings; a forest-floor aisle; local wildflowers in upcycled containers

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 43

FIVE WAYS TO GREEN YOUR WEDDING

NO COMPROMISES

The couple chose a Tesla Model S for their wedding car, and filled the venue with natural, vintage and handmade decorations

nd, of course, the pièce de résistance at any celebration: the food. Aiming for a casual, relaxed vibe, the couple worked with Homegrown Foods, who source their own organic produce from the very same farm, to prepare a meal that satisfied all the senses. The hearty farm feast included a local organic roast pig, vegetarian pasta, and seafood dishes, served buffet-style, with a selection of fresh homemade ‘wedding pies’ instead of a fussy cake. A nice touch was the salad and soup provided by the farm itself, made from veggies picked that very morning in their fields. For after dinner, the bride – a notorious sweet tooth – organised a candy bar loaded with sweets from her childhood days, using bamboo steamer baskets. As well as being a nod to her Asian heritage, the reusable, sustainable baskets had lids to help keep bugs away from the sweets. These were complemented by a popcorn bar from Sote Popcorn, a local artisanal popcorn company that pops non-GMO corn in organic virgin coconut oil without additives, in flavours like spicy chili-lime and Hong Kong milk tea! As guests departed into the night, the couple realised they had achieved what some had said was impossible: a sustainable, beautiful, memorable farm wedding in Hong Kong. Look below for their tips on how you can, too!

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

1. Choose local, organic and vegetarian options for your food – and, of course, avoid unsustainable choices like shark fin and redlisted seafood. If 100 per cent vegetarian doesn’t work for your crowd, try to avoid the highest-carbon proteins such as beef and lamb, and select free-range, small-farm or locally raised animals. 2. Flowers are not only one of the biggest cash expenses in wedding décor, they can also have a high carbon footprint. Rather than flying in exotic flowers for a single day’s event, start by asking your florist what blooms they can offer that grow within 100 km; there are loads of beautiful options, and this is likely to save cost as well. (Which means more to spend on champagne!) 3. Many modern couples already live together when they decide to wed, and don’t need traditional wedding gifts for the home. Consider asking guests to donate to a charity of your choice, or contribute to a honeymoon or adventure fund to kick off your new life together. This way you won’t end up with products you don’t need. 4. Get creative with décor. Using things that you already own, or can borrow from friends, is a lovely way to keep things personal and avoid buying new decorations that may not get reused. Alternately, rent from a professional supplies company or ask your venue what they have available for your use. 5. There are many ways to have your dream wedding dress without being wasteful. Consider buying a preloved or vintage dress... you can always adjust it to your unique style and fit, and it’ll save you money to spend on the honeymoon! Afterward, selling or donating it for another bride to enjoy is a generous gesture.

Love this wedding? Find Andy’s and Nissa’s favourite vendors online: Handmade upcycled bunting: A Fete Beckons | etsy.com Local, organic catering: Homegrown Foods | homegrownfoods.com.hk Organic and natural wines: La Cabane | lacabane.hk Décor and furniture rental: Pyjama | pyjamahk.com Gourmet popcorn bar: Sote Popcorn | sotehk.com Tesla Model S: Tesla Motors | teslamotors.com Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Sha Tin | hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com

Ecozine.com

GET COOKING Whether it’s a simple home recipe or elevated cuisine, cooking is always more enjoyable when you have the best-quality products on hand. So check out these smart, green picks and get cooking!

Eco Baker

Tefal’s Natura series is made from 100 per cent recycled aluminium with a non-toxic, non-stick coating. Designed to distribute heat evenly across the surface, this cookware range takes the guesswork out of baking. tefal.com

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

p Zero Waste This vibrantly coloured compost keeper makes an attractive addition to your kitchen countertop. Made of ceramic and stainless steel, it is completely dishwasher safe. Plus, there is no need for compostable liners – saving you money! norpro.com

Ecozine.com

LIFE+ HOME

Be Cool

This mix of classic design and modern tech brings a dash of style to any kitchen. The optimal humidity control keeps your fruits and veggies fresh up to twice as long. Plus, their resource-saving technologies contribute on a daily basis to a better quality of life. bosch-home.com.hk

p Hold Me This versatile storage set can be placed on a countertop or hung on the wall. Handsome and durable, it can stand up to daily use in the kitchen. And the materials – bamboo, stainless steel, silicone – were selected with sustainability in mind. ikea.com/hk

Steamy Windows

Finding it difficult to fit all the appliances you want into a compact kitchen? No worries – Miele’s steam oven-microwave hybrid is a little spacesaver. Even better, Miele is a corporate supporter of environmental initiatives and a member of the UN sustainability organisation Global Compact.

p Not Stickin’ Around Green Pan is doing things right: they use upcycled materials in their manufacturing and a ceramic non-stick coating that does not contain or release toxic chemicals. Bonus: the wooden handle stays cool even when the pan heats up. greenpan.com

miele.hk

Put a Lid On It

This do-everything pot is great for casseroles, stews, pot roasts, soups, rice. You can even bake bread in it! The enamel-coated interior helps distribute heat evenly while retaining optimal levels of both moisture and nutrients. lecreuset.com.hk

p Tidy Hidey Hide your knives in this beautiful block holder. Made from 100 per cent bamboo, this holder actually protects your knives with a natural antibacterial agent that the bamboo contains. bamboahome.com

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 47

MEDITATION

STYLES

101

Neutralise the hesitation with meditation

Words by Abbe Ho

editation has been known for millennia; but without training, its true value may be lost on many of us. And with so many varieties available, it can be intimidating to know where to start. With that in mind, we composed a list of some of the best-known forms and traditions to help you navigate the world of meditation.

TIBETAN BUDDHIST MEDITATION

Passed down from teacher to student for over 5,000 years, Tibetan Buddhist meditation is considered by many to be the purest form of meditation practice. A major focus of Tibetan Buddhist thought is the development of compassion and wisdom as an aid to freeing ourselves and others from suffering. Practising Tibetan Buddhist meditation enhances awareness of one’s mental state for improved mental and emotional resilience, and strengthens the immune system for combatting stress. Who: Those keen on developing mental resilience, clarity and physical health Where: Diamond Way Buddhist Centre HK buddhism.hk

QIGONG MEDITATION

Qigong is a Mandarin word that translates to ‘life energy.’ This meditation style is grounded in Chinese medicine and marital arts. Qigong practice involves concentration on three points of focus: breath, mental activity and bodily posture. Popular among older generations for health maintenance, the practice helps to clear the mind, heal the body, and deepen one’s feelings of spiritual groundedness. Followers can learn to channel their energy for improved concentration or stress reduction. Who: All age groups and physical abilities Where: Hong Kong Zhineng Qigong Centre zhinengqigong.com.hk

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

WELLNESS

CHAKRA MEDITATION

According to this tradition, the human body has seven chakra energy centres inside various body parts, each with an associated colour, energy purpose and sound. Practice entails focusing on one of the chakras while chanting a chakra-specific mantra. Other components of the practice include hand placements, visualisation techniques and the use of sounds to attract powers to resolve problems and heal negative emotions. Who: Yoga practitioners and individuals seeking deep healing and balance Where: The Knowledge Academy theknowledgeacademy.com

SATSANG MEDITATION

Satsang in Indian traditions means ‘the company of wisdom’, or ‘the company of truth.’ Here, like-minded people with a similar goal of broadening their understanding of themselves are able to practise together, and in so doing establish a powerful spiritual atmosphere. Depending on the instructor, sessions may include periods of silence, followed by mantra chanting or devotional singing (called kirtan), and a lecture on yoga philosophy or psychology. Practitioners believe that enhanced perspective brings inner peace and the dismissal of confusion, doubt and worry. Who: Anyone who wishes to deepen their wisdom with the support of a like-minded community Where: Vishwa Jagriti Mission

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Mindfulness meditation is based on self-discovery rather than study. Practitioners learn to focus their minds and to calm emotions that can lead to self-sabotaging thought patterns and behaviour. This method is popular amongst busy professionals and those who prefer non-sectarian doctrines. Who: Anyone who does not have access to an instructor Where: Balance Health balancehealth.com

vjm.hk

KUNDALINI MEDITATION

Kundalini meditation is a more complex form of meditation that incorporates yoga poses to release ‘kundalini energy.’ Commonly represented as a coiled serpent, kundalini energy is thought to rise up from the base of the spine to awaken the seven chakras. (The awakening of the ‘crown chakra,’ it is believed, results in full enlightenment.) Practice can involve chants, hand placements, mantras, and controlled breathing. Who: People who want more depth to their spirituality Where: House of Light kundaliniyogahk.com

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION

‘Transcending’ equates to deep rest, and in this, perhaps one of the simplest forms of meditation, the restful transcending experience assists in rejuvenating the practitioner both mentally and physically. Following this tradition, which has roots in ancient India, devotees are presented with individualised mantras whose vibrational elements are believed to aid in stabilising the mind. Who: Meditation newbies and those who want more structure in their practice Where: Hong Kong Foundation for the Science of Creative Intelligence hk.tm.org Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 49

LOVING-KINDNESS MEDITATION (METTA)

In the spirit of “you reap what you sow”, loving-kindness meditation (or ‘Metta’) creates expanding circles of compassion that radiate out from the self by breathing in negativity and exhaling happiness. According to ‘compassion research’, lovingkindness meditation has proven beneficial for fostering acceptance, empathy and kindness towards the self and others. A meditation style with roots in Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist teachings, this school of meditation teaches that peace starts within your heart. Who: Those who are self-critical or have self-esteem issues, and anyone learning to be more empathic towards others Where: Metta (Loving-Kindness) Meditation Group Practice from Hong Kong Insight Meditation Society meetup.com

CHA DAO TEA MEDITATION

Originally practised by ancient Chinese sages and Taoist priests during long periods of contemplation, this meditation uses tea to connect the practitioner to nature. The belief is that the tea leaves are awakened by the hot water, and when the tea is drunk, the imbiber is infused with sunlight, soil, water and wind, helping us feel grounded and reinforcing our connection to the Earth. Every sip of tea creates an internal change to our consciousness. Who: Tea lovers who wish to meditate in a small group Where: Luxe Nova Lifestyle Studio luxenova.life

VIPASSANA MEDITATION

Vipassana (meaning ‘seeing things as they are’) is another traditional Buddhist practice. The technique emphasises breath awareness: every time an identifiable thought arises, practitioners shift their awareness back to the air that is inhaled and exhaled through their nose. The purpose is to be present while observing thoughts as they arise – as opposed to following thoughts out of the present moment. Who: Those looking for a secular practice compatible with other religions or beliefs Where: Vipassana Centre Hong Kong

hk.dhamma.org

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

POWER UP

YOUR LIFE WITH MORNING RITUALS Many successful people follow a morning ritual to proactively and consciously take care of themselves. (Mark Zuckerberg, for example, wears the same shirt to reduce decision fatigue.) Find an empowering ritual to create the day and the life that you want

Words by Lisa Middleton

ornings set the tone for the rest of the day, and if you get off to a bad start, more often than not the rest of the day follows suit. To make your mornings work for you, consider creating morning rituals. Adopting the right rituals can put you into a ‘winner state,’ making you feel energetic and strong, like a daily power-up. I like to include a blend of physical, mental and spiritual activities in my morning ritual. It doesn’t do a lot of good to start the day mentally awake but with a sluggish body, nor is it helpful to start the day with your body all fired up but your mind and spirit heavy with sleep. Everyone’s ritual is different. Here are five ideas to get you started.

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

GET UP AND GET PHYSICAL

If I had to pick a single factor that I thought was most important for starting the day, it would be exercising first thing in the morning – and doing it every morning! Starting your day with exercise gets your blood flowing and bumps up the production of endorphins (your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters), which leaves you feeling energised for the entire day! Personally, I feel a dramatic difference on days when I exercise in the morning versus those when I don’t. Plus, if you want to exercise consistently, odds are in your favour if you do it shortly after waking. Doing it first thing helps to ensure that something else doesn’t crowd exercise out of your schedule.

Ecozine.com

WELLNESS

I suggest 30 minutes of exercise right when you wake up. I like to keep it convenient and enjoyable, so I choose things that I can do at home, such as yoga, spinning, running, or a 30-minute DVD workout. Some mornings, you may only be able to fit in a fiveminute walk, but it’s important to do something every morning.

INHALE LIFE FORCE

Most of us could benefit from a breathing programme to help us manage our energy more effectively throughout the day. I like to start my day with three sets of 30 Kapalabhati breaths. This breathing exercise invigorates the mind, increases alertness, and creates a feeling of exhilaration. To practice this ancient yoga exercise, sit straight up in a cross-legged position and inhale deeply before exhaling sharply through the nose multiple times in quick succession using the abdomen muscles. Because the breathing in this exercise is shallow, you should conclude with a deep inhale followed by a deep exhale. Retain the breath for a few seconds between sets and repeat.

INFUSE YOUR DAY WITH GRATITUDE

It is far too easy to let days go by in the pursuit of more without stopping to give thanks for what is. I started writing gratitude lists in response to a challenge from a fellow coach. She suggested that I write down three things that I was grateful for every morning for three months. My initial lists were pretty basic and I struggled to find things to be grateful for on the tough days. But once I consistently took action, the lists became easier and easier. This practice has changed my life profoundly, so I continue to make it a part of my morning routine. The gratitude list can contain things that are big or small, and everything in between. The important thing is consistency. No matter what is going on in your life (work problems, family challenges, aches and pains, getting cut off in traffic), there is always something to be grateful for.

Ecozine.com

Don’t miss out on this simple routine: start the your day with gratitude, and you will see each day as a gift.

MEDITATION

Creating a morning routine that includes some type of centering behaviour, such as meditation, gives you a sense of inner peace and clarity that will guide you throughout the day. When the surface of the ocean is still, the bottom is easy to see. The same holds true with the mind. When the mind is calm and steady and holds fewer thoughts, you can see yourself and situations more clearly. Problems are easier to solve, so productivity goes up – a great investment of your time and energy. Find a meditation technique that works for you and turn your concentration inward, upon the Self. It will become easier to access the infinite well of wisdom that lies within.

A CUP OF HEAVEN

I was first introduced to the practice of drinking a glass of lemon water every morning when I started attending meditation retreats. For an avid lemonade drinker, this was a healthier spin on an old favourite. And as far as morning rituals go, it’s a pretty simple one to get into: each morning, squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a cup of warm water and you have a cup of heaven. This drink not only tastes good but it has a multitude of health benefits. It’s a great energy booster for when you wake up first thing in the morning, providing your body with plenty of hydrating electrolytes in the form of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Lemon water also aids digestion, detoxifies the liver and can help regulate bowel movements. Most importantly, don’t ever get too busy for your morning rituals. I have a slogan: “If you don’t have 15-30 minutes for yourself, you don’t have a life.”

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 53

SPRING into JUICING! We asked some of Hong Kong’s top juiceries to share their favourite blends and essential ingredients (and even some special recipes!) to help you harness the healing powers of juice this spring Words by Tessa Friend

NOOD Spring Selection: Lemon Aid Lemon juice in the morning stimulates digestion, promotes weight loss and staves off fatigue, giving you the kick you need to start the day fresh. For this reason, Lemon Aid is recommended as your first juice of the day when doing a juice cleanse – but it’s also a great choice for replacing electrolytes after vigorous exercise or overheating. Essential ingredient: Lemon Lemons are a great source of vitamins B and C, antioxidants, protein, phosphorus, potassium, and many other essentials. Lemon juice possesses antibacterial, antiviral and immune-building properties that can help fight flu and relieve nausea.

MANA! FAST SLOW FOOD, MANA! RAW & MANA! CAFÉ Spring selection: Green Juice Available either cold-pressed or freshly pressed to order, Green Juice is a perpetual best seller in all Mana! locations. It’s a classic juice with the right balance of ingredients and tastes. The apple adds a little natural sweetness, the celery a bit of saltiness, the kale a slight bitter flavour and the peppers a tiny kick. And the health benefits are myriad! Essential ingredient: Kale Of all the super-healthy greens, nutrient-rich kale is king. With loads of vitamins, high levels of iron, and powerful antioxidants, the nutritional value of kale is indisputable. It is no surprise that this leafy green is a bestseller at Mana!, who go through 200 kg a week!

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

WELLNESS GENIE JUICERY Spring Juice Recipe: The Reset 1/4 cucumber 1 handful spinach A pinch of cayenne pepper 1 apple 2 cm piece of root turmeric 1/2 lime (if organic, use the skin and all) 1. Wash all ingredients. 2. Add to juicer. 3. Enjoy! Essential ingredient: Cayenne pepper A pinch of this powerful pepper can increase your body temperature and stimulate your digestive system. It increases the flow of enzyme production and digestive juices, kick-starting your metabolism, and helping with weight loss.

MR. GREEN JUICE Spring selection: Daily Beauty Chock full of immune-boosting vitamin C, this is a great juice for the transition in weather. As its rich purple colour suggests, the main ingredient is beetroot, which lowers blood pressure, fights inflammation and boosts stamina before exercise. With cold-pressed carrot, apple, pear and ginger, this juice will help kick-start those health resolutions as we head toward summer. Essential ingredient: Ginger With a wide variety of health benefits, ginger is known to be effective for the treatment of heart disease, migraines, colds, flu, coughs, kidney stones and viral infections. Through many centuries, ginger was even considered an aphrodisiac!

BLESS Spring selection: Skin Angel Combining the anti-inflammatory abilities of pineapple with the cooling and hydrating effects of pear, topped off with a little lime to aid digestion and detoxify, this fruit juice will give your skin a radiant spring glow! Essential ingredient: Pineapple Pineapple is a fantastic way to sweeten up any juice, and it’s good for you! A major dietary source of bromelain, pineapple juice has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, and its high vitamin C content boosts the immune system. It’s even reported to help improve fertility in both men and women!

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 55

CATCH JUICERY Spring selection: Bee’s Knees Containing green apple, carrot, ginger, goji berries and bee pollen, Bee’s Knees combines traditional health foods of the west (bee pollen) with those from the east (goji berries). Brimming with antioxidants, this juice promotes cell regeneration and rejuvenation, giving your skin that healthy spring glow. Essential Ingredient: Goji Berries Goji berries are fat-free, low in calories, and packed with fibre. They have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to their ability to boost the immune system and protect the eyes. These berries are also loaded with beta-carotene, which promotes healthy skin.

WATER JUICERY Spring selection: Pineapple Power A delightful medley of tropical and citrus fruits balanced out with a hint of tarragon. Containing pineapple, passion fruit, orange and lime juices, this refreshing drink provides a powerful vitamin C boost to keep you glowing and energised all day. The unique flavour of tarragon balances out the sweetness, while coconut water provides some serious thirstquenching properties. Essential Ingredient: Tarragon Tarragon provides enough vitamin C for a whole day, giving you an outside glow while protecting cellular function. Tarragon helps to boost the body’s immune system and has also been found to relieve common digestive problems and enhance appetite. Another health benefit of tarragon is its ability to cure oral problems like loosening of teeth, cavities and fragile gum tissue.

BE-JUICED Spring Juice Recipe: Poppin’ Breeze ½ pineapple 1 cucumber Handful mint 2 lemongrass stalks (root removed, stalk bruised) 1 lime 1. Wash all ingredients. 2. Remove rind from pineapple (optional). 3. Zest and juice the lime (discard rind). 4. Add all ingredients through juicer. 5. Pour into glasses (serves 4). Essential Ingredient: Mint People are often unaware of the health benefits of this small green leaf. Mint is rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, betacarotene, potassium, chlorophyll and fibre, and is very low in calories. The aromatic fragrance of mint is immediately recognised by its crisp, cool freshness and sweet flavour, making it the perfect ingredient for a spring drink.

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

Designer: Patrycja Guzik (Winner) Reconstructed and upcycled tufted jacket and trousers made from secondhand garments and damaged textiles.

STYLE

From

DISCARDED to

DIVINE Our picks of the 2015/16 EcoChic Design Award finalists Photography Tim Wong Styling Denise Ho Model Bonnie Chen Makeup Make Up For Ever Hair Aveda

“After seeing [the finalists’] ten collections on the catwalk, there is no doubt about the ability of designers to make beautiful clothes using waste [materials]. This was my first big step into sustainable fashion but definitely not my last one! I have started my exciting journey with these amazing sustainable techniques... It’s all worth it, believe me!” Patrycja Guzik, EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 Winner

Designer: Cora Bellotto (2nd place) Upcycled colour-block sleeveless tunic and dress made from surplus industry and vintage textiles.

Designer: Tsang Fan Yu Upcycled tasseled dress made from end-of-roll textiles.

Designer: Sara Kiani Zero-waste designed and upcycled pleated jacket and dress made from secondhand bedding.

Designer: Pan Wen Upcycled top and skirt with felt detailing made from discarded wool and leather scraps.

A Piece of Work

Created by fashion manicurist and celebrity Jin Soon Choi, Farouche is inspired by the use of the nontraditional colour magenta in Fauvist painting. The alluring, bold tones are stunningly beautiful, whilst its double-patented formula delivers a long-lasting manicure without any of the harsh chemicals. HK $140 | Jin Soon

Like Buttah

The fresh spring-yellow Yarn varnish by Nubar is right on trend this year, and it just so happens to be one of the safest nail polishes out there thanks to its carcinogenfree ingredients. HK $65 | Nubar

The Chameleon

Likened to the hues of New York City streets after a downpour, Dusk by RGB makes grunge beautiful with its multiple and distinctive undertones. Dusk works great as a standalone statement or paired with a cream or dark shade. RGB’s polishes are vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free and classed as big-5-free. HK $140 | RGB

Shine On

Love the long-lasting glossiness of soft gel, but hate the harsh chemicals? Finally, there’s an answer. Bioseaweed Gel, dubbed ‘the healthier gel’, is big-5 free, dustless, and safe for everyone – even pregnant women. We’re obsessed with this pretty, natural pink that suits any skin tone! Available at Iyara Hollywood Road spa

SPRING NAILS SHINY AND SUSTAINABLE This spring sees the rise of precious metallic details and bright, airy shades

Green Queen

Ice Ice Baby

Dig It by Sheswai offers a vibrant green hue that evokes lush jungle. Even better, it’s green both inside and out, since Sheswai have replaced the plastic cap with a sustainably harvested wooden one. Sheswai’s products are not tested on animals, and a portion of their profit is donated to organisations dedicated to sustainability, such as The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund for Nature.

The delightful Organic Glam nail polish range by Organic Pharmacy is non-toxic and free from nasty chemicals like DBP, toluene and formaldehyde. Founded in London in 2002, Organic Pharmacy brings natural, toxin-free pharmaceutical and cosmetic products to the world. We especially love Ice Blue – the light, shimmery, aquamarine hue is perfect for the beginning of spring.

HK $124 | Sheswai Lacquer

HK $124 | Organic Pharmacy

Easy Farewells

Suncoat have devised a vegan plant-based nail polish remover made from a corn stock fermentation. This product removes all nail polishes, both water-based and conventional, and is enriched with vitamin E. The addition of lemon peel oil ensures that your nails will not become dry or discoloured. HK $93 | Suncoat Products

Turn Back Time

Give your nails and cuticles a spa date with LVX’s Green Tea Nail Oil. This powerful plant-based serum is bursting with Vitamin E and natural moisturising and anti-aging agents such as safflower oil, sunflower oil and cottonseed oil. This magical cocktail supports your skin to retain its moisture, shed dry skin, and maintain its elasticity. HK $140 | LVX

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

My ESSENTIALS Actor, TV host and DJ Tony Sandstrom tells Ecozine about his favorite items for chilling on the beach

SUNSCREEN

Badger makes the most effective natural sunblock I have ever found. It’s even water resistant. It goes on like a thick paste, but it does the job without all those damaging toxins found in many sun creams. HK $124 | Badger Balm Lavender Sunscreen

CAP

This hat, made by Fox Head, has a special place in my heart. When I used to do professional motor racing, Fox Head sponsored me. Fox Head used to do only motocross apparel but they now make really cool urban clothing. HK $221 | Fox Head

MOONLIGHT FOUNDATION T-SHIRT

My friends from Red Dogs and China Stylus competed in a dragon boat race at Stanley in 2011. All the proceeds went towards a charity I founded with my wife called Moonlight Foundation Nepal (moonlight.org.np), which helps children in Nepal. This T-shirt was made specially for the event and holds very fond memories for me.

RASH GUARD

This rash guard is from a really cool company that is just launching on Kickstarter. The shirt is high quality and it’s the perfect thing for when I’m kite surfing or doing water sports. The best part? It’s made from recycled plastic!

SHORTS

I love wearing these shorts to the beach as they are really comfortable and I like the print on them. They are part of Billabong’s Recycler series, which uses recycled plastic as part of the material. HK $465 | Billabong

Wathaa!

FRISBEE

This frisbee was a birthday present from my wife, who got it custom made for me. The print in the middle is in a geometric shape that symbolises the circle of life. From HK $36 | Innova Disc Golf

BACKPACK

I love this backpack! Not only does it hold all my gear when I’m heading out for the day, but the built-in rain cover keeps it dry when the weather turns bad. Plus, the anti-theft features and the slashguards make me feel safer when it’s on my back. HK $1,450 | Pacsafe

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

Eco Luxe City Guide

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Voted the world’s most livable city for the fifth year in a row, Melbourne celebrates diversity in its culinary experience, fashion statements and exciting array of weekend activities Melbournians are active, outdoorsy people who have a strong connection to nature. It’s no surprise that the city and its surrounds are full of organic eateries, farmers markets, rooftop bars, sustainable festivals, outdoor activities and alfresco dining options. Come explore with us!

EAT & DRINK

Melbourne is the perfect city for foodies. With fresh local produce so readily available and an abundance of passionate chefs, it’s almost impossible to have a bad meal! Here are some top choices.

VEGIE BAR

380 Brunswick St, Fitzroy As its name suggests, this Melbourne institution serves up strictly vegetarian cuisine including vegan, raw food, gluten-free and lactose-free options. The wide variety of items on their menu incorporates the freshest ingredients and flavours from around the world. The portions are generous and affordable so you’re guaranteed not to leave feeling hungry.

SEROTONIN EATERY

52 Madden Grove, Burnley The menu here is specifically designed to improve people’s wellbeing by promoting the release of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that regulates sleep patterns, appetite and happiness! Our pick? “Positive Pancakes” – made with organic banana flour, house-made banana ice cream, mixed berries, toasted almonds and organic agave syrup. Yum! 68

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

BAD FRANKIE

141 Greeves Street, Fitzroy This boutique cocktail bar showcases locally brewed, fermented and distilled tipples. With all their beers, wines and over 150 spirits produced locally, you can guarantee the carbon footprint of your night on the town is kept to a minimum. Not a big drinker? Even their soda water is from Melbourne!

STAY

No matter what your needs or budget, Melbourne has you covered for comfort. With so many great parts of town to explore, your only problem will be choosing where to stay!

ALTO HOTEL

636 Bourke Street, Melbourne  The centrally located, award-winning Alto Hotel is the first carbon neutral hotel in Australia. All of their electricity is from renewable sources, and rainwater is collected and used for flushing toilets, gardening and cleaning duties. You wont find any single-use toiletries here; everything is refillable. They even have their own beehives on the hotel roof!

ST JEROME’S HOTEL

271 Little Lonsdale Street Looking for something a little different? Try luxury camping on the roof of a Melbourne CBD building! St Jerome’s Hotel offers 20 world-class canvas tents appointed with fine linens and special touches. Fall asleep under the stars and wake up to a 360-degree view of the city, morning meditation class and complimentary breakfast hampers delivered right to your tent. Ecozine.com

TRAVEL

SHOP

People travel from all over Australia to go shopping in Melbourne. The majority of shops can be found along leafy streets rather than in air-conditioned shopping malls.

GORMAN

1013 High Street, Armadale With their bright colours and bold prints, Gorman is a Melbourne favourite! From their shop fit-out to their packaging, they prioritise sustainability in all aspects of their business, while maintaining a fabulous aesthetic. Their organic lines use eco-friendly fibres and materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and raw rattan linen.

THE BOROUGHS

345 Lygon St, Brunswick East This creative mecca carries unique sustainable gifts made by local artisans, including cards printed on recycled stock by a solarpowered press, solid shampoo bars rich in plant and nut oils, handprinted linen dishtowels, and much more. Not only will you be supporting local craftsmanship, but the shop also donates to local charities with each purchase made.

EXPLORE

The Melbourne area has so many activities on offer, it’s impossible to get bored. Whether you head down to the coast, up to the mountains, or just stay central, there’s loads to explore in any season!

HIGH COUNTRY CYCLING

Melbournians love to cycle, so grab a bike and join the fun! For the adventurous, Victoria’s High Country offers challenging but spectacular alpine bike trails. For a more leisurely pace, get a bike with a basket and take it slow, stopping at local wineries, craft

breweries and farm stalls to stock up on gourmet cheeses, fresh berries and organic wines as you go!

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

These spectacular inner-city gardens are home to over 12,000 different plant species and act as a sanctuary for native wildlife. Take a stroll around the gardens or have a picnic by the Ornamental Lake. Keep an eye out for local seasonal events hosted here, such as the open-air moonlight cinema that runs December to March.

RENEW

With all the amazing activities on offer, cafés to try and shops to explore, you’ll definitely be in need of some well-deserved relaxation. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating treatment at one of these eco-minded spas.

ENDOTA SPA

69 - 71 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD This organic day spa is an urban oasis inspired by the energising properties of the sun, grounding nature of the earth and calming effect of the water. Endota use their own line of scientifically developed skincare products formulated with native Australian ingredients. With outlets all over Melbourne, you’re sure to get a booking. You can also pop in to stock up on organic beauty products.

PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS

Springs Lane, Mornington Peninsula The beautiful, multi-award winning Peninsula Hot Springs, located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, is a must. Enjoy reflexology walks, steam rooms, saunas, cold plunge pools and thermal mineral showers at the natural thermal mineral springs and bath house. For a more private experience, the Spa Dreaming Centre offers private pools and an array of soothing treatments, including traditional Aboriginal-inspired Kodo massage.

MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE

Clockwise from top left: Low-carbon cocktails at Bad Frankie; rooftop glamping at St. Jerome’s Hotel; sustainable toys for sale at The Boroughs; city views from The Royal Botanical Gardens; healing waters at the Peninsula Hot Springs

CAMBODIA CALLING

IRRESISTABLE ADVENTURES Words by Abbe Ho

1. Angkor Wat / Belmond La Residence d’Angkor The UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat is a must-see for any tourist traveling to Siem Reap. The holiness of the temple will relax your mind and spirit, but when it’s time to relax the body, you will be glad that the Belmond La Residence d’Angkor hotel is just ten minutes away, situated in a gorgeous riverside location. Belmond’s gardens, spa and swimming pools offer up divine relaxation after your visit to the temple grounds. Take a treatment using local organic products, then enjoy yoga or a water blessing with a Buddhist monk. When you’re feeling recharged, have a glimpse around the bustling marketplace, glorious galleries and appetite-inducing restaurants. Looking for nightlife? Wait a couple of hours and you can dance the night away. belmond.com

2. Bees Unlimited, Siem Reap Learn how to extract honey in a sustainable manner, process beeswax at little or no cost, and build a business that benefits people in need as well as assists in the protection of Asian honeybees. If that sounds sweet to you, schedule a village tour with Bees Unlimited the next time you’re in the Siem Reap/Angkor Wat area. Take the opportunity to meet the villagers who make honey, and discover the traditional techniques involved. While you’re at it, why not purchase some sustainable honey as a souvenir to assist the community in their endeavours? You can also contact them for a list of harvesters so you can have access to supplies throughout the year after your trip! beesunlimited.com 70

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

TRAVEL

4. Jahoo Gibbon Spotting Trek, Ban Lung

3. Green e-Bike, Siem Reap So you would like to refrain from driving a motor vehicle to reduce your carbon footprint, but still want to get around with something a little faster and more efficient than a bicycle? Then you’re going to want to hop onto a Green e-bike! If you want to go on an organised eco-tour with one of these bad boys, choose between a ‘countryside tour’ (villages, lakes, rice paddies) and a ‘Phnom Krom tour’ (farms, villages, Lotus Mountain). Or go solo and visit the ancient temples on wheels instead of on foot. Since e-bikes are more like electric bicyles than motorcycles, you don’t even need a licence to drive one!

Anyone with a penchant for wildlife viewing should take the opportunity to see Cambodia’s one-of-a-kind yellow-cheeked gibbons in the wild. Treks usually run from the 1st November until the 16th June, which provides the best weather for gibbon watching. The trek lasts for two days/one night, and part of the journey involves travelling by boat, visiting a traditional village and cemetery along the way. Currently, there are about 500 gibbons living in this area. Treks follow a family of habituated gibbons, but in an effort not to unduly disrupt their wild lifestyle, each trek is limited to six participants. Part of the fee from each trek is invested in protecting the gibbons’ habitat, so whether you care about the protection of endangered animals, have a passion for wildlife and nature, or are simply looking for a fun, out-of-the-ordinary adventure, you’ll be doing your part towards the welfare of the gibbons just by booking the trek itself. gibbonspottingcambodia.com

greene-bike.com

5. Phnom Tamao Wildlife

Rescue Centre

Photo: Greg Hume

For a close encounter with some exotic animals, head on over to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre run by Wildlife Alliance. Embark on an exclusive behind-the-scenes excursion of this government-run centre and see a few of the 1,200 animals that were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade by the Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team. You’ll get to enter the tiger and leopard dens for up-close but safe viewing, and learn the rescue stories of elephants, leopards, monkeys, otters and other endangered animals. Lunch is served Cambodianstyle, accompanied by a beverage of fresh coconut water to hydrate you in the hot weather. And for a quick post-lunch power nap, you can lay down in one of their relaxing hammocks. Every cent earned from the tours goes to the animals and helps support Wildlife Alliance’s work. wildlifealliance.org

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 71

7. Community-Based

Eco-Tourism, Chi Phat

6. Mondulkiri Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary

To experience the sublime peacefulness of Cambodia far away from the crowded cities, book a tour in the Cardamom Mountains and Chi Phat. Here, you’ll find on offer every kind of forest adventure you can think of (mountain biking, trekking, observing wildlife at watering holes) and maybe a few that you haven’t (visiting bat caves, fishing for lobsters, birdwatching from a rowboat). Homebodies can stick around the village and enjoy learning how to cook traditional Khmer food or swim in the waterfalls near the village. Be sure to bring along a reusable water bottle, which you can refill at the visitor centre or local pub. Wildlife Alliance is working hard to educate and transform the local community from animal poaching to eco-tourism. In fact, most of their guides were formerly poachers themselves! If you’d like to support Wildlife Alliance’s work and have a meaningful experience while doing so, include a trip to this area during your next trip to Cambodia. chi-phat.org

This sanctuary was established by L.E.A.F Cambodia, a nonprofit environmental community organisation for wildlife and habitat conservation through eco-tourism and education. Every visit contributes directly to their important conservation and rehabilitation projects. Get in touch with nature by hiking through this natural wildlife corridor consisting of rainforest, bamboo forest, elephant grass hills and jungle gardens where crops are raised for the animals. Have a swim at one of the rainforest’s waterfalls – perhaps with an elephant! Watch elephants as they roam through the jungle, and assist in feeding and washing them. If one day is just not enough elephant for you, opt for the two-day/one-night trek for your chance to camp at the rainforest lodge and witness first-hand the wild jungle after dark. mondulkirisanctuary.org

8. Song Saa Private Island Resort Song Saa Private Island Resort spans two pristine islands in Cambodia’s untouched Koh Rong Archipelago. As seductive and luxurious as the resort is, the jewel in its crown is the marine reserve established by the owners that showcases and safeguards the islands’ reefs and aquatic life. As Cambodia’s first private island luxury resort, Song Saa is committed to caring for the natural splendour that makes it such an exquisite slice of paradise. Whether you choose yoga on the beach; scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling, or boating in the ocean; or swimming in the infinity pool, your every moment will be relaxed and memorable. Dine in the world-class restaurant and lounge, dramatically positioned just off the beach and surrounded by sea, or take a treatment in a spa tucked away in the rainforest. If you’re looking for a uniquely rejuvenating experience in a tropical setting, Song Saa Private Island Resort awaits. songsaa.com

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

WILD INDONESIA

Biodiversity and wilderness in an island nation

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Words by Abbe Ho Photography by Jean Sebastian Roy

urrently the fourth most populous country on Earth with over 255 million inhabitants, Indonesia boasts huge tracts of incredible natural landscape that seem at total odds with the densely populated cities where the majority of Indonesians make their homes. Over 55 per cent of Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents, or more than 141 million people, are concentrated on the island of Java, yet that island constitutes only seven per cent of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land area. And the figures continue to amaze: in this nation of over 17,000 islands, only 8,000 are inhabited. With such a dizzying number of islands to choose from, one might not know where to begin visiting this land that is home to so many diverse cultures, languages, and wildlife species. So why not make your first port of call the home of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous dragon?

Ecozine.com

TRAVEL

omodo National Park on Komodo Island is designated as a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and a conservation priority area by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Conservation International. The lizards that are homonymous with the island, Komodo dragons, can grow up to three metres long and have a lifespan of more than 50 years. Because they are carnivorous and pack a venomous bite, visitors may only view these animals on a tour guided by park rangers. Only about 135 km north of Komodo is the island of Sumba. Roughly the size of Jamaica, Sumba was known for its tradition of headhunting, which lasted into the 20th century – and some people say that remote clans keep the tradition alive even today! Sumba feels like a gorgeous slice of the nascent Earth left totally unspoiled by development. Visitors can base at the stunning Nihiwatu Resort – a great example of a sustainable luxury resort, located on the south-eastern coast. (Check out our review on p.78!)

When you finally tear yourself away from Nihiwatu, your next destination should be the must-see Raja Ampat in the province of West Papua. Raja Ampat is the place to be for scuba diving, and the place to stay is the Misool Eco Resort, nestled right in the heart of the Coral Triangle – the region with the richest marine biodiversity on Earth. Nicknamed “The Crown Jewel,” Raja Ampat hosts over 1,500 fish species, 500 coral species, and 700 mollusc species in a coral ecosystem that also includes sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. In what must be one of the biggest geographical understatements of all time, this region, known as The Four Kings, actually encompasses something like 1,500 islands. And what better way to explore the remote ocean locations around those islands than a liveaboard? You can chill out on deck with your gear stowed conveniently below until you’re ready to be dazzled by more marine life. The best time for a liveaboard experience is during Raja Ampat’s dry season (October to April) when the sea at its calmest.

KOMODO DRAGON

Photo by Nicholas Hinks

The namesakes of Komodo Island, these lizards are also found on the Indonesian islands of Flores, Gili Motang, Padar, and Rinca

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 75

eaving the ocean behind, it’s time for a remote rainforest experience on the island of Sumatra. Consisting of Gunung Leuser National Park and the surrounding area, the Leuser ecosystem is the last collective home of the Sumatran elephant, rhino, tiger, and orangutan. Despite designation as a UNESCO Heritage Site, the rainforest is continually shrinking due to palm oil harvesting, logging, road development, and other (often illegal) activities. You can help by joining an eco tour that supports local communities and provides sustainable income in return for protecting the area against poachers and loggers. Most people probably haven’t seen a volcano in real life – let alone climbed one – so if that sounds like you, and you want to remedy the situation, visit Mount Batur, in the northern Kintamani District of Bali. Climb at dawn for a spectacular sunrise view.

At 1,717 m above sea level, the summit is roughly a two-hour trek for an average hiker. It’s one of the easiest volcanic climbs in Bali – but it is still active, so check its status before climbing. And at the end of an adventure, what better way to wind down than to pamper yourself as you reflect back on the wild side? And there’s no better place to do it than Alila Villas in Uluwatu. The only thing that might compete with the natural beauty is the knowledge that your stay there is not contributing to the destruction of the very place whose beauty you are enjoying. Don’t miss the spa either; its treatments use natural, locally-sourced products combined with ancient Asian healing techniques passed down through the centuries. In the words of Alila Hotels and Resorts President Mark Edleson, “Our goal is to send our guests home with spiritual and emotional memories – not just souvenirs.” Sounds like a perfect ending.

WILD INDONESIA

Clockwise from top left: Traditional village huts on the island of Sumba; underwater discoveries await in Raja Ampat; gorgeous ocean view from Alila Villas; sundown over the ocean at Nihiwatu

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

IMAGINE YOUR BRAND HERE

#AdvertiseHere

2868 5585 partner@ecozine.com

TRAVEL

ESCAPE + EXPLORE NIHIWATU: PARADISE WITH A CONSCIENCE

Words by Alison Freeman Photography by Jean Sebastian Roy

urrounded by sparkling blue water, rolling lush mountains, and pristine white beaches lined with coconut trees, the Nihiwatu resort on Indonesia’s Sumba Island embodies paradise on Earth. As soon as you touch down on Sumba, the bustling streets of Bali become a distant memory. Everything about this place exudes wonder; even the journey to Nihiwatu itself is aweinspiring. Tumbling along in your open-air Jeep across the Rijewa mountain range, the cascading waterfalls, luscious verdure, and shimmering rice paddies will mesmerise you. As you approach the property, passing through the traditional market town of Waikabubak, your departing sight is of the vast Wanokaka River Delta and water buffalo ploughing the fields. By the time you’ve stepped into the lobby of Nihiwatu you already yearn to take the journey all over again. And you just might do so if it weren’t for the offerings at this magnificent resort. Dubbed one of the world’s most pristine and beautiful resorts, it’s easy to understand why this sustainable luxury eco destination earned the prestigious Asia Spa Destination Hotel/Resort of the Year award in 2015. It has everything you could want in a resort, and then some. Nihiwatu boasts 22 opulent villas, all of which embrace a sophisticated yet traditional design. Nestled amidst the tropical rainforest and just steps away from soft lapping waves, each villa resides in a haven of tranquility and serenity. When the incredible azure ocean views tire, guests can retreat to their private infinity pool or garden, enjoy access to one of the resort’s many plunge pools and games rooms, or sample authentic local cuisine at one of the restaurants. The remote waters and thriving marine ecosystem around Nihiwatu make it a great location for scuba diving or snorkeling, and a consistent break means great surfing, too.

Whilst in Sumba, it’s hard to resist immersing yourself in the rich and vibrant culture. Witness the knotting of exquisite Ikat weavings and the rich symphony of Sumbanese daily life in a nearby traditional village, or visit one of the many megalithic burial sites. For those looking to break a sweat, Nihiwatu offers fully guided walks, scenic horse riding excursions and vigorous mountain biking tours along some of Indonesia’s most breathtaking beaches and mountain ranges. Boat excursions go to some of Sumba’s neighbouring islands. Adrenaline seekers can even find themselves riding a wakeboard or body board towed in the water by a powerful Sumbanese horse. A Nihiwatu specialty is the spa and safari excursion. During this spectacular two-hour trek, guests can discover the changing environment, meet the locals, and learn about their daily village life from farming, markets and education to traditional Sumbanese houses. At the Nihi Oka Spa, your aches and pains from the day’s trek will be massaged and soothed away under the peaceful lull of the ocean’s rhythms and the watchful eye of local wildlife. The tale of Nihiwatu dates back to Sumba’s ancestors, the Marapu, who moored upon Sumba’s shore centuries ago. It is said that they cast a spirit across the island to protect its environment and its traditional way of life. Hundreds of years later, the resort’s founders mirrored these bygone events when they landed on the exact same beach and made a vow to preserve and maintain the island’s beauty. As part of this pledge, they established the Sumba Foundation in 2001 to collaborate with the neighbouring community on local projects. To date, the Foundation has set up 16 primary schools, built 48 water wells and five medical clinics, supplied 172 villages with clean water and reduced malaria by 85 per cent in affected villages. Rates start at HK $5,000 per night | nihiwatu.com

TECH

Calm: Meditate, Sleep, Relax

Take de-stressing to another level with the Calm app. It does exactly what it says on the tin. Relax with voicedover and guided meditation sessions, whilst submitting yourself to the ambient sounds of nature, or choose from a selection of blissful music tracks to soothe you into a restful slumber and give you a break from your day.

Google Fit

HEALTH & FITNESS APPS FOR A FRESH START

For all the Android users out there, you can now effortlessly keep track of your active lifestyle, and your mobile device will automatically log the results as you walk, run or cycle. Receive suggestions for personalised activity goals and see real-time statistics to help you reach your ideal fitness level.

BMI Calculator – Ideal Weight

Even if you are not the best at math, you can still swiftly calculate your Body Mass Index with this straightforward app, as well as calculate your Waist-to-Height Ratio, Body Fat Percentage Ratio, and Calorie Consumption. The figures will speak for themselves and tell you what is a healthy weight for someone of your age and gender.

E COZ I N E

Water Drink Reminder

It is important to remain hydrated – otherwise your body cannot function at its best. This app determines how much liquid you need to consume within a day based on your current weight. Simply add a virtual cup or bottle to the app after you drink some water, and you will be reminded when to quench your thirst again.

Spring 2016

You might be struggling to fit in your 30 minutes of exercise a day. Why try to juggle time, when all you need is a 7-Minute Workout? It incorporates the most appropriate high intensity circuit training exercises for users to quickly get fit anytime and anywhere. It is the combined little efforts that reap the rewards.

APP-LAUSE!

3 8

7-Minute Workout

Runkeeper – GPS Track Run Walk

Harness the power of GPS to pre-plan your jogging or hiking routes. Record and calculate your every step, speed, distance, and calories burned for your chosen fitness activity. Runkeeper can link to your phone’s music app for your listening pleasure whilst on the run. Easily share your activity on Facebook or Twitter to inspire your friends.

Daily Yoga – Yoga Fitness App

The Daily Yoga app helps you to melt fat, lose weight, relax and de-stress at the same time. No longer do you have to expose yourself to tiresome, vigorous workouts that could be doing your body more harm than good. With this collection of over 400 poses, you will be on your way to becoming a yogi in no time.

Walkmate

Instead of buying a pedometer, check out the Walkmate app. Whatever a pedometer can do, this app can do it better. As well as counting your total daily steps, it also documents your distance travelled and calories burned. Since it can be used for workouts too, anyone can create their own training program and use it in their training sessions. Ecozine.com

BIOMIMICRY

MAGIC If imitation is the finest form of flattery, then Mother Nature must be blushing

B If imitation is

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Words by Abbe Ho

iomimicry, also known as ‘biomimetics’, is the mimicking of nature to help solve human issues. As we seek to develop more sustainable technologies and designs, what better way than to draw inspiration from the natural world around us? Through natural selection – 3.8 billion years of evolution by way of trial and error – many of nature’s designs have stood the test of time. Although there have been recent advances in biomimicry, it’s not exactly a new science. Humans have long been turning to nature to find solutions to our problems. Observation of birds in flight can be found in Leonardo da Vinci’s sketchbooks along with sketches of flying machines, though he never actually built one. It was the Wright Brothers who perfected the first-ever airplane for human flight, again drawing theinspiration finest from form flattery, birdsof in the process. then Mother Nature must be blushing The most widely known example of modern-day biomimicry is perhaps the invention of Velcro after a Swiss engineer found his dog covered in burdock burrs. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check out these copycat innovations.

Ecozine.com

TECH

SHIMMERING SHADES Peacock feathers and e-readers

Looking at a peacock feather, you would be forgiven for thinking that the rich colours are the result of many combined pigments. In actual fact, the only pigment that is present is brown. This effect is achieved through transparent layers with structural differences – so when light hits the feather, what gets emitted back to the human eye are colours like blue, gold or green. Known as ‘structural colouration’, a similar effect is also present on the wings of butterflies. Recently, companies like Qualcomm have adopted this principle for e-readers. Without the need for a backlit screen, the e-reader reflects ambient light back through the layers, which show up as pixels of colour to the human eye. The end result is a very energy-efficient colour e-reader.

FOR THE BIRDS Kingfishers and bullet trains

Japan is well known for its technological advances, including the Shinkansen Bullet Train. The earlier Shinkansens were a significant contributor to noise pollution, especially when exiting tunnels. As the train passed though the tunnel, pressure buildup caused a shotgun-like sound that could be heard half a kilometre away. Bird watcher and engineer Eiji Nakatsu, who worked at the JR-West rail company, observed that kingfishers hardly make any ripples while swiftly diving into the water to catch fish. From this he was able to refine the front of the train using a 15-meter-long steel nose to mimic a kingfisher’s beak. The end result? A train with 15 per cent less energy consumption, a 10 per cent faster top speed, and a solution to the noise problem.

THE LOTUS EFFECT Lotus leaves and outdoor paint

Lotuses generally sprout in muddy waters and blossom above it. Despite their mucky surroundings they are able to remain dirt-free. How? Lotus leaves have a natural bumpy surface that bits of dirt glom onto. During rainfall, water droplets trap the dirt on the leaf, and then roll off, carrying the dirt away. This observation led to the development of a paint called Lotusan for building exteriors. The paint dries into a bumpy texture resembling that of a lotus leaf and becomes ‘self-cleaning’ during rainfall. The effect has come to be known as hydrophobia, or ‘the lotus effect’, and has since appeared in various products including fabrics and even a labyrinth game where players guide a droplet of water around a maze. Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 91

SEA OF WONDER Coral reefs and concrete

GOING SWIMMINGLY Sharks and nanotechnology

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world – more so than wood, metal, and plastic combined. However the manufacturing of cement, in order to make concrete, accounts for six per cent of CO2 emissions, at one tonne of CO2 per tonne of concrete. To address this issue, a company called Calera turned to the world’s biggest carbon sink: the ocean. Corals make use of dissolved CO2 – carbonate – to form their exoskeleton. This happens when the carbonate and calcium bond to crystallise into the skeleton. Calera hopes to use the same method as the corals by dissolving CO2 from their manufacturing into water, along with various compounds, to make calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate then indefinitely stores the CO2, creating a zeroemissions production loop.

As more and more ‘super viruses’ emerge, the medical professions need alternative ways for preventing infection, rather than relying on antibiotics. A scientist by the name of Andrew Brennan observed that sharks are able to stay free from barnacles and algae while swimming slowly. It turns out that sharkskin consists of diamond patterned nano-ridges, which cause mechanical stress on microorganisms. In the case of bacteria, they are only able to survive for about 18 minutes, making it nearly impossible for them to replicate on the shark. The company Sharklet has created a thin film that mimics sharkskin, which can be applied to surfaces prone to bacterial infection. This is especially useful for hospitals due to high incidences of infections contracted there. It reduces the bacterial transfer contamination by 97 per cent, saving costs that would have otherwise been used to treat the infections. Other applications are being explored for this simple yet elegant imitation of life.

A BUNCH OF HOT AIR Termites and green buildings

Mound-building termites are nature’s experts when it comes to creating structures that self-regulate oxygen, humidity, and temperature. Measuring up to 10 metres tall, the outer wall of the mound above ground level is covered with holes connecting to a series of tunnels and chimneys. The queen termite is based underground in an oval nest and needs access to the oxygen above ground. While the sun shifts across the sky, the inside air heats up and escapes through the narrow outer chimneys, pulling the heavier cool air into the central chimney – causing a circulation of air to the central underground nest housing the queen termite. Oxygen gets pumped in and carbon dioxide is pumped out into the open. During the night, the same thing happens – except the flow is reversed, since the air in the outer chimney now cools faster, and the warm air rises through the central chimney. The award-winning Eastgate Center in Harare, Zimbabwe, designed by architect Mick Pearce, works similarly to the termite mounds. The design helped reduce energy usage by about 10 per cent.

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

Ecozine.com

TECH

TOP JUICERS These good-for-you gadgets offer juicing at its best

01 Omega NC800HDR Nutrition System This BPA-free masticating juicer grinds, mashes and chews through fruits and vegetables so you can treat yourself a glass of freshness every morning. It is also a brilliant kitchen tool for making all-natural nut butters, baby food, soymilk and a variety of other healthy snacks. The low rotation speed of 80 RPM minimises heat build-up and oxidation while the automatic pulp ejection ensures optimal juice output. Most importantly, slower processing yields maximum nutrition and flavour. Yay: high nutrient retention Nay: pulp content can be high in the juice HK $2,560 | omegajuicers.com

02 Breville Juice Fountain Max Get the very last drop of juice out of your fruits and vegetables with this juicer. Breville is the world’s first juicer to juice the whole fruit. The National Measurement Institute in Australia found that this juicer’s patented feed tube and filter extract up to 20 per cent more vitamins and minerals than other juicers. The chute is 25 per cent larger to accommodate large apples, pears and oranges and juice them in seconds. Yay: fast and efficient Nay: slightly noisy

HK $1,940 | breville.com

03 KitchenAid Artisan Maximum Extraction Juicer This adorable, high-quality juicer is made from durable die-cast metal with a glossy candy apple finish. The Artisan juicer’s dual-stage processing makes fresh, healthy juice with a minimum of foam. It first slices using a stainless steel blade, then an auger system squeezes juice from fruits, vegetables and herbs with a gentle, slow turning action to retain more nutrition. This means less prep work for you, and since most of the parts are removable and dishwasher safe, it’s a breeze to clean! Yay: three pulp screens (more/less pulp, sauces) Nay: heavy

HK $3,880 | kitchenaid.com

Omega NC800HDR Nutrition System

Breville Juice Fountain Max

KitchenAid Artisan Juicer

Vitamix Professional Series 750

Red

Stainless

Glossy Red

Brushed Stainless

5.9 kg

6 kg

13.52 kg

5.7 kg

15 years

1 year replacement with 5 year Motor Warranty

5 years

7 years

369 mm (H) 165 mm (W) 394 mm (D)

429 mm (H) 190 mm (W) 350 mm (D)

455 mm (H) 292 mm (W) 173 mm (D)

444 mm (H) 195 mm (W) 238 mm (D)

1.9 L

Color Weight Warranty

Size Capacity

E COZ I N E

Spring 2016

04 Vitamix Professional Series 750 This top-of-the-line Vitamix model is smart and multi-functional, with pre-programmed settings for smoothies, frozen desserts, soup, and purées. There’s even a self-cleaning setting that cleans the machine within 60 seconds! Roughly 40 per cent quieter than most other Vitamix models, it can still reach speeds up to 270 miles per hour without overloading or burning out. And Vitamix backs their product with a sevenyear warranty including free two-way shipping for repairs. Yay: quiet and easy cleaning Nay: relatively more expensive HK $5,110 | vitamix.com

Ecozine.com

WeddingsHongKong.com | 2834 3200

perspectives

OCEAN of PLASTIC

Words by Craig Leeson

oughly 600 kilometres directly east of Australia’s Port Macquarie lies an irregularly crescent-shaped volcanic remnant in the Tasman Sea. Lord Howe Island is a stunning world heritage site and about as far south as coral will grow. Its sandy beaches and sheltered coral reef lagoon appear pristine. Wildlife abounds. Hundreds of petrels catch thermals that race up Mount Gower. And the most heroic of all seabirds, the shearwater, call this island home, returning from their epic around-theworld adventures to the nesting sites in which they were born. But this island holds a deadly secret. In the forests of endemic kentia palms, small piles of plastic have begun to appear. These man-made plastic items – golf tees, resin pellets, disposable lighters, balloon ties – haven’t come from the island, but from thousands of miles away. So how did they end up in the forests, far from the sea? As we walk along the beaches in the early morning, another mystery reveals itself. Dozens of young fledgling shearwaters lay dead, with no apparent signs of physical distress. We pick them up and take them back to a small laboratory in the island’s only town. It’s not until scientist Jennifer Lavers performs a necropsy that both mysteries are solved. The stomach of every bird we cut open is full of plastic. These babies have been unwittingly fed plastic by their parents foraging for food thousands of kilometres away. And they die in great numbers on the beaches and in the waters off the island. Tragically, this scene is repeated on islands around the world among many different species of sea birds. Lavers has found that between 96 and 100 per cent of all flesh-footed shearwaters contain plastic, as do 65 per cent of all seabird species globally. This year, more than 300 million tonnes of plastic will be produced. Half of that we consumers will use just once and then throw “away.” But do we stop to wonder where “away” is? What happens to that plastic when we remove it from our personal space? This was something that I hadn’t thought about until a friend, marine biologist and television producer Jo Ruxton, called and

asked: “Have you noticed much plastic in the water when you surf and dive?” In fact, over the past few years, no matter where I went I seemed to be finding more and more plastic in the water and on the beaches. Jo told me that she and executive producer Sonjia Norman wanted to investigate the North Pacific Gyre and a floating island of plastic twice as big as Texas – and if it was as bad as it seemed, to make a film about it to raise awareness. The first expedition found not a floating island but something far more insidious: 46,000 pieces of microplastics for every mile of ocean, begging the question of what exists in the other four gyres that power the world’s oceans, bringing us weather systems, oxygen, food and water. After five years of filming and postproduction in 20 locations, the 96-minute feature film we created, A Plastic Ocean, is now complete and ready for distribution. The film investigates how plastic is filling up our oceans, choking marine life and coming back through the food chain to make us humans sick. The results of the expeditions will astound and horrify you. Those dead and dying seabirds we found on Lord Howe Island were just the canaries in the coalmine. We found plastic everywhere: in every ocean, on every beach and in almost every animal we tested. We followed those plastics and the toxins they carry up the food chain…and guess where it ends? Scientists are now proving that plastic and the toxins they carry are causing endocrine disruption in humans around the world. One study by the U.S. Centre for Disease Control found plastic chemicals in 92.6 per cent of every American tested. Some scientists now say this issue is as urgent as climate change. A Plastic Ocean also reveals solutions to the problem, including new technologies like pyrogenesis and pyrolysis. But we all need to stop putting plastic into the environment in the first place. Plastic does not occur in nature, and nature is incapable of using it. Our grandparents didn’t see this coming, and my generation perpetuated it, so it’s up to our children to remedy this disaster so their children will have a future.

“ WE FOUND PLASTIC

IN EVERY OCEAN, ON EVERY BEACH AND IN ALMOST EVERY ANIMAL WE TESTED

”

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 89

perspectives

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A SPECIAL PLACE

Words by Wayne McCallum

sles of palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs, and lush rainforest. It’s not what comes to mind when most people think about Cambodia, a country more synonymous with ancient temples and a tumultuous past. But in the south of the country, the islands of Koh Rong offer this and more, all of which means the archipelago could well be the best place you’ve never heard of. In 2013, the Song Saa Foundation was created to help conserve the region’s unique natural and human environments. Yet the roots of the Foundation go back much further. When Rory and Melita Hunter founded and built Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia’s first luxury coastal resort, they firmly believed that development should improve the places where it occurs – and they built their business and the Foundation on this principle. Moving forward, the Foundation’s present work covers a spectrum of land, sea and people-based activities, forming a programme that is truly integrated in scope. This includes working with communities to conserve the archipelago’s delicate coral reefs, rehabilitating stands of mangrove forest, supporting the island’s first solid waste management facility, and promoting education and health opportunities for local inhabitants. It’s a broad programme and not without its challenges. The effects of climate change are becoming more pronounced in the archipelago, with shortages of fresh water an increasing problem. The consequences of this are far ranging; for instance, education suffers, with class time losing out against the need for youngsters to find water and haul it back home. Health and educational services, meanwhile, remain limited, largely due to isolation from the mainland. Malnutrition rates, especially amongst infants, are particularly high – up to 75 per cent – which impacts learning capacity and the overall health of the island’s population. Yet while these issues seem daunting, the Foundation and its partners, including other non-profits, villagers and government agencies, are making headway in addressing many of them. A new proposed ‘marine national park’, Cambodia’s first, will

ensure that the archipelago’s coral reefs and other valuable ocean systems receive the legal protection that they require. Close to shore, the Foundation is working with inhabitants to conserve mangrove forests, supporting patrols to prevent illegal cutting and replanting deforested areas. On land, in the village of Prek Svay, the Foundation has created a sustainability learning centre, where villagers can learn and share ideas for the conservation and improvement of their island home. On the outskirts of the village, at the archipelago’s largest school, the Foundation has provided solar panels and educational aids, including computers, which have improved learning opportunities. This year, through a philanthropic partnership with an Australian company, the Foundation awarded the first ‘Great Opportunities Scholarship’ to a secondary student of Prek Svay. The happy candidate plans to use the opportunity to train as a doctor, and hopes to return to the archipelago one day to become its first resident medical professional. Elsewhere, in an effort to address the difficulties created by climate change, plans are underway to create a water storage system and to provide water filters to the most needy households. Encouragingly, many people have expressed a desire to be part of the Foundation’s work, so earlier this year we launched our Tropical Marine Conservation Programme. The initiative provides an opportunity for volunteers to participate in handson marine conservation activities, including conducting ocean surveys and replanting mangrove forests. It’s a unique experience, especially for anyone considering a career in conservation. The end of a working day typically finds the Foundation team enjoying a quiet sundowner, out on a deck overlooking our favourite beach. We are keenly aware that we are living in a sort of paradise – yet beneath the surface, protecting what makes the archipelago special requires vigilance, commitment and an attitude of collaboration. It is a spirit that lies at the heart of the Song Saa Foundation.

“THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ARE BECOMING MORE

PRONOUNCED IN THE ARCHIPELAGO, WITH SHORTAGES OF FRESH WATER AN INCREASING PROBLEM

”

Ecozine.com

Spring 2016

E COZ I N E

| 91

WHERE TO FIND US

Hot off the press and now at over 300 locations near you, including luxury residential and commercial properties, hotels, spas, private clubs, waiting rooms, cafes, bars and restaurants Where can I buy Ecozine?

Ecozine is available at the following fine retailers: ADMIRALTY Bookazine – Pacific Place Great Food Hall – Pacific Place CAUSEWAY BAY Escapade Eslite CENTRAL Bookazine – Exchange Square Bookazine – Lyndhurst Building Bookazine – Prince’s Building Cham Kee Newsstand CitySuper – IFC Escapade Justgreen MANA! Fast Slow Food Yung Kee Newsstand – Queen’s Road

KENNEDY TOWN PARKnSHOP

TAI PO PARKnSHOP – Hiong Lok Yuen

KOWLOON PARKnSHOP – Festival Walk

TAI KOO Eslite

LAMMA ISLAND Purple Cow Café

TAI TAM PARKnSHOP

MID LEVELS Hits Media Centre

TSIM SHA TSUI Eslite Variety Bookstore ThreeSixty

POKFULAM PARKnSHOP – Cyberport REPULSE BAY Bookazine

DISCOVERY BAY Bookazine Dymocks

SAI KUNG Kidnapped Books PARKnSHOP – Clearwater Bay PARKnSHOP – Sai Kung Town

HAPPY VALLEY PARKnSHOP PARKnSHOP – Jardine Lookout

STANLEY PARKnSHOP Stanley Beachside Book Store

TUNG CHUNG PARKnSHOP – Citygate WAN CHAI Bookazine – Shui On Centre Booktique Justgreen PARKnSHOP – New Hopewell Centre Variety Bookstore WONG TAI SIN Jumbo Grade

Email info@ecozine.com if you find a retailer has sold out of Ecozine or to recommend a new location. If you’d like to stock Ecozine, please contact our Hong Kong distributor Far East Media Ltd at cedric@feml.com.hk.

SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO

WIN

A RAW CHOCOLATE GIFT SET AND ORGANIC SHOPPING SPREE!

TOT VAL AL U OVE E $ 500 R !

One lucky winner will receive a Pana gift box with four silky-smooth raw vegan chocolate bars, valued at $268, PLUS a $250 shopping voucher at Food For Life. To enter the competition, simply complete your subscription at http://Ecozine.com/subscribe and answer a simple question on the page. Winner will be selected at random from new subscribers, contacted directly, and announced on Ecozine social media. Contest closes 12am, July 1st, 2016.

E-NEWSLETTER

WEBSITE

> NEVER MISS AN ISSUE > THE GIFT THAT GIVES YEAR ROUND > DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR

> FREE – JUST SIGN UP ONLINE! > THE BEST OF EACH WEEK TO YOUR INBOX > EXCLUSIVE STORIES, OFFERS, INVITATIONS, TIPS

> CONTENT UPDATED FRESH DAILY > EVENTS, VIDEOS, REVIEWS, DIRECTORY > AVAILABLE 24 HOURS, ANYWHERE YOU ARE!

SCAN THE QR CODE, or visit

ecozine.com/subscribe

w w w. r e f i n e d t r av e l l e r s . c o m coming soon

L I V E

L U X U R I O U S L Y . T R E A D

L I G H T L Y

ELON MUSK

Y O U R

G O- T O

G U I D E

F O R

S M A R T E R

L I V I N G

SPRING 2016

JAMIE OLIVER

SERVES UP A SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD FEAST

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME & GARDEN

ECOZINE SPRING 2016

WELLNESS

TRAVEL THE ULTIMATE ECO-LUXE CITY GUIDE

WHAT DO OPRAH, ROGER FEDERER, MADONNA, MARK ZUCKERBERG AND OBAMA HAVE IN COMMON? (SEE PAGE 52!)

MELBOURNE ADVENTURES IN INDONESIA + CAMBODIA

JUICE

YOUR WAY TO GOOD HEALTH

HKD $45 USD/CAD $8

E XC L U S I V E

ECOZINE.COM

SPRING IT ON !

EARTH DAY HISTORY AND HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD

ELON MUSK SHARES TESLA’S “SECRET MASTER PLAN” AND MISSION TO ACCELERATE THE WORLD’S TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

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