Ecozine Issue 8: Summer 2016

H O N G KO N G ’ S B E S T- S E L L I N G S M A R T E R L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E

2ND ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

KAREN MOK SHE MAKES MUSIC, MOVIES, PERFUME AND PROTECTS NATURE!

2016

ECOZINE READERS’ CHOICE

AWARDS

IT’S TIME TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE HEALTHY, ECO-CHIC BRANDS, AND WIN GREAT PRIZES!

RESTORE, REVIVE RELAX AT THE SPA THIS SUMMER

HKD $45 USD/CAD $8

LUXE ECO ESCAPES RIO

> IS WARMING UP FOR THE OLYMPICS

NISEKO

> FOR SUMMER, SPRING, FALL & WINTER

BORACAY

> BLISS...

NOT TO BE MISSED!

SUMMER STARTS HERE! WHAT TO BUY, WEAR, SEE AND DO FOR YOUR HOME, FAMILY AND (OF COURSE) YOU!

H O M E + FA M I LY + C I T Y L I F E + W E L L N E S S + S T Y L E + T R AV E L

LEADING THE SUSTAINABLE LUXURY TRAVEL MOVEMENT. A STYLISH AND AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE FOR THE DISCERNING TRAVELLER.

w w w. r e f i n e d t r av e l l e r s . c o m HAS LAUNCHED! PLEASE CONNECT WITH US: T: +852 2868 5583

E: INFO@REFINEDTRAVELLERS.COM

CONTENTS

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ON THE COVER

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36

16-19 SUMMER STYLE

Be cool as a cucumber all season long

90

ECO ESCAPES From Rio to Niseko, you’re covered

30

KAREN MOK A celebrity with a heart of gold

66

RESTORE + REVIVE Hong Kong’s top spa options this summer

103

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Vote for your favorite brands!

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THE SOURCE

FEATURES

CITY LIFE

16 LISA LOVES...

30 EXCLUSIVE: KAREN MOK

54 WHAT’S ON, HONG KONG?

18 NEW, HOT + HAPPENING

36 THE 10 GREENEST COUNTRIES

58

Ecozine’s Founder and CEO Lisa Christensen shares what she’s into right now

We’ve hand picked the coolest new eco campaigns, companies and products for your pleasure

22 THE LIST: SUNGLASSES

Style yourself in cool, sustainable sunnies this summer

24 DIY ICE CREAM

Beat the heat with these easy cool treats

26 Q&A INDIA’S TIGER MAN

An exclusive chat with tiger crusader Valmik Thapar

28 OBJECTS OF DESIRE

Boat and beach season is here, are you ready?

On life, animals and her support of The Nature Conservancy

Ecozine’s picks for healthy food, fun, culture and events around the region GREEN MONDAY REVOLUTION

IN THE WORLD

Find veggie heaven where you least expect it

The Yale University results are in, and they’re pretty impressive

62 CONNECTING WITH...

CHRISTIAN MONGENDRE

HOME + FAMILY

42 COASTAL DECOR

We catch up with the mastermind behind Hong Kong’s hottest new eatery

Take inspiration from seaside living for a fresh, nautical style at home

48 IT’S A KID’S WORLD OUT THERE

Fun and educational extracurricular activities for kids all year around

52 JAMIE OLIVER: PASTA PERFECTION Make this delectable crab spaghetti in no time flat

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

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Ecozine.com

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86

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WELLNESS

TRAVEL

ET CETERA

66 SUMMER SPA BLISSOUT

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10 CONTRIBUTORS

Our picks for the 10 best treatments

70

DIGITAL DETOX

Take a deep breath and ditch your smartdevice dependency; here’s five ways

72 THE INTELLECTUAL ZOOM LENS Power-up your workout with the best exercise tool: your mind

74 WHOLE BODY HEALTHY

Wellness and fitness experts weigh in

STYLE

78

STYLE ME SUMMER

From sea to shore in sleek, sustainable swimwear and accessories

80

LUSCIOUS LIPS

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MY ESSENTIALS

Pucker up to perfection with a little lip protection

Actress, singer and girl about town Celina Jade’s summer essentials Ecozine.com

ECO LUXE CITY GUIDE: RIO

In honour of the Olympics, get to know this vibrant city

86

FOUR SEASONS OF FUN IN NISEKO

There’s so much more to it than the famous powdery skiing

90

ESCAPE + EXPLORE: BORACAY BLISS

The Shangri-La offers an experience like no other

PERSPECTIVES

97

PATRICIA DWYER

What do the UN Global Goals mean for you and your business?

99

ROBERT ALLENDER

How to be proactive about reducing global energy imbalance

14 EDITOR’S NOTE 101 VOTE TO WIN 102 ONE MORE THING 100 WHERE TO FIND US

2016

ECOZINE READERS’ CHOICE

AWARDS

ECOZINE’S FIRST ANNUAL READER’S CHOICE AWARDS! The city’s best green, healthy and smart lifestyle brands need your vote!

Turn to page 101 for details Summer 2016

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FOUNDER, CEO

LISA CHRISTENSEN | lisa@ecozine.com

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

SIGN UP HERE:

ecozine.com/subscribe

COFOUNDER, EDITOR IN CHIEF

NISSA MARION | nissa@ecozine.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Alison Freeman, David Ko, Jamie Oliver, Jennifer Khoo, Joyee Chan, Lois Fung, Mika Gallardo, Patricia Dwyer, Robert Allender editor@ecozine.com

CREATIVE GRAPHIC DESIGN Andy Lai, IndeeDesign COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Alex @ Secret 9 Production House FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Hong Kong Photography Studio ILLUSTRATION Tanya ‘Pirate’ Bennett

ADVERTISING, CIRCULATION & EVENTS partner@ecozine.com

ACCOUNTING & ADMINISTRATION Ho Tak Sang & Co.

PRINT PARTNER Gear Printing

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

HEAD OFFICE Unit 107, 1st Floor, Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222-224 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong T (852) 2868 5585 info@ecozine.com

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

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.

R LA PO R EA B ER G R U B O B M O C

HOME food is vibrant, therapeutic, delicious and healing. We believe in the power of vegetables and the synergy of functional ingredients to make us feel truly amazing. We are committed to lowering our carbon footprint and preserving our planet’s fresh water supply through a plant based menu, mindful ingredient sourcing, eco-friendly packaging and practices.

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm ADDRESS: Shop G01 & 101 Nexxus Building, 77 Des Voeux Road Central, Central Hong Kong CONTACT: Tel 2777 4777 • hello@homerestauranthk.com • catering@homerestauranthk.com SOCIAL NETWORK: @homeeattolive

CONTRIBUTORS

< Alison Freeman

< David Ko

Alison Freeman is the founder of Peerie Tea, a specialist organic artisan tea company that works with small family-run estates around Asia. As a passionate marine and fisheries conservationist, Alison has spent years researching the impacts of shrimp aquaculture and unsustainable fisheries on large marine vertebrates in the Philippines.

David runs a digital marketing firm, Daylight Partnership, and spends his time helping clients like Lee Kum Kee, L’Oreal, and Fitbit create content for online platforms. He is a Ketogenic diet fan and in his spare time paddles for the South Lantau Dragonboat club and runs half-marathons around Asia.

Eco tip: Smart devices are part of modern urban living, but take time to consciously unplug from them every so often. It’s good for the soul!

Eco tip: Help save the world’s fish stocks and limit your fish consumption.

Jamie Oliver >

Jennifer Khoo >

Jamie Oliver is on a major mission: to bring fresh, healthy food back into our daily lives. The world-renowned chef, TV host, cookbook author, mentor and restaurateur has inspired thousands of people to spend more time enjoying and cooking delicious food from fresh ingredients.

After having lived overseas for most of her life, Jennifer returned to Hong Kong in 2012 to be with her family and to pursue a career in Asia’s world city. She is a firm believer in eating your way to good health and loves experimenting with new recipes in her tiny kitchen.

Eco tip: Don’t forget to turn the tap off while brushing your teeth. It’s a simple one, but many people forget to do this and they end up wasting gallons of water!

Eco tip: Know your labels – when buying seafood look for MSC-certified or hand-line caught fish.

< Joyee Chan

< Mika Gallardo

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.

Mika is currently studying her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Hong Kong.

She was editor-in-chief of her secondary school’s annual publication and did design and layout work for a club in university. She greatly believes in more sustainable and community-level development, with policies and campaigns aimed at bettering people’s livelihoods.

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

Eco tip: Redesign old clothes into more fashionable items, or use the fabrics for cool DIY projects.

Patricia Dwyer >

Robert Allender >

Pat Dwyer is the Founder and Director of The Purpose Business and has over fifteen years sustainability leadership experience.

Pat has developed programmes in 22 countries covering a broad CSR spectrum including carbon management, diversity, and environment stewardship. Pat was named to the World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders class of 2015 and also serves on the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council for Oceans.

Robert runs Energy Use Strategy Advisors to help Chairmen and CEOs discover the wealth of value that flows when business treats energy use as an asset, not a cost. His mission is to have every “boss” on Earth understand the upside of brilliant energy use so they lead and direct from that vantage point.

Eco tip: Catalogue and keep track of all the benefits you and your “stakeholders” enjoy from your use of energy. The perfect level of energy consumption will follow without effort.

Eco tip: Get to know the 17 UN Global Goals!

They’re ideal guidelines for leading more thoughtful, sustainable business.

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< 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!

Ecozine.com

SIGN UP A TEAM Hong Kong citizens like you have helped clean up more than 22 million pieces of trash from our coastlines and country parks, but much more needs to be done. Sign up a team for the 2016 Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge and make a difference today. 1/9/16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1/12/16 HKCleanup.org Organiser:

Charity Partner:

Sponsor:

EDITOR'S NOTE

W

Shine on, summer sun! We’re ready for you!

ell, well. Somehow, two whole years have gone by since we launched Ecozine in print. It’s been a whirlwind 24 months, and from where I stand, there’s no slowing down any time soon.

From A-list celebrities and five-star resorts to ocean disasters and climate crises, we’ve had the privilege of bringing you some of the best, and most vital, of sustainable news and views. Not to mention, the honour of working with innumerable local businesses, NGOs, and individuals that we deeply respect, from pioneers like Bobsy of MANA! Fast Slow Food and Emmanuel Faipoux of emmanuel f salon, to notable newcomers like Asia Plantation Capital and Africa Coffee & Tea. I could fill this whole page with the amazing people and companies who’ve been part of this wild ride so far. And it would be a testament to the rapid growth and popularity of the sustainable-living and personal wellness sectors, which have flourished in recent years. Consumers are becoming more conscious and more caring about what they buy, eat, and do, and we’re here to humbly serve those consumers – you.

We kicked off our first year with international stars gracing our covers, and have enjoyed bringing things closer

to home, with the likes of Daniel Wu and Maggie Q on recent issues. Continuing that trend, our summer cover feature offers a glimpse into the heart and mind of Hong Kong-born international superstar Karen Mok, who shares about her passion for animals and nature, and her work with NGOs, bringing light to the issues they face. Check it out on page 30.

Meanwhile, the blazing heat of summer has well and truly hit Hong Kong, and with it, boat parties, beach weekends, and school holidays. So we’ve packed our pages with tips, ideas, and products to max out your enjoyment of the season – whether it’s here in Hong Kong, or away in style – as well as rounding up some tip-top ideas for parents who are already thinking ahead to getting the most out of the coming school year (page 48).

The season for sunshine means shedding the winter ‘layers’, so we’ve partnered up with the experts at Pure to bring you top tips on getting – and keeping – a trim, strong, summer-ready body (page 74). Of course, all that effort should be rewarded, so check out our roundup of sweet summer spa escapes right here in town, on page 66.

And finally, don’t miss our latest addition: the City Life section, featuring highlights from the worlds of food, drink,

culture and entertainment that enhance this wonderful, buzzing metropolis we call home. Of note is our new ‘Connecting With…’ series, where we hear from some of the city’s most interesting and inspiring people, in their own words. This issue kicks off the series with Christian Mongendre, founder and CEO of new veggo hotspot, HOME: Eat To Live.

Building a media empire from scratch is a labour of love, and we’re endlessly amazed by the supportive community that has grown around us. We couldn’t do it without you. So let’s break out the organic champagne and have a toast: to our readers, our advertisers, our partners and our friends; we invite you to join us in celebrating two happy, hardworking, successful years behind us… and many, may more ahead.

Gratefully,

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

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LISA

Loves..

STUFF YOU WANT TO KNOW

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

C y cl ing by t he se a, on e fa v ourite su m mer p as of m y t imes !

SUMMER ISSUE BE SEEN

Berlin-based Mykita has come a long way since its humble beginnings ten years ago. A glasses brand founded by four friends using a small collection of metal frames, their lightweight, rockstar-stylish glasses have graced not only my face for many years but also the faces of loads of celebrities and supermodels, including Angelina Jolie. Uniquely, each pair of glasses is still designed and produced entirely in-house in their original location – a quiet residential area of Berlin’s Mitte district. mykita.com

I’m a sun and sea baby, so of course, I love this time of year!

The fact that it’s Ecozine’s second anniversary just makes the season all the sweeter. Thank you for your ongoing support and readership. Have a safe, sunny, sublime summer ahead!

LOVE YOUR HAIR

Founded by top stylist and entrepreneur, Toni SuttonMarcus, Love Hair is a boutique hair salon that prides itself on being all-natural, sustainable and healthy, both in their thoughtful décor and in the products they use. And ever since Toni introduced it to me at my last appointment, I’ve been raving over this amazing thickening spritz from Atonic – it contains Lilly Pilly, a native Australian antioxidant that increases body, and Aloe vera to add shine. All I can say is, it seriously takes my blowout to the next level. lovehairhk.com

FARM TO CUP

I am obsessed with Africa Coffee and Tea’s (AC+T) delicious premium, single origin coffees and teas. Working with small independent farmers in Cameroon, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, AC+T is hugely committed to the social welfare of their local partners, funding farming cooperatives and providing tools, education and training for women to become experts in their businesses, which in turn empowers them to support their families and communities. africacoffeeandtea.com 16

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ANYTHING BUT BORING

Our friends over at Anything But Salads, in trendy PoHo, are relaunching as a new raw vegan paleo cafe! Having started out as a lifestyle shop selling organic products and superfoods, ABS has not only won awards as a business but also become a popular local hangout – so this is a natural evolution. Expect to see me there lots this summer! anythingbutsalads.com Ecozine.com

SWEET RETREAT

Nestled on a beautiful, pristine part of the northern coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines, the stunningly-designed and spacious Kandaya Resort offers a range of activities and pursuits to propel you into physical, mental, and emotional health. Of course you can relax by the pool and be pampered by the lovely staff or luxuriate at the spa, but there’s also a yoga studio, state of the art gym and range of outdoor adventures, from snorkelling to horseback riding, which are sure to work up your appetite for their signature restaurant’s wholesome, organic and nutritious offerings. kandayaresort.com

FILM AND BOOK FAVES WISE WORDS

The Wisdom to Survive is a short, inspiring film that examines the challenges we face with climate change, and explores meaningful actions that can be taken by individuals and communities.

Exquisitely filmed and produced to stunning effect, it’s an uplifting, moving way to spend three minutes. I’ve shared it with everyone I know!

UNMASKING THE MYTHS

Stop whatever you’re currently reading, and pick up bestselling author Naomi Klein’s latest volume – This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate. Exposing capitalism as the main driver behind our warming climate, this novel challenges what you thought you knew about climate change, and posits that the world can, and should, exist without the use of fossil fuels.

A truly surprising and inspiring book, I highly recommend it for your summer reading.

STRETCH AND SWEAT

SIGN UP A TEAM

Please join Ecozine in cleaning up Hong Kong’s beaches and country trails during the 2016 Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge, September 1st through December 1st! More than eight million kilograms of trash – equivalent to the weight of over 100 Boeing 737s! – was collected by nearly 800,000 volunteers during the 2015 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), including over 75,000 participants right here in Hong Kong, where Ecozine is the official ICC coordinator. Over 30 years, more than 225 million items of trash have been logged and removed from our beaches and waterways. Register a team today, and enquire about sponsorship opportunities!

HKcleanup.org

Ecozine.com

Sheung Wan has many great yoga spaces, but newlyopened Odinson takes things to a whole new level by incorporating both the Ohm of yoga and the OMG! of elite fitness training, all in one beautifully appointed space.

Stretching over two whole floors, this boutique lifestyle studio offers a full range of specialised fitness equipment and a dedicated yoga floor, with soothing rooms and an array of private and class-style yoga options. A bonus is the Mr. Green Juice counter in the gym, for a cold-pressed organic juice fix or healthy lunch on the go!

“Instead of controlling the environment for the benefit of the population, perhaps it’s time we controlled the population to allow the survival of the environment

”

- David Attenborough

SHINE ON

Summer is a great time to go out for adventures: swimming, hiking, biking, you name it. But, especially with fair skin like mine, it’s important to stay protected from the sun. This mineral sunscreen from Coola, with rose hip oil and shea butter, is my go-to at the moment; It’s got a lovely matte texture and soothing cucumber scent, is water resistant, plus it’s allnatural and cruelty-free. coolasuncare.com

odinson.asia

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NEW, HOT + HAPPENING The inside scoop on all things healthy, fun, and on-trend: Ecozine does the work so you don’t have to!

A SIP OF CHILL

Tranquini was developed as a new kind of beverage to help soothe away the stress of the day and help us relax naturally. Think of it as the antithesis of the energy drink. Using a green tea extract, chamomile, lavender and lemon balm, Tranquini has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and relieve anxiety – without causing drowsiness.

The lightly carbonated drink comes in three natural flavours.

HEAVY METTA

The hottest new spot in Lan Kwai Fong isn’t a nightclub or a restaurant; it’s a visionary concept in entrepreneurial incubation, providing a membership-based platform for startups and entrepreneurs to connect, learn, work, and support each other. It all happens in a huge, airy space on the 21st floor of the swanky new California Tower, with floor-to-ceiling windows, excellent coffee, comfy sofas, and a constant buzz of innovation. We likey. metta.co

tranquini.com

EAT FRESHER

This time of year is a bounty of seasonal local veg, and with the days getting longer it’s a perfect time to plan out some gorgeous at-home meals. Get creative with the menu – every delivery is a surprise! – with Eat Fresh local organic veggie bags delivered right to your door. They offer special selections for babies and toddlers as well as for juicing and detoxing, and you can go gor a one-off or save cash with a subscription.

Ask about their cooler-bag recycling and food waste collection programmes – they’ll actually return your organic food waste to their farmers for composting! eatfresh.com.hk

FLIGHT OF FANCY

We are in love with the new Ajei collection from niin; inspired by the name for ‘my heart’ in the Navajo language, it features feather motifs representing freedom and lightness of heart, with rose quartz, blue lace agate, ethically sourced mother of pearl, raw penshell, driftwood and metals. The collection was developed during founder Jeanine Hsu’s passage into motherhood, and each piece tells a story of love, healing and acceptance. niinstyle.com 18

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FIRM FAVOURITE

You deserve to be pampered, and this is they way to do it. Every treatment at Bliss Spa in the swank W Hotel includes use of a decadent suite with steam, sauna, bubbly-hot vitality pool and ‘experience shower’, but also – access to the highest outdoor swimming pool in Hong Kong!

How can you say no to that? Can’t decide what treatment to book? We went for the Infusion Youth Firming Body Treatment, which targets cellulite painlessly, so we could shimmy out onto the chic Wet Deck and show off our newly-toned thighs poolside! w-hongkong.com/bliss-spa Ecozine.com

THE SOURCE

SNACK SUPPORT

Snacking just became a little healthier!

ChewsWize offers a weekly delivery of yummy savoury and sweet nibbles to your office or home, from popcorn to nuts and premium dried fruits. With dozens of flavours, you can tailor to your liking by giving feedback on your favourites! Best part? They contain zero palm oil, artificial coloring, preservatives, trans fats, or high fructose corn syrup. chewswize.com

GOOD FOOD FAST

The newly-opened MANA! Xpress in Central delivers a wholesome, nourishing, globallyinspired plant-based menu and is designed to provide fast, convenient healthy meals for busy Centralites and office workers. Like its sister restaurant down the road, everything here is hand made fresh to order, and vegan, raw, and gluten-free options are available. mana.hk

SEA RIGHT

We all love seafood, but face issues of declining fish stocks and rising demand.

This new website is designed to be an information platform about sustainable seafood, for consumers in Hong Kong who want to make sure there will still be fish around for their children and grandchildren. Find out which restaurants and supermarkets have sustainable seafood, what labels to look for when shopping or dining out, and what seafood you should be eating or avoiding. chooserighttoday.org

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HYDRATION HERO

Our team is impressed with this unique, simple product.

Restore is a unique mineral concentrate formula that rapidly corrects the symptoms of cellular dehydration – especially for those who drink coffee, alcohol and lead a hectic lifestyle.

It also helps eliminate toxins and increase your energy level.

With no sugar or synthetic chemicals, just mix some into your water every day for a healthier body. restorehydration.com

STAY SUN SAFE

Spending the summer in Hong Kong may mean fun in the sun, but with increased time outdoors comes more exposure to harmful UV rays. The Hong Kong Cancer Fund is launching a brilliant new campaign to remind us and our families how to stay safe while enjoying those golden rays. Stay SunSmart by remembering to ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide and Seek’! Taking the time to protect against skin cancer and monitor your body for early signs of melanoma could save your life. cancer-fund.org

TOSS IT

We all want the best for our planet. If we start with the little things we use day-to-day, how much positive impact could we have? Take the classic coffee cup. Most coffee cups are lined with oil-based plastic, which is a non-renewable resource. Making the plastic also contributes to climate change – a lot of damage for something we briefly use and throw away!

Vegware’s award-winning compostable packaging is made from plants, not plastic, so it’s eco friendly from start to finish while still managing to be strong, practical and stylish. And it’s not just coffee cups. Vegware makes 250+ food service disposables for every meal imaginable. You can also have them custom printed with your brand logos and designs.

Little things add up to make a huge difference in tackling climate change. Why not start with your morning coffee? vegware.hk

HAPPIEST HOUR

Don’t let them see you sweat – instead, grab a cold brew at the best-kept secret in town (until now), the happy hour at Above!

This artsy, edgy rooftop bar is perched atop Ovolo South Side, and from Monday to Friday 5pm-9pm you can enjoy freeflow booze and light bites while watching the sun set behind the hills.

Hot tip: don’t miss the all-you-can-eat mac’n’cheese station! ovolohotels.com

THE SOURCE

The

LIST

SUNGLASSES

Look good and protect your peepers this summer with this stunningly cool selection of eco-friendly shades

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MAVERICK 201 BY TOMS The Maverick 201 is a playful, summery remix of the classic aviator, with violet-mirrored lenses, satin gold-tone frames, and tortoise-shell arms. Available in-store and online at Lane Crawford, these glasses are part of the One for One™ program – for every pair purchased, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need.

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lanecrawford.com

TWENTY 01 BY GOLD & WOOD

Luxury meets eco-friendly in these deep blue sunglasses by Gold & Wood.

Twenty 01 is made from sustainably sourced wood and is impeccably handcrafted to evoke feelings of summer by the Pacific Ocean. The Twenty collection was released in celebration of the company’s 20-year anniversary and also includes two other shades – light pink and red. Available at Puyi Optical.

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MONROE BAMBOO BY PANDA An eco-friendly twist on the classic Wayfarer frame, these durable yet lightweight bamboo frames that are Panda’s signature style come with scratchproof lenses, are water-resistant and float on water, making them the ultimate pair of summer shades for junk trips and outdoor fun. Comes with free worldwide shipping and a lifetime warranty.

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wearpanda.com

WLA AFRICA 07 BY ETNIA BARCELONA Feel fierce in the sun while wearing this African-inspired animal print frame! All of Etnia Barcelona’s eyewear are produced using 100 per cent natural acetate, made from natural organic compounds, and completely biodegradable and recyclable.

And – of course – they’re stunningly cool, and suit most faces. Available at Kapok. ka-pok.com

BUFFALO HORN BY SMITH & NORBU

Stand out from the crowd with these unique buffalo horn frames. In an effort to revive traditional horn craftsmanship that dates back several thousand years to make it relevant today, Smith & Norbu regularly incorporate ethically sourced buffalo horn into their optical creations for a special twist on old classics. smith-norbu.com

Ecozine.com

THE SOURCE

DIY ICE CREAMS

Cool down quick this summer with a refreshing sorbet or some healthy (yes, really!) ice cream – made right at home

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BOWL OF SUNSHINE Creamy orange sorbet 4 oranges or mandarins – peeled into segments and frozen 1 cup vanilla yoghurt This frozen citrusy treat tastes like summer.

Alternating the yoghurt and the orange segments, simply run them through a food processor or blender to your desired consistency.

TIP: Top with fresh orange segments and a sprig of mint for extra pizzazz.

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GO BANANAS 1-ingredient banana ice cream 4 large, ripe bananas – peeled, chopped and frozen overnight Toppings of choice (optional) It really doesn’t get any easier than this oneingredient treat, perfect for vegan, glutenfree and dairy-intolerant eaters alike. In a food processor, blend frozen banana pieces until smooth and creamy. For a firmer texture, let the mixture chill in the freezer before eating. That’s it – enjoy!

TASTE THE TROPICS Mango and coconut ice cream 4 cups ripe, chopped mango 2 cups coconut milk Honey to taste The exotic flavours of mango and coconut blend beautifully in this ice cream reminiscent of lazy tropical days. Combine fruit and coconut milk in a blender or food processor, adding honey to taste. Freeze mixture overnight. TIP: More mangoes means more fibre, for softer ice cream with a shorter thawing time.

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PEACHY KEEN Frozen peach sorbet 6 large, ripe peaches – peeled, sliced and frozen ¾ cup sugar ¾ cup water Squeeze of lemon juice Pinch of salt This peach sorbet is so delicious yet easy to make, it will become your go-to frozen treat for many summers to come.

Blend together frozen peach slices with the sugar/water solution, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Try mixing it up with different frozen fruits for a rainbow of flavours!

GET HIM TO THE GREEK Frozen cherry and Greek yoghurt ice cream 4 cups frozen pitted cherries ½ cup plain Greek yoghurt Squeeze of lemon juice Honey This recipe is delicious, high in protein and delightfully low fat. Tick, tick, tick! Just blend frozen cherries (or any fruit of your choice) together with Greek yoghurt, lemon juice and a spot of honey, depending on how sweet (or tart) you prefer your ice cream to be. Kali Orexi!

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CHOCOLATE LOVER Vegan chocolate ice cream 2 cups coconut milk ¼ cup cocoa powder Sweetener of choice (honey/stevia/maple syrup) Salt A healthy twist on a delicious classic. This recipe is made fully vegan by substituting dairy with coconut milk. Blend together ingredients adding just a dash of salt and sweetener to taste. Freeze mixture overnight, then serve with toppings of COOL AS A CUCUMBER your choice. Guilt-free chocolate ice Ice creams don’t have to cream… dreams do come true! be sweet; why not get creative using savoury flavours? For a palate-cleanser or afternoon KIWI ZEST treat, try flavours like coffee Tangy kiwi sorbet or cucumber and mint!

10-15 kiwifruits – peeled and

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chopped ⅔ cup sugar ¼ cup water Peeling and chopping 10-15 kiwifruits is well worth the effort for this zesty, vitamin-C packed treat. In a blender or food processor, blend together sugar/water solution with the kiwi flesh until mixture is smooth. Pour into a container and freeze overnight before serving.

Ecozine.com

THE SOURCE

and prey were frozen on the road for ten minutes, gaze locked. Even though she adjusted tactics, the deer broke free. It was one of the best examples in literature of the complexity of predation.

Have you ever been in any life-threatening encounters with tigers?

Q

&A

India’s Tiger Man

A

dedicated tiger defender all his life and one of India’s bestknown big cat experts, Valmik Thapar tells Joyee Chan about his love affair with the charismatic beasts, the up and downs of his mission, and his newfound optimism for the big cat’s future.

When did you realise that your life would be entwined with tigers?

When I was 23, I started my career as a documentary producer after graduating in sociology. I was on an assignment to film the forests of Ranthambore, a magical place where the ruins of 100-year-old forts and summer palaces have been taken over by nature. Having spent 20 days searching fruitlessly for tigers, I at last caught glimpse of one through the grass in the middle of the night. Those five hypnotising seconds were enough to give me the challenge of finding out more about this animal.

Which big cats are your all-time favourites?

One of my favourite tigers is Genghis – after the mighty warrior king, Genghis Khan. He was the first tiger to race into Ranthambore’s lake after sambar deers [which are drawn into the waters by succulent aquatic plants] and kill them. For the next 22 years, his tactic was mimicked by resident tigers that watched from the shore and passed the trick on to every cub.

Another darling is Noon, whom I spent most of the 1980s tracking.

She acquired her moniker because she liked the day, unlike most tigers that hunt at night. The best memory of her was when I saw her trying to bring down a huge sambar stag with the wrong grip… predator

Never. My tiger guru trained me to walk with tigers at night – there were no rules and no visitors back then. He taught me to lose the fear of this animal because only then you can learn more about it. It is safer to walk with a tiger than to cross the road in New Delhi today.

The closest experiences were being mock-charged by Genghis and another tigress I have come to know as Nasty. But they have never even touched my jeep. For me, they weren’t so much life threatening as mesmerising… and paralysing because of their thundering roar.

You once called your life a failure and held a pessimistic view towards the future of tigers. Why, for the first time in years, do you now claim hope?

I used to believe, in the 1990s, that there would be no more tigers by the turn of the century. I consider a lot of my life a failure. I failed [to create] larger national parks and habitats, involve nongovernmental experts into decision-making, and [establish] a wildlife service and a national park authority. But we still have some 2,000 tigers. I’m optimistic because this figure is not bad. I would give it five out of ten. I wouldn’t have believed that ten years ago.

I am a great believer that tigers are alive because individuals outside the government have come together in a quiet way [to reverse their fate], and because our culture has made tigers a deepseated symbol of respect, almost god-like.

Just last month, it was revealed that the global wild tiger population has increased to 3,890, up from 3,200 in 2010.

What is your take on this?

The increase is a reflection of increasing numbers in India, but there are serious declines across Southeast Asia, especially in Laos and Cambodia. [Another reason is] better technology and the use of camera traps, that have now detected presence of tigers in areas that were difficult to survey earlier, [indicating perhaps] not so much a genuine increase in population as merely better surveys.

After working in tiger conservation for 40 years, I believe the future is in partnerships and engagement. For example, I’m recently working on a game-changing project known as Van Dhan, or Forest Wealth. The people-centred project focuses on resolving conflict between tigers and humans living around national park and tiger reserves. We consolidated several government funds to finance non-governmental partnerships to promote alternative energy, offer livestock and crop compensation, plant indigenous trees and encourage grass-fed rather than free-ranging livestock.

When people are better looked after, national parks thrive.

“ MY TIGER GURU TRAINED ME TO WALK WITH TIGERS AT NIGHT –

THERE WERE NO RULES AND NO VISITORS BACK THEN

”

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OBJECTS of DESIRE p

Long, hot summer days can only mean one thing – it’s boat and beach season

Fresh Faced

Give yourself a spritz of Caudlie’s Organic Grape Water mist for a fresh, cool sensation any time of day. Extracted straight from grapes during harvest, the mist refreshes, tones, and moisturises the skin without oil, keeping you from feeling too melty or greasy in the sun.

p Boom Box Sing louder with this powerful Bluetooth speaker; it offers an impressive 18 hours on a single charge, and features a Boost Mode for extra boat-thumping bass. Wrapped in a waterproof shell, this super durable speaker is the perfect accompaniment to any adventure.

HK $60 | Caudalie

HK $1,300 | Lane Crawford

p Best Foot Forward This year, Havaiana is once again partnering with Conservation International with a collection of footwear to raise awareness of their work. A portion of sale from these funky flip flops goes to funding socio-environmental projects on marine diversity in Brazil.

HK $268 | Havaiana

Drink Up

Stay hydrated with Klean Kanteen’s double-walled vacuum insulated water bottle – it’ll keep your drink cold for the entire day! Bring one with you everywhere you go, and help reduce the vast number of disposable plastic bottles entering our oceans.

HK $309 | Klean Kanteen

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THE SOURCE

Read My Mind

Ultralight and super-portable, the Kindle Oasis makes reading anywhere just that much easier and more appealing. It can store thousands of books, the battery lasts for months, and sunshine doesn’t affect the high-tech, self-lighting screen’s visibility. It’s also ergonomically designed for the hand, so you can get lost in a book for hours.

HK $2,790 | Amazon.com

The Right Angle

Vertty reinvents the beach towel with their bright and colourful line of eco-friendly designs. Handmade and created with a built-in waterproof pocket and a fun triangular pattern, the Vertty towel is sure to keep you comfortable and be a conversationstarter at the beach.

HK $460 | tryvertty.com

p Rugged Protection Ride the waves fearlessly with the quadruple-layer Defender series case for iPhone and Samsung phones, in loads of bright colours. Put through a rigorous testing regime, it offers impact absorption, dust protection and a built-in screen guard, promising to keep your phone in pristine condition no matter what you put it through.

HK $400 | Otterbox

Sun Babies

No matter how much you love the sun, you’ve gotta protect yourself – and your family – from its harsh beams. Cancer Council’s fragrance- and paraben-free sunscreens use zinc oxide to create a physical barrier against UV rays, and part of the sales proceeds go to fund cancer research and patient support.

HK $100 | Escapade Sports

p Splash Shot The 16MP Nikon COOLPIX AW130 can be submerged up to 30 metres, making it great for capturing both overwater and underwater images. What’s more, it’s shockproof, dust and cold resistant, and its rugged design makes it easy to hang onto during wild outdoor adventures (or junk parties).

HK $3,380 | Nikon

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The

KAREN MOK EFFECT

The homegrown megastar takes time out of her latest world tour to chat with Ecozine about the things that matter most to her

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Words by Nissa Marion Photography by Christo Jan

aren Mok is an unquestionable force of nature. Singer, songwriter, actress, fashion icon and – yes – passionate activist, at 45 she is widely acclaimed in every one of these fields, and is one of China’s most sought-after celebrities.

Since her debut in 1993, Karen has gone from strength to strength, gaining recognition first here in Hong Kong, then regionally, and now her fame spreads across the planet, with concerts scheduled in places as far-flung as Australia, Canada, England, Spain and Italy.

Karen’s professional and personal achievements are dizzying, when you tally up the numbers: over 40 films, 16 albums, eight film awards, 33 music awards, number one female singer on Weibo with over 36 million followers, more concerts in China than any other Hong Kong singer… and five cats.

And let’s not forget her incredible ability to push the envelope; she was the first Asian star to launch her own fragrance and lingerie lines, the first Asian star to take a lead role in a Broadway hit (RENT, in 2005), and the first major Chinese recording artist to release a digital album. She’s even been an Olympic torch-bearer. And that’s just an overview.

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e caught up with her during her soldout 2016 Regardez world tour, for which the sultry star took on the role of concert director, overseeing the entire process of the tour, from planning to execution. In May, in the middle of this powerhouse undertaking, she even found time to plan and record a duet with another international superstar, Mika… because why not? Despite a crushing schedule and the pressures of fame, Karen always makes time for a little more. And this is part of her charm.

With a seeming ability to turn anything she touches into gold, Karen has still always managed to remain grounded and personable, a fact that helps her millions of fans relate to her. At the same time, attaining this level of celebrity has given her both opportunity and outlet for exploring, and making a difference to, causes that are close to her heart.

Karen has often credited her family for her outlook on giving back; charity work was always part of her life growing up, and her parents taught her to help those less fortunate. This comes through in her present-day efforts. To name a few, Karen is currently an ambassador for UNICEF, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Animals Asia Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Enlighten – Action for Epilepsy, Care for Children, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a leading conservation organization that has worked around the world since 1951 to protect ecologically important lands and waters.

When asked what drives and inspires her, Karen reflects, “Travelling really inspires me. Exploring the world and leaving one’s comfort zone, every now and then, are so important.” Last year, Karen and her husband took three months to travel around world, including the Amazon rainforest, Tahiti, the United States, and Iceland. During the trip, she was witness to numerous

FEATURE endangered species and signs of climate change, which served to renew her commitment to protecting the planet.

Perhaps because of experiences like this, one gets the sense that Karen’s cause-related work is not only important to her on an intellectual level, but central to her happiness and fulfillment.

One cause that is particularly poignant for Karen is animal welfare. This may stem from the fact that Karen’s family are animal lovers, and have rescued stray cats for as long as she can remember – over 15 in her life so far – and each cat has been a treasured family member, which created, at a young age, a strong sense of compassion for animals.

Asked about standout life experiences, she doesn’t hesitate: “I was invited by Humane Society International to visit colonies of young seals on an ice floe in Prince Edward Island, Canada in 2009; we were there to create awareness among the general public in Asia about the brutal reality of seal hunting. It was an incredibly special and eye-opening experience.” The Hong Kong SPCA used footage from the trip to make an educational documentary for Hong Kong, where little media coverage had been given to the issue at the time.

Other demonstrations of Karen’s commitment to animals are apparent throughout her career. She has taken several trips to Chengdu, China, where in 2012 she was appointed Honourable Chengdu Giant Panda Ambassador; and in 2003, appalled by the plight of the beleaguered Asiatic black bear, she reached out to Animals Asia offering her help, and has been a vocal supporter of their work against bear bile collection ever since.

Most recently, in May this year Karen joined TNC’s Hong Kong team on a trip to Yunnan, China – fittingly, since in Chinese astrology it is the Year of the Monkey – to learn about, and help bring light to, the situation facing the dwindling population of Yunnan Golden Monkeys – known to locals as the “Wild Men of the Mountains”. spread your wings

Karen plays to a sold-out crowd during her 2016 Regardez World Tour; racking up accolades at the 16th China Music Media Awards

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hreats such as deforestation and illegal poaching have made these monkeys one of the world’s most endangered primates, with only 3,000 left in the wild. Each year, more than 120,000 hectares of forest are cut down in Yunnan for fuel alone, and about 100 of the monkeys are killed by hunters for food and for their fur.

Of the remaining 3,000 Yunnan Golden Monkeys, 300 live in the Laojun Mountain National Park. There, TNC works closely with local government and communities to protect them and the forests they call home, planting millions of trees to grow their habitat, educating local citizens, using modern technology to better monitor the monkeys, and even establishing a regular patrol team for anti-poaching patrols. Not since the efforts to protect the giant panda has a species protection program been launched in China at such a large scale.

“It’s never an easy job,” says Dr. Jin Tong, Director of TNC China’s Science and Policy Center. “Yunnan Golden Monkeys live in the most extreme environments, most in uninhabited areas. Our patrol team [of 12] is split into two groups, and each team rotates to go into the thick forests and stays there for 17-18 days each month.

We don’t want to miss a single day.”

Karen visited Yunnan in May, when the hilltops in the area are still snow-covered and weather conditions can be harsh. Over the week she spent in the monkeys’ habitats, she had the opportunity to connect with lead TNC scientists, sympathetic locals, and the monkeys themselves, developing an understanding of the situation that only comes with immersing oneself in an issue.

But is the increased celebrity and media attention having a positive effect for the Yunnan Golden Monkey? So far, it seems to be. The Chinese government has committed around 660,000 hectares of dedicated protected areas for the monkeys, including three national nature reserves, one provincial nature reserve and one national park. And their numbers are slowly but steadily growing; the current population estimate of 3,000 is actually up from 1,500, just a couple of decades ago.

Karen’s outlook on the importance of conservation is poignantly simple: “All life depends on our relationship with nature. Nature needs us, therefore it is our responsibility to take care of our environment.” Certainly for the Yunnan Golden Monkeys this rings true. The work done by TNC is having a positive effect, but there is a long way to go, and much more help is needed.

sEAL THE DEAL

Always up for a new experience, Karen has travelled to the far north with the Hong Kong SPCA, to help raise local awareness of seal hunting

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MONKEY BUSINESS

In Yunnan earlier this year, the star spent time learning about the Yunnan Golden Monkey, together with a team of scientists and TNC staff

“NATURE NEEDS US,

THEREFORE IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY

TO TAKE CARE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT Ecozine.com

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DIGGING IN

Despite worldwide success, has never shied away from rolling up her sleeves to help in any way she can

B

ack on the ground in Hong Kong, Karen gets honest about the bustling, vibrant city she still, after all these years, calls home. “Air pollution – there is no escaping from it. Everyone has to breathe, whether you are rich or poor.” And, having travelled to so many places around the world, what does she think about Hong Kong’s potential to be a leading green city?

“I love Hong Kong, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement.

We should be implementing a more comprehensive infrastructure for recycling, and also educating the public about its importance.

I’d also love to see more green areas within the city.”

Having now completed the Regardez tour and looking ahead, there’s not much time for sitting around basking in success.

Karen’s already planning her next move, inspired by a new hobby: “I recently discovered my passion for photography. It would be a great way to spread the message about the importance of conservation, through images.”

For now though, the sultry singer and actress is happy to be able to leverage the success she has created to help those less fortunate, both animal and human, through her work with numerous nonprofit organisations and her direct connection to millions of impressionable fans. Karen has often cited the ability of music to transcend the borders of languages and nationality. And, like music embodied, this incredibly talented woman, with her genuine smile and down-to-earth attitude, has a magical way of reaching beyond the world of entertainment and touching people’s hearts and minds.

I RECENTLY DISCOVERED MY PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. “ IT WOULD BE A GREAT WAY TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE ABOUT

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION

”

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10

THE

GREENEST

COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

According to Yale University, these countries are definitely doing something right!

Words by Alison Freeman

E

ach year, global leaders and policymakers eagerly await the results of Yale’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) to see how their country has fared in terms of human health and the environment, with 180 countries pitted against each other based on specific metrics. The aim of the system is to build a practical tool for which countries can learn from one another to create a more sustainable world.

This year saw some positive changes, with improvements in carbon and energy management, health impacts, and water

and sanitation. Habitat protection for terrestrial and marine environments was also on the up. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all good news. Air pollution has worsened, a quarter of the world’s wastewater is still routinely untreated, and most of the world’s fisheries are “in a state of collapse”.

Unsurprisingly, several Scandinavian nations were listed as the environmental frontrunners, and all of the top ten countries were from Europe. All of them offer great models that Hong Kong and other parts of Asia can learn from, and build on, toward environmental leadership in our corner of the world!

1

FINLAND With a quarter of their territory in the Arctic, thousands of rivers and inland lakes, and a heavy reliance on forestry, Finland’s climb to the top of the charts hasn’t been easy; however, their ‘waste not’ attitude and dedication to progressive sustainability policies have certainly earned them their current title. Example? The government has rolled out programmes to train their younger generations on how to upcycle and fix basics household items, as well as more complex machinery, appliances and vehicles. Finns also recycle nearly all of their glass, and nine out of ten plastic bottles. Score: 90.68

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2

ICELAND

After facing severe economic collapse, Iceland reduced their carbon footprint and turned their future around by investing in clean energy.

Iceland now holds the honourable title of world’s leading clean-energy economy. Today, almost 100 per cent of Iceland’s electricity and heat is generated from domestic renewable sources, such as geothermal energy. Even fishers preserve their catch for longer using a drying ‘geothermal heat’ process. Score: 90.51

3

SWEDEN Since Sweden’s shift from oil to district heating in the early 1990s, the country has been on a mission to reduce their carbon footprint. Sweden also claims Europe’s first carbon-neutral neighbourhood, Malmo – which, amongst many other initiatives, uses an innovative waste management system that sucks household waste into a central tank underground, eliminating the need for emissions-heavy waste transportation. City Swedes do their part by partaking in urban farming on shared allotment gardens, and encouraging bee population growth with private beehives.

Score: 90.43

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4 SLOVENIA

DENMARK The Danes rely heavily on renewable energy, with the aim to have 50 per cent of their electricity consumption covered by wind power by 2020, and a long-term goal of phasing out coal completely by 2030. Denmarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tap water is also among the cleanest and most drinkable in the world, whilst the bathing opportunities in their lakes and along the coasts are vast, thanks to a progressive national plan to reduce harmful substances such as agricultural fertiliser from entering the groundwater. Denmark is also a cycling nation, with nine out of ten Danes owning a bike. Score: 89.21

5

With a staggering 60 per cent of the country covered in forest, Sloveniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pristine natural resources and national focus on sustainability place them at fifth on the chart. A strong strategy for conserving nature and building green tourism means that Slovenia has officially protected more than a fifth of their coastline and over a third of their land. Their drinking water is also among the purest in Europe. Score: 88.98

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6 SPAIN The trend of environmental certification programmes has spread like wildfire across Spain, forcing many Spanish companies to improve their supply chains in order to participate. The government has also invested a high number of resources into environmental research and development. The result has been a surge in ecoinnovations including sustainable construction, investment into the biogas industry and tighter regulations for water management and electricity use. Score: 88.91 Ecozine.com

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PORTUGAL Portugal recently became a serious contender in the EPI index with a number of significant advances in their environmental protection. Their drinking water and bathing water performed highly, as did their commitments to climate and renewable energy. Portugalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s carbon footprint is also on the decline, with a greater use of renewable energy sources and a long-term plan. Many Portuguese fisheries are active in seeking Marine Stewardship Council certifications as well. Score: 88.63

ESTONIA

8

Estonia, with its lush green landscape and abundance of natural forests, has put a lot of effort into maintaining and conserving its endemic species and habitats. As a nation, they are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and aim to utilise renewable sources for 25 per cent of their total energy consumption by 2020. Estonia has also been developing more environmentally friendly materials for the construction industry, as well as high-tech activities to optimise energy production for efficiency. Score: 88.59 Ecozine.com

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MALTA Malta made an appearance in the top ten ranking this year, scoring high marks for their quality of air, biodiversity, natural environment, and water resources. Malta’s previous track record with greenhouse gas emission wasn’t always so great; however, having set aside a fund specifically for environmental programmes, Malta’s focus on innovation, nature conservation as well as climate change action in recent years has paid off. Score: 88.48

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10 FRANCE

Since the 1990s, France has been turning their attention to service activities rather than industries. As a result of this, as well as the enforcement of strict new policies, France’s consumption of natural resources and the emission of some greenhouse gases have decreased dramatically; they have, however, struggled to reduce their traffic and agriculture pollution. Despite this, the country is on a steadfast mission to be a leader in energy transition, with a number of pioneering plans being implemented, such as the issue of ‘green bonds’ to fund environmental friendly projects – a global first! Score: 88.20

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COASTAL DECOR Transform you living space with these easy, breezy pieces reminiscent of seaside living

p Fantastic Plastic These nautical-themed baskets come in three sizes and are as eco-conscious as they are chic. Handcrafted with recycled plastic straws, they are versatile in use – from laundry to outdoor storage – and will add a whimsical touch to your décor.

p Stool of Fish This hand-painted porcelain stool from Tequila Kola will be a guaranteed conversation starter at your next dinner party. The Piscean piece can double as an ornate side table when it isn’t being used as a seat. tequilakola.com

fabhabitat.com

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HOME + FAMILY

Lazy Afternoons Who doesn’t love swinging outdoors in a hammock on a warm, breezy day? With a frame made of sustainable, solid eucalyptus, this one from IKEA comes with its own stand so you can also use it indoors. Hang it up between two trees at the beach and avoid the crowds on the sand. ikea.com

p Eternal Flame Why wait until Earth Hour to get the candles out? We love the contrast of glass against cement in these ethereal tea lights by BoConcept. The Danish design company prides itself on strict human rights policies and emphasises fair treatment of its suppliers and employees alike. boconcept.com

p Seashells by the Seashore The beautifully embroidered seashell pattern on this cushion cover evokes feelings of being by the ocean. Made of 100 per cent cotton and also available in white, its calming aquatic vibe makes the perfect complement to a light, airy Mediterranean colour scheme. indigo-living.com

p Lounging Around Created by Italian designer Monica Armani in collaboration with Belgian outdoor manufacturer TRIBU, the Tosca Daybed is outdoor luxury living unparalled.

Ergonomically designed for physical wellbeing, this inviting and stylish piece is worth treating yourself to and will last a lifetime. everythingunderthesun.com.hk

Bamboozled

Introduce an element of nature to your bathroom décor with this sustainably crafted hand soap dispenser from Bamboa Home, made of locally harvested bamboo by rural communities in Asia. bamboahome.com

Twinkle, Twinkle This set of sweetly rustic terracotta lanterns at TREE are perfect for indooroutdoor living in the summer. They’re carved by hand into delicate shapes and patterns to create a soft romantic ambience when lit. tree.com.hk

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Rope Me In

Lovingly handcrafted by artisans in a small village in the Philippines, these plates are made from terracotta clay sourced locally within the area. Their whimsical design features a unique rope stamped pattern that will bring a casual, nautical feel to your space. tree.com.hk

Tokyo Drift

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the Tokyo chair is woven from durable, FSCcertified kraft paper in the traditional Lloyd loom style. Its cosy wraparound design cocoons you, making for a comfy corner to curl up with a good book.

p Put a Bonnet On It Available in myriad different colours, shapes and sizes, these versatile poufs called â&#x20AC;&#x153;bonnetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are incredibly on-trend and can be used just about anywhere, indoors or outdoors, offering visual interest and a soothing place to snuggle up. okooko.com

tree.com.hk

Pause & Play

Pause is the name of this bed created by Okooko.

It explores how we choose to create our own personal space to rest and relax in, and challenges the conventional definition of the bedroom environment, instead letting your mood guide the pace, be it quiet time or play time. okooko.com

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HYBRID HEAVEN

Porsche is the ultimate driver’s car. But can it also be the perfect family car?

The Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid – one of Porsche’s three plug-in hybrid models – was the first luxury plug-in SUV to hit the market, and has won acclaim for its style, performance, and efficiency. But how does it fare in real life, on real roads, with a real family in the cabin? We caught up with Sunny Yu, who bought the car last year for his family of four, and got his take on this formidable hybrid ride.

What drew you to consider the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid?

Honestly, reputation played a major consideration; Porsche is a performance brand, a dream car for every boy growing up. When you drive one, you get this feeling that you don’t get from other cars. And although the performance is excellent, it’s not a show-off; Porsche is elegant, but humble.

Son: Mr David Yu, Father: Mr Sunny Yu

PORSCHE X ECOZINE

What is the best thing about driving a hybrid vehicle?

Of course you save on fuel, which is great; but for me, the biggest factor is finding a balance between driving pleasure for me, and comfort for my family. For example, we usually use electric mode when stuck in city traffic. That’s when you really appreciate the quietness of electric mode, and the smoothness of the ride even in a low gear. Yet when I am driving alone, I can go for sport mode on the highway; it’s just great to have the flexibility. Also, when we go to the shopping mall, we are able to park in the spots with charging stations, where only electric cars can park.

What’s it like having a hybrid car in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a lot of hills, which is a great advantage for a hybrid because when you are driving downhill, it takes more braking, and the more demand in braking, the more energy is generated to charge the battery. And range is never an issue. The current Porsche hybrid model

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

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

can go up to 36 kilometres in electric mode – which was also one key consideration for me to buy this car – and you can increase the range, by charging. So for most short trips like grocery shopping, I can go 100 per cent on electricity, no gas.

And what is the feedback from your family, as passengers?

They love it! A hybrid gives you completely quiet driving, plus the sound isolation is excellent, so you don’t get a lot of road noise in the cabin.

These are important considerations for my family; in traffic, we have peace and quiet, or we can listen to crystal-clear music. The hybrid Cayenne also increases the options on the suspension, the turning and the stability – which all add up to a very comfortable ride for my wife and children.

IT’S A

KID’S WORLD

OUT THERE

This season, choose from a wealth of fun and educational extracurricular activities for your children

LEARN CHINESE LANGUAGE

The Chinese Language Programme at the International Montessori School aims to develop a child’s instinctive sense of language through exposure to Putonghua, with native-speaking teachers in the classroom environment.

In the Early Years programme, learning begins orally with rhymes, stories and songs, and is followed by learning to write with proper grammar. In the Primary Years Programme, older children learn by participating in small group language lessons and are encouraged to write creatively, always with dual-language teacher support. montessori.edu.hk

COMPUTER CODING

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) offers some fantastic after-school activities and extra-curricular courses for children, which are open to both ESF and non-ESF students. Technicallyinclined youngsters can now learn to code as part of ESF’s Language & Learning Enrichment Computer Coding program.

Newbies can enroll in the Beginners Coding course; those with some experience can take Coding Level 2; and those with more advanced coding skills can learn Web Development. With the inescapable influence of technology, children will learn useful, transferrable coding skills that will prepare them for real-world computer programming. esf.org.hk

THE KUMON METHOD

The Kumon method began with a woman’s discovery of her son’s unsatisfactory math test result. She turned to her husband Toru Kumon, who developed a systematic homework sheet, with the aim of improving his son’s learning abilities. After spending 30 minutes completing these worksheets every evening before dinner, Toru’s son had mastered high school level differentials and integral calculus by the time he reached Primary Six. And thus the Kumon method was born! Originally developed for the study of math, Kumon now also offers study materials for advancing Chinese and English language learning abilities. kumon.com.cn

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HOME + FAMILY

CREATE

THEATRE WORKSHOPS

Founded in 1999 by British drama teacher Matthew Gregory, who aimed to bring the colorful world of theatre and performing arts to the young people of Hong Kong, Faust is now the leading institution for developing creative talent in Hong Kong through drama. With performance workshops available for children between the ages of 3 and 18 as well as playwriting and creative writing workshops, Faust aims to develop a child’s self confidence and self expression through participation. faustworld.com

BAKING CLASSES

Offering step-by-step instruction on everything from cupcakes and dumplings to more complicated macarons and soufflés, The Mixing Bowl has hands-on baking classes for bakers of all levels. Starting at age six, children will be taught how to apply basic cooking skills and techniques, alongside essential nutritional knowledge for a healthy lifestyle (and the occasional sweet treat). themixingbowlhk.com

MUSIC COURSES

The long-established Tom Lee Music Academy offers musical instrument lessons for children of all levels, from classical piano and violin to folk guitar and ukulele. For toddlers as young as six months old, Tom Lee even offers a ‘Tommy Bee Beebies Course’, specially designed to introduce your young child to the world of sound and music through storytelling and gentle vocal stimulation.

Older kids will benefit from professionally trained teachers and a great learning environment. tlmf.org

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NATURE LEARN TO SURF

Get your kids out on the water and catching waves at Treasure Island Beach Club. Professional surf instructors will choose the right board size for your child and gently guide them out onto the waves after thorough on-ground instruction and practice time.

With the option to learn in a group of no more than four children per instructor, you can turn this after-school or weekend activity into a beach play date with your friends and their children. treasureislandhk.com

ECO AWARENESS

The Ark Eden Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of Lantau Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecological, geographical, historical and cultural heritage by providing inspiring educational and eco-tourism opportunities for children, adults, residents and tourists. Children can enroll in workshops, field trips and camps designed to build their awareness and appreciation for the natural environment and to teach them the important concepts of sustainability and conservation. arkedenonlantau.com

ACTIVE

ADVENTURE CHALLENGES

Outward Bound as an organisation aims to help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings. Tailored courses for older children, teens and young adults between the ages of 11 and 25 are designed to increase confidence and independence in participants, teaching them to take responsibility for themselves whilst developing useful teamwork and problem-solving skills. outwardbound.org.hk

JUMP INTO FITNESS

With more than 80 interconnected trampolines housed within huge, colourful spaces at a growing number of locations around the world, BOUNCE is a spring-loaded urban playground with a wide, safe space for children to stay fit and active fit while having a blast. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just for crazy pre-teens and teenagers! The miniBounce program has activities that are specially designed for junior jumpers aged between three and five years old, involving a series of fun games, activities and exercises just for kids aimed at improving strength, balance and agility. bounceinc.com.hk

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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

PASTA

PERFECTION Make this easy weekday meal using simple, classic ingredients in under 30 minutes, then sit back and listen to the compliments. Thanks, Jamie!

HOME + FAMILY

JAMIE OLIVER’S CRAB SPAGHETTI Serves 4

4. Reserving a cupful of the cooking water, drain and add the pasta to the sauce. Toss well and cook for a further one to two minutes.

• 1 fresh red chilli

5. Pick and roughly chop the parsley.

• 2 cloves of garlic

6. Season the pasta with sea salt, black pepper and most of the lemon zest. Toss through the white crabmeat and parsley leaves.

• olive oil • 80g brown crabmeat • 300ml organic fish stock • 400g spaghetti

7. Divide between your plates and serve with an extra grating of lemon zest.

• a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley • 1 lemon • 160g white crabmeat 1. Finely chop the chilli, peel and finely chop the garlic, then add to a large heavy-bottomed pan with a splash of oil. Fry for a few minutes, or until softened and golden.

2. Stir in the brown crabmeat and add the stock, then bring to the boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for five to ten minutes, or until thickened and reduced to a nice sauce.

3. Cook the spaghetti in a large pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions until almost al dente – it’ll continue cooking in the sauce so it’s important you don’t overdo it.

Ecozine.com

SPICE IT UP

Jamie Oliver has delighted hundreds of thousands with his cooking shows, books, and restaurants. Now Hong Kongers can have him right in their kitchens, seasoning their food! We love his range of salts, peppers and blended spices and herbs for quick fixes that make us feel like pro chefs.

Our pick of the moment? This Szechuan Chilli, Pepper & Ginger Salt grinder, for adding a tangy, tongue-tingling Asian flavour to veggies, stir-fries or anything that needs a kick!

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What’s On, HONG KONG? We’ve got our ear to the ground for the best in fun, sustainable discoveries and happenings, so you don’t miss out!

WET YOUR FEET

Get in touch with your aquatic side with a trip to Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, one of Hong Kong’s few protected marine parks and home to several coral colonies, colourful fish, crabs and sea urchins. Visitors to the WWF-managed site can choose to snorkel or kayak around the glimmering waters and stop in at the education centre to better understand why we need to protect marine ecosystems.

Fridays May – October | adventuretours.hk

HANDMADE DELIGHTS

Dedicated to all things handmade and artisanal, the DB Market brings together exhibitors from across Hong Kong and beyond, in idyllic Discovery Bay. On offer will be a wealth and diversity of global cuisine and street food, baked goods, jewelry, art, gifts, wine and home and body products.

Monthly | handmadehongkong.com

JOIN THE CHALLENGE

Recognised as the largest environmental event of its kind, the Hong Kong Cleanup has engaged over 270,000 participants and grows bigger every year. Why not get together with your colleagues, friends or family (or all three!), and sign up a team for the 16th annual Cleanup Challenge this fall? The region-wide event is fun, educational, empowering, and above all, incredibly rewarding. Visit the website (HKcleanup.org) to find out more!

Hong Kong Cleanup Challenge | 1st September – 1st December

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city LIFE

TURN UP THE BEAT

Originated from Miami, Road to Ultra (from Ultra Worldwide) has landed in Thailand, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and more, earning its name as the most international electronic music festival, and it guarantees to awaken your electronic soul. Hong Kong’s version will take place in a grove of trees in West Kowloon, and aims to be the greenest Ultra event yet.

17th September hongkong.roadtoultra.com

CORPORATE PIONEERS

Recognised as the most innovative, thought-provoking conference in the APAC region, the CSR Asia Summit 2016 is driven by the theme “Sustainable Leadership,” exploring aspects from the business, government and individual. The Summit attracts a mix of business, NGOs, government and academia from around the world, and is the go-to regional business event for anyone interested in the sustainability space.

28th – 29th September | csr-asia.com

A YOGI VOYAGE

Enhance your yoga skills and embark on a spiritual journey with this 100-hour Yoga Alliance Accredited Teacher Training programme. With modules covering the philosophy of yoga, pose work, integrated teaching methods and the application of deepening your spiritual understanding of the yoga lineage, you’ll develop the skills needed to take your yoga to the next level.

21st – 25th September | pure-yoga.com Ecozine.com

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DRIVE THE FUTURE

The Formula E is the world’s first all-electric motor racing series…and it’s coming to Hong Kong this fall! The HKT Hong Kong ePrix will take place on a purpose-built urban track right in the heart of Central, attracting up to 30,000 spectators over two days of fast-paced fun. Bring the whole family along to soak up the excitement and explore the dedicated e-Village with lots of things to see, eat and learn… not to mention some BIG celebrities rumoured to be making an appearance! Fostering innovation and environmental awareness through entertainment, this event will be groundbreaking for Hong Kong – and definitely THE place to be!

8th – 9th October | hkformulae.com

GREEN LIVING

Be inspired by healthy living experts at VegFest, Hong Kong’s premier food festival for vegetarians and vegans! With an array of games for the kids, movie screenings, live music, speakers and presentations as well as a host of stalls selling everything from vegan pet food to raw vegan culinary delights, you’ll be sure to leave with a healthy glow.

10th October | vegfest.hk

A MUSIC FEAST

Get your tickets now! Clockenflap is the largest and longestrunning music and arts festival in Hong Kong. Since 2008 it has brought in an amazing array of top-class acts including New Order, The Libertines, Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand and the list goes on. With music as the core, they also feature areas dedicated to film, visual art, performance art and more.

25th – 27th November | clockenflap.com

LIVE. LOVE. WONDER.

Don’t wait – book the time off work for the adventure of a lifetime. Now in its third year, Wonderfruit is an aesthetically stunning, groundbreaking lifestyle festival with numerous elements – arts, music, farm to feasts, talks and workshops, kid stuff, wellness and exploration – bringing you a fun and socially responsible experience for the whole family. The four-day immersive celebration of life’s wonders takes place in a field just outside of Bangkok.

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Green Monday

REVOLUTION

As more mainstream restaurants join the Green Monday programme (greenmonday.org) offering meat-free options, the choices are becoming wonderfully varied for vegetarians and flexitarians alike.

You may just find veggie heaven where you least expect it!

ALL ABOARD THE PIZZA EXPRESS

Too tired to go out for dinner after work? Why not stay in and order a pie! Pizza Express has a great selection of vegetarian options whether you’re in the mood for salad, pizza or pasta. Their classic Margherita is always a winner, but if you’re feeling more adventurous then why not give their brand new Giardiniera pizza a try, which features a medley of flavourful toppings including asparagus, roasted pumpkin, roasted peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic and basil pesto. Delizioso!

Locations across Hong Kong HK $100-200 | pizzaexpress.com.hk

SPICE IT UP

Need a little spice in your life? Brickhouse has a fab selection of Mexican food, with great vegetarian options. The brick-walled interior gives the restaurant a rustic look and they even have an outdoor area where guests can mingle.

For Green Monday, they have a four-course meal at $350 for two people, with a wide range of dishes to choose from. A winner is the unique watermelon salad, served with lemon, cucumber, goat feta, chilli syrup, mint and candied pepitas.

Top it off of with a chilli-spiked chocolate cake for a sweet treat with a twist!

G/F, 20A, D’Aguilar Street, Central HK $200-400 | brickhouse.com.hk

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city LIFE

GREEKING OUT

Following on from the success of its original restaurant in Soho, Greek dining institution Santorini has opened a new branch in Wan Chai’s QRE Plaza, just across the street from the Hopewell Centre. Santorini Taverna is a brighter, more spacious version of its older sister, making it perfect for anything from large gatherings to romantic dinner dates, and it has a charming little terrace with al fresco seating options during nice weather. Thankfully the menu hasn’t changed, and you can still find your favourite meat-free Greek classics such as Spanakopita, Vegetarian Souvlaki and Santorini’s signature Greek salad.

51 Elgin Street, SOHO, Central 5/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai HK $200-400 | santorinihongkong.hk

OVO GOODNESS SAKE

The calming, wood-clad environment of OVOcafe provides a sanctuary away from the busy streets of Hong Kong. Dedicated to providing eco-friendly, healthy vegetarian cuisine to the city’s inhabitants, OVOcafe does Green Monday every day, serving up robust Mediterranean flavours throughout its menu as well as organic coffee made from Rainforest Alliance certified coffee beans. Although they offer a great value lunch set, we highly recommend trying the All Day Green Breakfast, which consists of fresh tomato, a mini croissant, baby spinach, Portobello mushrooms, baked beans and scrambled egg. It’s never too late for breakfast!

G/F, OVO Market, 1 Wan Chai road, Wan Chai Shop 1, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central HK $100-200 | ovocafe.com.hk

TASTY TRIO

Green Monday isn’t just for restaurants, but also whole hotels! The Eaton Hotel has three restaurants taking part in the initiative, which is great news if you’re over on Kowloon side looking for a healthy or low-carbon tasty meal. Their Chinese, Japanese and Western restaurants all take part in the programme, offering meat-free menu items designed according to the concept of low-carbon dining, with local, seasonal ingredients. At Yat Tee Hung, you can enjoy a light veggie-based dim sum, while Yagura features a “Green Bento” set and other fresh Japanese options. For something heartier, go with the vegetarian comfort foods at T Garden, such as the Caesar Salad Wrap with Artichoke Dip. 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon HK $200-400 | eatonhongkong.com

BURGER ME BLISSED

Love burgers but looking for a vegetarian option? Beef & Liberty has you covered!

Their uber-popular beetroot burger with brown rice and kidney beans is moist, hearty and flavourful, just what you’d want in a burger, and comes with goat’s cheese.

For summer, try the newly-added Haloumi and Persimmon Salad. Made from a medley of yummy veggies and sweet, juicy persimmon, the salad is topped with toasted haloumi and a sweet sherry dressing.

2/F, 23 Wing Fung St., Wanchai G04, G/F, 23 Carmel Road Stanley Plaza, Stanley HK $100-200 | beef-liberty.com Summer 2016

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SUSHI TIME

Wasabi Warriors make their food fresh every day in each store, and their ingredients are single-source and locally grown, to support the local food industry. We love that they ensure their leftover food is either donated to charity or composted for fertiliser, to reduce food waste and help those in need. Green Monday-friendly options on the menu include an addictive vegetarian sushi roll made with organic vegetables and inari – a traditional Japanese-style tofu seasoned with soy sauce. We’re also loving their new avocado roll – go for the spicy mayo for a nice wake-me-up kick!

Unit F, G/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley St., Central, Hong Kong Shop 6, Level B3, Three Pacific Place, 1 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai HK $100 | wasabiwarriors.com.hk

URBAN ESCAPE

Brick Lane now has two outlets in Hong Kong, but we love the Admiralty branch; nestled in the middle of tall buildings, it offers a beautiful outdoor deck area where guests can wine and dine while looking out on Hong Kong’s iconic urban jungle. Their Green Monday menu has a great selection of classic western dishes with a vegetarian twist. Try the fun Cauliflower Steak with baked cheese in tomato concasse, served with a side of potatoes and seasonal fresh vegetables. If you’re looking for something carb-ier, go for a Mushroom Angel Hair Pasta with black truffle cream sauce. Yum! Shop 404, 4/F, CITIC Tower, 1 Tim Mei Avenue, Admiralty G/F, 2 Blenheim Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon HK $100-200 | bricklane.com.hk

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Connecting with...

CHRISTIAN MONGENDRE Photography by HK Photography Studio

T

he instantly popular HOME: Eat To Live, which opened recently in the heart of Central, offers something unique for the many busy professionals and families that dine there each day. Positioned as a convenient, affordable dining option, with a variety of bowls, wraps and burgers, it may sound at first like a typical fast-food joint; but whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not typical is the attitude of its management, who believe that food can change the world, and are committed to making their version of fast food different.

Here, you will find fresh, made-to-order dishes with local, organic and seasonal ingredients; vegan, gluten-free, raw and vegetarian options for every palate and dietary need; a casual, welcoming vibe that includes loads of electricity points and thoughtfully-planned dining areas; and a staff that is committed to making a positive difference to the health of its customers and of the planet.

At the helm of this exciting venture is professional chef and restaurateur Christian G. Mongendre, previously of the pioneering MANA! Fast Slow Food, Mana! Raw & Mana! Cafe. Together with his life partner Celina Jade and a local investor with vision, Elizabeth Chu (ZS Hospitality), he is helping to expand the boundaries of the Hong Kong dining scene. These are his words.

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city LIFE My job is… feeding people. My title is Founder and CEO of HOME: Eat To Live, a 100 per cent vegetarian restaurant offering vegan, organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, and raw dining options in a friendly, fast-food format.

I do this because… it’s been inside me for a long time; I want people to have access to delicious, healthy food in a convenient, affordable way. We aren’t doing ‘haute cuisine’; instead we’re offering healthy food with quality ingredients to the masses.

My business is about… positivity; we’re food-focused, with sustainability as part of our DNA. HOME fills a niche in Hong Kong, serving healthy, high quality food at a great price.

My success is due to… our passion as a team, as well as the demand of our consumers for better quality ingredients. Never underestimate your customers! They care, more and more, about what they eat, where their food comes from, what it means for their body, and whether or not a business is responsible or sustainable.

We also take pride in our professionalism, transparency and the standards to which we hold ourselves, in terms of what we serve.

Serving vegetables isn’t an excuse to offer plain or tasteless food!

We are chef-focused here, and the food has to be delicious in comparison to any other cuisine out there.

When I’m not working… I try to get some sleep! But I also enjoy hiking, meditation, getting outside and being active.

When I was young… I was a professional rower, and as one the smaller guys on the boat I tried everything I could to improve my performance; so I turned to food, and worked with a nutritionist.

Then my mother became ill, and the role of food in healing became even more important to me.

FOOD FOR GOOD

Top: The HOME logo represents wood, fire, earth and water, the core elements of life and transformation Clockwise from left: abundant, cosy eating areas; the popular Polar Bear Burger; healthy sweet bites

What inspires me most in life is… doing something that has meaning and contributes to a greater good.

I love it when… I see regular, non-vegetarian customers chowing down on a vegan burger or noodle bowl, and ordering from our “Little Homies” kid’s menu for their children, because I know they’re discovering that eating plant-based can be delicious and easy, and just one person not choosing meat or fish is positively impacting the environment in a tremendous way.

The scariest thing I’ve ever done was… I can’t recall anything right now!

The best advice I’ve ever been given was… “Be here now.” Ramdas One lesson I’ve learned is… it’s all about systems. Why is McDonald’s so successful? They have systems in place; they’re efficient about how they prepare and serve food, and manage the customer experience. We can apply the same principles to serving good, organic, plant-based food. We have to, in order to be truly sustainable as a business, both economically and environmentally.

I love to indulge in… the Polar Bear Burger at HOME Eat To Live.

It’s such a satisfying burger experience!

Someone I look up to is… my soon-to-be wife, because she can put up with me.

If I wasn’t a restaurateur, I would be… an explorer.

One thing people would be surprised to know about me is…

I’m quite shy.

JUST LIKE HOME

From top to bottom: a free water policy; the ground-floor takeout counter

Next up for me is… expanding. This is our flagship restaurant; eventually we hope to roll out across the region. Our whole concept is designed to have mainstream appeal, so we can help more people get used to eating plant-based food, which is better for them and for the planet.

HOME: Eat to Live is located at shop G01 and 101, Nexxus Building, 77 Des Voeux Road Central Homerestaurant.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.

SUMMER

SPA

BLISSOUT

Beat the heat and give yourself a treat; we’ve rounded up 10 sublime spa options, tried and tested!

GO ALL OUT

WHAT: FUEL BODY MAKEOVER WHERE: W HOTEL BLISS SPA This is the full meal deal: the Fuel Body Makeover is a 6-month wellness package designed to smooth away the jiggly bits and leave you feeling completely cared for. It’s ten sessions of body sculpting Ionwave and VariPulse treatments that increase circulation and stimulate lymphatic drainage to blast away cellulite and slim the body without needles or chemicals, and the package includes two 45-minute thigh-focused slimming sessions, 12 personal training sessions,12 organic cleansing drinks and a 1-month FIT membership that includes – major icing on the cake – full access to the W Hotel’s rooftop pool, gym and spa facilities. Plus you get a HK $5,000 cash credit if you lose three pounds with the package. Talk about incentive! w-hongkong.com/bliss-spa

CHOCOLATE DIP

WHAT: CHOCOLATE SCRUB & WRAP WHERE: EMMANUEL F ECO SPA Emmanuel F Hair Salon and Eco Spa is a one-stop shop for a head-to-toe pampering session. Using only natural and organic ingredients and products that protect your health while being considerate of the environment, this is somewhere you can relax both physically and spiritually. Chocolate lovers will relish the Chocolate Scrub & Wrap treatment, which starts off with a full body coconut scrub followed by an organic Shea butter massage, and is finished off with a decadent chocolate body wrap. You’ll walk out smelling divine and feeling like a new person. emmanuelf.com

SUITE SUMMER LIFE

WHAT: SPA SUITE EXPERIENCE FOR TWO WHERE: THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA BY ESPA For a real treat this summer, check yourself and a friend or loved one into the Ritz-Carlton Spa suite over the weekend – it’s the ultimate experience in relaxation and luxury. Choose any two- or three-hour spa treatment from the menu, and spend the day making use of the hotel’s 5-star spa facilities; enjoy a meal in the private couples lounge and watch the sunset from the lavish vitality pool, casting away your worries as you gaze out over the city from the 116th floor of the city’s tallest building. ritzcarlton.com

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WELLNESS

TUTTI FRUTTI

WHAT: FRUIT DELIGHT BODY POLISH WHERE: ANGSANA SPA, HOTEL ICON This award-winning spa chain has locations all around the world, from Ireland to Guam. Lucky for us, there are two branches in Hong Kong. We love the Angsana Spa at Hotel Icon, and its slightly out of the way location in East Tsim Sha Tsui, for a quieter, more peaceful spa experience. For a quick summer pick-me-up, we recommend the 30-minute Fruit Delight body polish, which promises to cleanse and brighten your skin using an eco-friendly, anti-oxidant body scrub consisting of only natural ingredients derived from oranges, apples, carrots and lime juice. angsanaspa.com

LUSH LIFE

WHAT: THE GOOD HOUR STAND TALLER WHERE: LUSH SPA If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet been to check out the recently opened LUSH spa in Central we recommend you do so ASAP! Fans of the fresh handmade cosmetics brand will be excited to hear that the new spa is housed within the largest LUSH site in Asia covering five whole storeys, with the brand-new treatment space above a vast retail shop on the lower floors. Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decide where to start? Book yourself in for their signature deep tissue full body massage, which won Best Massage in the Prestige Beauty & Spa Awards 2016. lush-hk.com

BATHE IN BEER

WHAT: CHEERS TO BEERS WHERE: SENSE OF TOUCH SPA Another one of our favourite city spas, Sense of Touch opened its doors in 2002 and has become somewhat of a Central institution; its five-storey flagship branch in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong and boutique spa on Arbuthnot Road have become quick mani-pedi stops for city workers on their lunch breaks. Why not venture back over the weekend for one of their signature bath treatments? We recommend the awardwinning dark ale beer bath to relax tired muscles, followed by a barley scrub and a 60-minute deep tissue, stress relieving massage. Bottoms up! senseoftouch.com.hk

HEAD TO TOE INDULGENCE

WHAT: ESSENCE OF IYARA WHERE: IYARA SPA LOCATIONS Iyara spa delivers consistently great spa treatments in convenient locations around the city for busy Hong Kongers in need of some TLC, and fast! For some straightforward and effective relaxation results we recommend the Essence of Iyara, which is one of their signature treatments for good reason. This two-hour session starts with a full body massage using warm oils, designed to eliminate all tension and soothe you into a state of deep relaxation. This is followed by a custom organic facial with natural ingredients based on a unique skin assessment, which employs a variety of techniques such as pressure point and lymphatic stimulation for a healthy, radiant complexion. iyaranaturaltherapies.com Summer 2016

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THE WORKS

WHAT: INVIGORATE WHERE: GRAND HYATT PLATEAU SPA The level of professionalism and quality of treatments offered at the Grand Hyatt Plateau Spa are everything you would expect from a luxury five-star hotel, and then some. For a head-to-toe reviving experience, we recommend trying out the Invigorate spa package, which begins with Plateau’s signature sugar body scrub, followed by a lymphatic draining massage and polished off with a 30-minute facial designed to bring out your skin’s natural radiance. Once your treatment is over, linger a while and enjoy refreshments in the private outdoor courtyard – a green, tranquil space ideal for reflection in the heart of busy Wan Chai. hongkong.grand.hyatt.com

SWEET & SOUR

FIVE ELEMENTS

WHAT: SIGNATURE SPOILT WHERE: SPARADISE Sparadise is an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of Central. The owners of this little spa strongly believe in the importance of using natural products in their treatments, and Sparadise is among the few spas in Hong Kong that offer exclusively organic treatments. Treat yourself to the max with their Signature Spoilt, a 60-minute treatment involving a zesty body scrub using a mixture of Pink Himalayan salt and pink grapefruit to revitalise the skin, followed by a body massage using a rich and nourishing body butter made from coconut oil, shea and cocoa butters to moisturise and tone. sparadise.com.hk

WHAT: TRAVELLER’S RETREAT WHERE: CHUAN SPA Each treatment at the Chuan Spa in the Hotel Cordis begins with a bathing ritual and incorporates at least one of the five Wu Xing elements identified by TCM practitioners, believed to promote physical and emotional well being. We recommend the Traveller’s Retreat, a two-hour treatment that is designed to reinvigorate your body after a stressful journey. Starting with a lavish body exfoliation using herbal sea salt and Chuan 5 element oil, the treatment includes a deep relaxation massage and a nourishing facial enriched with deep-sea marine algae extracts. chuanspa.com.hk 68

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WELLNESS

Words by David Ko

W

e are all slaves. On average we spend three to five hours every day looking at screens, including PCs, mobiles, tablets, and TV. If your work involves sitting at a desk your number is likely to be much, much higher.

As gatekeepers and curators of what you see, social networks do everything they can to capture your attention, constantly introducing new formats and seeking new screens to deliver that content. The result is a generation of smart device slaves.

How do you know you’re a slave? There are a few easy signs, some of which you may recognise: Antisocial. We devote more and more of our available attention to consuming content, to the detriment of valuable, personal connections. Witness the archetypal Dai Tau Zuk (or, ‘head-down tribe’) out on the town, sitting silently together in a restaurant, their faces lit by the faint blue glow of their phones.

Mindless multitasking.

We spread our attention thinner and thinner, leading to endless reading and viewing with less actual retention. Ever read something online distractedly, then suddenly realise you cannot recall a single fact?

Screen View. How often have you been at a concert, sightseeing spot or beautiful sunset and noticed people watching the scene through their phones while they record it, rather than enjoying it in the moment, in full-colour 3D reality?

Sleep disruption. Research has shown that prolonged phone use, especially before bed, disrupts your circadian rhythm and leads to poor quality sleep. Yet the last thing many of us do before bed is check our messages, skim through Facebook feeds, and watch Youtube videos.

So what can we do? I’m not the best at uncoupling from social, but I have smart friends that have come up with some creative ways, and I’m happy to share them:

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#1 Do the phone stack. I’ve started to do this with friends, and even colleagues, when we dine out. The game goes like this: everybody stacks their phone in the middle of the table for the duration of the meal, and whomever caves in and touches their phone first, has to buy the entire meal for everyone. Try it; it works like magic, and you won’t believe how easily normal conversation returns. #2 Limit your device time. My friends Allen and Jacco have a rule in their house: phones only in the living room before bed.

No bringing phones to bed.

You can set your own house rules, such as no devices at the dinner table, no devices in the car, and so on. #3 Declare a ‘FaceCation’.

Announce on your social media network that you are taking a break. Deactivate your account for three months, so that friends must actually call or write you to get your attention. #4 Declare your limited availability. Many people, like me, have multiple social networks, messaging and email accounts. I try to limit my use to only a few (Facebook, Whatsapp, Gmail), and on the platforms that I don’t check frequently, I declare in my status message my preferred networks. #5 Leave it at home. Go for a hike, day trip, or dinner with friends and – wait for it – don’t even bring your device. It may feel unnatural, and if you’re like me you’ll check your pocket for it every five minutes at first, but it can be incredibly liberating and allow you to be present for the experience.

We are only slaves if we allow ourselves to be. What has been most eye-opening is the realisation that all you have to do is declare your boundaries. Don’t feel like using Facebook? Declare it and don’t apologise! Prefer Whatsapp and don’t want to deal with messages on half a dozen other apps? Say so, and stick to it.

Together, we can embark on a mission to free ourselves and live in the moment.

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Your

INTELLECTUAL

We all know exercise is good for us and we should take care of our bodies.

But sometimes the drive just isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there. We asked Patrick Reynolds, founder of the popular Kenzai online wellness platform, to share one great way to motivate ourselves to live healthierâ&#x20AC;Ś and longer

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Photo by Allef Vinicius

ZOOM LENS

WELLNESS

P

hysical training and eating properly, if viewed as a chore, can induce tedium and monotony. You’ll get better results if you engage the mind as well as the body. One of the ways I do this is by using what I call my ‘intellectual zoom lens’.

Example: if I’m in the middle of a rough set of push-ups, I find it helpful to ‘zoom in’ a bit; I think about how the pectoral muscles fan out from my sternum to my shoulder at various angles, and which angle in particular is being taxed at the moment.

If I increase the magnification further, I can consider how the burning sensation in the muscle is due to excess protons accumulating as the waste product of my body breaking up ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Or I can go even further and think about how protons are made of two up quarks and one down quark, and how everything in the universe is made up of these crazy fractional charges, and how, essentially, my chest and shoulders are on fire because I’m choosing to continue moving my body up and down against the gravitational force of an entire planet.

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Somewhere in there, a push-up suddenly became interesting again. That’s the power of the intellectual zoom lens.

Let’s now turn the zoom lens on the question of ‘why’. Why eat right? Why exercise at all? Why not let it all go, pack on some body fat, and relax?

At the default zoom level, I can answer that I just feel better when I eat right and exercise. I sleep better, I think better, and I can be more present. Zooming out a bit, I can say that I like being able to keep up with my daughter and her friends. I don’t want to be that dad who has to take a breather on the playground every five minutes.

Zooming out even more, I can think about how making healthier choices with my food and time moves the societal needle; I’m not giving money to processed-food manufacturers, I’m giving it to vegetable growers instead, voting with my dollar for a healthier society. And if I keep zooming out, I get to my big answer, which is that I’d like to squeeze out as many functional, productive years on this planet as I can.

Why? Because being alive at the start of the 21st century is like winning the “history of mankind” jackpot. So many things are coming together now. It’s an exciting time to be around. So, when I’m choosing vegetables and fruit over processed food, and hitting a workout instead of lounging around, I’ve got my eye on maintaining this body and mind for a solid 50 years. Because there’s no way I want to miss things like the decline of fossil fuels; self-driving cars; deep space exploration; biotechnology; artificial intelligence; and the innumerable things we don’t even know we’re going to discover, learn and create yet!

This is what compels me to take care of whatever will grant me more years to see how it all unfolds. We know what the best practices are for a long and healthy life: don’t smoke; eat a varied diet of mostly vegetables and fruit; maintain relatively low body fat; exercise consistently; and listen to your body’s needs. If you can get these five things right, you have a good shot at seeing what the future has in store. And if you zoom out, you’ll be reminded that it’s worth it.

“ THE BODY ACHIEVES

WHAT THE MIND

BELIEVES – Jim Evans

”

Founded in 2011 and now an international success, Kenzai is an online wellness program that works. Its threefold ethos is “Nutrition. Exercise. Community.” kenzai.com

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WHOLE BODY

Healthy

When warm weather approaches, we sweat, stretch and diet in pursuit of that ‘summer bod’. But real, lasting results comes from a combination of exercising, eating right, and treating yourself with care. We asked three healthy living gurus from Pure Group to share their top tips and perspectives.

1

MOVE IT Get your body moving, any which way you can. Lift, dance, cycle, hike, play, bend – the more you move, the better you get at it. Explore what your body can do, and be patient with the things it can’t. We can train our bodies to improve, so invest time in your most valuable asset. Look to join others in the same pursuits to hold each other accountable and for motivation. Get outside, too – into the sun and water. Not only will you top up on Vitamin D, your body will be more attuned with the season.

2

FIND YOUR TRIBE Social interactions are key to staying grounded and inspired.

Spend time with the people who share your passions, and foster those bonds that challenge you to do better. We are a reflection of the people we surround ourselves with, so choose wisely and remember to have some fun along the way. Ultimately, if you stay true to yourself and your own uniqueness – your tribe will come to you.

3

LEARN TO CHILL The art of chilling is about doing nothing and not being bored. It’s about being okay with not having an itinerary or “to-do list” for a couple hours a week. Making time to just exist and reflect can help us refocus on what really matters. Consider going offline during this time to minimise the noise and excess stimulation we have become so accustomed to. Sitting in silence isn’t as easy as it sounds, but give it a try and observe what your body experiences and where your mind wants to go.

4 Guest Expert: Brad Wharakura, Group Fitness Manager, Pure Fitness

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SLEEP DEEP Our bodies undergo repairs during sleep, and better quality sleep ensures adequate recovery. With longer days during the summer months, it’s easy find yourself awake for longer, but making a ritual of your preparations for bed will help it become routine. Brush your teeth earlier so you are ready to tuck in as soon as you feel yourself nodding off. If your mind tends to race when your head hits the pillow, just remember everything else can wait – there is nothing that can be done until the morning. You are safe and sheltered, and that’s all that matters. Sweet dreams.

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WELLNESS

1

BE WITH NATURE Go outdoor and connect to the vibrant energy of the Earth, in the woods, in the sea. Enliven your senses with nature: look at the shades of green in the mountain, smell the fragrance of the trees and flowers, float in the ocean and let the sea water rejuvenate you, enjoy the coolness of a breeze or the freshness after a summer rain.

At times when you cannot go outdoors and be in nature, try using citrus essential oil to brighten your day.

2

DRINK PLENTY Have a reusable water bottle with you always, and sip constantly throughout the day. Drinking enough water is essential all year long but it is even more important during the summer months. Water helps regulate our system to maintain a good energy flow, get rid of toxins, nourish our skin and help our brain tissues stay healthy. Dehydration tends to make us feel tired and depleted. Drinking quality water boosts energy and gives a sense of well-being from the inside out. Bonus: Squeeze half of a lemon/lime into a glass of water for extra zing!

3

PRACTISE YOGA Nothing beats a good yoga practice when you feel stagnant and dull. Yoga resets the body to its optimal state by bringing balance to the body and mind. Pay attention to the quality of your breath and movement, and above all enjoy the practice itself and savour each moment on the mat. Yoga practised in a mindful manner shifts our sense of self and experience of life.

4

STAND TALL STAY BRIGHT Keeping good body posture is a great way to bring lightness and brightness from within. If you stand tall, draw the shoulders back, and lengthen the spine, it is almost impossible to feel dull. Bring good postures to every moment, in how you stand, how you sit... and it will alter your experience of being well, from within.

Guest Expert: Martina Lee, Senior Yoga Instructor & Country Managing Teacher, Pure Yoga Summer 2016

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Guest Expert: Moises Mehl, Raw Food Chef, nood food

1

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Meals should be frequent, to avoid being ravenous and then making poor food choices when temptation strikes and you are at your most vulnerable. Start to be aware of the effects different foods have on your energy and mood. After a while, we can appreciate what works for us on a daily basis. Sure sugary foods, for example, may give us an instant energy kick and elevated mood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but this is short lived, and the after-effects of lethargy soon outweigh the initial upswing. Eating whole and unprocessed foods is always the best place to start.

2

EAT MORE GREENS Eating more greens will help your body balance its pH level, which in turn will help increase your metabolism and have your blood and lymph systems working at their best. It can also help keep your body fit and slim, because green veg has loads of dietary fibre that will make you feel full with fewer calories and absorb other nutrients like starch more efficiently. Eating too much meat or drinking sugary sodas or alcohol can really spike the acidic level in the body. This overworks your heart, liver, spleen and kidney in trying to purify the blood. When these essential organs are overworked, it can lead to kidney and liver trouble, gall bladder infection, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma and allergies. Leafy greens like kale, lettuce, rocket leaves and spinach can help prevent these problems.

3

TRY A CLEANSE For busy people living in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong, it can be difficult to eat healthy or exercise all the time. Cleansing regularly to remove toxins and heavy metals from the body is a great way to jump-start your health and help get you in the mindset to eat healthier and exercise more often. Although doing a cleanse can help improve your skin and aid in weight loss, its main purpose is to make you feel lighter, more energetic and less lethargic. How often you do a cleanse is a personal preference, but a three to six day juice cleanse every other month will help maintain a healthy body condition.

4

KNOW YOUR SUPERFOODS When a person is dealing with stress, long hours of work, lack of sleep and unbalanced diet, the body produces more stress hormones. This process causes adrenal fatigue, and to compensate this imbalance, many people rely on coffee, sugar and other similar stimulants to get through the day. Adaptogens found in superfoods such as maca powder, cordyceps and goji berries actually support and regulate adrenal glands to function more effectively, allowing cells to access more energy from your body. So, instead of drinking coffee, which puts further stress on your adrenals, having a smoothie or a cold-pressed juice containing these adaptogenic superfoods is just treating your body better, especially in the long term.

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STYLE

me

SUMMER

The heat is on, and we’ve sourced the coolest gear for long days spent soaking up the sun Plastic Fantastic

Launched on Kickstarter earlier this year, Wathaa! is a range of soft, super stretchy and UV protective bikinis, board shorts and rash guards, all of which are made using recycled plastic!

HK $500 and up Wathaa!

p Sustainable Sunnies Woodwear creates great eco-friendly sunglasses in loads of cool styles; these ones are made out of bamboo. For ever pair sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to Stand for Trees, an organisation aimed at saving the world’s rainforests.

HK $600 and up | woodwearstyle.com

p Pretty Cool Chill out at the beach with this cute floral print beach dress, perfect for the most sizzling days. We love that Patagonia is a founding member of 1% for the Planet, making nature conservation part of their entire business model.

HK $590 | Patagonia

Hang Ten

p Cord Kicks The UNEEK line of sandals from outdoor footwear experts KEEN are made with a grippy rubber sole and free-moving round cord that moves with your foot shape and makes them light, breathable and water-friendly.

These stylin’ board shorts by Wathaa! are made from recycled plastic bottles, and the resulting performance fabric offers 4-way stretch, is water repellent, and offers great protection from sand and surf.

HK $499 | Wathaa!

HK $1,200 | Patagonia stores

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Wrap It Up

This silky sarong from Louella Odié at Sooq is made from a cotton and silk blend, and has a delightful hint of Hong Kong in its design – look for the blue tailed Chinese Magpie, traditional bird cage and Bauhinia flower!

HK $800 | sooqcentral.com

p Fun in the Sun Stay protected from the sun with this cool rashguard, designed for both fit and function. Made from Italian recycled fabric, it’ll keep you safe from the sun while having fun in the sea.

p Swim with the Dolphins Local men’s swimwear brand Māzŭ has teamed up with the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society to raise awareness about Hong Kong’s beloved pink dolphin. Sport these colourful shorts to not only look fresh for summer, but also remind beach-goers of the need to protect our oceans, and know that your purchase has helped to fund important work.

HK $450 | Wathaa!

HK $1,400 | Māzŭ

p Tote-ally!

Aimed at creating social change through business, Apolis creates these unique handcrafted bags under their project aimed at helping women in Bangladesh.

Made from 100 per cent jute fibre, this fun casual piece is sure to fit all your beach and boat essentials.

p Yoga Innovation RUMI has launched its latest sustainable collection – RUMI X, made from recycled plastic and used coffee grounds! The coffee grounds are embedded into the fibre, which not only allows for great odour control, UV protection and rapid cooling, but also uses less energy to produce than traditional fabric.

HK $ 600 | rumixfeelgood.com

$690 | Kapok

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Coral Crushin’

The ultra-nourishing Sugar Coral Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 by Fresh moisturises, protects and smoothes the lips with an exclusive formula of moisture-preserving sugar, nourishing oils such as meadowfoam and black currant seed oils, and antioxidant-rich polyphenols, for up to six hours of moisture. We also love the buildable coverage offered by its unique formula – allowing either a sheer or rich coral hue depending on your mood.

HK $200 | Fresh

Bubblegum Lips

This little pot of sugary, bubblegum-scented lip scrub from Lush smells good enough to eat!

Made with exfoliating castor sugar and organic jojoba oil, treating your lips to this scrub once a week will leave them smooth and tasting as sweet as candy… making it a perfect pretreatment for puckering up to your favourite summer lip shade, or of course, for kisses!

HK $100 | LUSH Cosmetics

Honey Baby

This flirty lip gloss is part of Beyorg’s new Naturaglace collection, made with 100 per cent natural ingredients from Japan. Like the other colors in the collection, the Honey Rouge gloss is enriched with organic plant extracts and the moisture locking properties of hyaluronic acid to keep lips hydrated and youthful. We also love that it can be removed with just soap and water, making it safe for sensitive skin and pregnant women.

HK $255 | Naturaglace @ Beyorg

Wild Child

All products from the ILIA lip line are made with natural and certified organic ingredients, and combine the moisturising benefits of a lip balm with the rich pigments of a lipstick. The nourishing properties of jojoba oil, cocoa butter and enriching vitamin E are mixed with essential oils of jasmine and orange blossom to create sensuous lip products, free of nasty chemicals and harsh additives.

HK $285 | ILIA @ A Beauty Bar

LUSCIOUS LIPS PROTECT YOUR POUT

Nourishing and protective beauty products your lips will love you for!

The Bee’s Knees

The original and bestselling Beeswax Lip Balm by Burt’s Bees just became squeezable! Like the original stick version, this 100 per cent natural formula contains moisturising beeswax and vitamin E to keep lips soft and soothed – not forgetting a splash of peppermint oil for Burt’s signature tingle!

HK $31 | Burt’s Bees

Cocoa Cravings

The indulgent Cocoa Butter Lipcare stick by The Body Shop offers a creamy, butter-like texture that comes from the Community Trade cocoa butter it contains, along with a smoothing blend of organic beeswax, olive, coconut and sweet almond oils to nourish even the most chapped lips.

The best part may be the deliciously chocolatey scent when you glide it on!

HK $69 | The Body Shop

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Natural Remedy

Badger Balm is a line of cruelty-free, USDA-certified organic body care goodies, including an extensive lip balm collection guaranteed to have something for everyone. We love the soothing, natural scent of Badger’s Ginger and Lemon classic lip balm, flavored with natural organic extracts of ginger, lemon and lemongrass, with organic extra virgin olive oil to revive dry lips.

HK $23 | badgerbalm.com

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WeddingsHongKong.com | 2834 3200

My ESSENTIALS Celina Jade is an actress, singer/songwriter, model, martial artist, and now restaurateur (at HOME: Eat To Live, where you can find her most days)

ORGANIC SKIN SERUM

Great for my sensitive skin, I love this anti-aging hydrator (called Resilience Activator Serum), with green tea and hops, for long flights and dry climates when I travel. This niche Italian brand is not tested on animals, contains no animal products, and is free from parabens, petrochemicals and mineral oils.

HK $862 | Organic Elements

HANDBAG

This bag is by Jill Milan – I adore and support this brand! They make gorgeous handcrafted artisanal Italian bags that are vegan and leather-free, and are stylish enough to rock any red carpet!

From HK $1,900 | Jill Milan

PRAYER BEADS

This Hawaiian natural-tone mala was given to me at a time of difficulty by a swami and dear friend. They protect me, keep me calm and offer a constant reminder to practise gratitude.

GREEN FOOD

THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

This cold-pressed “Jade” juice with five organic greens is my daily essential, and our Lemur Leap Frog Salad is basically a delicious vegan Caesar salad (packed in compostable boxes for takeaways, of course). Honestly, eating plantbased is the most direct way to help the planet.

It takes over 2,000 litres of water to produce one beef burger. Taking shorter showers just can’t compare to going vegan in terms of impact!

Think about your health, the animals, the planet and the Buddhist karma points ;)

HK $54 | amazon.com

HK $68 (juice) and $78 (salad) | HOME: Eat To Live

Introduced to me by my fiancé, this amazing book

by Don Miguel Ruiz offers four essential wisdoms to remember: be impeccable with your word; don’t make assumptions; don’t take things personally; and always try your best. Words to live by.

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Eco Luxe City Guide

RIO DE JANEIRO

Home to the 2016 Summer Olympics, Rio with its white sandy beaches, vibrant music scene, winding bohemian streets, and towering mountains is the place to be right now.

EAT & DRINK

Rio de Janeiro has an incredible gastronomic tradition, due to influences from Africa, Portugal and indigenous people. The varied cuisine here offers exciting flavours and spices to suit any diet and palate.

Across Brazil, many hotels and smaller pousada owners have started to take an eco-conscious stand, running innovative initiatives that promote sustainable living. Here’s two top picks.

SANTA TERESA HOTEL

ZAZÁ BISTRÔ

R. Joana Angélica, 40 - Ipanema For those seeking a dining experience like no other, head to Zazá Bistrô – Rio’s first contemporary restaurant. Having taken inspiration from their worldwide travels, the owners serve a variety of flavours and dishes that all stay true to their message of ‘you are what you eat’. Pristinely presented, the creative menu only offers healthy food and uses as much organic produce as possible.

Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 660 This charming hotel nestled in the vibrant and culturally rich Santa Teresa neighbourhood was originally built in 1850. The property itself is a bastion of Brazilian art and design, whilst the interiors – with their recycled wood decks and use of collected rainwater – tell a tale of sustainability. With a vibe that’s more countryside than city, you’ll leave this place feeling as fresh as the fruits and flowers grown in the hotel’s garden.

UNIVERSO ORGANICO

VASSOURAS ECO RESORT

Rua Conde de Bernadotte, 26 - Sala 105 - Leblon This gourmet space encourages health and wellness. Working with fruits and vegetables from regional organic farms, they are committed to providing a diet rich in enzymes, minerals and vitamins; they even monitor the food storage temperature in order to retain the most nutrients. The dishes on offer comprise a wide range of healthy treats including raw pancakes, tofu and mushroom burgers, raw zucchini lasagna, and a great selection of desserts.

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Estrada Lacerda, 665, Vassouras With solar energy, high-efficiency lighting and water flow regulators among other measures, this family-friendly resort’s carbon-reducing efforts have earned them an Environmental Certificate. Located just a short drive from Rio in Vale do Café (Coffee Valley), it makes use of its idyllic setting to offer a wide array of outdoor adventures, such as zip lining and nature tours, in addition to the normal poolside lounging and fine dining.

Ecozine.com

TRAVEL

SHOP

Known for its flamboyancy and glamorous designers, Brazil’s eco fashion industry has recently turned a corner, creating a new wave of luxury for its fashion savvy consumers.

EMI BEACHWEAR

Svetlana - Rua Visconde de Pirajá 580, loja 206, Ipanema Emi’s beautiful bikinis are quickly growing in popularity, and their unique hand-painted designs are sure to make you stand out on the beach. But it gets better: using biodegradable fabrics sourced in Europe, these bikinis will actually decompose within four years, helping to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill sites!

OSKLEN

RIO NATURAL ECOTOURISM

Hike the forests in Tijuca National Park, hang glide across the picture-perfect Pão de Açúcar (aka Sugarloaf Mountain), or explore the tranquil island of Ilha Grande with the ecological nature tour company, Rio Natural Ecotourism. Their tours promise to keep you in shape and some will test your stamina, however you will be rewarded with some of Rio’s most serene natural terrain, as well as the best views in the region.

RENEW

Brazilians tend to live life in the fast lane, however they also love to treat themselves, so there are a wealth of fantastic spots to relax and unwind in the area.

Av. Dom Hélder Câmara, 5474 Since 1999, Osklen has been on a mission to neutralise its carbon footprint, making it one of Brazil’s first eco-conscious fashion brands. Their pieces each carry an ‘e-fabric’ tag, which informs the buyer about the often unique eco materials that designer Oskar Metsavaht has used. The materials vary from the usual to the ingenious, with examples including bamboo, recycled plastic bottles and natural rubber from the Amazon.

THE SACRED ART OF YOGA

EXPLORE

FASANO

With its abundant natural surroundings and sprawling neighbourhoods, Rio offers a great deal for the intrepid explorer, whether urbanite or adventure-seeker.

TRAM RIDES

Jump onto a historic bright yellow tram from the Museu do Bonde in the city centre to Santa Teresa, Rio’s ‘must see’ neighbourhood.

The tram, built back in 1877, is the oldest electric railway in Latin America! It transports passengers up the Santa Teresa Hill, offering spectacular views of the city. This quintessential Brazilian experience should not be missed.

Lumiar, Brazil (two hours north of Rio) Off the beaten track, master yogis Mimi Ray and Jessica Lee will care of your every need whilst they chaperone you around Brazil’s best-protected natural reserves, pristine islands, and shimmering lagoons. Perfect for those seeking something different, their ashtanga yoga excursion offers an opportunity to see a side of Brazil that few tourists do!

Av. Vieira Souto, 80 – Ipanema This rejuvenating spa dedicated to holistic wellness has worked in unison with the environment since its inception. A member of the Green Spa network, it offers a variety of relaxing therapies. Opt to have a skin or hair care treatment in their outdoor salon! Patrons can even enjoy a hydro-treatment on the eighth-floor terrace, in one of the spa’s Vichy shower rooms.

RIO NICE

Clockwise from top left: Zazá Bistrô’s bohemian exterior; laid-back chic at Santa Teresa Hotel; Emi Beachwear’s funky eco style; the iconic yellow Santa Teresa tram; get pampered poolside at Fasano

FOUR SEASONS of FUN in NISEKO

Niseko may be famed for its world-class skiing, but canny travellers can find unparalleled outdoor experiences there all year round

HORSEBACK RIDING AT ANNUPURI VILLAGE

During the winter, ski enthusiasts head to Annupuri Village for its pristine groomed runs. However, those looking for equipment-free alternatives will not be disappointed with the wide range of other activities on offer at Annupuri. Of the three resort areas on the Niseko Annupuri Peak, Annupuri is located in a quasi-national park land, and known as the most quiet and serene area. Among the many options is one that animal and nature lovers will embrace: the magic of outdoor exploration on horseback, available all year round. Go trekking through the Japanese spring hillscapes, led by a professional guide, and spot local wildlife such as foxes and rabbits – whilst seeing a special side of Niseko that can’t be accessed by vehicle. annupurivillage.com

PURE AT NISEKO VILLAGE

Fill your summer days with outdoor exploration and fun; Pure at Niseko Village is a vast nature activity area that has everyone covered. There are ample hiking trails for all levels, and for thrillseekers, an ever-expanding set of mountain-biking routes offer jumps, bumps and challenges aplenty. For a bird’seye view, try a zipline tour or a treetop adventure, where safety harnesses and elevated platforms installed non-invasively around the trees allow a safe and educational family activity. There’s even a hot-air balloon experience for unmatched views of the landscape! niseko-village.com 86

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TRAVEL SUMMIT MOUNT YOTEI

For adventure seekers looking for a more physical challenge, there is of course the option to climb the majestic Mount Yotei. Bearing a striking resemblance to Mount Fuji but standing at about half its height, the 1,898 metre high Mount Yotei is one of Japan’s ‘100 famous mountains’ – and the views from up top are definitely worth the five-hour trek. But you don’t have to go it alone; The Niseko Company offers a concierge service that will help to facilitate the booking of your hiking trip with a local tour operator for a seamless, safe, and professional experience, so you can just soak up the views. Speaking of soaking, a dip in a local onsen is a perfect way to soothe your muscles after your adventure – and The Niseko Company can help arrange that, too. thenisekocompany.com

SKI AT NISEKO UNITED

Officially Japan’s largest ski resort, Niseko United is actually comprised of four interlinked ski resorts – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri – all located on the 1,308 metre high Mount Niseko Annupuri. Due to unique wind patterns that pick up moisture over the Sea of Japan to form snow clouds over Hokkaido, the region is world-renowned for the quality and consistency of its powder, drawing thousands of ski enthusiasts to its slopes each winter. With its rich variety of natural terrain and beautiful winter woods, snow parks and groomed trails, as well as a top-rated ski school where you can learn from experienced ski and board instructors, Niseko offers an unforgettable experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. niseko.ne.jp Ecozine.com

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WHERE TO STAY THE VALE NISEKO

Nestled right on a ski run, The Vale Niseko offers internationally-awarded resort luxury for skiers and non-skiers alike, all year round. With its proximity to 850 hectares of powder slopes, breathtaking views of Mount Yotei, and exceptional service, The Vale offers a personalised and unique vacation for every type of guest, from adventurers to romantic weekends to family vacations. Choose an apartment with a private balcony, or live it up in the Penthouse, with a private outdoor onsen overlooking Mount Yotei! After a day on the slopes, come back and soothe your tired muscles in the hot, healing waters of The Vale’s own natural hot spring. thevaleniseko.com

KOZUE LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS

This condominium-style hotel by the Nisade Group offers serene riverfront and stunning cliff top views of Mount Yotei through gently swaying forest treetops. The architectural design of Kozue was inspired by the property’s surroundings, and built to reflect the natural beauty of its environment and the changing seasons. All materials used, from the glazing on the façade to the natural wood flooring, were deliberately chosen to create a strong visual and physical connection between the landscape and the interior spaces.

Tip: visit during the off-peak summer season when rates are lower, and enjoy the stunning views with fewer crowds. nisekoalpineaccommodation.com

WHERE TO EAT

AN DINING AT KI NISEKO HOTEL

Located in the Ki Niseko Luxury Hotel designed by renowned Hokkaido architect Koichi Ishiguro, An Dining is an awardwinning, premium Japanese izakaya-style restaurant that serves a mix of innovative Japanese dishes along with more traditional Hokkaido cuisine, sourced from the freshest local produce.

The menu changes along with the seasons, and Chef/Owner Shinichi Maeda personally goes out to inspect and purchase fresh ingredients from suppliers, as he enjoys meeting with them face to face and learning more about their produce. An Dining is very accommodating with individual dietary requirements – and all items on the menu are gluten-free, including dessert! kiniseko.com

CRAB DINING KANON

Open only during the winter months starting from December, and with a compulsory book-ahead policy that begins in November, Crab Dining Kanon never has an empty seat during its opening hours. You will find only crab on the menu here, and you can be certain that they do it well. Tourists and locals vacationing in Niseko invariably make sure to pay a visit to Crab Kanon to get a taste of the Hokkaido region’s famed crustaceans, and depending on their appetite, can indulge in either a two- or three-course meal involving the “Big Three” – Hairy, Snow and King crabs. niseko-kanon.wix.com 88

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ESCAPE + EXPLORE

BORACAY BLISSOUT A gem within a tropical nature reserve, the Shangri-La in Boracay offers sweet, sustainable, unadulterated escape

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Words by Nissa Marion

ituated on twelve hectares of lush green hillside and fronting two stunning secluded beaches at the northern end of the Philippine paradise island of Boracay, the Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa defines luxury escapism. Planned and designed in accordance with the highest environmental global standards, the resort lies in the heart of a beautiful nature reserve. It’s just far enough from the madness and crowds of White Beach to exude a pervasive sense of serenity, and its impeccable six-star service and thoughtful design encourages guests to sink into the deliciously slow pace that defines a true tropical vacation.

The Shangri-La packs in all the treats that discerning travelers expect from a luxury tropical resort.

The maze of indigo-hued infinity pools is breathtaking. Families can enjoy abundant water sports from snorkeling to parasailing, and the youth activities are endless. Mom and dad, meanwhile, can sink into heavenly spa treatments at Chi, The Spa and enjoy a number of seductively designed dining and cocktail options. And, of course, the jaw-dropping natural beauty around every corner deeply satisfies all the senses. Most inspiring of all, in keeping with their company-wide CSR commitments, Shangrila has taken great measures to be at harmony with the island and minimise the resort’s impact on the environment, which makes every blissful moment there all the sweeter.

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TRAVEL

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he moment we landed at Caticlan airport and cushions for cozying up with a book or a family nap under the met Gilbert, our friendly porter, we felt our cares blue sky. evaporate into the humid tropical breeze. We were Harmony with the natural landscape was a top priority in the swiftly shuttled to a welcome lounge at a private boat resort’s planning and design, and it shows. Native materials, pier where we slaked our thirst with fresh calamansi such as coral stones and local hardwood, are used throughout the cocktails. No time wasted, we boarded a boat that sped us past property to stunning effect. The design incorporates traditional the stunning scenery of White Beach to the Shangri-La’s private Filipino architecture with a consideration for nature, often dock, where a team of eight waited to welcome us ashore and using open-air designs that, aside from beautifully blurring lead us to our villa. And… we were home. the line between indoor and outdoor, have the added benefit of Our private pool villa included an infinity pool and two creating cross-ventilation and breezeways, reducing the need outdoor rain showers, as well as spacious living and sleeping for air conditioning. areas that could be completely opened to allow natural breezes In the building stages of the property, a number of mature to circulate. On the green side, rooftop solar panels power each trees along the ridge were meticulously uprooted, then cared for villa’s water heaters, making our nightly shower under the stars and re-planted post-construction. This, along with strategically even better for knowing the deliciously hot water was warmed placed “enviro-cells”, was done to maintain the hill’s integrity sustainably. and beauty, and the natural habitats of over 36 species of bird and In addition to the pool villas and regular deluxe rooms, the fruit bat. The visual result is that the villas set into the hillside resort offers 16 stunning hillside Loft villas and hilltop Tree seem to have been part of the landscape forever, blending in House villas, each with outdoor terraces and either infinity pool seamlessly with the surrounding greenery. or hot tub, plus the ubiquitous and delightful outdoor showers.

In accordance with the group’s environmental policy, all From this vantage point, one can enjoy spectacular 180-degree Shangri-La hotels have ‘Green Programmes’ to identify ways to views of not only the Shangri-la property, with solar panels reduce waste, minimise the impact of operations, and generally glinting on every rooftop, but the entire symphony of forest, promote environmental awareness. Company-wide measures beach, water and sky – a perfect spot for viewing the legendary include water-saving devices on taps, efficient temperature Boracay sunsets. control systems, and energy-saving lighting in guestrooms The villas are not the only sunset-stalking venue, however. and public spaces. At the Boracay property, surrounded by The Shangri-La Boracay has two private beaches: Punta Bunga, and dependent on nature’s beauty, this also means a focus on the larger beach which hosts the excellent water sports conservation. Along with the solar power program, we center, and Banyugan beach, a smaller and more serene were pleased to see a host of efforts to reduce water spot, which includes a stunning set of well-designed consumption and waste, including modern rainwater HOME, AWAY infinity pools. A fantastic touch is the sprawling collection, desalination, filtration, and sewage The view over solar-panelled rooftops grassy lawn dotted with tall palm trees and giant treatment facilities, and recycled-water irrigation down to the private swaying hammocks, with plenty of blankets and systems for the many beautiful gardens. pier, seen from a Tree House villa

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any of the best practices and initiatives that make a hotel “green” occur on a level that is invisible to the average guest. Greywater recycling and plastic separation are wonderful, but they happen at the back of the house where no one gets to see.

So we were delighted to discover the ‘Shangri-La Eco Center’ (SEC) in Boracay, an interactive play and learn space where guests, and especially children, can learn about local natural phenomena as well as some of the resort’s social and environmental initiatives.

We loved the hands-on educational displays about corals, rocks and shells found in the area. The Friends of the Flying Foxes have pitched in too, with an informative display about the indigenous bat that lives in the mountain above the resort, and what the Shangri-La is committed to doing for its protection. The SEC ties in with nature trails around the property where guests can stroll or participate in guided tours and other activities.

At all of its properties, Shangri-La seeks to enrich the quality of life for the communities in which it does business, and serve as good stewards of society and the environment. This means infusing local dimensions and culture into the ethos of hotel operations, as well as working towards the promotion and preservation of PARADISE FOUND

Clockwise from top left: Labyrinthine gardens and pools make every corner feel secluded; the Eco Centre provides fun nature education; room enough for the whole family to nap; comfortable living with indoor and outdoor spaces blended seamlessly

local cultures. In Boracay, this fusion takes the shape of several inspiring programmes that have been implemented to support the local islanders. Sending children to school, providing job opportunities and hosting regular community events are part of the resort’s dedication to harmony with the surrounding culture and people. The Yapak, the island community who share their home with the sprawling property, are recipients of annual education grants funded by the hotel, with positions available for them at the resort upon completion of their education. This gives youths the opportunity to eventually secure local employment, support their community and fulfill their true potential through the Shangri-La family.

And it is a family. At every moment we felt cared for in the most genuine of ways, a testament to the Shangri-La’s corporate branding and hiring policies. The people who work here are happy, which translates into happiness for the guests and fulfillment for the management.

Leaving the Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa was an exercise in reluctance. It had taken us no time at all to sink into the sweet lounging feeling of being on a tropical holiday, and we were sad to say goodbye. We plan to keep our parting promise to the staff – now our friends – that we will “come back soon”.

perspectives

12 MONTHS, 17 GOALS, 14 YEARS TO GO

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Words by Patricia Dwyer

hat do the Pope, Malala, Shakira, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jack Ma have in common?

They were all in New York last year for one big, global party: the UN Summit on Sustainable Development.

The party launched the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs). You may remember the eight ‘Millenium Development Goals’ (MDGs) set out by the United Nations to address extreme poverty? They ran from 20002015 and yielded pretty significant – though not absolute – success: the number of people in the world living in extreme poverty has declined by more than half, as a result.

Last year, these MDGs were replaced by 17 (yup, 17) stronger and more relevant ‘Global Goals’, covering a wide range of issues, from food security to renewable energy to coral regeneration.

We’ve already almost reached the first anniversary since their launch, and many have weighed in or taken action. Unilever CEO and UN Champion of the Earth Awardee, Paul Polman, made it clear: “Every business will benefit from operating in a more equitable, resilient world if we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” Even Beyoncé is in on the game, co-founding the ‘Chime for Change’ campaign to support Goal 5, Gender Equality.

We at The Purpose Business held an event to raise awareness of the goals last year, as part of Project Everyone, a campaign to get all seven billion people on the planet aware of the SDGs – because if the goals are going to work, everyone needs to know about them. If the goals are famous, they won’t be forgotten.

Encouragingly, some of Hong Kong’s highest-profile companies atttended the event, along with friends from think-tanks and social enterprises, to learn how to embed SDGs into their responsible business operations.

So… ten months on, have companies in Hong Kong and the region really started to take up the SDGs? We found three major trends: TRACK AND TRACE. Companies who already have sustainability programmes have taken the SDGs as a framework to communicate what they do and how it makes an impact in the

global agenda. Some sustainability reports have already begun to identify how their existing programmes support specific goals. T he U N’s SD G Compa ss (sdgcompass.org) has also helped companies in aligning their strategies with the SDGs. Some companies, such as Philippine congolomerate Ayala Corporation, have framed their whole reports along these lines.

START WITH STRATEGY. PwC found that 70 per cent of businesses planned to embed the SDGs into their business strategy within the next five years. This makes sense; if you are a company trying to figure out how to do business sustainably, the SDGs are a friendly strategy framework to follow. Pick the Goals that are relevant to your operations (economic growth, oceans, gender equality, good jobs…), and find ways to align your KPIs with the related targets. However, if you really want to use your organisation as an agent of change, the goals should be more than a lens. In Hong Kong, CLP found inspiration in the SDGs to further strengthen and develop their four Sustainability Principles. Their Climate 2050 Vision, where they aim to reduce their emissions by approximately 75 per cent from 2007 levels, delivers on Goal 13 – Climate Action.

POWER OF PARTNERS. Participation in multi-stakeholder initiatives is a key target under Goal 17 (Partnerships), and is perhaps one of the easiest way to contribute using a company’s existing strengths, while allowing others to complement.

Example? MasterCard co-created a new end-to-end technology solution with humanitarian organisations to distribute aid swiftly and safely, even in the absence of connectivity. A great illustration of fintech creating humanitarian impact, the MasterCard Aid Network helped 9,000 people in the Philippines receive aid through programmes managed by Save the Children and World Vision, especially in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. It also aims to help speed up the rehabilitation of impacted communities.

There are many ways you can make your business count, so visit globalgoals.org to find out what it means for your organisation to truly impact positive change. You may even get an invite to the next global party! #TellEveryone

“ IF THE GOALS ARE GOING TO WORK, EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THEM. IF THE GOALS ARE FAMOUS, THEY WON’T BE FORGOTTEN ” Ecozine.com

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perspectives

ONE STEP to CLOSING

THE ENERGY GAP

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Words by Robert Allender

nergy use is a Churchillian riddle wrapped in a mystery.

It’s a dilemma.

On the one hand, businesses and individuals worldwide use way more energy than they actually need to bring about the outcomes they’re looking for.

On the other hand, lack of access to electricity holds not millions, but hundreds of millions, of people in poverty. Six hundred million here in Asia alone – or twice the population of the USA. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could simply pick up the energy waste taking place in economically developed cities in Asia, and carry it to places where it is needed?

You can’t. But if you own even one share in a listed company, you can do more about both energy waste and energy poverty than you might have thought possible. The key is to influence the Chairman and CEO of those companies you co-own.

Archimedes told us long ago how much more we could lift if we used a long enough lever. Now, with only a little effort, you can have an enormous effect. Why not set your sights on emulating the Hercules beetle, a critter that can lift 800 times its body weight?

As an Ecozine reader, you’ll likely have taken on board long ago that energy use is the root cause of global warming, which in turn is the root cause of climate change – a ‘disaster in slow motion,’ as it’s been described. Perhaps you’ll have quantified your own everyday energy use, direct and indirect, and made responsible choices. Maybe even influenced your family members to do the same. And your friends. And your workplace.

But matching the Hercules beetle? What is it you can do right now, today, that will bring that magnitude of change, on a big, maybe even global, level?

The answer is simple. One single-page letter sent by registered mail to the Chairman of each of the companies you are a shareholder of. And, to the Chairman of any company you might go out and buy one board lot of.

In this day and age, company chairmen and CEOs face a slew of issues that have an energy-use dimension and/or an energy-

poverty dimension. To know how to respond, chairmen and CEOs need to hear directly from shareholders. They want to hear directly from shareholders.

Your registered letter can simply ask the Chairman to tell you what targets the company has around energy use and energy poverty. Here are three sample questions to consider:

#1 What plans does the company have to advance its use of energy to being more strategic, rather than merely treating energy use as a cost?

#2 In what ways is the company leveraging its strengths, and its

positions of influence with employees, suppliers, business partners, industry bodies, and customers, to bring about reduced energy poverty, especially in Asia?

#3 On a maturity scale of one to five, to what extent has the

company identified and catalogued the shareholder value that could be liberated by fully exploiting the opportunities related to energy use and energy poverty, and what progress is scheduled for taking up that value?

Do you think these question could lead to a change in perspective on the part of the Chairman and CEO, and their fellow board members? Can you imagine that these questions could gift your co-owned companies even a one-degree change of course?

Because it only takes a small change of course for a large company to soon find itself in an entirely different place than it otherwise would have been.

If you hold shares in four or five companies, your letters could be influencing the energy-use strategies of tens of billions of dollars of enterprise value. And these companies, of which you are a coowner, likely have thousands or tens of thousands of employees to enlighten. They also have suppliers, distributors, competitors, and customers spanning the entire globe. As you can see, your impact can be enormous. Even a Hercules beetle would be impressed.

IT BE NICE IF YOU COULD SIMPLY PICK UP “ WOULDN’T THE ENERGY WASTE TAKING PLACE IN

ECONOMICALLY DEVELOPED CITIES, AND CARRY IT TO WHERE IT IS NEEDED?

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