ISSUE 16: MAR/APR 2011
GOOD GREEN GLAM!
THE REAL AMERICAN DREAM
John Paul & Eloise Dejoria BEAUTY: COLOR
CRUSH
MEN WE LOVE:
Sir Richard Branson, Aaron Cohen, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Mathew Gerson, John Prendergast
BOSTON GOES ECO-CHIC
FASHION: Shimmering
70’s
SEDUCTION
HEROINES
FOR HUMANITY
Hilary Swank, Marla Maples, Leigh Anne Tuohy, and more!
THE HUMANITARIAN ISSUE
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Editor In Chief DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WEBMASTER
Creative director Social Media Manager EDITOR-AT-LARGE GUEST EDITOR fashion DIRECTOr fashion editor ASSISTANT FASHION EDITOR beauty director Deputy EDITOR Features Editor EVENTS EDITOR NY EDITOR Chicago Editor take action editor contributing editor contributing WRITER
contributing photographer
Anna Griffin karen snyder Wolfgang Kovacek K.Y. SNYDER Luke Trimmings starre vartan NIKKI LIN MICHELE LLANOS sarah griffin berns thuy nguyen emma pezzack Shahrnaz Nancy Southwick Nicole landers Vicki godal Johanna Bjรถrk Nikki Lin Heather Carter Zem Joaquin Brianca Climmons VICKI GODAL Jolene Hart MORGAN mckean Stephanie Rudat Kellee Terrell Domenica Peterson JEFFREY FITERMAN Gitte Meldgaard Emily Perez
ASSISTANT photographer KEY hair STYLIST contributing hair STYLIST
KEY MAKE UP ARTIST contributing MAKE UP ARTIST contributing STYLIST
ASSISTANT STYLIST
Jeremy Oversier Judd Minter Brian Bowman Marilyn Cole Julianne Kaye Debra Goddard Adeel Khan Quela Renee Phu Styles Stephen Delgado Shawna Kelley Marissa Spallone
COCO ECO MAGAZINEd is published by Coco Eco Magazine. a Copyright 2008-2011 Coco Eco Magazine. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher.
EDITOR LETTER TO YOU BY ANNA GRIFFIN CONTRIBUTORS COCO ECO EDITOR LOVES: Do good, look good, feel good!
FASHION SHIMMERING 70’s SEDUCTION
This season is not for the faint hearted. Surrender yourself to a sensual 1970’s vibe. Glamorous days lead to smoldering nights in bold color and sparkling beauty…
FASHION DIRECTOR LOVES SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION: Ina Soltani: Bosnia’s past is her fashion forward future
BEAUTY COLOR CRUSH!
Spring is here and so is an unprecedented amount of color! Time to get set for a bright, neon and electric color burst as we show you how to traverse the trends with just the right amount in your new season looks...
BEAUTIFUL ACTIVISM ONE FOR THE BOYS RESET YOUR LIFE Beauty Director Loves Spotlight On Beauty: Kahina Giving Beauty
Kahina Giving Beauty deepens the meaning of our daily beauty rituals with its commitment to the women of Morocco.
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COVER STORY The Real American Dream
John Paul and Eloise Dejoria Redefine the Vision
MEN WE LOVE Sir Richard Branson, Aaron Cohen, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Matthew Gerson, John Prendergast
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TAKE ACTION citizens of humanity
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children waiting parents
WOMEN OF THE WORLD HEROINES OF HUMANITY:
Hilary Swank, Marla Maples, Leigh Anne Tuohy, Rusty Robertson, Stephanie Rudat, Rudi Bakhtiar
GO 42 46 48 50 52
The Eco-chic Guide to BOSTON
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LIFE PEOPLE VS. PROFITS TOPPLING DICTATORS POVERTY IN AMERICA HAITI ONE YEAR LATER DREAMS FOR MY DAUGHTER WOMEN AIDS WARRIORS
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E-SCENE 2S FILMS HONORS children waiting parents SILVER CIRCLE 2011 AWARD VANCOUVER ECO FASHION WEEK ECOLUXE LONDON NOW 2011 PARIS WINTER FLUFFBALL CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF HAITI
SHOPPING CONCIERGE Get it all here!
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THE HUMANITARIAN ISSUE Mar/Apr 2011 / ISSUE 16
LETTER TO YOU The Humanitarian Issue
This is a groundbreaking issue for many reasons. Whilst forecasting our editorial content, Egypt was thrust into a revolution as its citizens finally rebelled against years of dictatorship and human rights violations. Since then shock waves have been felt through the Middle East from Iran to Libya. Sitting, observing from the comfort of my desk in LA, I was in awe. For all the suffering that goes on in our own country, and there’s a lot here at home, we take such simple freedoms as being able to speak our minds for granted. Watching the atrocities that continue to unfold globally is an awakening to persist in humanitarian efforts. When approaching the subject of what content to run, there were many stories to choose from. From the people in Haiti a year later, to 30 years in the fight against the HIV epidemic; the very real threat of human genocide in the Sudan, and the battle being waged against cancer; children not wanted because they are deemed too old, and children being sold into the sex slave trade. There is a lot happening in our world but there is a silver lining to the cloud. For all the bad there is an army of citizens, passionately fighting to put these wrongs to rights, and more are engaged in the battle for good over evil than you think.
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We’ve been privileged to connect with some of them, and I am touched to see the efforts people have gone to in contributing. From John Paul and Eloise Dejoria who graciously made time for our cover story and who were a joy to meet, to humanitarian warriors Hilary Swank, Sir Richard Branson, Aaron Cohen, Marla Maples, John Prendergast, Leigh Anne Tuohy, Rusty Robertson, Rudi Bakhtiar Stephanie Rudat, Daphne Zuniga, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Mathew Gerson. We salute you all and thank you for your commitment to making this world a better place. I would also like to personally thank the Coco Eco team who jumped into overdrive to produce this stellar issue, and inspired me with their passion and dedication. As I finish production on Issue 16, hundreds of thousands of people in Japan are dead, missing or displaced by the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent Tsunami that sent a twenty-three foot wall of water surging through Sendai. If you are able to do something, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 and donate $10 that will be charged to your phone. Every little bit helps, and as I have learned during the production of this edition, humanitarianism is about helping one another. It’s really just that simple. Sincerely,
Anna Griffin Editor In Chief, Coco Eco Magazine
| COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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CONTRIBUTOR HIGHLIGHT
NIKKI LIN
Guest Editor
GITTE Meldgaard Contributing Photographer
BRIAN BOWMAN Hair Stylist
Shahrnaz NANCY SOUTHWICK Deputy Editor
Hailing from the Windy City of Chicago, Nikki studied English Literature at Loyola University with a concentration in Creative Writing. She has furthered her education in Journalism at Northwestern University and also Screenwriting and Design Communication Arts at UCLA. Nikki has served as Senior Editor for FreshCoast Magazine, based out of Oakland and Los Angeles. She has extensive writing experience covering such topics as music, technology, culture, travel and eco-trends.
Born and raised in Denmark, filmmaker -photographer Gitte Meldgaard began her career as fashion director for Attitude. She then helped launch the influential publication, Tank Magazine, before moving to Los Angeles where she became an in-demand stylist for major music stars, including P!nk, Usher, Christina Aguilera, and Aerosmith. After a brief tenure as fashion editor, Gitte launched a successful photography career. She now shoots for many of the leading publications, including Issue One, Poster, Oyster, Surface, and BlackBook. www.gittephoto.com
Brian received the majority of his training with Redken, and is recognized worldwide for instigating cutting edge hair techniques, styles and products, whilst balancing a proven and consistent track record of professionalism. To date, Brian has styled numerous celebrities including Mariel Hemmingway, Chuck Lidel, Joe Perry from Aerosmith, Carmen Electra, David LaChappelle, Gavin DeGraw, Nick Lachey; D.J. Muggs from Cypress Hill, Backstreet Boys, Crazytown, Supermodel Jessica Miller, and actresses from the hit shows “Buffy The Vampire Slayer, “The Sopranos,” and “The O.C.”
Is a writer, producer & cultural creative living with her husband and son is Los Angeles. Her work has been featured in magazines and newspapers around the globe including Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine, Flaunt Magazine and UK Spoon. She is currently working on a coffee table book featuring the remaining ladies of the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is on the LA Board of Vital Voices which is a non profit organization founded by senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. It serves to protect educate and empower women in third world countries globally.
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MARGARET ROWE ART NOUVEAU BRACELET A little bit of sustainable sparkle! Art Nouveau Bracelet by Margaret Rowe Vintage Couture Jewelry. Great with skinny’s and heels, or red-carpet ready! - $238.00
www.MargaretRowe.com
THE NICOLETTE JUMPSUIT BY EA APPAREL
ODACITE JOJOBA BEADS EXFOLIANT
CAUDALIE GENTLE CLEANSER
The new favorite piece in my closet, and a hybrid of luxury basics including bamboo, this jumpsuit can take you from downtown yoga to penthouse cocktails. Made in Los Angeles.
With 100% pure natural Jojoba wax, organic Coconut Oil, Lavender and White Tea, this gentle exfoliant removes dead skin whilst encouraging cell renewal, leaving skin softer and refreshed. Free from parabens, glycols, petrochemicals, fragrance, formaldehydes, and phthalates. - $45.00
Caudalie Gentle Cleanser naturally removes makeup, cleanses, tones and nourishes skin with grape seed polyphenols, cornflower water, oat milk and oils of sweet almond, jojoba and shea butter. Ideal for sensitive skin, this rich, creamy cleanser removes impurities and leaves skin soft and glowing.
www.odacite.com
- $26.00
- $190.00
www.eaapparel.com
www.Caudalie-usa.com
COCO ECO EDITOR LOVES Do good, look good, feel good! Selected by: Anna
The Organic Pharmacy Body Lotion in Vanilla
JOSIE MARAN’S ARGAN MATCHMAKER SERUM FOUNDATION
Envelope yourself in the comforting and soothing scent of vanilla, with Shea Butter and Aloe. No artificial preservatives, artificial colorants, artificial fragrances, petrochemicals or animal testing. Just divinely scented and silky soft skin! - $73.95
With an organic Argan Oil infused formula, blend away flaws and balance and restore skin, whilst naturally nourishing and hydrating. Using innovative color-match technology, this breakthrough foundation goes on white and instantly adjusts to your unique skin tone.
www.theorganicpharmacy.com
- $42.00
www.josiemaran.com
ZOYA BELA NAIL POLISH For your inner tormented ballerina, and as seen in Black Swan. The Zoya formula was developed for natural nails and is free of formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and camphor. - $8.00
www.futurenatural.com
Griffin
CALLEEN CORDERO LATIGO BOOT What’s not to love about this peep-toed, open heel lace-up bootie? Hand made, with wood heels from sustainable forests (SFR) or recycled plywood, and vegetable tanned and chrome free leather. By special request only. - $629.00
www.calleencordero.com
COCO ECO |
FASHION!
Orange Shirt and blue shorts, WHITNEY EVE www.whitneyeve.com Shoes, LARARE www.larare.fr Cuff, JANESSA www.janessaonline.com 14 | COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
www.cocoecomag.com
shimmering
70’s seduction This season is not for the faint hearted. Surrender yourself to a sensual 1970’s vibe. Glamorous days lead to smoldering nights in bold color and sparkling beauty…
PHOTOGRAPHY by: Emily Perez STORY by: Sarah Griffin Berns, Fashion Editor STYLED by: Adeel Khan and Quela Renee ASSISTED by: Shawna Kelley and Stephen Delgado MODEL: Rina at Photogenics Media MAKE-UP by: Debra Goddard HAIR by: Marilyn Cole LOCATION: the Vicino House, Pacific Palisades CA www.vicinohouse.com special thanks to: Michael Gottlieb and Stacey Broff
Red dress, RONALD ABDALA www.ronaldabdala.com Earrings, SONIA B www.soniabstyle.com 16 | COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
www.cocoecomag.com
Jacket, DALIA MACPHEE www.daliaonline.com Romper, STYLISTS OWN Necklace, SONIA B www.soniabstyle.com Shoes, LARARE www.larare.fr Purse, THE SWAY www.theswaynyc.com Earrings, bracelet, belt, MARGARET ROWE www.margaretrowe.com
Shirt, BOULEE Chezelle:704 363 8004 Purse, SHAWNA POLIQUIN www.shawnapoliquin.com Shoes, MILK & HONEY www.milkandhoneyshoes.com Bracelets, NAMASTE www.diamondgirlmediala.com Gold cuff, JANESSA www.janessaonline.com
Dress, FRED SEGAL ORIGINALS by ANNIE SEGAL www.fredsegaloriginals.com Earrings, bracelet, MARGARET ROWE www.margaretrowe.com
Silver pants, RONALD ABDALA www.ronaldabdala.com Swimsuit, MALIA MILLS www.maliamills.com Necklace, MADLEY www.fredsegalrocksandsilk.com Shoes, MILK & HONEY www.milkandhoneyshoes.com Scarf and ring, STYLIST’s own
Scarf and ring, STYLIST’s own
Dress, LEILA HAFZI www.leilahafzi.com Shoes, MILK & HONEY www.milkandhoneyshoes.com 22
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Earrings, necklace and bracelet, SONIA B www.soniabstyle.com www.cocoecomag.com
Dress, VALERJ POBEGA www.valerjpobega.com Shoes, MILK & HONEY www.milkandhoneyshoes.com Jewelry, MARGARET ROWE www.margaretrowe.com
Dress, DALIA MACPHEE www.daliaonline.com Shoes, MILK & HONEY www.milkandhoneyshoes.com Earrings, SONIA B www.soniabstyle.com Jewelry, MARGARET ROWE www.margaretrowe.com Shoes, LARARE www.larare.fr 24 | COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
www.cocoecomag.com
Shirt, BOULEE Ego Soleil: 813-843-0790 Swim bottom, MALIA MILLS wwwmaliamills.com Necklace, BLANK VERSE www.blankversejewelry.com
any-ny.com -Lava Crown Bangles One of my favorite jewelry finds at the Capsule Show last month was Naoyo’s beautiful collection, any-ny. Hand made, produced and sold in NYC’s Lower East Side, Noi Boutique, Naoyo’s fluid elegance made me an instant fan. Her silver chain rings and earrings are so different, so versatile and so cool, I am salivating at the thought of them adorning my body. - $150.00 www.Noi-ny.com
Apolis Global- Standard Issue Field Jacket Reflecting on our rich American heritage and legacy of the American worker, Labor Day, a national holiday since 1882, is a celebration of the American laborer, akin to the worldwide celebration of May Day. Apolis pays homage to the American worker through the release of the Standard Issue: a series of utilitarian garments with a focus in fit and fabrication made in the USA. All garments are inspired from heritage essentials that have historically been the foundation of the American wardrobe. Manufactured in California. - $286.00 www.ApolisGlobal.com
pskaufman INTERCHANGE WORK CHELSEA Model No.0007 Inspired by the 1890’s work boot, this footwear is handmade with high-quality leather and a goodyear welt stitched on 100 year-old Puritan sewing machines. Using LightTread repurposed tires to create the outsoles and used truck inner tubes for parts of the uppers, these boots are finished with hand painting to create a unique look...twisted classics are what we like to call them! And, they will last forever!!! - $325.00 www.pskaufman.com
Ivana Helsinki - ‘Where the F**K is my Sailor’ dress Another designer I saw at Capsule that got me excited is Finish owned company IvanaHelsinki, which is overseen by sisters Paola and Pirjo Suhonen. These pieces are unique and timeless, and I predict her pieces to be on women all over the country very soon - $319.00 www.TheMoonandMars.co.uk
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FashioN
DIRECTOR LOVES Selected by: Michele
Llanos
The Sway- Bondi Biker Jacket My good friend, Belinda, designer behind one of my favorite new brands, The Sway, is back with the perfect black leather jacket. Made of reclaimed, recycled leather, it’s fit is perfect, it’s construction flawless…I wear mine constantly, and have been asked if it is Dior, Balenciaga or McQueen, I’ve even had people yell out their car windows asking where I got it. I love this piece!!!! - $950.00 info@theswaynyc.com
Titania Inglis - Circle Skirt
Filson + Apolis Philanthropist Briefcase
Another favorite find at NOW SHOWCASE, Titania Inglis is all about design and construction. Each piece is made from conscientiously sourced organic fabrics and vegetable-tanned leather and sewn in limited quantities in New York’s garment district. The crop top and the circle skirt worn together as the circle dress.
Apolis is one of my favorite organizations, here you can see why: “Apolis, which translates as “global citizen,” is a living and breathing social enterprise that equips and empowers people through opportunity instead of charity. “ Canvas made in Uganda, briefcase handcrafted in Seattle.
- $700.00 Available at End of Century in NYC
Andy Lifschultz- Mount Lover ring When I received the invitation to the NOW SHOWCASE in NYC last month, I was so excited to see that Andy Lifschutz was going to be there. His jewelry creates an appeal not solely focused on aesthetic value, but based heavily upon the indelible spirit of powerful organic forms…. and, to boot, all metal is reclaimed, all stones domestic, all pieces made in Brooklyn. - $325.00 www.Tokokealo.com
- $396.00 www.ApolisGlobal.com
COCO ECO |
SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION!
INA
Soltani Bosnia’s past is her fashion forward future
WRITTEN by: Vicki Godal PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Deborah
Wald & Jasmin Fazlagic
When Ina Soltani came to the US in the early nineties to study near Los Angeles, she was simply a Bosnian foreign exchange student. Two and half years later, after war had broken out in Bosnia, with Soltani cut off from her family in Sarajevo, she wasn’t just a simple student anymore. For the entire Bosnian war, Soltani didn’t know if she was a displaced person or war orphan, with no family or home. “I experienced a great deal of helplessness and pain. Pretty much my only contact with my dearest ones was CNN and BBC,” Soltani said. “That period of my life created a strong signature in everything that I do.” Soltani was lucky, her family was reunited but most Bosnians weren’t as lucky. They are the ones, in whose honor, Soltani designs her handcrafted, slow fashion collection. Slow fashion defined means taking the time to ensure quality production, to give value to the product and to contemplate the connection with the environment. “The Ina Soltani woman is me and it is any woman; a Bosnian woman, a universal woman,” Soltani said of her collection. “It is someone that needs to be heard. Someone that carries a message. Someone that isn’t afraid to take a risk.” SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION | Continued
SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION | Continued
As the Bosana Foundation’s spokesperson, Bosnia’s disenfranchised are also the ones for whom Soltani speaks, all over the world. According to the Bosana Foundation website, Bosana is an Indo-European word meaning water. Bosnia may come from this word, as the country is home to many rivers. As the foundation’s name, Bosana signifies its’ mission to promote the growth and development of the Bosnian people in overcoming their recent tumultuous past. “That experience marked me for life. Nothing is to be taken for granted. It made me and shaped me as an artist,” Soltani said. “ I realized the chance to have a dream is already a step in accomplishing it.” Empowering marginalized populations of Bosnia, such as war survivors and Balkan orphans, by improving their economic and social well being is Soltani’s passion. The Bosana Foundation provides education, scholarships, career development, entrepreneurial and leadership skills to young people.
the whole Ina Soltani brand future,” Soltani said. “And I just went for it!” Embodying old world craftsmanship in building the garments and using construction as an art, Soltani’s collection was applauded from the start. Soltani employs local Angelenos to do her high quality handiwork and craftsmanship. The bar is high, however and seamstresses and tailors at Ina Soltani produce only the best.
“Most of the orphan children born in Bosnia during the war are unaware of their identities. That puts many things in clear perspective for me, most importantly, the realization that we all have a purpose that we are born with.”
“A garment is a piece of art. They must treat it that way and take pride in the creation they own and carry,” Soltani said. “It is nothing but an expression of one’s self.” Soltani cites her childhood as the other major influence on her designs. Soltani merges old Hollywood elegance with edgy, intelligent glamour. Think ultra high fashion embellished with a bit of fun. “I believe it’s very obvious in the way I communicate through the garments. I grew up in Bosnia, which is a very colorful culture. I carry a lot of emotional influences from my European background,” Soltani explained. “ It’s a place of varied cultural influences and a turbulent history that is subconsciously in me. That undertone of eastern European culture that’s inspired by the Gypsy zest for life is a “lethal” combination of incredibly decadent history, I suppose.”
“Many say is it is quite emotional, exotic, bold and yet, uber-feminine,” Soltani continued. “Those that know me personally call it loud, Ina Soltani whether it’s a choice of color, an elaborate “This past summer, through sculptural detail or a contrast. Perhaps, it’s a Bosana, we sponsored strong and necessary need to paint bright.” eight young adults post orphanage, providing their housing and university education,” Soltani Whatever it is, Ina Soltani fans love it. Since she launched her line, said. “My 14 year daughter accompanied me on Ina Soltani haute couture gowns have made regular appearances on this trip to Bosnia. The experience was a true both red and green carpets, worn by celebrities including Kristen eye opener for her.” Stewart, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus and Eva Longoria. On the horizon, Soltani has launched a new casual line Soltani’s successful design line has given her the recognition she needs to effectively promote that will be manufactured in Bosnia. the Bosana Foundation. After the war, Soltani “I am planning to open a factory in Bosnia where I’ll be able to graduated from Los Angeles’ Fashion Institute of Design Merchandise, then travelled to Istanbul manufacture a more casual line that I’m launching,” Soltani said. “I for inspiration. “While sitting at Bosporus, I saw am incredibly excited about this endeavor, primarily because I am giving back to my country a little. It will provide a few jobs in a place 30
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SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION | Continued www.cocoecomag.com
Ina Soltani with Bosana Foundation funded students.
Ina Soltani collection
Ina Soltani collection
SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION | Continued
that economically struggles.” Soltani never loses sight of Bosnia. For Soltani, Bosnia’s past is forever her future. “My heart was there. A big part of me was there,” Soltani said. “Most of the orphan children born in Bosnia during the war are unaware of their identities. That puts many things in clear perspective for me, most importantly, the realization that we all have a purpose that we are born with.”
Ina Soltani collection
Through the Bosana Foundation, Soltani promotes programs like “Narratives of War,” that help Bosnian war survivors to cope with their horrific experiences. Bosana also provided direct assistance to orphanages in Sarajevo, fully remodeling an orphan community kitchen and installing new kitchen appliances. Another important Bosana program addresses what happens when 18 year olds have to leave the orphanages. According to Soltani, the recently released Bosnian film, “Abandoned” documents the plight of these orphans and is something every American should see. “Orphan children usually end their education with high school,” Soltani explained. “Bosana’s emphasis is to educate, grow and open young adult minds. To give those who are eager and thirsty to learn, the opportunity.” Bosana Foundation provides the mentoring and financial scholarships for higher education opportunities for them. “Coming from countries that had hardships, such as mine, these young people have a voice, a confidence and a need to express themselves,” Soltani said. “They exuberate strength in such obvious ways and that is what is so very inspiring.” To Soltani’s delight, Hollywood has taken notice of the Bosana Foundation featuring a concert hosted by actress Annette Bening with the Balkan Soul Orchestra last year, showcasing Balkan musicians like Rade Serbedzija. At the end of the day, Soltani is a gifted designer using her collection as a voice for those without a voice. Integrating her experiences, Soltani creates bold, high color designs teeming with glamour and edgy elegance. Then Soltani uses her recognition to promote the higher education and well being of Bosnian war survivors and orphans. If this is what happens to Soltani after one inspirational trip to Istanbul, the future of Bosnia’s orphans and war survivors as well as her handcrafted, slow fashion is in good hands. As for Soltani, she’s a lifer. “This, by far, is one of the most gratifying experiences of my life.”** INA SOLTANI www.inasoltani.com
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COCO ECO |
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BEAUTY!
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COLOR CRUSH!
WRITTEN by: Emma
Pezzack, Beauty Director
Spring is here and so is an unprecedented amount of color! Time to get set for a bright, neon and electric color burst as we show you how to traverse the trends with just the right amount in your new season looks. Ushering skincare into the future we feature a new breed of hyperactive and bioactive beauty products that are changing the landscape of cosmetics. And lest we forget the boys, we also highlight the newest and hottest grooming products just for men. Enjoy!
PHOTOGRAPHY by: Jeffrey Filterman STORY by: Emma Pezzack, Beauty Director STYLED by: Adeel Khan ASSISTED by: Shawna Kelley MODEL: Marion at Photogenics Media MAKE UP by: Julianne Kaye Earrings, HOUSE OF KRACK www.houseofkrack.com
HAIR by: Judd Minter
COCO ECO BEAUTY | Continued
Electric avenue
Jane Iredale Warm My Steppes Makeup Kit All the color you need in one handy little kit that contains two gloss shades, blush and bronzer, plus a mirror for touch-ups on the go. - $58.00 www.shopjaneiredale.com
Most of us tend to stick to a neutral color palette when it comes to eyes but spring gives us permission to up the ante with shades of citrus orange, blazing scarlet and shimmery hot pinks. It’s been a while since we’ve seen this kind of color statement for spring and not only do they look dazzling, these shades work to make your eye color pop! ZOYA NAIL POLISH - hEIDI
Aura Multi-Use Blush Stain – Crave A bright, hot coral, this awardwinning and multitasking product can be used on eyes, lips or cheeks – anywhere you want a serious pop of color. - $28.00 www.vapourbeauty.com
Don’t forget your nails when amping up the color stakes. Heidi is a high-beam orange/coral crème that freshens any look. - $8.00 www.futurenatural.com
Kjaer Weis Lip Tint – Bliss Full More like skin food than makeup, this uber glamorous lip tint is just the right amount of lip smoothing and hydrating organic color. - $48.00 www.kjaerweis.com
Josie Maran Argan Oil Color Stick – Dusty Rose With such hot hues setting your eyes alight, the cheeks call for restraint. This sheer dusty rose brings a pretty and subtle flush to the face. - $22.00 josiemarancosmeticsl.com
lavera Beautiful Mineral Eyeshadow – Dreamy Pink #3 Enriched with minerals, nutrients and rice powder, this creaseless formula glides on like a dream and finishes with a slight shimmer. - $15.00 www.lavera.com 36
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Earrings, MARGARET ROWE www.margaretrowe.com
Earrings, HOUSE OF KRACK www.houseofkrack.com Dress, DALIA MACPHEE www.daliamacphee.com
COCO ECO BEAUTY | Continued
Lights
Bright
Color has been around forever but it’s not often we see shockingly saturated shades in hues almost too bright to look at. While bright is big for spring, the beauty of these products is that they can apply sheer and light for as much or as little color you want. Tip: use strategic highlighting to help brighten and balance where there is no color.
Jane Iredale Lip Crayon – Juicy Opposites attract… this thick, creamy crayon is an ultra bright, hot pink that’s gorgeous teamed with shades of orange & red. - $10.00 www.shopjaneiredale.com
Liquid Shimmer Highlighter An understated eye still needs to pop on a face full of color – use a silver, gold or shimmery pink to brighten and enliven. - $37.95 www.theorganicpharmacy.com
Vapour Organics Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss – Vivid A sheer fuchsia shot with silver that offers lip-drenching moisture and organic plumping liposomes, for any time you want to sparkle and shine. - $22.00 www.vapourbeauty.com
Alima Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow – Aubergine Not one for bright lip colors? Get your color fix using a fine swoop of bright eyeliner close to the lash line and watch how it makes your eye color intensify. - $11.00 www.futurenatural.com
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek – Promise A really pretty coral shade that belies in the pot how soft and fresh it looks on – consider this a spring/summer staple. - $36.00 www.futurenatural.com
Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Color – Sweet Apricot Full of nourishing butters & minerals, this color is a neon bright shade, guaranteed to brighten your mood and stay put. - $15.00 www.shopnordstrom.com
COCO ECO BEAUTY | Continued
MAXIMUM Impact
Can you say hot? Opening up a bold, new way to wear color on the face, the brilliant hues seen all over the runways are not simply restricted to the lips or cheeks but also feature strongly on the eyes. Not for the faint-hearted, this is nonetheless a look that works when applied with polish and precision…
Primitive Lip Pencil – Belize A deep, raspberry red that looks fresh worn on it’s own or for great definition paired with your favorite red lippie. - $14.00 www.futurenatural.com
Alima Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow – Sienna A deep, shimmery copper brown that’s densely pigmented for maximum impact whether you’re using wet or dry. - $11.00 www.futurenatural.com
Afterglow Cosmetics Organic Satin Eyeshadow – Marvelous An intense ruby red with plum iridescence this shadow applies like silk and is infused with organic botanicals. - $18.00 www.afterglowcosmetics.com
RawCOLOR Native Essence Pure Pigment Cheek Color – Aztec Applies sheer and gives cheeks a healthy looking warmth with just the right amount of color. - $26.00 www.rawnaturalbeauty.com
Organic Glam Liquid Eyeliner – Black Pump up the drama with a big swoosh of black eyeliner to create definition and glamour. - $33.95 www.theorganicpharmacy.com
ZuZu Luxe Lipstick – Scarlet A high definition, clear red that oozes sex appeal and confidence while delivering long-lasting, creamy color. - $18.15 www.gabrielcosmetics.com
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Earrings, HOUSE OF KRACK www.houseofkrack.com
COCO ECO |
BEAUTY EXTRA!
Beautiful
ACTIVISM WRITTEN by: Emma
Pezzack
Not content with just any old thing off the shelf these days and less inclined to resort to procedures to keep aging at bay, women are increasingly looking to a new breed of skincare products to provide the dramatic results they’re looking for, pain-free and without the down time. We’ll stop short of calling these products a facelift in a bottle, what we can say, is that you’ll definitely see results. 100% Pure Super Fruits Concentrated Serum You can’t beat fruit antioxidants for brightening and repairing damage and this doesn’t disappoint with an exorbitant amount of skin nutrients for aggressive age corrective action. - $35.00 www.100percentpure.com
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ADVERTISEMENT
BEAUTIFUL ACTIVISM | Continued
Pure&True Uplift – Ultramarine Intensive Age-Defying Masque The definitive answer to defying gravity, the combination of marine algae extracts, DMAE, hyaluronic acid and potent antioxidants will have you lifted and tucked faster than a visit to the derm’s office. - $58.00 www.futurenatural.com
Acure Organics Radical Age Reversal Cream Here’s how it works: you go to sleep at night & organic chlorella growth factor, organic curoxidant and cold pressed evening primrose oil have you waking up transformed. - $29.99 www.acureorganics.com
Tata Harper Rebuilding Moisturizer With over 26 active ingredients that are renowned for their potency with building healthy new skin tissue and a super youthful countenance, about the only thing this moisturizer doesn’t do is your laundry. - $100.00 www.tataharper.com
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Patyka Biokaliftin Repair Face Cream With ingredients like hexapeptide 11, hyaluronic acid and oat polysaccharides, it’s clinically proven this cream will have you lifted, firmed and plumped in less than two weeks. - $145.00 www.patyka.com
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer A proprietary blend of alphahydroxy acids as well as resveratrol make this an antioxidant powerhouse that will boost skin tone and condition. - $65.00 www.juicebeauty.com
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COCO ECO |
BEAUTY EXTRA!
ONE FOR THE
BOYS
WRITTEN by: Emma
Pezzack
You fancy yourself as a modern man (and secretly you want your skin to look as amazing as your wife or girlfriends), but that doesn’t mean you want a cabinet full of beauty products to get you groomed into shape everyday. No hassle, simple, fast, performance driven formulations are the order of the day - if they multitask, even better. Taking care of how you look is a necessity, not a luxury, and these grooming solutions give you the control you want in the comfort of your own bathroom… Ursa Major Stellar Shave Cream The sublime texture of this cream will give you an outof-this-world shave experience that will seriously have you craving your next shave – think comfortable, soft, smooth with a robust, natural scent. - $21.00 www.futurenatural.com
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Strange Invisible Perfumes – Black Rosette Ultra sexy and compellingly unique this depicts the dark side of roses in a masculine scent that’s enlivened by crisp notes of spearmint and pierced with a menacing undercurrent of leather and musky notes. - $220.00 www.futurenatural.com
Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner A leave-in conditioner that delivers protection, shine and strength, with organic botanicals that won’t weigh your hair down. - $22.00 www.yarok.com
Code SC : Lift & Tighten Serum An intense revitalizing and firming treatment that contains plant-based peptides, cucumber & enzymes, in a lightweight, easily absorbed formula. - $95.00 www.codesc.com
Aveda Pure-Formance Grooming Clay Get your hair under control with a light touch that doesn’t add shine. Micro-fibers provide the hold you need to create any hairstyle and botanicals take care of the rest. - $22.00 www.aveda.com
Weleda Men’s Facial Moisturizer With a slight, fresh herbal scent, this soothing cream absorbs quickly to calm, hydrate, refine and tone. - $15.25 www.weledausa.com
COCO ECO |
BEAUTY EXTRA!
The Ritual of Cleansing
RESET Your Life WRITTEN by: Anna Griffin, Editor-In-Chief PHOTOGRAPHY by: Alex Abercrombie
When approached by the Ritual Cleanse team to experience their three-day juice system, I am not quick to respond. Being in the middle of a really intense work phase, I can think of nothing worse than the possibility of being nauseous, fatigued and unable to focus. Add to that the fact that I am not a huge fan of cleansing having failed miserably in the past, and you might understand my reluctance. However, they talk me into it assuring me that any side effects that could occur will be mild, and that I will absolutely love it. All right, sign me up but if I am going to do this, I want to really commit so let’s aim for a full five days. I am in need of a detox and general reset of my dietary habits, but want something that tastes good and enables me to maintain my busy schedule. Enter Ritual Cleanse. First thing on a bright sunny Monday morning and a big green bag sits at my door. Upon opening, I am greeted by a multitude of bottles filled with different brightly colored juices and already I am excited to begin what will be five days of juice, the whole juice, and nothing 48 | Cleanse COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011Kenyon Ritual Founders Marra St.. Clair and Lori
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but the juice. The program is simple. Delivered to your door, six fresh juices pressed from 15 lbs of organic fruits and vegetables, to be consumed at two hourly intervals throughout the day, plus a Pre and Post Shred workout drink. Could it really be this easy? Simple answer, yes!
for my POST Shred, a creamy, almond alkaline water with vanilla, cinnamon and agave. Soothing and replenishing, I definitely feel an energy boost after drinking it, and I’m able to return to work refreshed and focused.
The juices labeled RESET 1-6, make this idiot-proof and come with a full set of instructions on when to drink and what else to do to make the cleanse effective and effortless. But how do they taste? Absolutely delicious and immediately I forget I am even doing a cleanse at all. I start my day with a combination of spinach, romaine, kale, cucumber, green apple and lemon, and progress to an all-star line up including pomegranate, clementine, young coconut water, ginger, beets, and lots more of the greens. I am immediately impressed by how good this all tastes, with the exception of the generous dose of cayenne and lemon in Reset 4 (or as I call it Spicy Lemonade), but unfortunately the combination of those two ingredients are part of any detox program and I have to grin and bear it. Thankfully only once a day! Dinner is something I look forward to and savor Reset 6 as if it were my last supper. A mealy drink of cashew, alkaline water, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and agave, satiating my comfort food craving as I work late into the night whilst keeping me on the straight and narrow with my cleanse! So good, I could do this everyday.
My Ritual Cleanse week is an amazing experience. The side effects are so mild I almost don’t notice them, and at one point I wonder if this is actually working. No cravings or feelings of hunger or withdrawal, and no headaches, blemishes, nausea or fatigue. I have lost a few pounds, my skin is glowing, and I am so calm and evenly balanced that my Mom wonders what I am on! The biggest benefit I notice however, is a rebooted approach to my diet, so much so that when the cleanse ends I dread having to put real food in my mouth and return to normal life because I am feeling so clean and healthy.
My favorite part of this routine comes before and after my workout, and actually inspires me to get out running in the cold February air. The PRE Shred is a delicious blend of carrot, beet, celery, apple, and pear. Thirty minutes later and it is time to get my uphill jog on and surprisingly I find it easy. I am full of energy and pound the hill in record time. Returning home and within thirty minutes it’s time
The final analysis? If you are looking to clean up your act, reset your lifestyle, feel amazing and look fantastic, Ritual Cleanse is the way to go. Will I do it again? Absolutely. In fact it’s so good I can’t wait till the next one.** RITUAL CLEANSE
www.ritualcleanse.com
In-Kind Natural Products
Scotch Naturals – KiltLifter
21 Drops
Available at Safeway, this all-new natural personal care collection featuring around 30 products is easy on your wallet, good for the planet, and contains no harmful chemicals.
Color is back in a big way for Spring/Summer and this revolutionary new waterbased nail polish has not only eliminated harmful chemicals, but also conditions your nails back to health the more you wear it.
- $3.99 - $13.99
- $13.99
Aromatherapy like you’ve never seen it delivered using a thoroughly modern approach, pure extraction techniques that don’t compromise integrity of the ingredients, and highly skilled blending. Twenty-one unique combinations for your every mood – well, almost.
Available at Safeway nationwide
www.scotchnaturals.com
- $28.00
www.21drops.com
Beauty Director LOVES Selected by: Emma
Pezzack
I’m a sucker for killer aesthetic, provided there’s also substance. These products represent good design from ultra modern to decorative but beyond their great looks, the formulations don’t disappoint either.
Lavanila Grapefruit & Vanilla Healthy Deodorant
Juniper Ridge Aromatherapy Spray – White Sage
Kaia Cashmere Soft Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths
I’m on a constant quest to find natural deodorants that work and this one from Lavanila truly performs using revolutionary oat-beta glucan technology with an uplifting scent of grapefruit & lime. - $18.00
Made with 100% sustainable & wild-harvested plants from the wilds of America, these sprays contain only steam-distilled oils and water, gently extracted. Amazing sprayed on bed linens for a blissful night of sleep reminiscent of nature – perfect if you live in the middle of a big city.
I’m a major fan of no-fuss routines so these travel friendly travel sachets are high on my list of must-haves for spring/summer. Saturated with cleansing botanicals that will leave skin clean and soft they’re great for the gym, yoga, travel and your bathroom.
www.lavanila.com
- $15.00
- $18.00
www.futurenatural.com
www.futurenatural.com
COCO ECO |
SPOTLIGHT ON BEAUTY!
Kahina
Giving Beauty WRITTEN by: Jolene Hart PHOTOGRAPHY by: Kahina
We all aim to be smart beauty buyers, but it certainly isn’t made easy for us. When it comes time to choose, say, a facial cleanser, we’re stuck pondering whether to grab the product with the cleanest ingredients, the most ethical sourcing or the most eco-friendly packaging. So much for beauty made simple! So it’s all the more momentous when a brand like Kahina Giving Beauty puts everything we want in one package, then takes it all a step--no, a leap--further than the rest with an inspiring philanthropy program. This brand is making the tough stuff look easy. Katherine L’Heureux is making it look easy, to be exact. As Giving Beauty’s founder, she set the bar high with a pledge to give 25% of the brand’s profits to the indigenous women of Morocco who harvest Kahina’s core ingredient: organic argan oil. The signatures of those Berber women adorn each Kahina Giving Beauty bottle. “It is my goal to actually make a difference in these women’s lives. I was, and still am, moved by these women’s warmth, their stories and their artistry. My reward will be in creating a sustainable business model that can help these women and others in need,” says L’Heureux.The brand’s slogan ‘helping women through shared beauty rituals,’ reminds us just how powerful our day-to-day beauty choices can be. L’Heureux’s commitment to the Berber women, and the inspiration for the Kahina Giving Beauty line, came from her many trips to Berber woman extracting argan 52 | COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011 oil from tree nuts
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Morocco, home to the argan tree. By Moroccan law, only Berber women are allowed to extract the precious oil from the argan tree nuts. Given the recent argan oil beauty boom, harvesting argan oil in a women’s cooperative has become a road to financial and social independence for Berber women, most of whom live in poverty. Kahina Giving Beauty sources its argan oil from a women’s cooperative that provides fair wages, literacy training and women’s rights programs to its members. In the future, other lines will be added to the Giving Beauty brand, each with its own ingredients sourced from women’s cooperatives around the world. This may not be the first time you’ve been introduced to Giving Beauty; the brand has already graced the pages of Vanity Fair, Nylon and Marie Claire. Argan oil is a centuries-old beauty staple prized by the women of Morocco, and we’ve only just begun our love affair. Rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin E, and argan oil earns raves for its ability to improve the overall health of skin, from wrinkles to elasticity and tone. “When I started using argan oil, I noticed that my skin was balanced for the first time,” says L’Heureux, who even stopped her regimen of prescription because of the improvement in skin tone that she saw from argan oil. “I didn’t like how the retinoids were making my skin appear thin. Once I stopped [retinoids], my skin grew healthier and stronger,” she says. For those who want to stick to a retinoid regimen, Kahina’s argan oil skin care delivers a hydrating, anti-inflammatory boost to counter existing irritation. Giving Beauty customers who try argan oil are often astounded at the difference it makes in their skin, and at the tactile quality and potency of the Kahina Giving Beauty line, as compared to conven-
tional skin care products. The elegant violet glass bottles that hold Giving Beauty skin care come with delicate droppers and pumps that dispense the smallest amounts, since a little of these formulas goes a very long way, making them well worth the cost. The Kahina Giving Beauty regimen starts with a creamy facial cleanser made with argan oil, willow bark extract, honey and papaya to gently cleanse and exfoliate. I loved the cleanser’s texture, and I especially enjoyed following it with Kahina Giving Beauty’s pure argan oil or serum.The pure argan oil has a warm, nutty aroma and absorbs instantly into the skin and hair.The serum is a mix of argan oil and several other antioxidant-rich oils like sea buckthorn, carrot, chamomile, neroli and ylang ylang that add even greater healing powers. The skin care lineup also includes a facial lotion, an eye serum and customer favorite eye cream, as well as a new antioxidant mask and toning mistall argan oil-based (the mist incorporates argan leaf extract, not oil). “We are always working on new product ideas, but we want to make sure the line stays pure to its philosophy of simplicity,’ L’Heureux explains. Kahina Giving Beauty is now available in spas and boutiques around the world.** Kahina Giving Beauty
www.kahina-givingbeauty.com
COCO ECO |
COVER STORY!
PHOTOGRAPHY by: Gitte Meldgaard ASSISTED by: Jeremy Oversier STORY by: Sarah Griffin Berns STYLED by: Phu Styles Assisted by: Marissa Spallone MAKE-UP by: Debra Goddard HAIR by: Brian Bowman ELOISE: Gown, ROBERTO DE VILLACIS www.devillacis.com Shoes, YOTAM SOLOMON www.yotamsolomon.com Cuff, ANDREA GUTIERREZ www.andreagutierrezjewelry.com Ring, LINDA LOUDERMILK www.lindaloudermilk.com JOHN 54 | PAUL: COCO His ECOown MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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The Real
American
Dream John Paul & Eloise Dejoria
WRITTEN by: Anna Griffin, Editor-In-Chief PHOTOGRAPHY by: Gitte Meldgaard
My first visit to John Paul and Eloise Dejoria’s Malibu estate is a location scout, and I am not only 45 minutes late but completely caught off guard when greeted by Eloise herself. I have not been told I am meeting her, and am not dressed or prepared for the occasion. However, she affectionately welcomes me and is soon giving a personal tour of their grand Italian-inspired villa as we chat about their solar panels, beehives, and donation of 410 canyon acres to the state as a wilderness refuge. She’s radiant, relaxed and warm, sharing her beautiful home with the openness of an old friend as we discuss her inspiration for her gardens, and John Paul’s favorite possession, an old guitar given to him by friend John Lee Hooker. It’s here I should interject that I am struck by their very deep love affair. COVER STORY | Continued
COVER STORY | Continued
Scattered throughout the house are odes to John Paul’s devotion to his wife, whether created in marble, stained glass, or antique inlaid flooring. The strength of their union is apparent and quite inspiring, and whilst some might have a preconceived notion of an uber-successful billionaire and his stunning wife, this is most definitely not the case for John Paul and Eloise. This man loves his lady and she her man, and together they are passionately vested in supporting each other in making the world a better place. Two days later we return bright and early for our cover shoot and the house is already a hive of activity. John Paul and Eloise are only in town for a few days and he is in the midst of a fitting for a Patron Tequila ad campaign before shooting our cover story, several scheduled afternoon appointments in town, and two evening Oscar events. This is a busy man on a tight schedule and I wonder how he gets it all done, until he breezes into wardrobe full of vitality and enthusiasm, genuinely excited to meet us and get to work. If you didn’t know of John Paul, or his rags to riches story from homelessness to an awe-inspiring journey of becoming one of the America’s most powerful entrepreneurs, meeting him would give little away.
that’s one of the most inspirational things about you that you came from nothing, and chose to rebuild yourself from the ground up. Can you share with us about that journey? JP: Sure. From about five to nine years old I was in the foster care system because my mother couldn’t take care of my brother and I whilst she worked. During the week, Monday morning through Friday afternoon we were in the system and with my Mom on the weekends. When we grew up we didn’t realize we didn’t have anything because we always had food to eat, and we didn’t have televisions in those days so we thought we were fine. We didn’t know we were without and we were happy. In my early twenties was the first time I was homeless. I was in between jobs; my wife and I were very young and had a child. She couldn’t handle being a Mom anymore and one day she walked out as I walked in. I had virtually no money. Anything in the bank she took, she hadn’t paid the rent, there were eviction notices I didn’t even know existed and she was just gone. So that’s the first time we were homeless and it was a little difficult so we collected soda pop bottles. I would take a friend’s car and go by different neighborhoods looking for Coke bottles and take them to the supermarkets where they would give you money, and that’s how we existed.
“Success unshared is failure. Do unto others as you’d have others do unto you. Be a kind human. And keep going. Don’t give up.”
He is remarkably open and down to earth with a contagious zest for life that belies his status as a man who owns several globally successful brands including Paul Mitchell, Patron Tequila, Dejoria Diamonds, and John Paul Pet, and uses his success to assist major international issues such as hunger and poverty, AIDS, animal rescue, children’s issues, and global warming. Being a special Emissary to the United Nations Environmental Program, a patronlevel sponsor of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, feeding over 17,000 orphaned children daily via Food for Africa, and their support and investment in the Austin Children’s Shelter and the Arbor Recovery Center, John Paul and Eloise live by the motto, “Success Unshared is Failure.”This is evidently infused into every area of their lives, equally applied between their personal, business, and philanthropic endeavors, and combined with their deep love of family. Introducing you to the real American dream, Dejoria style!
- John Paul Dejoria
John Paul on entrepreneurialism and philanthropy: CEM: Let’s talk a little bit about your start. You were the son of immigrant parents and by nine years old you were in the foster system, and we have heard about you being homeless. I think 56
CEM: It’s incredibly moving to hear that, especially with the emotional impact of a wife leaving, a child to care for, and no money. That made you stronger. JP: Yes. The second time we were homeless was when we started John Paul Mitchell Systems.
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COVER STORY | Continued www.cocoecomag.com
The guitar was given to John Paul by his friend John Lee Hooker who signed it for him. John was illiterate so John Paul wrote in capitals on a piece of card so he could copy it onto the guitar.
COVER STORY | Continued
We had a half a million dollars coming in and the guy changed his mind. Never gave us a penny. So Paul Mitchell and I started the company with $700 and I lived in my car for the first couple of weeks. CEM:And you sold the product out of the back of the car, correct? JP: Yes. Lived in my car, and sold out of the back of my car! CEM: And the now famous signature black and white packaging was because you couldn’t afford color? JP: Yes, black and white was two cents and color was seven cents so it was better to go black and white! CEM: An amazing story. Cut to now; Paul Mitchell, Patron Tequila, John Paul Pets, the ROK group of companies, and a host of other businesses you are involved with. You’ve really personified the American dream. What does this mean to you?
JP: For business, selling encyclopedias door to door when I was in my late teens through my early twenties. Knocking on doors with a stack of books when no one wants to let you in, and trying to sell them something. And my mother had a great influence when I was six years old. At Christmas time she’d take us to Downtown LA to see all the Christmas decorations in the department store windows, and one time she gave my brother and I a dime and told us to each hold half of the ten-cent piece and each put it in a Salvation Army bucket. In those days that was a lot of money so we asked her why. She told us that no matter what you have, there is always someone who will need it more than you do, and to me that was a very good start.
“Paul Mitchell, we were the very first in the hair care industry to say we don’t test on animals. We tested on ourselves...ten years later it became fashionable and everybody followed suit.”
JP: Well it means that there’s an opportunity out there, and if you see an opportunity and you do all the things that other people don’t want to do, like knock on 50 or 100 doors and they’re all slammed in your face, the next door you knock on you have to be just as enthusiastic. It also means that if you believe in what you’re doing and keep on going and never give up, you’ve got a good chance to make it. So that American dream definitely works. What really worked for me was being able to sleep at night, not worrying knowing I could pay my bills. That was a BIG change. And of course I could do the things that I want to do to change the world. 58
CEM: So who or what have been your greatest influences?
CEM: What are some of your current causes?
JP: Definitely Waterkeeper Alliance. We are all over the world, mostly in the US and Canada, and we clean up the waterways. We have attorneys who sue people, we’ve won every suit we’ve ever been in and we leave the money in the community to monitor the rivers so people won’t pollute again. My newest venture is Grow Appalachia here in the US. A lot of people are out of work because of coalmines. Companies bring in these big machines that are terrible and strip the tops of mountains, and each machine means over 170 people out of work. They have it pretty tough up there so I work with Berea College in Kentucky. We’ve hired a couple of people and I pay for the seeds, fertilizer, and all the equipment they need and last year we planted 100 gardens. From what we planted, this year 2700 people will eat groceries, and we’re doubling it. If we keep doing that, in five years we’ll probably have a good chance of feeding half the people of Appalachia. A lot of people need to be fed properly. CEM:What moves you? I imagine you are inundated with requests for assistance. JP: We are inundated but the things I’ve picked just popped into my life and seemed like the thing to do. Whether it’s schools in Thailand that save the 13 year old girls from prostitution, or everyday feeding 17,000 starving children whose parents have died of AIDS in Africa, the people of Appalachia, or building centers in the inner
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COVER STORY | Continued www.cocoecomag.com
ELOISE: Gown, LINDEE DANIEL www.lindeedaniel.com Diamond ring, AMYN www.jewelryon7th.com Necklace, ELOISE’S OWN JOHN PAUL: Eco Tux Jacket, SIMON CARTER All others, John Paul’s own
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COVER STORY | Continued
city so gang members have a place to go have help with their homework instead of hanging out with gangs after school. I’m also one of the initial supporters of Sea Shepherd and Captain Paul Watson, and I just heard today that they’re out in the Antarctica area right now and the entire Japanese fleet turned around and went back home. It’s an unbelievable success. CEM: You incorporate a sense of conscientiousness into your business ventures. Will you share some of your ecological directives? JP: With Paul Mitchell, we were the very first in the hair care industry to say we don’t test on animals. We tested on ourselves. All our competitors said we were crazy and our products weren’t good and ten years later it became fashionable and everybody followed suit. We try to be very ecological. Everyone brings their own utensils to lunch, and if you carpool we pay for your gas. Our Tea Tree line and all of our seminars are carbon neutral. We have just launched a new line, our Awapuhi Wild Ginger, and it is paraben and sulfate free. With Dejoria Diamonds, we’ve been ethically mining diamonds in Africa for eight years, and giving profits back to the communities where we mine. With Patron, it’s the distillage. Once you process and distill the agave, it’s pretty bad and pollutes the waterways and everything else. We have a process that cleans it all up so we can actually give it to farmers to use as fertilizer. And all our bottles are recycled glass. By the way, do you know how eco this house is? We have solar panels and just got our permits to install windmills. When you walk in, the flooring is over 2,000 years old from Italy, and all the framework that is on the exterior of the house is a teak that can last up to a thousand years. If you don’t want to have to rebuild something, you have to build it to last. And our home in Hawaii is completely off the grid. CEM:You are one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, and are vested in welfare initiatives such as Food for Africa.You stood up to seal hunters in Canada, and were involved with COVER STORY | Continued
COVER STORY | Continued
transforming the demilitarized zone in Korea into an ecopreserve. You also sit of the Board of Advisors for Global Green USA. What are you most proud of in your life?
CEM:You have the most extraordinary love affair with Eloise.
JP: That I realize that “Success Unshared is Failure.”You have to do something to help the world become a better place or you haven’t been successful. I am very proud that it’s a reality for me.
JP: Again, that “Success Unshared is Failure,” and do unto others as you’d have others do unto you. Be a kind human. And keep going. Don’t give up.
JP: Yes, twenty years. CEM: The one piece of advice you would share with others?
CEM: The lasting legacy you would like to leave on this world?
CEM: So what’s next for you? JP: JP Selects, which launches May 1st. My partner, Jonathan Kendrick suggested it and it seemed like a really brilliant idea to help introduce people who are interested in an ecologically minded lifestyle to companies who do something to help the environment or humanity. How are these things being made, how are they good for humanity? Not only do we select these products but check that they are really doing what they say they are. If you’re going to buy something, why not buy something that helps the planet out? We want to make sure that companies do something not just to make profit off the public but more importantly, to do something to give back and make the world a better place because they are here. That is what JP Selects is all about. The percentage of profits that would go to me is being given to JP’s Peace, Love and Happiness Family Foundation, which support humanitarian efforts around the planet.
JP:That whilst I was here I did something that made the world a better place to live. For my family as well as all of humanity. That would be something to leave behind.
“Money doesn’t bring you happiness. It’s your choices and the people around you, and your health.”
Eloise on love and family: CEM: You and your lovely husband share quite an extraordinary love story. Tell us about that.
Eloise Dejoria: I met John Paul in 1991. I had taken a sabbatical from seeing anyone at the time and was just taking care of my son and my garden. Two different friends from two different walks of life crossed both our paths suggested we’d be perfect for each other. He called me and we talked and it was the most pure conversation. There wasn’t any talk about pasts, but about our kids and everything was positive. John Paul picked me up for lunch and pulled out a list of 11 things he wanted in a woman. He’d written it in Vienna with his daughters, gave it to me to read, and I was everything on the list. It was a perfect fit. Three months later he ripped up the list and told me he had found his girl. The romantic part was when we were in Aspen on New Year’s Eve in a little log cabin and he had hung this pretty little ruby heart on a necklace he had given me. He got down on one knee and said, “I want you to think about what I might ask you in 44 days,” which is Valentine’s Day. He gave me this time, like such a gentleman to think about what it would be like to be with him, which I really appreciated. On Valentine’s Eve I was making him dinner, and John Paul asked me, “Wilt though be mine?” The phones didn’t work for two hours so we had this peaceful time. He then sent 1300 red roses to my little apartment with one yellow rose of Texas, to ask me if June 13 was a good day to get married. Of course I said yes!
- Eloise Dejoria
CEM: With so much going on in your life, what makes you happy? JP: I am a happy guy. Happy most of my life. I’m just a pretty happy person.
CEM: We have all been very touched to see a man so in love and 62
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COVER STORY | Continued www.cocoecomag.com
Gown, OLIVER TOLENTINO www.olivertolentino.com Shoes, YOTAM SOLOMON www.yotamsolomon.com Diamond ring, AMYN www.jewelryon7th.com Necklace & bracelet, ELOISE’S OWN
ELOISE: Gown, ROBERTO DE VILLACIS www.devillacis.com Shoes, YOTAM SOLOMON www.yotamsolomon.com Cuff, ANDREA GUTIERREZ www.andreagutierrezjewelry.com Ring, LINDA LOUDERMILK www.lindaloudermilk.com JOHN 64 | PAUL: COCO His ECOown MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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COVER STORY | Continued
the way you respond to him. You give the rest of us hope that such great relationships really do exist.
life has good things to offer. It really feels good knowing the Arbor is there giving back.
ED: I always trusted in John Paul’s love, his growth, the way he has always cared about the environment and helping others. He’s always wanted to give and is always teaching people how to do that, and that is one thing I really like. We do so much together to help the world, but his energy helps me get out of myself. I’m beside him, just supporting him. I try to make everything really nice for him and we’re a fine tuned machine at this point, but it wasn’t always easy. Now that we’re matured it’s easy for us, so it’s definitely worth the wait. Hang in there, people. It gets better!
CEM: You’re very passionate about children, aren’t you? Tell us about Austin Children’s Shelter.
CEM: How do you keep up with John Paul? ED: I am glad you asked me how I keep up with him because it’s been a big deal for 20 years. I go to bed early! CEM: What inspires this great woman? ED:Taking good care of myself, being real. I really strive to be strongly in tune with my family, and to really communicate with them and love them. I feel the love the Universe has is here to help me with my energy. I believe that it gives back and I trust in that. I believe in the good and I don’t let people bring me down. I strongly believe in the best for my family and the planet. Healthy living and exercise and wanting the best for John Paul, that’s what inspires me. CEM: You are both remarkably down to earth and it is refreshing to meet people in your position who are so genuine. How have you remained so humble? ED: I think it’s unique that we’re both so humble. We’ve both had tough times. I’ve been on my own since I was 14 and have done a lot of work on myself. It’s the woman who brings the man down to earth and his strength brings the family together. I think I am like that from my tough knocks in life and he’s the same way. He’s been through so much too. Everybody’s human and everybody’s equal. None of us get out of this, and the money doesn’t bring you happiness. It’s your choices and the people around you, and your health.
ED: I am. There’s no better feeling than helping a child, people who have no choice. “Precious” was an incredible movie because it validated that I was doing the right thing by helping these abused women and children, and I really feel strongly about it. It happens and they don’t tell anyone and it’s just an awful, awful thing for children, and if we can give them a different way of life, different from what they’ve been through, we can help them get away from the abuse. Speak up and go get help if you’re getting abused. And don’t abuse yourself with alcohol and drugs. Start loving yourself, there’s plenty of good energy to help. CEM: What final words of wisdom would you share with other women? ED: Anytime you start to cut yourself down in any form, stop it dead in its tracks. You take control of your mind and tell yourself something loving, because you deserve it. Our team leaves Malibu after a whirlwind fivehour photo shoot, energized and inspired. It seems the American dream of entrepreneurialism and a beautiful home and family is indeed real, but maybe now it also involves a dream for the planet and humanity. I’m all for making that dream a reality, and after spending time with John Paul and Eloise think it just might actually be possible!**
CEM: Tell me about the Arbor Recovery Center.
JP SELECTS www.jpselects.com
ED: My son, Justin Harvey who wanted to create a recovery center and give back, created The Arbor. We found Jim Walker, this wonderful man who has 37 years sober, and it’s really creating miracles in people’s souls and changing their lives. I don’t drink anymore. I support that effort to staying clear. It’s an easy thing to want to do, to drink or take something to make yourself feel better, but I just know
PAUL MITCHELL www.paulmitchell.com FOOD 4 AFRICA www.food4africa.org WATER KEEPER www.waterkeeper.org
COCO ECO |
MEN WE LOVE!
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong
AAAH | March-April 2011 66 PHOTO | COCOCREDIT: ECO MAGAZINE
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MEN WE LOVE: Sir Richard Branson, Aaron Cohen, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Mathew Gerson, John Prendergast The Social Agenda
WRITTEN by: Nikki Lin PHOTOGRAPHY by: As Credited
Coco Eco pays tribute to the Men We Love for their heroic efforts to better our world. We celebrate the achievements of six men who are well known for their professional endeavors, and less recognized for their work to help others. These gentlemen have all made significant differences by utilizing their influence and exemplary global leadership to exercise a social vigilance which should be applauded, and learned from. Join us as we explore each of their journeys‌
MEN WE LOVE | Continued
MEN WE LOVE | Continued
Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is well known for codeveloping Abraxane, a break-through cancer treatment drug. More recently, he has turned his focus towards philanthropic efforts and building a revolutionary smart grid for healthcare. “We need a more integrated healthcare system, and also a system for translating new science into new therapies far faster than currently occurs,” says Soon-Shiong. “All of this is achievable, and better outcomes will also mean sustainable costs.” Soon-Shiong is a South-African American surgeon who grew up watching his father practice traditional Chinese medicine. As a doctor in Johannesburg he received half pay due to apartheid race rules. He joined UCLA and went onto pioneer new ways to treat diabetes, and then cancer. After the discovery of Abraxane, he went onto remarkable business ventures that eventually earned him billions. In 2009, he pledged $100 million towards reopening the MLK Hospital in South Central LA. “There will be a first class hospital, and a wellness clinic and services designed to keep people healthy,” says Soon-Shiong. He also hopes the new hospital will act as a model for the country. “We need a health system that acts to keep people healthy, rather than waiting for them to get sick.” Soon-Shiong has recently co-founded the AAAH (All About Advanced Healthcare) Program to help address challenges between patients, providers, and pharmaceutical communities. His vision is to make access and the exchange of information between provider and patients more transparent. He continues to work with UCLA researchers at the California NanoSystems Institute and Wireless Health Institute to develop cutting edge advances in healthcare. Recently, Soon-Shiong and his wife Michele Chan signed the Giving Pledge, created by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, which promises at least half of their fortune to charitable causes. www.aaah.com 68
Aaron Cohen PROVIDED BY: Aaron Cohen
AARON COHEN He works alone in the shadows of the night on missions in Mexico and Latin America, across the Himalayas of India in Central Asia, through the Middle East, and among countless destinations right here in the United States. Aaron Cohen has spent the last decade abolishing modern day human slavery. After he initially worked to raise evidence and awareness, he became disillusioned with the infighting among well intentioned activists and scholars. “I’m less interested in the politics and more motivated these days by the real work on the ground of freeing slaves,” says Cohen. As a result, he works with task forces to investigate complex underground operations in each region. He teaches investigators to identify victims as an undercover operative and works with police and jurisdiction to rescue modern day slaves. In his earlier career in the music business, Cohen worked closely with Jane’s Addiction front man Perry Farrell. One of many interesting partners, which can be found in “Slave Hunter”, the memoir Cohen authored with writer Christine Buckley. The book captures the culture of the 1990’s drug and music scene. After a struggle with his own addictions, he began working to free people from the shackles that bound them. Cohen and his “Jubilee” network are actively following what he calls “the geo-political clash of societies in the Middle East.” His findings are that where political upheaval or natural disaster might occur, human trafficking runs rampant. As an activist, Cohen expresses his biggest regret of all: the human trafficking victims we have all left behind. www.abolishslavery.org
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SIR RICHARD BRANSON Sir Richard Branson is an entrepreneur best known for his Virgin Group of over 400 companies, charming disposition and puro vida sensibility. Among his many established ventures are Virgin Records, Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic and countless others. Branson has also accomplished commendable advances in humanitarian efforts. Sir Richard, Peter Gabriel and Nelson Mandela formed a group in the late 1990’s called The Elders. They formed a group that could achieve positive global change without any vested personal interest. The group is comprised of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi, Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan, President Jimmy Carter, Ela Bhatt, Gro Brundtland, President Fernando H Cardoso, Muhammad Yunus and Graça Machel. “There is so much to tackle, including the depletion of natural assets and helping the millions of people around the world facing poverty, conflict, and a lack of basic resources and education,” says Branson. The Virgin Group’s independent charitable arm, Virgin Unite, follows his theory that “business leaders have a strong responsibility to reinvest the money they make into creating new jobs, tackling tough problems facing society and our environment.” The goal of Virgin Unite is to change the way businesses and the social sector work together, providing examples of global leadership through revolutionized entrepreneurship.Visitors to the Virgin Unite website can contribute immediately to the cause of their choice, or start their own fundraiser with the resources provided. One recent initiative to note is the RE*Generation Project which helps homeless youth campaign for real change. “It’s unacceptable that approximately two million young people experience homelessness each year in America,” Branson states. By investing in the well being of our youth, Branson safeguards the future of our world. www.virginunite.com Richard Branson PROVIDED BY: Virgin Group, Ltd.
MEN WE LOVE | Continued
John Prendergast PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Freccia
Mathew Gerson PROVIDED BY: Mathew Gerson MEN WE LOVE | Continued
MATHEW GERSON Mathew Gerson brings a novel perspective to charitable effort as co-founder and CEO of Sir Richard’s Condom Company. The company is not related to Sir Richard Branson or the Virgin Brand but does echo a similar note of global leadership through entrepreneurship. Gerson’s deft response to a crucial need makes the world a safer place as for every condom purchased, one is donated to a developing country. Sir Richard’s upholds that safe sex is a basic human right, and all individuals should have the opportunity to choose safe sex no matter what their economic conditions may be. Currently, Gerson is working with Partners in Health to distribute his product free of charge throughout Haiti. Gerson is also working with Whole Foods Markets nationally to increase accessibility. Stores such as Paul Smith and Fred Segal carry Sir Richards Condoms as well as the WYNN hotel in Las Vegas. Casa Hotel in New York features the fine product. The condoms are made of 100% natural latex and are consequently, vegan friendly. “This is a purchase you should feel really proud about as you are protecting yourself and your lover,” states Gerson. As the Sir Richard’s adage goes, “Doing good never felt better.” www.sirrichards.com 70
JOHN PRENDERGAST John Prendergast is a human rights activist known for his passionate mission of Peace in Africa for the last 25 years. As co-founder of the Enough Project, he works to end genocide and crimes against humanity affiliated with the Center for American Progress. He has worked with the Clinton Administration, the U.S. Department of State, two members of the United States Congress and also George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Don Cheadle, Ben Affleck and many others to bring light to problems in Africa. Prendergast shares his vision for the Enough Project: “We felt that there was a need for an organization that could bring top-flight war-zone reporting and analysis together with a model of policy change predicated on elite advocacy, grassroots activism, and innovative awareness.” The group produces in-depth and credible policy reports and utilizes the support of celebrities to bring to light the destructive war being waged in countries such as Sudan and Congo. “We don’t want to just treat the symptoms. We want to get at the root causes and end these crises once and for all. We want to put ourselves out of business when peace breaks out in the biggest war zones in Africa,” states Prendergast. He is also the best-selling author of several books documenting this journey over the years. John Prendergast is the co-author of a new Random House book, Unlikely Brothers: Our Story of Adventure, Loss and Redemption, which will be available in stores, Mid-May. Prendergast encourages involvement by telling us that everyone’s voice matters, “Your actions in the context of a people’s movement for human rights can save thousands of lives.” www.enoughproject.org
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Dr. Anthony Fauci with Former President Bill Clinton PHOTO CREDIT: Official White House photo
Dr. Anthony Fauci Thirty years ago this spring, the first cases of HIV were reported in Los Angeles. Dr. Anthony Fauci has been involved from the beginning of this pandemic and has made influential contributions to the way we understand and live with HIV/ AIDS. He has fostered public awareness, worked tirelessly towards bettering the lives of those who are affected and continues to serve as one of the key advisors to the White House and Department of Health and Human Services on global AIDS issues As Director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Fauci has played a significant role in defining the reality of those who live with the disease. In 1982, when the virus emerged almost solely within the gay male population Fauci wrote in the Annals of Internal Medicine, “because we do not know the cause of this syndrome, any assumption that the syndrome will remain restricted to a particular segment of our society is truly an assumption without scientific basis.” In the early 80’s, Fauci and then U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop found their own budget and resources to distribute pamphlets to the public educating us on exactly how the virus could be spread. Instead of abiding by the rigorous rules and procedures set forth by our government and healthcare system, Fauci worked with protesters who stormed the NIH so together they could provide a better solution to the issue. Under his vigilant watch for the last three decades, the average survival rate of affected patients has gone from a mere 26 weeks to an average of 50 years. www.niaid.nih.gov
COCO ECO |
TAKE ACTION!
Citizens
of Humanity
WRITTEN by: Heather Carter PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Enough
Project & Esther Havens
With disturbing events around the world plaguing the news, it would be easy for one to believe that evil and misfortune dominate. True to Chinese yin and yang philosophy the world is comprised of evil and good so for every inhumane act there is surely a humane one. There are tireless ethically centric organizations that are making a huge impact on humanity. Causecast is an organization that was founded by entrepreneur Ryan Scott in 2007. Scott saw a great need for online tools and technology in the nonprofit world. His solution was to create an online platform that could connect and empower some of the largest forces of change in the name of the world’s most pressing causes. In 2008, Ryan launched Causecast, an innovative social enterprise that delivers tools, technology and services that connect nonprofit organizations, brands, individuals, and media networks.
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Scott explained his vision to Coco Eco, “The reason I started Causecast was because I felt there was a gap between what activists and brands wanted to do and what nonprofit organizations were ultimately capable of doing with their limited resources. We’ve gone through a lot of transformation in a short period of time, at the same time, people’s awareness of global issues has grown exponentially, and with it their desire to take action. Our goal at Causecast is to provide people with the tools and connections to make positive social change part of their everyday lives, and also to make it a part of everyday business.” Causecast‘s success can be largely credited to its recognition for the need to operate on the reflection of social trends. To reach people on a broad scale, Causecast sought to appeal to the masses through cause-related marketing. The dynamic trio of a worthy cause, combined with popular brands and celebrity endorsements is an appealing cocktail and appeal is the name of game these days. We are a Nation that is technologically savvy. What better way to reach the world than through the World Wide Web? Enter Causecast’ s Download to Donate Program. This digital music campaign donates all proceeds to Haiti earthquake relief. For a onetime payment of $10 subscribers can download and listen to hundreds of popular artists, watch interviews and be entered into attractive giveaways. Visit www.downloadtodonate.org to learn more. Also using media and celebrity to create awareness is Enough –the project to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Enough Project was founded in 2006 by activists and policy makers who were frustrated with seeing hate crimes and genocide in third world countries. They recognized the need to help people in countries where they were powerless due to poverty, poor education, a corrupt
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John Prendergast & George Clooney speaking out in support of human rights
government and army regimes. Unfortunately, politics and humanitarianism are not always cohesive forces. Governments are cautious to become forcefully involved in foreign affairs for fear that they will create tensions between nations, sabotage trade and start wars. Enough Project feels it is our duty as citizens of humanity to take a stand in the most pragmatic and practical ways. Enough Project (EP) operates on a “3P” approach: promoting peace, protecting civilians and punishing perpetrators. EP focuses on crises in Sudan, eastern Congo, and areas of Africa affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army. George Clooney has used his celebrity in collaboration with Enough Project to bring awareness to ensure the peaceful conduct of an impending referendum that will divide the North and South of Sudan. Clooney teamed with John Prendergast to launch the first and only satellite reconnaissance efforts that aim to monitor and ultimately stop war in Sudan before it starts. The concept was the collaborative effort of Not On Our Watch, the Enough Project, Google, the United Nations UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT), DigitalGlobe, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, and Trellon, LLC. With funding from it’s A-list Hollywood co-founders including; Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, human rights attorney David Pressman and Hollywood film producer Jerry Weintraub, the Satellite Sentinel Project was born and prepared to turn the cameras on injustice, Clooney told TIME Magazine, ”We’re the antigenocide paparazzi.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Esther Havens
Basketball player Tracy McGrady is also using his celebrity as a platform for positive change. McGrady founded the Darfur Dream Team project after travelling to Darfur and discovering that the refugees longed for education. Without an education refugees will never have TAKE ACTION | Continued
Student in Djabal refugee camp in Chad PHOTO CREDIT: Enough Project
PHOTO CREDIT: Esther Havens
NBA star Tracy McGrady with a Darfuri refugee student in Djabal refugee camp in Chad, September 2007. PHOTO CREDIT: Enough Project
TAKE ACTION | Continued
the resources or tools to change their circumstances. The Darfur Dream Team project enables schools in the United States to connect with 12 Darfuri refugee camps through funding, learning, and creating a mutual understanding between students from the United States and Darfur. Amnesty International is a heavyweight in the world of human rights. Comprised of 3 million activists around the globe and established in 150 countries, this organization knows no bounds. Amnesty was founded in 1961 by British lawyer, Peter Benenson, who was compelled to take action after hearing of two Portuguese men that were jailed for raising their glasses in a toast of Freedom. Benenson wrote an appeal in a newspaper for the release of anyone that is imprisoned for political or religious beliefs. Benenson sparked massive response and the support grew to ultimately birth the organization that today campaigns internationally for the protection of human rights. Amnesty International‘s persuasive leverage is not only due to its size and scope, Amnesty gives its members and activists the tools to make a difference, whether providing the context to lobby members of Congress or participating in a rally or demonstration to make their voice heard on behalf of those who need human rights protection. 74
Most recently, tens of thousands of activists around the world held vigils outside Egyptian embassies and consular offices worldwide to demand that peaceful protests in Cairo be allowed to continue in order to ultimately free the Egyptian people from decades of an oppressive regime. Although almost 400 protestors lost their lives, these lives were not lost in vain. President Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down at the request of the people. Amnesty International urges people to join with them in taking action by becoming a member, acting locally, supporting online, and/or making a donation.The organization has chapters and groups around the world, whose members are engaged to act when needed on various human rights challenges. The organization runs an “urgent action network” to mobilize quickly when lives are in danger. It is a sad fact that freedom most often does not come free. People risk their lives in the fight for what’s right and to ensure a brighter tomorrow for their people. Many of us may never know what is like to have our most basic human rights denied. What if you lived in a country whose leaders did not consider your life worthy of financial means, an education, freedom, or equality? It is a privilege to reside in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Now through these humanitarian organizations we must take our bravery and free the lands of others!** AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL www.amnestyusa.org DARFUR DREAM TEAM www.darfurdreamteam.org CAUSECAST DOWNLOAD TO DONATE www.downloadtodonate.org
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COCO ECO |
TAKE ACTION EXTRA!
Children
Awaiting Parents
WRITTEN by: Morgan McKean PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Children
Awaiting Parents
You’re nine years old walking home from school, just like any other day, only to find a social worker on your front porch waiting to deliver news that you’d hoped would never come. She explains that in a courtroom earlier that day, a judge evaluated the sometimes challenging and unpredictable behavior your parents display at home, and has decided they are just incapable of taking care of you, and therefore, made the very tough decision to terminate their parental rights. Feeling scared and alone, this person you’ve just met takes you to a strange facility with cots for beds and little to no privacy. You are then introduced to a room full of strange children, many of whom also feel scared and alone, that you will live with until you’re placed in a temporary foster home. You think to yourself, “What’s happening? Even though I know my life has had it’s ups and downs, I never thought I’d be faced with wondering where I’m going to live, what I’m going to eat, and if I’ll ever see my parents again.” As of 2009, the estimated 463,000 children in 76
foster care, and many of the 1.7 million homeless youth in America today, have found themselves in situations not too unlike this one. No longer infants and toddlers, a more popular stage for adoption, these children often bounce from home to home, never finding a comfortable place to rest as they go through adolescence. However, thanks to the on-going work of people like Mark Soule, Executive Director of Children Awaiting Parents, those numbers are slowly decreasing. Mark’s passion for placing adoptable children into permanent homes comes from a truly humble place, as he was one of the lucky ones, adopted as the third child into an adoptive family of six as an infant. Long before Brad and Angelina’s highly publicized multicultural family hit the national scene, Mark’s parents brought together six children from various backgrounds, nationalities and ages, giving them a forever family. In so doing, Mark’s parents also connected with other parents of adopted children and formed a local support group, which soon became known as the Council of Adoptive Parents. The Council of Adoptive Parents fast evolved from a support group into an organization of volunteer parents who worked tirelessly to find ways to break the barriers of adoption. During one particular brainstorming session, the concept for what is now known as the CAP Book, a book of Children Awaiting Parents, was born. The idea behind this book was to make available a collection of photographs and biographies of adoptable children who needed permanent homes. While the CAP organization has made several successful placements, one of the more memorable ones is that of a child named John. John first found himself a ward of the state and in the foster
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Picture of Children Awaiting Parents Executive Director, Mark Soule at a fundraising event. Also pictured, child advocate and Oscar Winner, Hillary Swank.
Waiting for adoption: Brenda is a humorous young woman who likes to make others laugh.
care system around the age of 12, when his parental rights were terminated. He was constantly bouncing from house to house, as his foster parents of the time decided they did or did not want an additional child living in their home. Never knowing where he’d be from one day to the next, John always kept a strong belief that one day he would find a family to call his own. After almost 10 years of bouncing around in the system, Children Awaiting Parents had placed John’s profile in what they call ‘The Heart Gallery’, a collaborative project of over 120 galleries that feature pictures of adoptable children. At one particular exhibition, John’s adoptive parents saw his picture and felt that he could be their son’s twin, and at the age of 21, John found his forever family and permanent home. While John’s is a great success story, there are still hundreds of thousands of children who need permanent homes. Children like siblings Nefertari and Tavyla that CAP currently represents are perfect examples of adoptable children who could bring a world of love to the right family. Like most siblings Nefertari, known as “Tari”, and Tavyla want to stay together and are a great match for a family looking for a boy and a girl. He is a gifted artist who’s favorite subject is math, and she is into computers and dreams of becoming a celebrity photographer one day. While located in Rochester, New York, Children Awaiting Parents is a national organization helping to place adoptable children from infancy to age 21, depending on state laws, into permanent homes across the country. CHILDREN AWAITING PARENTS www.CAPBook.org Waiting for adoption: siblings Nefertari, known as “Tari”, and Tavyla
COCO ECO |
WOMEN OF THE WORLD!
Marla 78 | Maples COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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HEROINES FOR
Humanity WRITTEN by: Nicole Landers PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Each
Featured Individual
Marla Maples is on a mission to create unity in the world. That is no small feat to fight for! This amazing mother, actress, model, radio show host, humanitarian, and once married to Mogul Donald Trump, knows how to spread a message of hope. “Our words and thoughts carry energy and they can be used to manifest positive connections or create divisions, and even wars,” shares Marla from her home in Southern California, where she lives her daughter Tiffany. Being involved with a few NGOs, Marla gives a lot of her time to Success for Kids, Inc. (SFK). The vision of SFK is to give children the skills to be beacons of light and positive change for their communities as well as the world. SFK helps the children find their unique purpose and direction while learning principles of unity and tolerance. SFK’s “Kids Creating Peace” initiative brought together Jewish and Arab children for special programs and summer camps, while the teen program creates a dialogue with the youth from this worn-torn part of our world. Currently, Marla has been writing as well as performing music that she hopes will open people’s hearts. Her latest work, One World of Love EP3 is available on iTunes with proceeds benefiting SFK. Giving back is a family affair. Together she and her daughter have fed the homeless or they have worked in shelters. This coming summer, they are off to Malawi, Africa as part of the Force for Good Foundation and Nourish the Children program. Marla says it best, “ It is true that what you give really does give the blessing back to you!” Marla reminds us to pay attention to the needs of our community, as sometimes the most good can be done with that one person who is standing right before you. www.marlamaples.com HEROINES FOR HUMANITY | Continued
HEROINES FOR HUMANITY | Continued
HILARY SWANK
Hilary Swank, an Oscar winning actress, a producer, and a humanitarian came to Hollywood with big dreams at the ripe age of thirteen. She’s never looked back. Now with a successful movie career and a four-year old production company, 2S Films, Hilary values the importance of giving back. From donating her hair for wigs for cancer patients, to raising funds for people to have safe drinking water, to her work with foster children in the U.S., she is a force to be reckoned with.
Rusty Robertson Courtesy of VIRGIN AMERICA
RUSTY ROBERTSON
According to Success Magazine, Rusty Robertson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in America. She has won many accolades for her work in marketing, advertising, and public relations. Through her philanthropic associations she has raised over $200 million dollars. Rusty is a co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer, a cutting edge research fund that is focused on finding a cure for the number-one killer in the United States: cancer. To draw attention to her cause, she co-produced Stand Up To Cancer’s two history-making televised events uniting the major television networks, celebrities, and prominent leaders in cancer research and patient advocacy. “It is crucial we bring issues like cancer to the public...in a way that will ignite and activate,” Rusty states. Her journey is a personal one.When her mother passed away suddenly from undetected cancer, she was galvanized to do something. Rusty met with a cancer specialist who explained to her the intersection of molecular biology and technology. She focused on getting leading scientists talking with doctors through Stand Up To Cancer so that more lives are saved. Rusty sums it up best, “Surround yourself with people that feed your soul, and drive your passion.”**
Children Awaiting Parents (CAP) is a foundation that recruits adoptive families for children in foster care. The organization has brought together more than 6,000 children and families over the last 38 years. Molly Smith, Hilary’s producing partner at 2S Films introduced her to this amazing organization, and since then they have been engaged in spreading the word of CAP’s incredible work. The nonprofit organization works diligently to recruit foster and adoptive families across the United States for children who have been in the foster care system the longest without being placed. Hilary shared with Coco Eco that it is especially hard for the older children to get placed, and this need really impacted with her and Molly emotionally. They wanted to do whatever they could to help introduce their friends, families, and colleagues to this wonderful organization, and to encourage others to get involved. Hilary and Molly recently hosted a charity event in Hollywood for the nonprofit to create awareness and raise funds. The most rewarding experience for Hillary so far was meeting young James, who came to their event for CAP in Los Angeles. James, an incredible ten year-old, was just recently placed with two wonderful and loving parents through CAP. Seeing first-hand how happy he was to be a part of a family, Hillary was deeply touched. It inspired her to continue her efforts to help other children just like James find happiness and love in a secure family. There are more than 120,000 children waiting for permanent homes in the U.S. Most are school-aged or older. Many are brothers and sisters that need to stay together, and others are just innocent children waiting for the love and security of a family. In closing, Hilary stated, “CAP is a great organization that we are thrilled to be a part of and want to continue to work hard for their cause.”** www.capbook.org
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HEROINES FOR HUMANITY | Continued www.cocoecomag.com
Hilary Swank PHOTO CREDIT: Untitled Entertainment
HEROINES FOR HUMANITY | Continued
Rudi Bakhtiar A former Iranian American journalist, Rudi Bakhtiar has over a decade’s experience working for major international news outlets from CNN to Fox News Channel, as well as having her own news show. Born in Iran, she lived there until the 1979 Iranian Revolution when her family moved to the United States where she attended UCLA. Throughout her career at CNN and Fox News Rudi’s international reporting took her to Jerusalem, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mali and many other countries. Since Rudi can remember, she’s been drawn to stories exposing human injustices. Her passion for human rights came from witnessing the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and having several of her family members jailed, tortured, executed, or assassinated by the Islamic Republic. Those years living as a teenager in Post Revolution Tehran left an indelible mark which made her foray into human rights seem almost natural, if not necessary. Today, Rudi works with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. Its main mission is to gather support for Iranian human rights activists and defenders who live inside of Iran and who are advocating for their civil, political, social, and economic rights within the framework of international treaties and standards that define Iran’s obligations. The government of the Islamic Republic have developed a particularly dire human rights record, coming in number-one when it comes to executions of Iranians per capita. Iran also ranks in the top five when it comes to imprisonment of journalists, and execution of juvenile delinquents. As Director of Communications for the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Rudi makes sure word of the abuses get out to as many news organizations and media outlets as possible. She also spends time fundraising for the organization, as well as advocating for international pressure on the Islamic Republic to halt its human rights violations immediately. A true fighter, Rudi tries her best to stay positive. Her work has not gone unnoticed and she continues to keep moving forward to end terrible inhumane acts. Coco Eco asked her to share with us how one can help. Rudi stated, “Find one issue or country you are passionate about and learn everything and everyone you need to know pertaining to that issue. Then find innovative, socially relevant ways to cast international attention on the abuse or abuses.” ** www.iranhumanrights.org Rudi Bakhtiar
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PHOTO CREDIT: ARASH RAD | COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
HEROINES FOR HUMANITY | Continued www.cocoecomag.com
HEROINES FOR HUMANITY | Continued
Leigh Anne Tuohy
Sandra Bullock won the Oscar in 2010 for Best Actress for portraying Leigh Anne Tuohy. Even if the world did not know who she was on that night, millions of people around the world were now in the know. Coined the “warrior princess” by author Michael Lewis in his best-selling book The Blind Side, Leigh Anne is the inspirational matriarch of the Tuohy family, an accomplished interior designer, mother and wife of 27 years to Sean Tuohy.
Stephanie Rudat
Stephanie Rudat
A principle-centered social entrepreneur, effectively leverages business and life experiences to steer nonprofits toward an impactful existence. As a social entrepreneur, she works with leaders to seed democratic culture; develop scalable, sustainable movements; apply business principles to manage their organization; and leverage technology to communicate with masses. Stephanie works with numerous non profits. From Talk About Curing Autism to Abolish Slavery Coalition. In 2008, Stephanie co-founded Alliance for Youth Movements (AYM) a nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying, connecting, and supporting digital activists from around the world. AYM is a global network that promotes innovative uses of technology to safeguard human rights, promote good governance and foster civic empowerment. Linking influential leaders in technology, media, private and public sectors with some of the world’s most promising digital activists. She reveals to us that if you are passionate about something, do your homework and give it everything you’ve got. “Collaborate with others and take your ego out of the equation because there is more to gain – greater impact to be made – by joining forces.”**
Homelessness is a national problem that is getting worse. Almost two years after the release of feature film The Blind Side, which broke box office records and inspired individuals nationwide, Leigh Anne continues to make an impact. Leigh Anne and her husband, Sean, released the New York Times best seller, In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving, and launched their family charity, Making it Happen. Leigh Anne continues her mission to inspire hope, ignite generosity, and make it happen for the deserving, but underserved youth. Their foundation receives letters daily of families facing foreclosure on their homes due to job loss, and our suffering economy. Making it Happen, is aiding people to empower themselves out of a current situation. Leigh Anne shared a powerful insight, “Handouts serve a purpose but we need to be giving a hand up instead. The old adage ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,’ is exactly correct.” Leigh Anne’s drive and passion is truly focused on healing the United States of America. In her mind, we should be focused first on getting everyone off the streets, educating, stopping domestic violence, and providing medical care for all in America. Thereafter, we bring aid to others around the world. This is the message she is currently spreading around the country. Leigh Anne and her family know that getting involved in an individual’s life and giving of yourself can truly change that persons life. Our country has the ability to wipe out the issues surrounding homelessness and we need to act on that. This is a curable problem for the USA. “One can start small, take a coat to a homeless shelter, take flowers to a nursing home, tutor a child one hour a week who can not afford [private assistance], work one day a week at the local Boys and Girls Club--this will change you as a person and you will start looking for things to do, trust me on this!” Leigh Anne states. “We all think that one person can’t make a difference, but you can.”** http://makingithappenfoundation.com
http://movements.org 84
| COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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Leigh Ann Tuohy Courtesy of Greater Talent
COCO ECO |
ECO CHIC CTY GUIDE!
Beacon Hotel Provided by MAGAZINE XV Beacon |Hotel 86 Photo | COCO ECO March-April 2011
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ECO CHIC
GUIDE to...
Boston WRITTEN by: Brianca M. Climons
Boston. Steeped in history, brimming with innovation, all settled on the banks of an infamous harbor that might still contain tea remnants. Home to 40+ colleges and universities, Boston is an evolving ideal that is supporting green initiatives in jobs, housing, and transportation complimented by famous historical sites and breathtaking architecture from the 1800’s. From cobblestone Beacon Hill streets, to luxurious local green dining, Boston [“Bahhstin” or Beantown], rejoices in the culture and energy that only New England can offer while living up to even the highest eco-chic standards.
ECO CHIC CITY GUIDE | Continued
STAY! XV Beacon Housed in the Beaux Arts building, built in 1903, XV Beacon sits in the center of historic Beacon Hill. XV Beacon combines personalized service with new age advances, all while reducing their carbon footprint. A fleet of hybrid courtesy vehicles, air purifiers to reduce allergens and illnesses, and a staff that are perceptive enough to know your favorite color truly makes XV Beacon an eco-friendly place to stay. ** 15 Beacon St, Boston MA 02108 Ph. 617.670.1500 www.xvbeacon.com
Hotel Marlowe Along with the two other Kimpton Hotels in the Boston area, The Hotel Marlowe features a Green Seal certification, practicing extensive measures to ensure green standards. This pet friendly hotel nestled in distinguished Cambridge, allows for visitors to hear nightly author readings or discussions, while sipping wine, as well as use of the Museum of Science Observatory’s telescopes for their viewing pleasure. Think the chicest green boutique, just in hotel form.** 25 Edwin H. Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA 02141 Ph. 617.868.8000 www.hotelmarlowe.com
Nine Zero “Purposeful art.” is the motivation behind all things Nine Zero. Located in the middle of Boston, Nine Zero is close to shops, exclusive restaurants, theatre, and the Boston Common. Also pet friendly, Nine Zero totes a sophistication deriving from Boston. Securing the award of Boston’s Best Hotel from sources such as AOL Travel and New England Travel; Nine Zero proves that art and earth can be one.** 90 Tremont St, Boston MA 02108 Ph. 617.772.5800 www.ninezero.com
Photo Provided by XV Beacon Hotel
Photo XVMAGAZINE Beacon Hotel Photo Provided by Hotel Marlowe 88 | Provided COCO by ECO | March-April 2011
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Onyx Hotel Rounding out the trio of Kimpton Green Seal certified hotels in Boston is the Onyx Hotel. Situated in the classic North End and overseeing the narrow streets and cobblestone walks, the Onyx glitters with splendor while integrating an intricate design for comfort. Tour the neighborhood’s old world charm, or indulge in the hotel’s offerings of a nightly wine hour or in-room spa services, regardless rest easy with an eco peace of mind at the Onyx.** 155 Portland St, Boston MA 02114 Ph. 617.557.9955 www.onyxhotel.com
Renaissance Boston Waterfront From its construction to its operations, this Marriott hotel is drenched in “green”. Focused on reducing energy use from lights, to heat, to using recycled made goods wherever possible, its comforting to know they aren’t just dabbling in ecofriendliness. Hugging the Boston Harbor, the Renaissance Boston Waterfront provides New England airs, complimented with exquisite views, and refined interiors. Relax here, dine here, shape up here, or start the night off here, the Renaissance offers it all.**
Photo Provided by Renaissance Boston Waterfront
606 Congress St, Boston MA 02210 Ph. 617.338.4111 http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boswf-renaissance-boston-waterfront-hotel/
Photo Provided by Renaissance Boston Waterfront
Photo Provided by Onyx Hotel
Photo Provided by Nine Zero Hotel
ECO CHIC CITY GUIDE | Continued
SHOP!
Photo Provided by LUSH COSMETICS
Lush Cosmetics While Lush Cosmetics might be an international company, in Boston they are the leaders in natural beauty products. Get pampered with lotions that soften and scents that tantalize while you shop. From bath balls, to hair repair, or refrigerated face masks, Lush has what you need. Focused on a variety of charities, conservationism, and just plain good quality, Lush is eco-chic from Tom (the man behind the product) to the recycled packaging and eco-friendly gift bags. ** 166 Newbury Street , Boston, MA 02116 Ph. (617) 375-5874 www.lush.com
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Photo Provided by Lori Magno-Moda di Magno
Lori Magno {Moda di Magno} Jewelry Seeking handmade, inspired by nature, earth friendly jewelry? Look no further than Lori Magno, Moda di Magno jewelry. A native Bostonian, Lori Magno creates from metal clay, comprised of microscopic recycled particles--copper and silver--this artist understands the importance of minimal waste. If you seek a custom piece, an inspired piece or just something new, seek out Magno designs for a piece of Boston that will dazzle. ** http://modadimagno.etsy.com http://www.lorimagno.com
Photo Provided by Forty Winks
Forty Winks-Lingerie While Forty Winks might be one of many boutiques in Cambridge’s Harvard Square, its distinctive style and charm makes it a can’t miss. Carrying eco-chic lines such as Open Hearts (100% organic cotton), Soak (biodegradable and phosphate free), and Mary Green (thongs made from left over silk), Forty Winks has a “little” something for everyone. All conservationism doesn’t have to be in grand ways, instead Forty Winks inspires you to wear yours close to your heart.** 6 JF Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 Ph. (617) 492-9100 http://shopfortywinks.com
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SHOP VINTAGE! The Velvet Fly Designed for women who believe that modern and vintage styles can become one,The Velvet Fly’s sexy boutique fits into Boston’s North End like a glove. Classic pieces like Diane Von Furstenberg wraps, and Whiting & Davis handbags are strewn among newer pieces creating a story that not only embodies Boston, but will also fit seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. Custom tailoring service guarantees that your purchase will fit your body, showcasing chicness exactly as intended. ** Photo Provided by The Velvet Fly
28 Parameter St. ,Boston, MA 02113 Ph. 617.557.4359 www.thevelvetfly.com
Second Time Around With five locations around the city of Boston, Second Time Around provides the opportunity to buy and sell designer wear from jeans to jackets at very chic prices. You’ll find Manolo pumps, Chanel handbags, and jewelry galore to compliment any outfit you desire. Operating for 35 years, Second Time Around is well known to reusable fashionistas for believing in accessible fashion for all. Visit any of their Newbury street locations, and keep the cycle of recycling going strong.** 176 Newbury St 219 Newbury St 324 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 Ph. 617.247.3504 www.secondtimearound.net
The Studio
Photo Provided by Second Time Around
In the heart of the birthplace of John F. Kennedy, the classic Brookline, there waits The Studio. Welcoming smiles invite you into fashion that fits the “green” bill and your body’s needs. Carrying a variety of eco-conscientious designers such as Eileen Fisher and Neon Buddha, The Studio is a highly personalized experience. Known for trunk show events, and for taking the stress out of shopping entirely, The Studio elevates with its knowledge of eco, chic, and woman.** 233 Harvard Street , Brookline, MA 02446 Ph. 617.738.5091 www.studio233.com
Photo Provided by The Studio
ECO CHIC CITY GUIDE | Continued
EAT! Oleana Step into the elegant and exotic tastes of the Mediterranean at Oleana. What makes this restaurant a must visit, and very eco-chic, is that all produce comes from a farm that the family operates, meat is bought from in state only and composting is as natural as sunlight. Waste not want not begins and ends with Oleana and their bakery, Sofra. Pull up a chair and know that your body is fueled by the freshest of ingredients. ** 134 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 Ph. 617.661.0505 www.oleanarestaurant.com
Erbaluce Think constant change, local produce and meats, Italian cuisine, Boston and you have Erbaluce. Chef Charles Draghi cooks with no butter or cream and changes his menu daily, pairing hand chosen wines to compliment. Don’t come if you are looking for the overly swanky, or pompous; here you will find minimalist spaces trumpeted with refined creations guaranteed to make you a fan. ** 69 Church Street, Boston, Ma 02116 Ph. 617.426.6969 www.erbaluce-boston.com
Photo Provided by Craigie on Main; Michael Piazza
Photo The Fireplace | March-April 2011 Photo Provided by The Fireplace 92 | Provided COCO by ECO MAGAZINE
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The Fireplace 
 With the use of colonial influence, local faire, and an integrated wine program, The Fireplace embraces New England local food with open arms. The first restaurant in the Boston area to be Green Certified, only the freshest of ingredients makes it into memorable dishes such as the Fig and Beet salad. Highly decorated with awards such as Most Authentic New England Cuisine in Boston, and Outstanding Wine List, be prepared to have fantastic memories to take away. ** 1634 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446 Ph. 617.975.1900 www.fireplacerest.com/home
Craigie on Main Based on four simple principles, this stylish family owned and operated restaurant is everything that Coco Eco Magazine loves! The menu changes daily according to the freshest in season products, organic, local, not to mention they use everything that they buy in its entirety so nothing goes to waste. Designing cuisine that balances the essence of the food with Chef Tony Maws creativity, Craigie on Main just has that “it-factor.�** 853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 Ph. 617.497.5511 ww.craigieonmain.com
Photo Provided by Erbaluce-Chef Charles Daghi
Photo Provided by Erbaluce-Chef Charles Daghi
Photo Provided by Craigie on Main; Michael Piazza
ECO CHIC CITY GUIDE | Continued
INDULGE! G2O Where can you go to find an Experience Room featuring herbal steam and an ice fog, a Nap Pod, and a Brine Inhalation Therapy Room in Boston? G2O- located in Boston’s Back Bay. Standard for all operations, services, and products, G2O provides a luxury experience while protecting the environment as well. LED lights, geothermal heating, and an oasis of pampering in the middle of the city- visit G2O to celebrate life in its most basic form.** 278 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 Ph. 617.262.2220 www.g2ospasalon.com
Emerge
Photo Provided by Emerge Spa
Owned and operated by the proprietors of G20, Emerge Spa offers the busy urbanite an escape from the bustle of city life. Located on posh Newbury Street, Emerge provides the extravagance and sophistication of New York City, with a client services driven Boston ethic. Soothe your body in one of the many waterutilized services, and indulge yourself during the warm season on their rooftop garden, taking eco-chic to the next level.** 275 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 Ph. 617.437.0006 www.emergespasalon.com
Exhale Working exclusively with the Grow Restore Nurture line of products Exhale spa takes the green approach to infusing the body at all touch points with natural, eco-friendly products and services. Exhale even has an Eco-Director that helps guide the company towards green practices and products. Not just another pretty spa; take a yoga class, feel the healing power of acupuncture, or take in a holistic health workshop—at Exhale, they want you to do just that. ** At work on the next design of jewelry. Photo Provided by LOVE HEALS Photo Provided by G2O Spa
28 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116 Ph. 617.532.7000 http://www.exhalespa.com/Locations/MABoston/default.aspx?LID=84106
OMBE- One Mind Body Earth Located in Copley Square, OMBE is a holistic experience not to be missed. A health office committed to an integrated approach to natural healing, OMBE believes that it is the combination of all forces that affect our lives. The first ecofriendly health center in Boston, OMBE has organic cotton for towels, biodegradable yoga mats, and focuses on community outreach and educating other business on how to be more eco-chic.** 551 Boylston Street 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02116 Ph. 617.447.2222 www.ombecenter.com
Violet Skin Boutique Back to basics is what Violet Skin Boutique is known for. With two convenient locations in Boston handmade products (many masks are made right in front of you with freshness in mind) with handmade service is what you can expect. Indulge with a Violet Signature Massage known for its anti-aging properties and guaranteed to relax and rejuvenate your body using only the best in organic products.** Photo Provided by OMBE 94
257 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 Ph. 617.262.7546 1362 Beacon st, Brookline, MA 02446 Ph. 617.264.7546 www.Violetskinboutique.com
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ECO CHIC CITY GUIDE | Continued
EXPLORE! Museum of Fine Arts Roam ancient Egypt, marvel at Roman and Greek statues, and see pieces of US history in the new Wing of the Americas, under one roof. The Museum of Fine Arts, located between Fenway and Northeastern Univ., houses some of the most intriguing pieces inclusive of a historic musical instruments, rare vases side-by-side with the art work they are featured in, and an interactive touch table allowing visitors to create their own abstract art.** 465 Huntington Avenue, 617.267.9300 www.mfa.org
Boston, MA 02115
Ph.
Photo Provided by Museum of Fine Arts
Faneuil Hall Experience one of Boston’s oldest open markets at Faneuil Hall. With its famous street performers, restaurants, bars, and shops, Faneuil Hall allows for a wide array of activities. A block to the North there is the Green Dragon, the pub where the leaders of the Revolution planned our freedom; to the East the harbor where tea was poured into the clear waters! Visit here and you find a little bit of the nation’s past, present, and future.** www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
Public Garden/Boston Common
Photo Provided by Faneuil Hall
Boston’s Public Garden is a donation-based garden nestled in the heart of Boston and across the street from the Boston Common, the oldest park in the United States. In bloom, or blanketed by snow the Public Garden and Boston Common brings to life the unique natural charm of Boston. Stroll the paths, under a blue cloudless sky, and indulge in the statues and sculptures that celebrate Boston’s heroes. www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org www.cityofboston.gov/Parks/emerald
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Provided Penny Cherubino |Photo COCO ECO by MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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ECO CHIC CITY GUIDE | Continued
GETTING AROUND! Walking in the Bean Boston is known as “America’s Walking City”; no exaggeration. Not as compressed as Manhattan, and not as spread out as LA; Boston’s streets and rhythm are a walker’s dream. Stroll down Newbury for upscale shopping, take a historical walking tour, or take in the sights and sounds of the harbor, your own two feet are you guide here. So leave the pumps at home, explore with a customized walking map, in the most eco-chic way possible.**
MBTA Known by Bostonian’s as “The T”, the MBTA is Boston’s public transportation system. Lines such as the Red, Green and Blue, take you from Cambridge, to Boston College, to the airport, and everywhere in between. A color-coded, spider like map illustrates all routes clearly, (just remember inbound and outbound), and plastic rechargeable cards reduce paper waste. From businessmen, college students, and even dogs, everyone who is anyone takes the T. ** www.mbta.com
Photo Provided by Brianca Climons
Zipcar Founded in Cambridge, MA to meet the needs of students from over 40+ colleges and universities, Zipcar is taking over car sharing globally. Focused on providing eco-friendly solutions, Zipcar offers its members 24/7 access to their automotive fleet—many of which are hybrid vehicles. While the service is fantastic, the company’s focus is about sustainability, proving that eco-chic is this company’s main motto. Car locations throughout the city of Boston—and beyond** www.zipcar.com
VIRGIN AMERICA
Photo Provided by Brianca Climons
In 2008, Virgin America was awarded ‘Best Domestic Airline’ by Travel + Leisure (World’s Best Awards) and Conde Nast Traveler (Reader’s Choice Awards). While customers are clearly responding to the airline’s premiere and pioneering cabin service, they must also be impressed with Virgin America’s environmental stance. The airline is the product of billionaire Sir Richard Bronson who is a die-hard environmentalist and committed to sustainability. While passionate about producing fuel from alternative sources such as Algae, Bronson has made a commitment to have the airline to be as efficient as currently possible. Sustainable business practices are core to their mission and they are currently up to 30% more fuelefficient than the average domestic fleets in the U.S.** www.virginamerica.com
Photo Provided by Zipcar 98
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COCO ECO |
LIFE!
People vs. Profit Four (Successful!) Companies Where People Win
WRITTEN by: Starre Vartan PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Featured
Organization
Perhaps it’s the antipathy for business as usual, or maybe it’s that a few pioneering companies have shown that capitalism and consciousness can coexist, but all of a sudden, there’s a raft of new thinking around what it means to be successful. Taking into account what is variously called the ‘triple bottom line’ (profits, planet and people) or CSR (corporate social responsibility), some new, small companies are making good money and doing good too. Each of the companies featured built into their whole concept the idea that their purpose is to directly help people. From FEED bags to Feeding Kids: FEED bags are now ubiquitous, but the project, founded by Lauren Bush, has been around for just five years. Starting with the simple idea of selling a supersturdy bag that’s burlap on one side and reversible to a canvas lining, each carrier is stamped with a “1” indicating that included in the purchase of the bag a donation goes to feed one child in need for one year. Now, the FEED project has several products, from scarves to bracelets to a variety of bags, each includes “building a set donation into the cost of each product.” Pretty straightforward and very successful. Each year, the program expands, having led to over $4 million for World Food Program funding in 2008 alone. The fact that the bags are made from environmentally-friendly materials and with only fairtrade labor means that the circle of people who are benefitting from the bag’s existence widens to: Creator, consumer, hungry kids, and planet. FEED Bush 100 |Founder, COCO Lauren ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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Roma boots
Warby Parker glasses
Chic Boots to Happy Feet: What’s in fashion is all about trickle-down, and one of the biggest trends that has come from the top and moved all the way down to touch pretty much every woman are rain boots. Inspired by TOMS shoes ‘get a pair, give a pair’ program, Roma boots founder and CEO Samuel Bistrian set out to keep kids feet warm and dry in climates where they needed a waterproof boot. Seeing need in Eastern Europe, his company grew out of a personal need to do more, after building a successful life in the United States after immigrating here as a kid. “I feel like I have an obligation- in a good sense- to go back and help,” he said.
With these people in mind, the this new line of hip glasses has turned the industry on its head. Offering a limited selection of frames, all priced at $95, for each pair purchased, a pair goes to one of the over 500 million people around the world who need glasses through Warby Parker’s partner, Restoringvision.org.
Deciding on a lower price-point than the ever-popular Hunter and Burberry boots (Roma’s are just $78), the purchase of each pair – in glossy plum or navy, or matte taupe, brown or gray - assures a child in need of a pair of boots. The first drop of 1,000 boots went to itinerant Romanian kids, and came in a bag that could double as a backpack. “My goal is to help these kids get an education and break out of the cycle of poverty,” says Bistrian. And the company, which just got its start in 2009, is growing quickly, meaning more boots for kids that need them. Seeing Clearly into the Future: While plenty of people in developed countries are ditching their glasses in favor of laser eye surgery, there are millions of people around the world who aren’t able to see well due to lack of access to corrective lenses. Along with normal genetic variability in vision, kids growing up in countries without adequate nutritional support are even more likely to have eye problems that require correction – but are much less likely to get it. As pioneering glasses purveyor Warby Parker’s site points out, “Imagine a farmer who needs to differentiate seeds to plant, a tailor who has to thread a needle or a weaver who creates intricate patterns on a loom.”
Laptops for Learning Anywhere: Ask any politician on the left, right, or anywhere in between, what the future of education is, and it’s likely they will mention computers within 30 seconds. Instead of just talking about the importance of connectivity, the team behind One Laptop Per Child has now distributed over 2 million hardy, low-cost laptops around the globe, from 13,000 in Haiti, to 2,300 in Papua New Guinea, to 60,000 in Argentina, and over 95,000 in the United States.The ‘rugged, low-cost, low-power’ laptops are made with kids in mind, and are all about simplicity and ease of use. In fact, “The laptops are designed to be extremely power efficient, enabling the use of innovative power systems (such as solar, human power, generators, wind or water power),” according to the company’s site. With millions of children in need the world over, and governments and NGO’s ready to buy the $200 machines, this is one of the companies, like all in this list, that is making a difference right NOW. **
COCO ECO |
LIFE!
Toppling
Dictators WRITTEN by: Stephanie Rudat PHOTOGRAPHY by: Associated Press
A revolution in Egypt. 18 days of tumultuous freedom fighting and a dictator is shamefully evicted. Seems straightforward, doesn’t it? It’s not. Egyptians have been working toward this outcome for years, yet the manner in which they achieved their revolution is clear-cut. Risking everything, far to often by dying, Egyptians pushed against the regime for the freedom to define democracy for themselves. They battled in the most diplomatic way that exists… in methodical, organized collaboration. And, with class. When confronted by the malicious thugs unleashed upon them, those protesting stood in solidarity. They didn’t fight back with artillery, they fought back back with unwavering solidarity. Over the years, adversity did not diminish the fortitude of those advocating change. Despite Emergency Law, which prohibited Egyptians from aggregating in groups of five people or more and permitting unjust arrested, they continued to organize demonstrations, use digital tools to amplify their stories, and applied methods learned from other effective resistance movements to fuel their engine. As opposition groups worked together to maintain momentum and define the stipulations to hopefully cease demonstrations, supporters of a free Egypt used technology to build a global community and lure attention to their urgent plea. Although lines of communication had been compromised, those supporters were well aware of the human rights violations, oppression, and corruption occurring within 102
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Egypt and were equipped to help Egyptians justify their demand for reform. The impetus to overthrow Hosni Mubarak is attributed to the triumphant ejection of former President of Tunisia, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, and subsequent announcement to protest on January 25, 2011 by the creator of the Facebook page, “We Are All Khaled Said”. The page virtually united thousands of people after the brutal murder of Said, who had been beaten to death by Egyptian police for exposing their torturous customs on video, attracting the attention of many opposition groups had joined the virtual community to honor martyrs regardless of their political and religious ideologies. Those groups perpetuated the call to action inviting others to join tens of thousands planning to flood the streets of Cairo and Alexandria on January 25th. This time was different than other organized protests. This time, the world was watching. As news traveled, demonstrations of support ignited around the globe. Ahmed Salah, an Egyptian journalist and activist that had survived torture while incarcerated in jail for pushing against the regime, brought his mission to the United States to publicize to the rotten underbelly of the Egyptian government. He shared his horrifying experiences and optimistic goal of political accountability with fellow activists, media, and politicians as well as participated in trainings on affecting nonviolent change. Salah walked the halls of the United States Capitol lobbying for co-sponsors of House Resolution 200 which, if enough signatures had been secured, would have put conditions on the Billions in financial aid that the United States Government gives Egypt without any strings attached. His words, “The west’s debt to Egypt” as titled in his Guardian article, vividly expresses the disenchantment he has felt by western leadership
turning a blind eye to the corruption and brutalities unearthed by daring citizen journalists and human rights movements. Rammy Elswissy, a 22 year old activist, elaborated further on what those strings would be attached to when he told me about his 2009 arrest in which he was detained from his family’s home without explanation. Police officers interrogated him on why he had started advocating for change in Egypt and tried to scare him away from future advances. He shared, “most of my answers were about wanting an end to the Emergency Law that allowed them to do whatever want… arrest and prosecute people who had not committed a crime. I told them that I am an activist seeking human, economic, and political rights and have no Islamic agenda. I want real democracy.” Unlike Salah, Elswissy was later released unscathed. As a result, he became more resolute than ever to achieve reform. Democratic freedom is a contagious desire evident by a domino effect of uprisings occurring throughout the Middle East. The question is, what qualifies this as a revolution and how can similar outcomes can be achieved? Some of these answers will undoubtedly be defined in retrospect but, in the here and now, value is in identifying what tactics attributed Egyptians success so others can realize the same outcome. Toppling Dictators
| Continued
Toppling Dictators | Continued
Jeff Goodwin, a professor of sociology at New York University, defines a revolution as “any and all instances in which a state or political regime is overthrown and thereby transformed by a popular movement in an irregular, extraconstitutional and/or violent fashion”. Take ‘violent’ out of the equation and that is exactly what happened. The Albert Einstein Institute and International Center for Nonviolent Conflict have produced a myriad of materials, available in several languages, that stimulate critical thinking and showcase the fundamentals that have historically resulted in a revolution. Whether revolutions have been prompted by political, psychological, or socioeconomic revolt, theorists have been analyzing the phenomena for ages. Ironically, both Salah and Elswissy, over 20 years apart in age, have read Gene Sharp’s books and refer to their look back at history to identify what tactics would be fruitful. Is this THE answer? If history repeats itself, it could be. Nonviolent action attracted the respect of outsiders. From the sidelines, we watched government vehicles strike innocent pedestrians and vigilantes riding camels whip demostrators thanks to citizen journalists reporting live from Tahrir Square. Technology is synonymous with transparency. Propaganda streaming from State TV became laughable as social media catalyzed what was genuinely transpiring. The gap between demonstrators and observers disintegrated one tweet and YouTube video at a time. With all eyes on Egypt, Mubarak eventually met the opposition of world leaders calling upon him to reform his government, barely stopping short of asking him to step down. The government that put up technological and life-threatening road blocks eventually fueled their own demise by conditioning their citizens for the final stretch of their revolution. Egyptians defied the remarkable odds of dislodging one of the most powerful men in the world from Presidency and won the hearts of the world. Dictators beware: Strategic use of nonviolent action combined with technology is a lethal formula empowering global citizens seeking your demise.** 104
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LIFE!
Poverty IN America WRITTEN by: Johanna Björk, Goodlifer.com PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: As Noted
We usually think of poverty as a developing world problem—the plight of people in faraway lands. But last year the U.S. poverty rate saw the highest increase since the Census Bureau began reporting poverty figures in 1959. While the press is reporting on how the recession is over there are over 1.6 million homeless young Americans living on the streets. The United States is not yet among the top 100 poorest countries in the world, but we are not exactly perpetuating the American Dream either. The land of possibilities has turned out to be quite the opposite for those stuck in a vicious circle of unemployment, foreclosure and economic depression. Poverty in America is defined as living on $22,025 or less for a family of four, which 45 million people—more than 1 in 7 Americans—were doing last year. Two years ago, Adam Steel co-founded Change For Balance Productions, a non-profit with a mission to support social causes through informative, educational and action-inspiring media. His team is currently working on a documentary film called Generation Why?, an in-depth look into the lives of homeless youth in America. Working with the young subjects of the film, Steel has seen the effects of poverty up close. Documentary producer, Bruce Reynolds believes, “The distribution of wealth plays a part [in alleviating poverty], But the bottom line is, poverty exists where people allow poverty to exist.” 106
“I think we have such a high rate of poverty due to our lack of attention and basic care for those most at risk for becoming poor
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Homeless youth on the streets of San Francisco PHOTO CREDIT:Franco Folini
Still in production, Generation Why? is a documentary that takes us into the lives of homeless youth.
or homeless. If you grow up in a low-income area, surrounded by violence and crime, it is very logical that you will go down the same path as your peers. It has nothing to do with sex, race, religion, or ethnicity, but overall opportunity. Sure it is possible for a young person to ‘pull themselves up by their bootstraps,’ but for the average youth coming from horrible circumstances it’s very difficult to overcome those barriers.”
veloping in the United States. “America is a great country—Bill and Melinda Gates, amazing; Toms shoes, fabulous; Kiva.org, revolutionary.”
Compared to countries with lower rates of poverty, the U.S. lacks a strong social safety net. One in four homeless American youth come from the dysfunctional government-run foster system. In Generation Why? a 19-year-old female tells us how she ended up on the streets: “We have a three-bedroom home and my mom takes care of foster kids, so there was no room for me, and she gave me a week to find somewhere to live.” Steel thinks that our government has done a poor job of taking care of those most in need. “There will always be bad parents and abusive family units, this is inevitable,” he says. “Nobody wants to be poor, or homeless, or sell drugs, or use drugs, or be a prostitute or join a gang.These things happen because there is no opportunity to pursue greater things.” Bruce Reynolds recently finished the documentary Equation of Change (produced in collaboration with Richard Branson and Amanda Annan), looking at how business innovation can enable positive social change to help alleviate poverty. He sees many factors playing into the current situation, among them the lack of resources that would enable people to generate an income for themselves. Reynolds thinks that “people in the US probably know more about poverty in other countries than they do about poverty in America” However, he also sees a lot of promising anti-poverty programs de-
1% for the Planet, started in 2002, advocates philanthropy as a crucial part of business. Members of the organization donate 1% of total sales—not profits, an important distinction—to environmental groups. Bruce Reynolds thinks this kind of business thinking has to be applied if we are to keep up with all the needs in the world. “If businesses spent just 20% of what they spend on advertising their product to advocate action on poverty and related issues, we’d be living in a very different world.” It’s also up to us to vote with our dollars and support companies that are donating part of their profits to help those in need. Says Reynolds, “Businesses and companies are around for as long as we the consumers allow them to be around, by giving them our money.” Adam Steel feels that we must step up as citizens. “It may be a daunting task to many people but until they give themselves a chance to be part of the solution as opposed to turning a blind eye we won’t be able to change course. We need to think in terms of legacy, what we as individuals have done to make our community a better place. The first step is helping one person.”**
COCO ECO |
LIFE!
HAITI ONE YEAR LATER
WRITTEN by: Beth Doane PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Esther
Havens
January 12th, 2011 marked the one-year anniversary of Haiti’s catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that took nearly a quarter of a million lives and left over a million people homeless, including hundreds of thousands of children. Incredibly, even amidst the immense tragedy and vastness of this disaster, something miraculous happened: The world came together in a massive humanitarian effort unlike any other. One in every two American households showed their generosity by sending contributions to Haiti and, through the power of social media and mobile fundraising campaigns, the giving statistics continue to break records today. Roger Lowe of the American Red Cross explained in an interview, “This is history… recordbreaking results. We’ve never seen anything like it. The previous best effort for a text message campaign in the U.S. was at half a million dollars so this is shattering every record that’s ever been seen.”
the donation process easier. As AT&T spokesperson Beth Gautier stated, “We’ve gone ahead and waived the fees for the text messages.” Still, there is much work to be done. Even with the magnitude of funds raised – for the Red Cross alone it was over 25 million – it’s not proving to be enough to provide the support Haiti so desperately needs. President Obama called the earthquake a “cruel and incomprehensible” blow to a nation that remains the poorest in the Western hemisphere. According to the U.S. Department of State, prior to the disaster the country had one of the widest income inequalities in the world with approximately eighty percent of Haiti’s inhabitants living in poverty and more than half the population struggling to survive on less than $2 per day. Haiti also suffered from the lowest life expectancy, highest infant mortality and highest tuberculosis rates in the region; and an estimated 40 % of the population lacked access to basic health services. Half of Haiti’s children were not vaccinated and less than 53% of Haiti’s adult population was literate. As for education, less than half attended school and the amount of inadequate infrastructure reflected years of government corruption or neglect. Because of these extreme social and political constraints and the fact that the earthquake destroyed vast amounts of infrastructure the rebuilding process is proving to be a complicated and exhausting task.
Even telecom giant AT&T did their part to make 108
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Luno and his son Edmund stand on the rubble from his home that crumbled during the earthquake. His wife died when the house fell.
Today, public health remains a major issue as cholera outbreaks increase and there is a lack of community health workers and a low retention of doctors and nurses on the ground. The U.S. Government estimates that, “Cholera will be a longer-term issue in Haiti, placing a strain on an already weak medical structure. Accessing clean water and sanitation; improving Haiti’s decrepit and damaged medical infrastructure, including emergency transportation and road access to communities; and ensuring Haitians have basic medical care will present ongoing challenges for years to come.” To aid Haiti as much as possible,The United States does plan to help with medical issues, as well as spend an additional $296.6 million to rebuild government infrastructure as it’s estimated that more than 17% of the civil service was killed, including many holding positions in senior management. Also, twenty-eight of twenty-nine ministry buildings are no longer standing and more security is desperately needed as violence, theft, and rape are still common in the makeshift camps that are serving as a home for hundreds of thousands of people living under bed sheets or plastic tarps. Renowned Humanitarian photographer, Esther Havens, described her experiences in Haiti throughout the past year to me in an interview and how “today, with thousands of families living in tent camps many have started small businesses.” Says Esther, “You can walk into almost any tent and ask someone what they did before January 12, 2010, you will find hairdressers, college professors and restaurant owners. In November I met Vivian Cola, who serves coffee to her tent community. She has become
Vivan Cola serves coffee in camps in Haiti.
the local Barista. These are people just like you and me, but they’ve lost so much. I met so many who lost their entire families in the tragedy and I just wanted to be there for them. Yes, I am a photographer, but the lives of these people are more important than my photos. We cried together, held hands together, and at times laughed together.” Esther emphasized, “Without the news focusing on Haiti, it’s so easy to go on each day forgetting that this country, just two hours off our coast, with such beautiful people still needs our support.” She also commented, “We really can’t look the other way, and even in all their disparity, the Haitians are resilient and hopeful.” Perhaps with the power of hope, resilience, and continuous help from around the world more miracles will happen in Haiti every day so that a year from now Haiti will be farther along than we ever thought possible.** EASTER HAVENS: HUMANITARIAN PHOTOGRAPHER www.estherhavens.com THE ADVENTURE PROJECT www.theadventureproject.org
COCO ECO |
LIFE!
Dreams for my
Daughter Creating the World we want for our Children WRITTEN by: Johanna Björk PHOTOGRAPHY by: Each Featured
Participant
March 8th marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, celebrated around the world. Gender equality, child health and maternal health are three of the cornerstones of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals as well as the work of the White Ribbon Alliance.
TANZANIA Rose Mlay,
WRA-Tanzania National Coordinator My Dream is to advocate and continue advocating with politicians, policy and decision makers nationally and globally until these leaders stop declarations and start illustrations to ensure mothers and newborns worldwide are safe and healthy during childbirth regardless of their social and economic status.** 110
The world we create for our children will depend strongly on our success in achieving these goals. Here, dignitaries from across the world to share their view on the world they want to create for the women of tomorrow.These ‘Dreams for My Daughter’ reflect some universal themes worldwide—families hope that their daughters will have an education, choose when and who to marry, if and when to have children, and, unlike the 1000 women who die every day for lack of health care, to have healthy pregnancies and safe childbirths. What were your own dreams—and did they come true? ** WHITE RIBBON ALLIANCE www.whiteribbonalliance.org
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UNITED KINGDOM Nuala O’Loan, House of Lords
UGANDa Beatrice Rwakimari,
Member of Parliament and Chair, Ugandan Parliamentary Committee on That the women of the world will HIV/AIDS have access to trained help throughout pregnancy and birth; that they may give My wish is to see my daughter and genbirth in safe, clean places they can get erations to come live a much better life to; and they will not be subjected to than myself, more meaningful, enriching female genital mutilation so that giving and fulfilling socially, economically and birth will not be too difficult. That they politically; where women and girls are may be able to take their rightful place treated with dignity and the respect that in the world.** they deserve and accorded equal opportunities with men and boys. To grow up in a loving, safe and healthy environment free of defilement, rape, human sacrifice, all forms of violence, neglect, pornography, all forms of drugs, sexual immorality, corruption, negative cultural practices like FGM. I pray that she becomes one of the champions to make pregnancy and childbirth safe and healthy for all mothers and babies in Uganda; and ensuring that maternal health is both a human rights issue and a development issue, not necessarily a women’s issue.**
Canada Maureen McTeer,
Wife of former Prime Minister Joe Clark, lawyer and woman’s health and rights advocate So many of my dreams for my daughter, Catherine, have already come true. She has grown up to be a mature, kind, beautiful and accomplished adult with a family of her own. She now has dreams for her own daughter. Every mother dreams a happy future for their children. But not all dreams come true – violence, war, poverty lurk in so many corners and abuse so many lives. They shatter our dreams for our daughters and their dreams for themselves. Some dare not even try to dream. My dreams are not just for my daughter, but for all of our daughters, wherever they may be. May we find the will for true peace, may we build fairness and equality into all of our lives, and may we share and care for the bounty and beauty of our earth. Perhaps then, all of our daughters’ dreams can come true.** DREAMS FOR MY DAUGHTER | Continued
DREAMS FOR MY DAUGHTER | Continued
KENYa Linah Jebil Kilimo,
JORDAN Princess Sarah Zeid,
I dream of the day we shall have a perfect world for the daughters of the world. Where our daughters will give life in a comfortable environment, i.e. a hospital. A world where survival for their children without complications at birth is guaranteed. A world where talking about reproductive health for our daughters will not be an embarrassing topic. A world where the topic of women in childbirth will be discussed freely. A world where the monster called Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) will be no more. Yes FGM, the major cause of complications during childbirth will not haunt our daughters of the world. A world where our daughters will celebrate being born a girl; fearlessly made in the Image of God!**
For my daughters, I dream of a world where their voices are heard and their rights respected: the right to choose; the right to an education; the right to be healthy mothers of their own healthy children. I dream that my girls will grow to be happy, confident, strong women who love life and follow their own path. I dream that they are curious and considerate, wise global citizens who will make a positive contribution. Lastly, I dream that they will share their lives with people who love, value and cherish them for who they are. Just as I do.**
Member of Parliament and Chair, Kenyan Wife of Jordanian ambassador to US Women’s MP Group Prince Zeid bin Ra’ad
SIERRA LEONE Ibrahim Sorie,
Member of Parliament My Dream for my Daughter and Daughters of this world is to have a world free of oxygen shortages that kill pregnant women while giving birth. A world where the basics of safe child delivery are always present.**
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LIFE!
Women AIDS WARRIORS WRITTEN by: Kellee Terrell PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Each
Featured Participant
When the AIDS epidemic first hit the United States in the early ‘80s, it was once called Gay Related Immune Deficiency (GRID). Now thirty years later, the face of AIDS is not just a gay man’s—the face of AIDS is also female. According to the UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, of the estimated 33.4 million people living with HIV, women account for 47 percent, and half of all new infections occur among women. Here in the United States, AIDS is the number one killer of African American women ages 25-34. So what makes women so vulnerable? Biology plays a part of it, as does physical and sexual violence; being economically dependent on men; sex work; an inability to negotiate condom use; lack of access to education, prevention and contraception; IV drug use; disproportionate poverty; not getting tested regularly for HIV and other STDs. But even with all that, hope shouldn’t be lost. The following three women have dedicated their work to ensure that HIV-positive women have better access to care, leadership opportunities and better policies to protect them. E.Tyler Crone: As the coordinator of the ATHENA Network, an international organization for women living with HIV one of Crone’s many responsibilities is to make sure that when HIV/AIDS policies are developed, the voices of HIV-positive women are taken into account. But unfortunately, that doesn’t happen at often as it should: HIV-positive women make up such a tiny percent of the global leadNaina 114 |Khanna COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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Tracie M. Gardner, front row, second from the right
ership that actually creates HIV/AIDS policies. “Positive women are the knowledge brokers, and if they sit at the table at a decision-making forum, they can say how this decision affects communities who are living with or affected with HIV,” says Crone. And while Crone is clear that there are women around the world doing transformative work, she emphasizes that it does not receive enough funding, attention and respect.To help bridge those gaps, last July at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna, the ATHENA Network and UNIFEM released the findings from their joint report, Transforming the National AIDS Response: Advancing Women’s Leadership and Participation. This comprehensive report calls out the sexism in AIDS Inc and hands out recommendations on how to include more women. Hopefully the big wigs were paying attention. Tracie M. Gardner: For almost two decades, Tracie M. Gardner has been dedicated to fighting the AIDS epidemic in New York City. As the Founder and Director of NY State Policy/Coordinator for Women’s Initiative to Stop HIV/AIDS (WISH) at the Legal Action Center, often times you can find Gardner in Albany going toe-to-toe with politicians demanding that they fund more HIV prevention efforts for New York City youth, especially for young girls of color. It is an uphill battle at times. But that doesn’t discourage Gardner. She along with her colleagues at the Young Women of Color HIV/ AIDS Coalition have created the Women Empowered Support Protect Educate Advocate and Know (WE SPEAK), a peer group of 25 young women of color from the five boroughs of New York City— both HIV positive and negative—who meet weekly. The young women engage their peers and policy makers in conversations and create action plans to address the impact of HIV on young women
E. Tyler Crone
of color in order to make policy changes. That’s definitely power to the people. Naina Khanna: In 2002, when Naina Khanna tested HIV positive, it became very clear to her that HIV prevention and health care systems in the U.S. were not meeting the needs of women. “I had tried to get tested a couple of times before I actually was diagnosed. But was told I did not ‘need’ one,” she admits. Because she was an educated South Asian woman, her doctors refused to believe that she was at risk. Over the years, Khanna was also discouraged by the inferior health care that herself and other HIV-positive women were receiving -- no referrals for mental health care, no routine pap smears offered and offered very little compassion by doctors. To abolish that treatment, Khanna turned to AIDS advocacy. She is currently the Director of Policy and Community Organizing at Women Organized To Respond Life-Threatening Diseases (WORLD) and she is the co-founder of the U.S. Positive Women’s Network. Khanna’s work is so respected that she was recently appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) to help the White House address the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. Perhaps change is coming.**
COCO ECO |
E-SCENE!
2S Films honors
Children Awaiting Parents WRITTEN by: Vicki Godal PHOTOGRAPHY by: CAP
2S Films honored “Children Awaiting Parents” (CAP) at Hollywood’s Sunset Towers in early spring. Over four decades, CAP has found adoptive families for more than 6000 special needs foster children. 70% of foster youths outgrow the system before adoption occurs. “There’s 120,000 kids in the foster program,” event hostess Hilary Swank said, “Your heart goes out.” The role model for Sandra Bullock’s academy award winning Blind Side performance, Leigh Anne Tuohy summed it up. “CAP is dedicated to shortening the time and heartaches that children must endure while waiting to find a loving home,” Tuohy said, “They seize every opportunity to help children who have never had the support and love of a family of their own. We salute them!” According to CAP executive director Mark W. Soule, “Our organization serves only those children waiting the longest in foster care.”** CHILDREN AWAITING PARENTS www.capbook.org 2S FILMS www.2sfilms.com SYEDKA www.svedka.com INNOVATIVE SKINCARE www.innovativeskincare.com
Ginnifer Goodwin and guest at Children Awaiting Parents in West 116 |Hollywood. COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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Hillary Swank, Leigh Anne Tuohy and Molly Smith at Children Awaiting Parents in West Hollywood.
Mark Soule and Molly Smith
Bryan Johns, Leigh Anne and Alec Call
COCO ECO |
E-SCENE!
Silver Circle 2011
Humanitarian
Award WRITTEN by: Vicki Godal PHOTOGRAPHY by: Venice
Family Clinic
The Venice Family Clinic’s Silver Circle 2011 Gala in March honored supporters including producer Judd Apatow recipient of the Humanitarian Award and clinic co-Founder Mayer B. Davidson, MD who received the Visionary Award. Held at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons, the packed crowd was entertained by Grammy®-winner Fiona Apple, indie rockers EELS, stand-up comic Patton Oswalt and emcee Nick Kroll. Since 1970, the Venice Family Clinic has grown from a small storefront into the largest free clinic in the United States treating 24,400 low income or uninsured patients a year with the help of 2,000 volunteers including nearly 500 doctors. Patients, most of whom live and work in the Westside neighborhoods of Venice, Mar Vista, Santa Monica, Culver City, and Inglewood, are low-income and lack private health insurance. Sixteen percent of the Clinic’s patients are homeless. Guests honoring the clinic included Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jonny Knoxville, Lake Bell and Academy Award® Winner Luke Matheny.** THE VENICE FAMILY CLINIC www.venicefamilyclinic.org Humanitarian honoree Judd Apatow 118the |Silver COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011 at Circle 2011 Gala
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Spiral Foundation work in Vietnamt
Chuck Lorre and guest at the Silver Circle 2011 Gala
Comedian Patton Oswalt at the Silver Circle 2011 Gala
Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill
Director, James Cameron with Suzy Amis Jonny Knoxville andwife Judd Apatow
COCO ECO |
E-SCENE!
Vancouver Eco Fashion Week WRITTEN by: Vicki Godal PHOTOGRAPHY by: As noted
Eco Fashion Week took place in Vancouver in the LEED Platinum certified Olympic Village in late February. Over 40 exhibitors and 20 designers showcased their Fall/Winter 2011 collections including Prophetik’s sustainable pioneering designer Jeff Garner. Garner was voted the 2010 Eco Men’s Designer of the Year at London Fashion Week. Presenting sponsor AVEDA kicked off the week with a private gala in Gastown. According to Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, “Eco Fashion Week nicely aligns with Vancouver’s goal to be the ‘World’s Greenest City’ by 2020.” Eco Fashion Week’s Myriam Laroche said, “We are delighted with the diverse roster of national and international designers showcasing their Fall/Winter collections.” EFW closed with Prophetik’s new collection inspired by the court of Louis XV. .** ECO FASHION WEEK www.ecofashion-week.com
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Prophetik collection PHOTO CREDIT: Jason Hargrove
Vancouver Ecofashion Week PHOTO CREDIT: Peter Hoist
Prophetik collection PHOTO CREDIT: Jason Hargrove
Director, James Cameron with Vancouver Ecofashion Week PHOTO CREDIT: Peter wife HoistSuzy Amis
COCO ECO |
E-SCENE!
EcoLuxe LONDON WRITTEN by: Vicki Godal PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Featured
Participants
British Minister for Culture Ed Vaizey launched the second EcoLuxe London showcase at the Axis Rooms in the One Aldwych Hotel opposite London Fashion Week in February. EcoLuxe London premiered the collections of 26 ethically sustainable design lines from fashion to recycled jewelry and fair trade accessories. EcoLuxe also showed the newest designers from London’s Centre for Sustainable Fashion. An Aveda hair and skin care station at EcoLuxe London pampered fashion buyers and the press. EcoLuxe recently launched the ‘The Textile and Apparel Apprenticeship Program in London,” and joined Climate Week in March, to raise awareness of the carbon footprint of teeshirts. EcoLuxe London promotes leading ethical luxury brands and designers.** ECO LUXE LONDON www.ecoluxelondon.org
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British Minister for Culture Ed Vaizey launched EcoLuxe London
Lowie, cashmere fingerless blue
ElenaGarcia, tiedye
Hemyca
Stamo
COCO ECO |
E-SCENE!
NOW 2011
PARIS
WRITTEN by: Vicki Godal PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Mission
Savvy
The NOW Showcase, the US’ premier ethical fashion trade show opened in New York City in February and made its international debut in SO ETHIC Prêt à Porter, Paris’ eco-fashion forum in January. A platform for designers of eco-fashion, accessories and beauty products of conscious design, sustainable practices and materials, it was the first time ever a US sustainable designers platform was invited to participate in the Paris’ Prêt à Porter. NOW’s Raina Blyer said, “We’re building on our success to continue to grow and accommodate more brands while nurturing returning designers, demonstrating the green movement’s rising prominence within the fashion industry.” The following eco-sustainable fashion collections were featured in mixed runway shows at NOW’s 2011 Showcase and in Paris.** NOW SHOWCASE www.nowshowcase.com
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| COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011 ParisDana designer for Artaya
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NowParis Eileen with French eco lifestyle bloggers
Now flea bag designers
Preparing JAI for the show
COCO ECO |
E-SCENE!
Winter
Fluffball WRITTEN by: Vicki Godal PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: Best
Friends
The Winter Fluffball for the Best Friends Animal Society celebrated in February at the home of CAA Managing Partner David O’Connor. Over 200 supporters attended the Greye Goose, Kong Dog Toys and Rolls Royce sponsored affair, which also sent white Phantoms to chauffeur guests Elisabeth Shue, Alyssa Milano and Lisa Edelstein to the event. After receiving fabulous bags filled with gifts from Sunrider, Poetic Paws, the Little Bra Company, KONG, Kinara skincare and Blue Dog Bakery, a silent auction delighted participants Linda Thompson, Anna Faris, Cloris Leachman and Rachelle Lefevre.
The Rolls Royce Phantom limousine for guests at the Winter Fluffball
Guests bid on donations from Avanessi, Bonefied Art, Dermologica, Taylor Made, mok¹sa organics, Rare El¹ements, Rahua Haircare, Energy Muse and others. All proceeds benefitted the Best Friends Animal Society.** BEST FRIENDS www.bestfriends.org
Actress Rachelle Lefevre
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Ana Faris at the Winter Fluffball www.cocoecomag.com
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COCO ECO |
E-SCENE!
Capturing the Spirit of
HAITI WRITTEN by: Vicki Godal PHOTOGRAPHY by: The Fowler
Museum
Speakers at a conference examining Haiti in the world included Haiti’s Envoy to the United Nations Jocelyn McCalla, filmmaker Jonathan Demme and New York Times’ Deborah Sontag as well as UCLA professors including Professor Donald Cosentino. The “Conference: Haiti Stories / Istwa Ayiti” took place at UCLA’s Fowler Museum in early 2011, prefacing the Haitian art exhibit running through May 22. However, the Haitian art is the real showstopper. The museum showcases “Fowler in Focus: Art and the Unbreakable Spirit of Haiti.” Displaying pieces designed for the international art market along with those used in seasonal festivities including vodou ceremonies, the Haitian version of the Caribbean voodoo religion.This collection explores the entire Haitian experience.** THE FOWLER MUSEUM www.fowler.ucla.edu/events/conference-haiti-stories-istwa-ayiti www.fowler.ucla.edu/exhibitions/fowler-in-focus-unbreakable-spirit-of-haiti
Italian actress Maria Grazie Cuccionetta shops at the Spiral in Rome, Italy | March-April 2011 128 |Foundation COCO ECO MAGAZINE
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“Dessalines Ripping the White From the Flag,” Madsen Mompremier, Gonaïves. Oil on canvas
Filmmaker Jonathan Demme. Conference: Haiti Stories
Creole Pig (Kochon Kreyòl), Yves Telemak, papier-mâché, Fowler in Focus: The Unbreakable Spirit of Haiti exhibition
with Haitian Flag, Erz.Director, DanthorJames (Ezili Cameron Dantò), beads wife Suzy Amis and sequins on fabric
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SHOPPING!
COCO ECO
SHOPPING CONCIERGE
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Dress, DALIA MACPHEE www.daliaonline.com Shoes, MILK & HONEYwww.milkandhoneyshoes.com Earrings, SONIA B www.soniabstyle.com Jewelry, MARGARET ROWE www.margaretrowe.com Shoes, LARARE www.larare.fr
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Shirt, BOULEE Ego Soleil: 813-843-0790 Swim bottom, MALIA MILLS wwwmaliamills.com Necklace, BLANK VERSE www.blankversejewelry.com
| COCO ECO MAGAZINE | March-April 2011
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