Ziwira Celebrity October 2015

October Issue 2015

W W W. Z I W I R A . C O M

BUILDING A GREEN FUTURE

fifTy

ShadES

Of ClimaTE

SUSTAINABLE

ChaNGE

ThE

GrEEN ShEikh

H.H Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi

ThE

WOrThy Ali Mostafa’s new film carries a powerful message about water shortage.

+ all EyE’S ON

A blossoming icon for young women

+ WOOdy harrElSON & hiS lOVE fOr TrEES

lEO

Brad Pitt’s Make it Right project has been making revolutionary strides in sustainable building.

GREEn CElEbRiTY

poem

October Special Edition

CONTENTS

24

Celebrity Magazine

12 34

COVER STORY

34

46 04

Beauty is about to become more…honest!

10

The Green Sheikh

12

Brad’s Makin’ it Right!

20

Dame Jane Goodall: Legend of the Naturalist World

08

18

18

Emma Watson: A blossoming icon for young women

22

Joaquin Phoenix: PETA Activist & Vegan at heart

28

Stella McCartney’s war against animal products

24

Gwyneth Paltrow embodies healthy living

34

Another Reason to Love Jared Leto

40

Lupita Nyong’o Joins the Ivory Battle

36

Pharrell William’s mission to restore the oceans

42

Fifty Shades of Climate Change

50

Ke$ha stands for #BeCruelty Free Cosmetics

44

Livia Firth: Green Carpet Queen

52

All Eye’s On Leonardo DiCaprio

56

Woody Harrelson & his love for trees

54

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The Worthy

Ragheb Alama Lebanese Singer

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BUILDING A GREEN FUTURE

Publisher Ziwira CEO and Founder Adam Merza adam@ziwira.com Editorial Saba Khan saba.khan@ziwira.com Nasreen Rasool nasreen.rasool@ziwira.com Zane Small zane.small@ziwira.com Imran Khan imran@ziwira.com Marketing Nadir Khan nadir.khan@ziwira.com +971 56 7481747 Design Asif Habib asif.habib@ziwira.com Head Office Techno Hub Building,

EDITORIAL Life for celebrities is not easy, continuously being in the limelight and under scrutiny for trivial things can at times be cumbersome, but some stars take it in their stride and utilize

their status for meaningful causes. Though not many, but some have the vision and cour-

age to stand up for what they believe in and become the face of the environmental movement taking place globally.

As Robert Redford wrote when fighting the Keystone XL pipeline, “Every once in a while

an opportunity comes along for all of us to be the solution.” We think it is a good idea to thank celebs who are using their star status for environmental awareness.

Ziwira’s special edition of the Celebrity Magazine is a tribute to all such celebrities who have taken time out from their otherwise busy schedules to raise awarness for the envi-

ronment. Maybe you’ll find someone who you didn’t know was such an active sentinel for environmental issues.

We hope you enjoy reading about your favorite celebrities and their endeavors in saving the environment and relish some feel-good celebrity gossip!

Cheers!

Office No. 161-162, PO Box No. 341171, Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE. USA Office Ziwira Inc. 445 Park Avenue 9th Floor New York City New York 10022

Saba Khan E d I T O r

@ZIWIrA

United States of America Canada Office Ziwira Inc. Toronto, Canada

© Copyright 2015 Ziwira. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication can be reproduced in

parts, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in

any form or by any means without the prior written

permission of the publisher.

3

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October Special Edition

Beauty is about to become more…honest!

Jessica Alba’s Honest Company recently announced that they will be expanding into the beauty industry, and boy are we excited!

J

essica Alba has been named by Forbes magazine as one of the world’s richest self-made millionaires.

As a mother of two, many are in awe of her success

and vibrant energy that makes her brand such a success.

She is best known for her lead role in the TV series, Dark Angel and later more prominent film roles in Fantastic Four and Entourage.

In 2011 she started The Honest Company, when she became a new mother and personally faced difficulty in

trying to find gentle, chemical free products for her baby.

The Honest Company began with just a small product

line including the likes of eco-friendly diapers, wipes, organic bath oils and shampoos. Needless to say, the public loved the concept. It was designed beautifully,

and had an inviting ethos of honesty, and natural care for both the human body and the environment.

Last month, the 34-year-old actress turned CEO

announced via Instagram that the company, now with an established and trusted line in baby and mommy care products, was going to be launching a beauty line.

“Something big is coming soon! And as Honest members,

we want you to be one of the first to join our extended family: @Honest_Beauty,” Alba wrote on Instagram.

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The Honest Company was launched back in

producer whom she met on the set of Fantastic

2011, and is dedicated to providing its customers

Four. She now has two daughters, Honour, aged

with “safe, non-toxic, accessible and affordable

7, and Haven, aged 4. The company is currently

baby, skincare and home goods.” The company

valued at around $1 billion and she has also

is based firmly in its philosophy of health and

released a book called The Honest Life, which

sustainability, which is what the public love and

is based on her personal experience of trying to

buy into.

create a natural and healthy life for her family.

Jessica Alba may have hinted at a new cosmetic line in

previous interviews, but no one

anticipated that the company would branch out into beauty

response to her announcement,

it is a move which will be very much welcomed, as so many women out there share her

views of wanting to live a natural, healthy and honest lifestyle, luxury with conscious living.

Earlier this year, the Sin City told

at which began when she was just 19 years old. Now, Alba,

There’s a real need for beauty products that aren’t like piling dirt on your face, are healthy and don’t make you sick but actually work and feel like luxury

combining a love for beauty and

actress

“

since her initial on-screen fame

Cosmopolitan.

“

so soon. But judging by the

Jessica has come a long way

who is of Native American or

mayan origin, has blossomed

into a vibrant and enthusiastic role model for women out there who are both mothers and aspire

to be strong women who can

actually play a positive role in society. She has also taken her passion to the political field, and

in 2011, participated in a two-day lobbying effort in Washington d.C. in support of the Safe

co.uk, “There’s a real need for beauty products

Chemicals Act.

and don’t make you sick but actually work and

So for an honest beauty reboot, watch this

that aren’t like piling dirt on your face, are healthy

feel like luxury.” Jessica has had wonderful

support from her husband, Cash Warren, a film

space! Honest Beauty products should be hitting the stores soon.

7

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entertainment

October Special Edition

Ali Mostafa’s new film carries a powerful message about water shortage.

The Worthy

Ali Mostafa Emirati film director

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October Special Edition

A movie about a future wasteland where survivors must fight for water.

The Worthy

E

mirati film director Ali Mustafa’s latest endeavor is an

action/thriller about a futuristic war fuelled by water shortage. He made the official announcement at the

Cannes Film Festival last month.

and is admittedly out of his comfort zone. Ali is most popularly known for his nostalgic debut film, City of Life, which tells the

story of life in Dubai through three intriguing characters. Last

film, From A to B, another critically acclaimed ensemble.

Based on his repertoire, The Worthy is expected to be nothing less than a superb piece of

creative art with a powerful message. Speaking of the film, Ali

said, “It’s different and therefore more exciting. I feel the need

to do these things because it shows that you can be versatile.”

The film is set in a future that has

been plunged into chaos due to a chronic water shortage, and follows a group of survivors who

seek refuge in the only remain-

to give it an Arab context. They ended up changing the charevance.

In an interview with local media, he said, “It’s a really interesting

look at what would have happened had something gone drastically wrong in Arabia in the future. We tried to imagine it bearing

“

This genre has a really strong niche, even here in the region. My goal is to target people who are interested in these kinds of films. There are people who only watch fantasy fiction films.

And cosplay is big here. So that’s the kind of people I’m looking at. Because if they like it, that means I’ve done a good job.

“

opened with a screening of his

director, it was written with no specific location, so they decided

acters, their storylines and the location to give it more local rel-

The film, entitled The Worthy, is quite unlike his previous work,

year the Abu Dhabi Film Festival

Mustafa directs a film that he has not written. According to the

ing water source in the area. When two strangers also discover this source, it becomes a test for survival, and only one will be chosen as worthy.

The film will be financed by Ali’s long-time supporting partner, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, and will be produced by two Holly-

wood veterans, Peter Safran and Steven Schneider, along with

UAE film veteran, Rami Yasin. This will be the first time that Ali

in mind what’s going on current-

ly and the history of the region.

Would it go a certain way, and if so what happens? 10 years from now how would what’s happening now shape the region?”

The UAE has a fairly young film industry, and Mustafa’s films

have often been described as leading the way. With The Wor-

thy, he hopes to tap into a whole new audience.

“This genre has a really strong niche, even here in the region.

My goal is to target people who are interested in these kinds of

films. There are people who only watch fantasy fiction films. And cosplay is big here. So that’s the

kind of people I’m looking at. Because if they like it, that means I’ve done a good job,” he said.

“But as a filmmaker, you want to cater to as many people as possible.”

Production on The Worthy is scheduled to start later this year and Ali’s hope is to release it next year.

9

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October Special Edition

The Green

Sheikh w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 10

“

We only have one world know this. It’s easy to th is nothing we can do to there is. Small actions ch world, not big talk. Do y by doing what you can your heritage. This help know your need

Man on a Mission Sheikh Al Nuaimi is on a mission to give the UAE

a fresh, greener reputation and image. According to journalist Liz Totton who personally met him, he

is “nothing short of a contradiction and, perhaps,

an eccentric. While his moniker reflects his passion for creating a more sustainable environment for

participates in various organizations supporting sustainable

development

and

does

frequent

appearances on television and radio stations to encourage environmentally friendly lifestyles.

Liz Totton makes a fair point about the Green

generations to come, his ideas go far beyond that.”

Sheikh, citing how Ajman hasn’t enjoyed the

Sheikh Al Nuaimi is a member of the Ajman Royal

the south. “Perhaps because H.H. Sheik Al Nuaimi

Family and a nephew of the ruler of Ajman. He is commonly referred to as the “Green Sheikh”,

because of his mission to break down barriers

prosperity from the early oil boom as its neighbors to grew up with a bit less excess, he understands how precious vital resources are,” says Liz.

and reach out to the youth to raise awareness

“When I was young my life was simple,” says Al

encouraging and instilling a general sense of

my father. It was during this time in nature that I

about environmental and sustainable issues by

Nuaimi. “I enjoyed training falcons for hunting with

environmental stewardship.

realized how interconnected the world’s eco-

He earned a PhD in Cleaner Production and

I didn’t know it yet, but this was when I decided

Industrial (Ecology) Eco-Systems from Griffith University in Australia, in 2007. He also has a

systems are and how interconnected people are. to dedicate my life to preserving the environment.”

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical and Petroleum

He understood the importance of sharing his story

Engineering, a Diploma in Military Science, and a

to help engage the younger generation in caring for

Master of Science in Environmental Management.

the environment.

Most of Sheikh Al Nuaimi’s efforts and talks have

“This is why I am so open,” he says. “I share

harmonious relationships between humans and

hungry, I will share my food with you. If you are

community to adapt eco-friendly ways is united

of my religion, but also it’s what it means to be a

been centered on the vital importance of building

everything; my knowledge, my passion. If you are

nature. His convincing approach in involving the

thirsty, I will share my drink. Not only is this a tenet

with his passion for “greener communities.” He

universal good citizen.”

Amiable Accolades In 2004, Sheikh Al Nuaimi was honored at the

the UAE. He was then approached by Ford Motor

USA. He was awarded first place for his doctoral

for the Ford Conservation and Environment

97th Annual Conference Exhibition in Indianapolis, research on sustainable development.

In 2007, his environmental and humanitarian contributions were recognized by the Sharjah

“

d, we all hink there help, but hange the your part n. Know ps you to ds.

October Special Edition

Company Middle East to become an Ambassador Grants, in recognition of fundamental interests

shared to promote environmental awareness and conservation.

Volunteering Awards. He has also been presented

Sheikh Al Nuaimi has distinguished himself as a

among which was the City of Hialeah proclaiming

responsibility, even having published three books:

with three distinct and prestigious awards in Miami, September 25 as Sheikh Abdul Aziz Day.

In 2010, Sheikh Al Nuaimi was awarded the Islamic Personality by Fujairah Quranic Award in

community visionary and an advocate for social

Our Beautiful Environment, Private and Secrets, and

Personal Strategic Development. He has lived an incredible life, never giving up on the environment which he loves most.

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brad brad’S makiN’ iT riGhT! Brad Pitt’s Make it Right project has been making revolutionary strides in sustainable building. When he’s not making movies or being a Dad, he’s actively involved in community work, proving he’s not just a pretty face, he has a green heart too!

GREEn CElEbRiTY

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d PiTT 13 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

CoVer StorY

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b

esides being an Oscar-winning actor and now director, Brad Pitt is also an ecologist and architecture enthusiast. He’s also

a veggie who cares about recycling, sustainable building and

using renewable energy.

With one Oscar and one Emmy to his credit, a Golden Globe Award, several critic’s and festival awards, not to mention being ranked as

People magazine’s sexiest man alive twice, it’s a wonder where he gets time to care about the environment. Brad is a father of 6 children, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne and Knox, three of whom were adopted. He has been married to Angelina Jolie since 2014

and together they established the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, a charitable organization to aid humanitarian causes around the world.

Pitt has been ranked 5th on Forbes’ most powerful celebs list in 2007, and these days he is definitely using that power for good. He has a

string of successful movies to his name, including Ocean’s Eleven, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Troy and Meet Joe Black.

Throughout his career, Brad has proven that he’s not only talented, but also keen to portray intriguing, complex characters, such as Edward

Norton’s alter ego in Fight Club. more recently his choice of movies, such as Fury and War Machine, display his determination to expose the inhumane side of war. We’ve seen a gradual shift in Pitt’s career

from romance flicks to those with deeper content that challenges the audience and prompts them to think about what we need to change in our lives.

Perhaps the most notable green achievement by mr. Pitt, has been founding the Make It Right non-profit organization, which aims to

“

Brad at the 5th anniversary of Katrina

Some people don’t understand the promises they’re making when they make them,“ I said.

“Right, of course. But you keep the promise anyway.

That’s what love is. Love is keeping the promise anyway.

“

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 14

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provide sustainable housing for underprivileged communities. He began the project after visiting New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward two

years after Hurricane Katrina. He was shocked by the lack of progress

in rebuilding this historic, working class community. Pitt believed that if he could build safe, sustainable homes in the most devastated part

of New Orleans, it would prove that high-quality, green housing could be built affordably anywhere.

He put together a team of world class architects and volunteers, and

construction for the first building began in June 2008. To date, Make it right has provided 109 homes to the New Orleans community, all of which are LEED Platinum certified, run on solar power and built with green building materials. They recently also launched the first tiny house in the community.

Perhaps the most distinct thing about Brad, is that he didn’t just create

the company and then let a bunch of people run it from a distance. He’s

very much involved and takes a hands on approach. In a telephone

interview with Nola.com, he spoke about how it feels to make such a profound difference in people’s lives.

“I drive into the neighborhood and I see people on their porch,” he said. “And I ask them how is their house treating them? And they say,

‘Good.’ And I say, what’s your utility bill? And they’ll throw something out like, ‘24 bucks’ or something, and I feel fantastic. It’s a reminder of why we’re there. It’s a reminder of why we push like we push. It makes it all worthwhile.”

In September 2009 Pitt received an award in recognition of the project

from the U.S. Green Building Council. That same year, Brad and his brother doug helped the Drury University Stadium achieving the first Gold Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design “LEED” certification for a sporting arena in the United States. They donated

$600,000 to upgrade the original Silver certification to Gold LEED certification so that the

stadium now features low-flow water fixtures, a dedicated recycling area and a solarreflective roof and pavement materials.

Apparently, Brad’s dedication to environmental conservation goes beyond building

projects. Yes ladies, he drives a hydrogen BMW! He has also made donations of $1 million each to Global Action for Children and doctors without Borders and he has teamed

up with Kiehl’s to develop an eco-friendly body wash, called Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser.

And finally, what would an eco-celeb be if they did not celebrate Earth Day in a fantastically creative way? In honor of Earth day this year, Brad partnered with American

Eagle Outfitters for a recycling program, whereby customers were invited to donate their old jeans in exchange for a 20% discount on a new pair. The old denim was then collected by make it right, who turned it into insulation for the solar powered homes it was building.

With all this in mind, it may be difficult to watch a Brad Pitt movie in the same way ever again! Watch out for his latest Netflix project, War Machine, which is a satirical

movie about the decisions that bring about war. It’s produced by Pitt’s own production company, Plan B Entertainment. He will direct and star in the movie, which will be filmed in Abu dhabi. War machine is scheduled for release in 2016.

15 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

October Special Edition

A blossoming icon for young women Emma Watson, of Harry Potter fame, has been making headlines for being cast as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. But not everyone is aware of just how active this 24-year old has been on the eco-front.

I

n the summer of 2010, Watson launched a series of designs for People Tree, a sustainable fashion label that was not only stylish, but also used organic fabrics.

Watson took her role as co-designer very seriously and actively participated in choosing

the fabrics and trying on the garments. She starred in a number of photographic campaigns for

People Tree, one of which featured the actress sporting short hair and black shorts in front of a motorbike. The image was daring, providing alternative fashion that was still classic and elegant.

According to the Daily Mail, she also travelled to Bangladesh at the time to meet the locals who made the clothing.

The Paris-born actress left the company in 2011 after sales did not take off, but since then has

continued to do her bit for the environment and sustainable fashion. Using her persuading powers as the face of Lancome, she tried to convince the brand to begin an eco-friendly make-up range and has most recently worked with Italian designer Alberta Ferretti on a few sustainable fashion pieces. Colleagues have described her as a person with “ecological vision�.

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Emma WaTSON GREEn CElEbRiTY

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October Special Edition

DAME JANE GOODALL

A symbol of Peace and Discovery

Legend of the Naturalist World

She is an international symbol of peace and discovery. She has won more awards than you can count on your fingers and toes. She has dedicated much of her life to chimpanzees, and remarkably earned their trust. She is a renowned advocate for animals and vegetarianism. She has honorary doctorate degrees from more than five universities. She has written dozens of books, and starred in equally as many films related to nature and conservation.

She is Dame Jane Goodall, a legend of the naturalist world.

LIVING LEGEND Where does one begin to describe a living legend? There is so

Leakey selected Jane to attempt a study to observe the pri-

Goodall on April 3, 1934, in London, United Kingdom. She is

pattern of observation, appearing at the same time every morn-

much to tell. Dame Jane Goodall was born Valerie Jane Morris-

currently 81. She can be described as a primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist, and United Nations Messenger of Peace.

She is most recognized for her 55 years of social and family in-

teractions of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania.

Jane’s first encounter with Africa came when she was 18, after

mates in their natural setting. She established a nonthreatening

ing on the high ground near a feeding area along the Kaka-

ombe Stream valley. The chimpanzees soon tolerated her pres-

ence, and within a year, allowed her to move as close as 30 feet to their feeding area. She became closely acquainted with more

than half of the reserve’s 100 or more chimpanzees. She imitated their behaviors, spent time in the trees, and ate their foods.

an invitation she received from a childhood friend to visit South

By remaining in almost constant contact with the chimps, she

Leakey, then the curator of the Coryndon Museum in Nairobi.

Ethologists had long believed that chimps were exclusively

Kinangop, Kenya. It was there that she met anthropologist Louis He believed that long-term study of the behavior of higher primates would yield important evolutionary information – with particular interest in chimpanzees.

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 20

discovered a number of previously unobserved behaviors. vegetarian. Goodall witnessed chimps stalking, killing, and eat-

ing large insects, birds, and some bigger animals, including

baby baboons and bushbacks (small antelopes). On one occasion, she recorded acts of cannibalism.

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“

“

Here we are, the most clever species ever to have lived. So how is it that we can destroy the only planet we have?

aChiEVEmENTS An interesting aspect of Goodall’s early life, that often surprises

people, was that she did not have any qualifications, and was often criticized of this during her time conducting research in

Tanzania. In 1962, Leaky sent Goodall to Cambridge University where she finally obtained a PhD degree in Ethology. She be-

came only the eighth person to be allowed to study for a Phd there without first having obtained a BA or BSc. Since then, she has been the recipient of numerous honorary

Jane Goodall has become somewhat of a minor celebrity due

to her recognition as a naturalist. In recognition of her achievements, Goodall has received numerous honors and awards,

including the Gold medal of Conservation from the San diego Zoological Society in 1974, the J. Paul Getty Wildlife Conservation Prize in 1984, the Schweitzer Medal of the Animal Welfare

Institute in 1987, the National Geographic Society Centennial

Award in 1988, and the Kyoto Prize in

doctorates, from universities including Upp-

Basic Sciences in 1990. In addition to

sala University (2007), University of Liverpool

these extraordinary achievements, she

(2007), University of Toronto (2008), Ameri-

was named a messenger of Peace by

can University of Paris (2011), and National

the United Nations in 2002, and a dame

Tsing Hua University in Taiwan (2012), just

of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth

to name a few.

II of England in 2003.

In 1977, Goodall established the Jane

Goodall is also a proud animal rights

Goodall Institute (JGI), which supports the

campaigner, and is the former president

Gombe research, and she is a global lead-

of Advocates for Animals, an organiza-

er in the effort to protect chimpanzees and

tion based in Edinburgh, Scotland, that

their habitats. With nineteen offices around

campaigns against the use of animals

the world, the JGI is widely recognized for

in medical research, zoos, farming and

innovative, community-centered conserva-

tion and development programs in Africa. To preserve the wild chimpanzee’s environment, Goodall encourages African na-

tions to develop nature-friendly tourism programs, a measure

that makes wildlife into a profitable resource. She actively works with businesses and local governments to promote ecological responsibility.

sport. She is an avid vegetarian and ad-

vocates the diet for ethical, environmental, and health reasons.

In The Inner World of Farm Animals, Goodall writes that farm animals are “far more aware and intelligent than we ever imag-

ined and, despite having been bred as domestic slaves, they

are individual beings in their own right. As such, they deserve our respect.”

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October Special Edition

PETA Activist & Vegan at heart

Actor and activist Joaquin Phoenix has starred in blockbuster films such as Gladiator, and Walk the Line.

Although he has a reputation as being a little odd, Phoenix has won the favor of the naturalist world by speaking out against the Chinese dog leather industry, and generally advancing animal rights.

P

hoenix was born as Joaquin Rafael Bottom in San Juan,

Puerto Rico – but grew up in Los Angeles, California. He

is considered to be a liberal democrat, born to parents

who were briefly part of “Family International” or Children of

God – a cult whose best way of gaining converts was to tout promiscuous ways as a way to get closer to god. Joaquin and

his brother, River did not engage in these activities, and were fortunate to be discovered as talented actors in Hollywood where they were able develop their own lives differently.

Phoenix

has

been

a

According to PETA, China has weak regulations against the

kidnapping of animals, and the conditions of workplaces. Not surprisingly, the quasi-governmental China Leather Industry

Association has declined all requests for an interview, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture who are responsible for governing

the conditions in the animal slaughtering industry. One dog

slaughterer told undercover PETA Asia’s investigator that the dog leather facility he worked for clubbed and skinned up to 100 to 200 dogs a day.

strong

The PETA investigator reportedly

advocator for animal rights – so and insisted that his wardrobe in the

film Walk the Line, be composed entirely of synthetic fibers. He has appeared in numerous ads for PETA and spoken publicly about

the gross violations of animal rights.

Celebrities hold a unique power and influence in the world. Joaquin Phoenix

used

his

power

and

influence to address the atrocities involved in the Chinese dog leather

industry, and has not been shy about

sharing his opinions with the world.

He appeared in a video for PETA, where he describes what happens

during the dog leather process, and urges people to abandon leather

saw up to 300 dogs confined to

“

Every year, millions of reptiles are slaughtered so handbags, belts and shoes can be made from their skin.

The animals’ welfare is not a consideration to those who hunt, skin and farm them.

“

much so that he is a strict vegan

products, no matter what animal it comes from. The reason

Phoenix so adamantly requests the public to do so, is because it’s so difficult to determine where particular leather has come

from, unless it is DNA tested. In the video, Phoenix somberly explains that dog leather is made into, “leather gloves, belts, and accessories”. Ingrid Newkirk, the founder of PETA claims these dog leather products have no doubt made their way

into the hands of unsuspecting people in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 22

a small compound, desperately climbing over one another in an attempt to escape the claustrophobic nightmare. The crazy thing is, the

quality of dog leather is far less

superior to cow or sheep leather, however it is reportedly cheaper to

make. An estimated 2 million cats

and dogs are killed annually in China for their skin.

Bludgeoning dogs to death for

their skin is ultimately barbaric and completely unnecessary, as there are plenty of alternative, eco-friendly products out there, for which Phoenix praises. ‘Eco-leather’ is a new material created by Richard Wool, a

chemical engineer at the University

of Delaware in Newmark, United States. It is lightweight, and much more durable than real leather. The material is made from

cotton or other natural fibers, mixed with plant oils heated and pressed together to give the same feel of leather. According

to Wool, the first eco-leather products should be appearing in

stores in 2015. It is a much more affordable, and sustainable alternative to the animal leather industry, that has long outlived itself in modern society.

October Special Edition

The only wildlife at SPA is human.

No Fur Coats Allowed.�

-Joaquin Phoenix

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October Special Edition

Gwyneth Paltrow embodies healthy living

She has been labelled the most beautiful women in the world, and starred in blockbuster hits including Iron Man, and Shakespeare in Love, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Nowadays, whether she’s claiming that water has feelings or sharing her favorite healthy recipes, Gwyneth Paltrow uses her weekly Goop blog and website to share her innermost thoughts and prized tips for a better life.

Green Celebrity

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 24

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“

Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kickass red lipstick.

“

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GOOP Some years ago, Gwyneth Paltrow explained what GOOP

means in an interview with USA Today. “It is a nickname, like my name is G.P., so that is really where it came from. And I

wanted it to be a word that means nothing and could mean anything,” she said.

What exactly is Goop? It is a website that Gwyneth created, since she is a strong advocate for healthy living. People were

understandably excited about her website, curious to know how Gwyneth has managed to maintain her beauty, even at the age of 42.

Goop is a unique concept, where food, shopping, and

mindfulness collide – where the ever-evolving intent is to make every choice count. The website was officially launched in 2008 out of Gwyneth’s kitchen. It was originally conceived as

a weekly email newsletter. Gwyneth initially wanted a platform to showcase her unbiased travel tips, health-centric recipes,

and shopping discoveries for friends, where she could also answer her own questions – about health, fitness, and the psyche.

The website has evolved into a platform for Gwyneth to

introduce some of the incredible experts who have mentioned

her throughout her life to a wider audience, and a place where readers can find suggestions about where to shop, eat, and stay from a trusted friend – not an “anonymous”, crow-sourced

recommendation engine. I mean let’s face it, Gwyneth looks

pretty damn good for her age, and her fans are intrigued as to how she manages it, while holding down a career, and raising two young children.

3 GREEN HEARTS Staying true to her healthy roots, Gwyneth also recently ventured further out into the green community. Earlier this

year Beyoncé launched her vegan meal delivery service, and now the reigning queen of green living and clean eating has

stepped into the space as well. Gwyneth Paltrow teamed with her BFF and fitness guru, Tracy Anderson, along with business partner maria Baum, to launch 3 Green Hearts.

The new line of on-the-go meals will be available from

Anderson’s East Hampton and Water mill Fitness studio

locations. The meals will contain locally sourced and organic products – including gluten-free pastas, fish tacos, quinoa salad, fresh juices and smoothies, and sweets (believe it or not!)

“I’m a major foodie so there’s also going to be frosting shots, but the frosting is made without all the processed things that

really hurt us. I’ve figured out how to make the best cookies that have no gluten, no soy, no dairy, no nuts, no eggs—all the

main common allergens,” Anderson told Hamptons magazine.

Paltrow shared how Anderson motivated her while training for

Iron man. “I remember there was a certain part where I felt like

I was going to cry. I just physically and mentally couldn’t do

it anymore. It was just too hard for me. She said to me, ‘don’t even think of it like that. It’s not an option. It’s like brushing

your teeth. You get up and do it.’ I had such a powerful shift that day.” It’s good to know even Paltrow needs to be pushed sometimes!

27 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

October Special Edition

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 28

OctOber Special editiOn

STElla mCCarTNEy’S WAR AGAINST ANIMAL PRODUCTS Stella McCartney is an internationally renowned fashion designer. She is the daughter of former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney and American photographer and animal rights activist Linda McCartney. Stella has followed in her mother’s footsteps, with very strong views on animal rights. At Paris Fashion Week this year, Stella unveiled her ‘fur-free fur’ collection. She has also publicly condemned the leather industry.

“

“

It’s not relevant, it’s not sexy, it’s not fashionable, and it’s not cool.

29 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

October Special Edition

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 30

October Special Edition

Fur Trade It is widely regarded that Stella’s parents, Paul and Linda,

The concept of fake fur is even popping up in some menswear

introducing her to an animal-free diet. Thus, Stella has always

going fur-free, because wearing real fur is starting to carry a

were the main influence in her lifelong fight for animal rights –

used synthetic leather, and found even faux fur unfavorable until now.

“Modern fake fur looks so much like real fur, that the moment it leaves the atelier, no one can tell it’s not the real thing,” Stella

told the Guardian. “And I’ve struggled with that. But I’ve been

speaking to younger women about it recently and they don’t even want real fur. So I feel like maybe things have moved on,

designs. It is ultimately a good business decision on her part negative stigma with it. Stella does not want to take any chances

having her pieces mistaken for the real thing. Her new collection of coats will include “fur free fur” label affixed to the coat in a visible place, such as the wrist. The collection, shown in Paris,

included both white and black faux fur coats. The incredibly

luxe outerwear would be difficult for even the staunchest PETA member to turn down.

and it’s time, and we can do fabrics which look like fur, if we take them somewhere else.”

Leather Trade Fur is not the only animal related product that stirs Stella McCartney. She has also taken on the lucrative leather industry

– fronting a shocking campaign for PETA exposing the leather

industry. As she points out, most consumers are not aware of the cruelty to animals in the leather industry or of the detrimental environmental effects of leather production.

In the video by PETA, Stella,

who

strictly

does not use any

leather in her fashion collections, explains

why she has shed leather, to provide

consumers with the

facts so that they can make informed decisions

before

buying

products

made from leather.

She

explains

and

other

millions

of

how

cows

animals

are killed for their

skins, and endure horrors of factory farming, including extreme

crowding and deprivation, as well as castration, branding,

tail-docking and dehorning – without any painkillers. Because

skin is the most economically important co-product of the meat industry, buying leather directly supports the ugly industry.

Stella further explains how a large amount of leather comes from

developing countries such as India and China, where animal welfare laws are either non-existent or are not enforced. In

India, an investigation found that workers break cows’ tails and

rub chili peppers and tobacco into their eyes in order to force them to get up and walk after they collapse from exhaustion

on the way to the abattoir. At abattoir’s, animals routinely have their throats cut and are skinned and dismembered while they are still conscious.

She also mentions how

production harmful

leather

to

environment.

is

the In

order to preserve an

animals’

companies

skin, use

toxic chemicals that

end up in nearby soil

and

skin

into

water

supplies.

Turning

requires

massive

leather

amounts of energy and

dangerous

c h e m i c a l s ,

including formaldehyde, coal-tar derivatives and various oils, dyes and fisheries, some of them cyanide-based.

“As a designer, I like to work with fabrics that don’t bleed; that’s

why I avoid all animal skins,” Stella says. “Please join me in exploring the huge variety of fashionable shoes, belts, purses

and wallets that aren’t the product of a cow’s violent death.

You can buy cruelty-free fashion all over the place now, since demand is always increasing as people learn the dark truth about the fur and leather and exotic-skins trade.”

31 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

October Special Edition

Academy Award-Winning Actor Joins WWF as Global Ambassador

Green Personality

Jared Leto w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 34

OctOber Special editiOn

aNOThEr rEaSON TO lOVE

JarEd lETO The beautiful blue-eyed boy from Louisiana makes it into our green books this month for more than one reason.

He was every teenage girl’s heartthrob in the TV series My

apparent that he applies the same dedication to his role as an

audiences with his blue eyes and captivatingly good looks. He

Leto is a practicing Vegan, and supports animal rights as well

So-Called Life in 1994. Since then, Jared Leto has charmed

slowly broke away from being poster boy to philanthropist and environmental activist, receiving much flak from celeb gossipers

about the change in his appearance. Now we have one more reason to love Jared Leto and that’s his recent appointment as a global ambassador for WWF.

ambassador for mother Earth which goes far beyond WWF.

as several children’s charities. He has also been involved with

Habitat for Humanity. A year after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Jared visited the country and on is return released a book of photographs from his trip to raise funds for the survivors.

Hollywood fans may not know that Jared

One of his first tasks in this new role will be to

Leto is also the lead vocalist in a band

work with WWF in raising awareness about

called Thirty Seconds to mars. They sing

wildlife crimes. The award-winning actor,

spiritual and philosophical rock songs and

musician and director recently visited South

launched a blog called abeautifullie.org to

Africa with WWF to gain firsthand experience

raise funds and awareness for environmental

of the country’s rhino poaching crisis.

issues. Leto directed the music video for the band’s song “A Beautiful Lie” in Greenland

“Being that close to majestic creatures like

in 2008. He worked closely with the Natural

rhinos and elephants reminds me of the deep

resources

connection and important responsibility we

defense

Council

to

ensure

minimal fuel consumption and environmental

have to protect and shepherd these fragile

impact. Proceeds from the video’s sales went

species and their habitats. I’m committed

toward the NrdC.

and passionate about doing all I can to help ensure that these endangered animals

So why do we love him? He’s deep with a

survive, and will continue to encourage

side of crazy (his Facebook profile pic shows

others to get into action as well,” said Leto.

him hugging a tree!). And he’s genuine in his

fight for the environment. WWF did good to

choose mr Leto as their new ambassador. Anyone who loves “I’m honored to join with WWF and the global conservation community and do my part. I hope you will too,” he added.

Leto’s mother was part of the hippie movement, so he grew up around creative people. As an actor, he is known to be

methodical and dedicated to each role, doing research and

those dreamy eyes is bound to fall in love with the rhino he’s standing next to.

So Hollywood can criticize his long hair and beard all they want,

because we don’t mind, and it’s highly unlikely that the rhinos will either!

drastically changing his appearance to suit the character. It’s

“

“

I’m a vegan, I respect the environment and I do my best to spread the importance of such an issue.

35 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

Green CeLeB

OctOber Special editiOn

PharrEll William’S miSSiON TO rESTOrE ThE OCEaNS

Besides gaining considerable success as an artist and musician, Pharrell Williams has openly shared another passion with the world. Officially, Pharrell is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and fashion designer. However, he has more recently dedicated his efforts to the oceans – desperately seeking support from his fashionable fans to turn their attention to where a product is sourced, as opposed to the product itself.

“

biONiC yarN

“

It’s weird that plastics could have such a profound effect on our future.

b

ionic Yarn was established in 2009 by Tyson Toussant and Pharrell Williams with the objective of producing

high performance textile from plastic recycled from the

oceans around the world. The fabrics are made from a blend of cotton and newly recycled plastic fibers.

Bionic Yarn are partnered with a service called Vortex Project

to amass the resources needed to make their recycled fabrics.

Their studies show that waste in plastic and garbage outweighs fish harvested from the ocean at a 3:1 ratio per pound. So far

Bionic Yarn and Project Vortex have assisted in removing and

recycling at least 10 tons of plastic for this project alone. It is not a huge number in the grand scheme of things, but definitely a step towards reducing our impact upon the oceans.

As the first brand to create denim from Bionic Yarn—for which Williams has been an investor and ambassador since 2008— the “Happy” singer was especially intrigued by G-Star’s pio

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 36

neering Oceans project. “Making the world’s first of anything is never easy, and we knew G-Star was the best match for the

challenge as they are experts in denim innovation,” he says, of

getting involved in the collaboration. “We really just sat down and figured out how we could take what we each did well to

make an innovative product from recycled plastic. The rest is history.”

Famed denim heavyweight G-Star raw and Pharrell Williams

collaborated together to initiative the project with Williams’ ecominded company Bionic Yarn. After months of meticulous planning, they recently launched their new joint venture, the G-Star raw for the Oceans collection.

OctOber Special editiOn

The new line is a long-term collaboration between Williams

“When I was a little boy, the first neighborhood I lived in was

dumping in the oceans. raw for the Oceans includes a

said. “That’s where I first discovered my love for music –

and G-Star raw that will help to reduce the impact of plastic

unisex collection comprised of jeans, tees, hats, sweats,

and jackets completely made of fabrics constructed using Bionic Yarn recycled plastics. The collection is available through the brand’s website.

The

collection

was

supported

by

a

wealth

of

environmentalists, who all agree that plastic waste in the ocean is a huge threat. Reportedly, 288 million tons of

plastic is produced annually. That means every four years, 1 billion tons of plastic is produced. The question is, where does it all go? Sadly, much of it ends up in the ocean.

Pharrell isn’t happy about this, so he wanted to implement

called Atlantis, right off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean,” he through the motion of water. my imagination ran wild, and so, I just have a connection with the ocean. It yields so much life, including our own, so we owe it.”

For Spring/Summer 2015, we see the raw for the Oceans

collection being curated by Pharrell, as the products are made of fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. In a

partnership with Bionic Yarn, the Vortex Project, and Parley for the Oceans, they have gathered roughly 10 tons of said

bottles in order to create this new range of jackets, tees, jeans and caps.

some change and positive influence.

37 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

OctOber Special editiOn

luPiTa NyONG’O JOiNS ThE iVOry baTTlE

W

ho could forget Lupita Nyong’o’s gorgeous

green gown at this year’s Cannes Film Festival?

The Oscar-winning actress wowed crowds with

her effortless grace. She won an Oscar for her debut film ap-

species. With this campaign, Lupita Nyong’o joins Prince William, David Beckham and Yao Ming in the call to end all ivory sales.

pearance in the movie 12 Years a Slave in 2014, becoming

WildAid and the African Wildlife Foundation said they will

lywood success, she has put her name to the worldwide call

“When the buying stops, the killing can too.” The Academy-

the first Kenyan to win the award. Now, adding to her Hol-

recruit more prominent Kenyans to promote the message:

to save elephants from extinction.

Award winner returned to Kenya, the country where she

“I have joined @WildAid as a global ambassador to call for

drick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage. She has been film-

us to save elephants from extinction. Join me. Be #ivoryfree.” she posted on Instagram.

Each year, horrendous amounts of elephants are killed for

their ivory. The United Nations Environment Programme es-

timates 25,000, while others estimate that the figure could

be as high as 50,000. Poached African ivory is estimated to have a street value of between $165 million to $188 million in

grew up, to visit Amboseli National Park and the david Shel-

ing a series of videos to raise awareness about the elephant poaching, which can be seen on the WildAid official site.

“I ask the world to end the current elephant poaching crisis

by being ‘Ivory Free.’ It is time to ban sales of ivory worldwide and to consign the tragedy of the ivory trade to history,” said Nyong’o in a powerful statement.

US dollars per year according to a recent UN/INTErPOL re-

“Brave and dedicated people are giving their lives to protect

since 1989, the sale of ivory remains legal within many indi-

the United States and Asia by not buying ivory, and from

thrive. Experts fear that elephants could be extinct within a

crime,” she said.

port. Even though international ivory trade has been banned

our elephants. They need all of our support, from people in

vidual countries and the black market for ivory continues to

Kenyans in supporting anti-poaching by reporting wildlife

decade if poaching continues at the current rate.

Lupita, a Mexican-Kenyan, is the perfect choice to lead the

campaign, as she has rich African heritage, and through her sterling work and on-screen fame has thrust the continent into the spotlight.

“I am proud of my Kenyan heritage, and part of that heritage is the incredible wildlife haven that is in our care,” she said.

“I have come to realize that when you know more, you do more. I want to encourage people all over the world to learn more about these incredible animals.”

She joins a worldwide battle that is gaining momentum

among many conservation groups and thought leaders and policy makers. The practice of confiscating and destroying ivory has been increasingly publicized in countries from

the US to Africa and even the UAE. WildAid is a non-profit conservation group that frequently works with celebrities to voice the urgent need to stop wildlife trade in endangered

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 40

October Special Edition

“

I ask the world to end the current elephant poaching crisis by being ‘Ivory Free.’ It is time to ban sales of ivory worldwide and to consign the tragedy of the ivory trade to history.

“

41 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

October Special Edition

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 42

October Special Edition

Fifty Shades of Climate Change

A

fter her steamy blockbuster role in Fifty Shades of

in filmmaking, but was really passionate about telling this story.

different role, in a film about a much more serious topic

witness firsthand how global warming was affecting their lives.

Grey, Dakota Johnson is now starring in a completely

– climate change.

Chloe and Theo premiered in April at the Preston Auditorium

at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC. It tells the story of a homeless girl (played by a blonde haired, scruffy looking Dakota), who has been searching for something to

She and the team travelled to Alaska to meet the people and The movie, as a result is well-researched and has an element of truth to it that is emotionally gripping.

“People need to feel what the people on the frontline of climate change are facing,” said Ord at the premiere.

believe in, when she meets an Inuk who comes all the way from

Founder and president of Prospero Pictures, Martin Katz said,

of the world: “My world is melting, please help us.” With the help

agents who can affect change in the world and I think that’s a

the Arctic regions to New York to send a message to the leaders

“I think that film can be a catalyst for those who can be social

of a kind lawyer (played by award-winner Mira Sorvino), they

great thing.”

are able to take Theo’s story to the world in an inspiring, heartwrenching adventure.

The film was produced by entrepreneur Monica Ord, who heard about Theo’s true story from a friend, and decided to take action and help him and his people. Seeking famous people who

were powerful enough to influence real change, she contacted Sir Richard Branson who features as one of the executive

producers on the film. Ord admits that she has no experience

Julie Allen, Director of Social Responsibility at MTV International also confirmed that it’s important to raise issues of climate change in a way that’s appealing to young minds.

Chloe and Theo is the kind of film that will captivate you and

move you to do everything in your power and tell everyone you know to save the planet from climate change. The film is scheduled for official release in August.

43 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

October Special Edition

Livia Firth & Colin Firth

Livia upcycled one of her husband’s moth-eaten suits and wore it to the premiere of The King’s Speech in 2011.

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 44

October Special Edition

Green Carpet Queen

Newlife fabric gown at Met Ball 2015

I

talian-born Livia Firth is so much more than the

real-life wife of “Mr. Darcy”, a.k.a Colin Firth. She has the grace and classic beauty of any Jane

Austen heroine, but more than that, she has devoted her life to a good cause.

Sustainable silk gown at Golden Globes 2015

Vogue named her Best Dressed at the recent Metropolitan of Art’s Costume Institute Gala. While others went for conventional trend-setting couture, Livia arrived at the Met Ball in an Antonio Berardi

gown made of ‘Newlife’ fabric, which is created from

Firth is the Creative Director of Eco-Age, a sustainability brand consultancy. She is more popularly known as the Queen of the Green Carpet, having founded the Green Carpet Challenge years

ago, which encourages celebrities to wear eco-

friendly or sustainable clothing at major red carpet events each year. The initiative has caught on so

recycled plastic bottles.

Earlier this year, she looked equally dashing in her black and white sustainable silk gown designed by Erdem at the Golden Globe Awards. She also wore a pair of sustainably mined earrings from Chopard, and a recycled sequin clutch bag.

well, that even premium jeweler Chopard has come

Firth’s personal philosophy is that sustainable

diamond time-pieces on their special night.

just maintaining and re-using really old items so that

Firth has so far received the UN Fashion 4

fast fashion industry. She believes that people should

on board to supply the stars with sustainably sourced

Development Award, the Rainforest Alliance Award for

Outstanding

Achievement

in

Sustainability

and the Honorary Award of the National German Sustainability Foundation.

fashion can mean wearing eco-friendly materials or

we are not feeding into the harmful mass producing, be mindful of what they wear in the same way they

care about the food and its health and environmental impacts.

45 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

October Special Edition

Bollywood Celebs Going Green `

John Abraham

John Abraham has done several posters for PETA, promoting animal rights. His posters have garnered

much attention from both the public and the media.

The avid animal lover has also appeared on Animal Planet, and has joined Garnier’s ‘PowerLight A Vil-

lage’ campaign, an initiative to provide solar powered

electricity to villages in India. He was also instrumental in setting up India’s first elephant village in Maharashtra. “It is sad to see majestic elephants begging on the road,” he said.

Priyanka Chopra Aside from being one of the highest paid actresses in Bollywood, Priyanka Chopra is a supporter of several environ-

mental charities and is the brand ambassador for NDTV’s

Greenathon, an initiative to support eco-friendliness and improve electricity supplies to rural villages. The former Miss

World was actively involved in a project to remove rubbish from the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra as part of a drive

to raise awareness of environmental issues. Chopra has also

paid for the upkeep of a tigress and a lioness at the Birsa biological park, one of the most beautiful zoos in India.

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 46

October Special Edition

`

Abhishek Bachchan Son of the ever-famous Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek has

become a legend in his own rite. He is a long-time supporter of the Go-Green cause and in 2012, he won a Green Globe award for his efforts in fighting climate change.

Rahul Bose Bollywood actor Rahul Bose has contributed significantly to

raising the profile of climate change in both India and abroad.

In 2009, he represented Oxfam at the UN Climate Confer-

ence in Copenhagen. He has also collaborated with Priyanka Chopra in a joint program of the United Nations Environment Program and the International Indian Film Academy.

`

Dia mirza

The lovely Dia Mirza, Bollywood actress-turned producer says eco-consciousness has been part of

her life since childhood. Dia was awarded with IIFA Green Award in 2012 for her enormous contribution towards a Greener World.

47 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

October Special Edition

Ke$ha

stands for #BeCruelty Free Cosmetics Sure she’s a bit unpredictable, and definitely has a wild side, but deep down, Kesha has a heart of gold. The blonde “TiK ToK” singer has released a video shot by celebrity photographer Robert Sebree, where she pledges her support to the #BeCrueltyFree Campaign, which admirably opposes beauty products that have been tested on animals.

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 50

“

“

Around the globe tens of thousands of animals are killed in unnecessary tests for beauty products. But even now it’s easy to avoid buying cosmetics tested on animals by only buying cruelty free products.

October Special Edition

TiK ToK! The countdown to Cruelty Free Products has begun In 2012, the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International launched the largest-ever global campaign

to end animal testing for cosmetics. The #BeCrueltyFree

Campaign was launched from HIS offices in Australia, Canada, Europe, and India, with scientific outreach programs in several developing cosmetics markets.

“Consumers are largely unaware that sentient creatures are still poisoned for the sake of new shampoo and lipstick, even

though such testing can be avoided,” says Kate Willett, Director of Regulatory Toxicology, Risk Assessment and Alternatives for

the Humane Society of the United States. “The #BeCrueltyFree

Campaign is calling on consumers, legislators and companies to end cosmetics testing on animals because no animal should

die for cosmetics.” Testing is already banned in Europe and other parts of the world.

Why We Love Ke$ha Kesha seems to have grown up and evolved her image significantly. No longer concerned with brushing her teeth “with

a bottle of Jack”, she’s now more concerned about what she puts on her face – and we love her for it! The pop singer stars in the Humane Society United States new PSA to #BeCrueltyFree.

The PSA shows a glamorous Kesha getting ready for a night out on the town (which she does best), using makeup products

that are animal-friendly. Each cosmetic product she uses is

completely free of animal testing, something the singer has

supported for many years. As cute bunnies surround her bathroom, Kesha leaves us with a message on her mirror written in lipstick to #BeCrueltyFree.

“Once I was educated about the hidden cruelties that lurk behind some cosmetic products companies, I knew I had to

take action and do everything in my power to end this inhumane

practice of testing our cosmetics on animals,” Kesha said in a

press release. “Around the globe, tens of thousands of animals are killed in unnecessary tests for beauty products. But even now it’s easy to avoid buying cosmetics tested on animals by only buying cruelty free products.”

In addition, earlier this year, legislators introduced a bill now

going through the Senate in Brazil that promises to ban animal testing for finished cosmetic products. However, this is a very limited ban because the majority of animal testing of cosmetics

is performed on ingredients. Almost no animal testing is done on finished products. Kesha has called on Brazil to end all cosmetics animal testing, giving her personal backing to

Humane Society International’s #BeCrueltyFree Brazil campaign

for a complete and robust ban. The global superstar, who has

sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide, took time out on her Brazil tour to meet backstage with #BeCrueltyFree campaigners in Sao Paulo while performing at the Citibank Hall stadium. To

meet Kesha’s challenge of cruelty free cosmetics, the Brazilian

bill must be amended to ban animal testing of ingredients as well as finished products.

Every year, tens of thousands of rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, and

other animals are used in painful, horrific experiments meant

to substantiate the safety of cosmetics. There are those who justify it because they believe that testing on animals is better than testing on humans, or resulting in humans experiencing harmful after-effects. But the reality is, such harmful ingredients

shouldn’t be used in the first place. The passage of the Humane Cosmetics Act would bring the US in line with more than 30

other countries to more than 1.7 billion consumers that have already implemented similar bans on product testing.

51 w w w . z i w i r a . c o m

October Special Edition

All Eye’s On

Leonardo DiCaprio With that tanned skin and sand-colored hair, Leonardo DiCaprio makes the perfect islander. His latest venture to build a restorative eco-resort on his very own island, makes him one of our favorite celebs!

A design of what the island will look like when completed.

A

s it turns out, Leonardo DiCaprio could not be further from the dingy

character he plays in The Wolf of Wall Street. In real life, he loves a different kind of green stuff – the environment. That’s why he’s spending

billions to build an eco-resort on an island he bought years ago.

Leo (as his fans call him, and so shall we), calls himself an “Actor and

Environmentalist” on Twitter. He is also one of the UN ambassadors for climate change, and sits on the board of directors of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). He is

known for being outspoken on green issues, using his Hollywood fame to spread

the good cause. He recently narrated a series of short films called Green World Rising, once again showing his undeniable support for environmental issues.

In 2005, the 40-year old who first stole our hearts in Spielberg’s Titanic, bought

Jason Mclennan leading environmental architect and designer will be working on the project

w w w . z i w i r a . c o m 52

an island off the coast of Belize in North America for $1.75 million. He recently

teamed up with Paul Scialla, chief executive of New York development firm Delos, to turn the 42-hectare Blackadore Caye into an eco-conscious resort by 2018.

“We don’t want to just do less harm or even have zero impact, but to actually help heal the island, to make it better than before,” said Scialla.

October Special Edition

The luxury, eco-conscious resort, which Leo describes as

“This project is leading a new way in eco-tourism, development

and beautiful views. Not only will the island revitalize its visitors,

can be truly restorative and beneficial for the environment.”

“heaven on earth”, will include sprawling villas, infinity pools but the aim of the project is to restore the land itself, which has

and green building and demonstrates that human development

endured deterioration from over-fishing, deforestation and an

Belize has the second largest coral reef system in the world, and

the entire ecosystem of the area, hence the name “Blackadore

population. It is also rich in Mayan culture.

eroding coastline. DiCaprio and his partners aim to rehabilitate Caye, a Restorative Island”.

it has some of the most biodiverse marine life, like the manatee

The plan is to build 68 resort villas and 48 private houses. Some

The island will feature fish shelters and a nursery that will grow

will sell privately, for $5m to $15m (R59m to R177m) each.

mangrove trees replanted to replace invasive species. Plastic

enticing, Deepak Chopra will head up a health and anti-aging

indigenous marine grass, a manatee conservation area and

Others will be available to guests. And to make it even more

water bottles will not be allowed on the island, which will be a

program at Blackadore Caye.

groundbreaking movement in sustainability.

“My goal was always the fact that I wanted to create something

So if you’re in for some Leo-flavored eco-tourism, we’ll see you there in 2018!

not just environmental, but restorative. A showcase for what is possible,” said Leo in a New York Times interview.

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October Special Edition

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OctOber Special editiOn

r

aGhEb ALAMA

r

LEBANESE SINGER

agheb Subhi Alama is most famously known as a Lebanese singer, dancer, composer

and

TV

personality.

He has won two Murex d’Or awards that recognize outstanding talent in the domain of

art in Lebanon and the greater Arab region.

However, underneath the layers of fame and

talent, ragheb Alama is most admirably also a

philanthropist and ambassador for the United Nations.

His career in showbiz began in the 80’s, after he appeared on a talent show and won the

Platinum Award. His debut single entitled

“Bukra Byebrom Dulabek” (Your Luck Will

Change Tomorrow) was ironically his lucky

break, and saw him rise to fame with several other hit singles year after year. His song,

“Alby Asheq’ha” (My Heart Adores Her) was

the first Arabic song in history to be turned into

a music video. He has also collaborated with international pop sensation, Shakira and has headed the judging panel for Arab Idol.

despite being born into a wealthy family

(his father was a real estate mogul), and now being one of the most commercially successful singers in the Arab world, ragheb

has remained grounded and never allowed his fame or wealth to cloud his perception of

things most important and precious in life. He has held environmental conservation close to

his heart throughout his journey in the limelight.

In 2010, he released an environment-themed album called Seneen rayha under his own

production company, Backstage Production.

The album received international acclaim, and even attracted the attention of Starbucks, who

agreed to partner with him on the project and the albums were eventually sold in Starbucks outlets worldwide. As a result of this global recognition

for

an

environmental

cause,

ragheb Alama was appointed by the United

Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) as the

Goodwill Ambassador for the Arab region in 2013.

This made him one of the most sought after personalities in the middle East for climate

change related events. He was invited to be the keynote speaker at the Forum for

Environmental Change in Sharjah that same year. The event was endorsed by the ministry of Environment and Water in the UAE and Greenpeace, and hosted by Bee’ah, Sharjah’s

leading waste management company. Alama was also asked to present the awards to the

winners of the Green middle East Awards in a prestigious ceremony concluding the event.

The star is now nothing short of a role model

to the younger generation, over which he has great influence. He has used his popularity for

the betterment of the environment, combating pollution

and

promoting

environmental

protection and sustainability in every way that he possibly can.

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OctOber Special editiOn

“

“

We need to support the companies that support the earth.

Woody Harrelson is one of the most charismatic actors to have graced our screens. You may have recently witnessed him in the Hunger Games trilogy, as Catniss Everdeen’s mentor Haymitch Abernathy. His quick wit and laidback nature have appealed to audiences for years. Now at age 54, Harrelson has dedicated much of his time to another industry – one that he feels particularly passionate about: Trees.

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October Special Edition

Woody Harrelson

& his love for trees Nature Lover Born Woodrow Tracy “Woody” Harrelson, in Texas, USA, Harrelson has developed a love and caring fascination with

nature. Some only recognize him for his days as the comical Woody Boyd on the award winning television show Cheers, or

entertainment industry. More than just an advocate for positive environmental change, Woody has dedicated himself personally to living a simple, organic lifestyle – and we love him for it.

from playing a number of charismatic off-beat characters in

To spread the message of simple organic living, Woody and

actor is also one of the most tireless environmental advocates

1,500 miles from Seattle to Los Angeles. In tow was a biofuel

blockbuster Hollywood movies. However, the Oscar-nominated

some of his friends embarked on the SOL Tour, riding bicycles

in the entertainment industry.

bus run on hemp and vegetable oil dubbed the “mothership”.

He famously scaled the Golden Gate Bridge to protest redwood

The mothership was on display complete with a fully organic

2012, took home the title of PETA’s Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity.

comfortable lifestyle can still be achieved through sustainable

logging, went on the stump for the release of 14 chimps, and in

kitchen and solar-powered appliances to emphasize that a

The animals (and Harrelson’s other admirers) remain pleased.

environmental practices. This was a chance for Woody and

In the late 1990s, Harrelson teamed up with sustainably savvy

to stop destruction of old growth forests and find healthy,

businessman Jeff Golfman to form Prairie Pulp & Paper.

The company has become the industry leader in research,

development and commercialization of tree-free pulp and

other activists, actors and musicians to speak on the need sustainable alternatives to over-consumerism and its depletion of the Earth’s resources.

paper.

According to the LIVING PAPER TREES COMPANY website,

Their first baby? Step Forward Paper, a copy paper made of 80

high profile and recognizable name, Woody Harrelson has

percent agricultural waste wheat straw and 20 percent Forest Stewardship Council certified wood fiber, and is bleached

using an elemental chlorine-free sequence. The only noticeable difference between it and regular paper is that its manufacture

“only three percent of our old growth forests remain.” With his given the movement to save endangered forests a “muchneeded boost”.

In 1997, he and a small group of other advocates climbed the

doesn’t require the indiscriminate devouring of forests.

Golden Gate Bridge, hanging a banner to bring attention to the

Woody also joined forces with LIVING TREE PAPER COMPANY

cutting practices in Headwaters Forests. These are among

to advance the use of non-wood and post-consumer waste

recycled products among his colleagues and friends in the

environmental degradation caused by logging industry clearthe last of the unprotected old growth redwoods in the United States.

Recognition Harrelson’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In fact, his support for the naturalist world has been much appreciated, especially

since he is such a likeable individual, and people will flock to

the event, he received the Entertainment Industry Environmental Leadership Award.

his ideas and preferences. His environmental actions have

LIVING TREE PAPER COMPANY shares a sense of responsibility

Action Network, PETA, the American Oceans Campaign, and

tree-free fibers such as hemp and flax. In supporting the market

earned him honors from organizations such as the Rainforest

to the environment, and is committed to promoting the use of

the Colorado Initiative Project.

for tree-free and recycled paper, they are striving to move

He was also one of a handful of notable and highly influential

forest ecosystems. Woody has said, “We need to support the

environmentalists to be recognized at the 6th Annual Green Cross Millennium Awards sponsored by Global Green USA. At

the paper industry away from further destroying the precious companies that support the earth.” In joining forces with LIVING TREE PAPER COMPANY, he is doing just that.

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