Ziwira Fashion February 2015

ION FASH

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February Issue 1 2015

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Salty BAGS

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SUSTAINABLE

Fashion Revolution A tribute to the Rana Plaza Victims of Bangladesh

Emma Watson The stylish actress dons sustainable fashion!

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JOIN

The creative upcycling concept has won many hearts

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ature’s Healers Read about the many health benefits of Lemons

R E V CO

Y R O ST

THE GLOBAL FASHION REVOLUTION

CONTENTS FEBURARY 2015

green sc en e

06 NEWS AND EVENTS

F AS HIO N

08 ACCESSORIZING JUST GOT

12

GREENER!

New age tips for thinking green while you accessorize that already gorgeous outfit.

FASION REVOLUTION

09 WISE UP BEFORE YOU MAKE-UP

Beauty care is an essential part of femininity, but it’s important to know how to choose safe, eco-friendly products before you pucker up.

10 TOP 5 GREEN PICKS

Choose the best Green product to suit your need!

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EMMA WATSON

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12 JOIN THE GLOBAL FASH-

SALTY BAG

ION REVOLUTION

Discover what exactly Fashion Revolution is all about as we gear up, or rather, gear down for Fashion Revolution Day worldwide on 24th April.

Indulg e

14 NOW HERE’S SOME CRETIVE BAGGAGE!

Beauty care is an essential part of femininity, but it’s important to know how to choose safe, eco-friendly products before you pucker up.

de s ig n

16 THE PC DESK REVOLUTION!

Old PCs are a nuisance to both your free space and the environment. Here’s an innovative use for them in the home.

He al th

18 NATURE’S HEALERS

Fight flu, lose weight and clean your liver, all with one natural ingredient…

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19 LETTUCE SOUP WITH CUCUMBER CROUTONS

If you’re looking to change your diet to a greener one but are lost for options, here’s a great easy one to start with.

20 HOW PURE IS YOUR WATER?

In true spirit of World Water Day (March 22), we dive deeper into this issue.

21 SHOULD I GET THAT APPLE WATCH?

With all the buzz around wearable tech, we take a closer look into its effects on human longevity.

IN focus

22 A BLOSSOMING ICON FOR YOUNG WOMEN

Emma Watson makes her mark in the fashion industry by endorsing sustainable fashion as the lastest trend.

24 NATURAL INSPIRATION

Stephanie Pech is passionate about natural living and healthy homemade cooking. After drastically changing her life, she landed on the cover of Women’s Health & Fitness magazine.

Travel Diaries

26 ARCHIPELAGO OF WILDLIFE AND NATURE: THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Few places on the earth can boast untapped nature like this little cluster of islands where you will find more sheep than people.

30 MELTING MOMENTS IN MALAYSIA

For an ultimate green getaway, Malaysia is an alluring destination with its lush forestry, tropical islands and romantic sunsets. www.ziwira.com

BUILDING THE FUTURE

Publisher Ziwira CEO and Founder Adam Merza adam@ziwira.com Editorial Saba Khan saba.khan@ziwira.com

FEBURARY 2015

Nasreen Rasool nasreen.rasool@ziwira.com Stephanie Gay stephanie.gay@ziwira.com Fizzah Khan fizzah.khan@ziwira.com Marketing Nadir Khan nadir.khan@ziwira.com +971 56 7481747 Design Asif Habib asif.habib@ziwira.com Head Office Techno Hub Building, Office No. 161-162, PO Box No. 341171, Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE. USA Office Ziwira Inc.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Fashion is not only in the dresses that you wear, cosmetics that you adorn or accessories that you thrive for. Fashion is the lifestyle that you follow, it is in ideas, innovation and the way you decide to live.

We are delighted to present this brand new concept of sustainable fashion to you where we will cover panache trends for those who care about environment, sustainability and conservation, yet are style conscious and willing to contribute to the society by saving the planet for our future generations.

Add a little green this season!

The first issue of Ziwira Fashion, talks about organic fashion and beauty picks, health benefits of lemon, reutilization of old PCs and the global issue of water contamination.

We also had the honor of e-interviewing Stephanie Pech, a self-made Nutrition & Metabolic Balance Coach in the Middle East. In a heart to heart talk she revealed her personal experiences and motivation behind her success.

Our cover story on Fashion Revolution, observed on 24th April worldwide, is a tribute to the Rana Plaza factory workers of Bangladesh that died two years ago in a sudden mishap, while preparing clothes for a renowned brand.

Read on to know more…

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GREEN SCENE

NEWS & EVENTS Vaccination Debate Heats Up

1

The debate surrounding vaccinations has once again flared up. Opposing US parties have been hashing out whether or not parents should have the right to choose to immunize or not immunize their children. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was quoted saying “The sky is blue and vaccinations work”, while Republican leaders maintain that it should be voluntary due to the few cases of adverse health effects experienced by some after being vaccinated.

3

Discovery Networks Invite New Talent Discovery Networks International has called for fresh talent and content from all corners of the globe. Elizabeth McIntyre, Vice President of production and development for factual programming said, she is ready to commission factual shows as well take on the best behind the scenes staff from anywhere in the world. The Discovery Channel, based in London, is known for its spell-binding documentaries on planet earth and other topical issues.

2 Sundance Film Addresses Extinction Since premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this year, eco-documentary ‘Racing Extinction’ has been receiving impressive reviews. The film includes some beautiful earth graphics but tells the blunt truth about human involvement in mass extinction. This is the second documentary from award-winning filmmaker Louie Psihoyos who first brought us ‘The Cove’, an eye-opening film about the slaughter of dolphins. The official trailer for ‘Racing Extinction’ was debuted on You Tube by The Oceanic Preservation Society.

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4 Fashion for the Sustainable-Minded The city of Vancouver hosts Eco-Fashion Week from April, 19-24 giving center stage to the eco-fashion movement. The event is the 8th of its kind and aims to share information and inspiration about sustainable fashion through a series of seminars, panel discussions and fashion shows.

www.ziwira.com

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World Health Day

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Become a more conscious eater, as we celebrate World Health Day on April 7. The topic this year is food safety, as we witness an alarming increase in the number of cases of contamination. According to the World Health Organization, unsafe food is linked to over 2 million deaths per year. More than 200 diseases have been caused by bacteria, viruses and chemical substances in food.

Sustainable Fashion Digital Showcase On the 26th and 27th February hundreds of leading sustainable brands connected digitally with fashion buyers in the largest digital showcase entitled Source Brand Preview. It was an awesome two-day celebration of ethical fashion and a chance for brands to exhibit their latest trends in organic fabrics, recycled fabrics, and innovative eco-friendly fashion collections.

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7 Healthy Eating = Healthy Living The famous Dubai Food Carnival took place from 12-14 February, showcasing over 35 of the city’s restaurants as well as local and international chefs.

Visitors from around the world reveled in the culinary delights and activities such as the master chef class, all eager for a healthy palatable experience with the most wholesome ingredients recommended by the experts.

www.ziwira.com

Join the Fashion Revolution The second annual Fashion Revolution Day is happening on April 24. This global event prompts people to think deeper and become more proactive about the process that goes into producing their clothing. Two members of the fashion industry, Orsola de Castro and Carry Somers launched the campaign last year after a garment factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing several of its workers.

All fashionistas including consumers, designers and activists are asked to turn their clothes inside out on this day in a show of unity for the cause.

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FASHION

ACCESSORIZING JUST GOT GREENER!

New age tips for thinking green while you accessorize that already gorgeous outfit.

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his month is all about becoming more socially conscious fashionistas.

But being part of the fashion revolution should be a holistic concept. Whether you choose to glam up or glam down, we’ve put together some pointers to ensure that your look is completely eco-friendly, from head to toe. Yes folks, that includes accessories!

Whoever first said “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” was obviously not thinking about the environment. The trick to sustainable accessorizing is using materials that interfere as little as possible with the ecosystem.

Instead of using diamonds or gold that has to be mined under extremely January Issue 2015

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harsh conditions or involves killing rainforests, try recycled gold or lab-created gems.

Flea markets are a great way to find unique accessories that are made from interesting textured fabrics and other natural resources such as recycled wood. A pair of wooden hoop earrings and a funky bracelet made from recycled plastic is much more eye-catching and can be a great conversation starter in a social setting.

Scout the internet for online shopping sites where you can buy great looking jewelry made from recycled materials.

You could find anything from hair clips made from recycled hair to stylish chandelier earrings made from recycled plastic.

And finally, one of the best ways to save new resources from being sucked into the manufacturing process would be to re-use old accessories.

Retro always makes a great statement, so buy vintage or borrow that antique neckpiece from your grandmother’s drawer to enhance that timeless evening gown.

www.ziwira.com

WISE UP BEFORE YOU MAKE-UP Being green doesn’t have to mean looking like you’ve been living in the jungle all your life. Beauty care is an essential part of femininity, but it’s important to know how to choose safe, eco-friendly products before you pucker up.

Ask yourself the following: • Does it contain other harmful ingredients like artificial colorants?

• Was it made through fair trade or tested on animals?

• Was it produced using renewable energy?

• Is the packaging recyclable?

A

woman needs her powder and gloss and all things wonderful in the fantastic world of cosmetics. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, as long as the products we use are safe for both the environment and our personal health. While synthetics should generally be avoided, natural products are not always the best choice either, depending on a few factors: 1. What ingredient for what condition: Certain natural ingredients in cosmetics are labelled as non-toxic or organic but may actually aggravate an existing condition. E.g. Alpha Hydroxy fruit acids found in some face creams may be natural but can cause irritation on sensitive skin or increase sensitivity to UV rays.

2. How the natural resources are obtained: In efforts to cut down on pollution from production of petrochemicals, some people opt for cosmetics made from palm oil. But the down side is that palm oil is extracted by destroying the rainforests in Southeast Asia. The process also emits large quantities of greenhouse gases.

3. The whole package: Many cosmetic products rest their entire marketing campaign on one natural ingredient, such as cocoa butter.

That’s because cosmetic companies are not bound by the same laws that regulate food labelling. So before you toss it in your trolley, consider the entire package.

www.ziwira.com

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends the following tips for choosing safer cosmetic products: Avoid animal-based products: Look for cosmetics with a PETA label or Leaping Bunny logo to ensure it is free of animal ingredients.

• Avoid Vitamin A in skin and lip products: Studies show that when exposed to sunlight, Vitamin A compounds can produce toxic free radicals.

• Look out for petroleum distillates in mascara: These harmful petroleum extracts are produced in oil refineries and can cause dermatitis and cancer.

• Check the preservatives: Parabens are estrogen-mimicking preservatives that are commonly used in cosmetic products. They disrupt the hormonal system and can lead to reproductive or developmental problems.

• Choose fragrance-free: Companies are not required by law to list the chemicals in fragrances, but studies show that they often include quite a cocktail of harmful chemicals. Fragrances may be alluring, but are one of the leading causes for allergy worldwide.

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FASHION

GREEN PICKS

Top 5

1 ZOYA

3 2 4 5 ODOPA

Odopa means “good love� in Ghana. Designer Rita Addo Zakour crafts these eco-friendly earrings from recycled plastic bottles.

Zoya nail polish is toxin-free, eliminating camphor, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP. They recently launched this fantastic new satin range for 2015.

KISS MY FACE

This organic lip balm contains anti-oxidant fruit seed oils and will give you softer, un-chapped lips. Comes in delicious flavors like passion fruit and cranberry orange.

BULLDOG

Bulldog Eco-System Moisturizer for guys contains Fairtrade organic Shea Butter made by a group of women in Ghana. Proceeds go to a Ghanian primary school.

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SEJAA MUD MASK

Sejaa products are vegetarian and never tested on animals. They are also produced using renewable energy and packaged in recycled materials. This detox mask uses natural clay to draw out impurities.

www.ziwira.com

@2015 Calvin Klien Cosmetic Corporation euphoria

www.ziwira.com

calvinkleingragrances.com

dillard’s

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FASHION

JOIN

THE GLOBAL FASHION REVOLUTION Discover what exactly Fashion Revolution is all about as we gear up, or rather, gear down for Fashion Revolution Day worldwide on 24th April.

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ave you ever had that sinking feeling when you come to know that far away a little child was exploited for manual labor to produce the funky new jeans you just bought? That awful nagging guilty conscience is enough to make you wish you didn’t love the jeans so much. But is this enough to stop you from buying them? The truth is, most of us don’t actually know the story behind our clothes. A group of people, is asking us, to do just that!

This April, support the world Fashion Revolution by turning your garments inside out and asking yourself: Who made my clothes? The question, says the organizers is much deeper than just which brand made the clothes and involves exploring the process behind it. From the person who stitched that branded jeans for you to the farmer who planted the cotton for this particular pair and how – the path is long and tedious.

Why do we need a Fashion Revolution? The story goes like this:

On the 24th of April 2013, the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh collapsed.

Over a thousand people were killed and around 2000 injured. The cause was allegedly due to negligent working conditions, which are said to be rife in the garment industry across the globe. Activists are irate at the social and environmental disasters that January Issue 2015

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continue to occur in the fashion supply chain. The impetus behind Fashion Revolution Day is to raise awareness of “the true cost of fashion” and to move towards a more sustainable future.

“We need to become more curious about how our clothes are made and who made them,” say the organizers. People all over the world who support sustainable fashion are called upon to relook at the brands they wear and take action to find out how it was made and under what conditions.

“We want hundreds of thousands of people around the world to take part. Together we can use the power of fashion to inspire change and reconnect the broken links in the supply chain.

The organization’s official mission statement reads: “We believe in a fashion industry that values people, the environment, creativity and profit in equal measure.”

Over 60 countries participated in the first Fashion Revolution Day last year.

Here’s how you can show your support:

Wear your clothing inside out, take a selfie and post it on social media using the hashtag: #FashRev. You can also make your own personal enquiries into who made your clothes and if you get any response, post it using the same hashtag. www.ziwira.com

24.04.14

FASHION REVOLUTION BE CURIOUS

FIND OUT

WHO MADE MY CLOTHES?

DO SOMETHNG

#FASHREV

www.ziwira.com

13| January Issue 2015

INDULGE

Now here’s some

CREATIVE BAGGAGE! Salty Bag

Salty BAGS

S

alty Bag is a creative upcycling concept that has won the hearts of many. This month marks their two year anniversary.

In January of 2013, somewhere on the Greek island of Corfu, the fates of three sailing enthusiasts were to become entwined. Spiros Daikos, Cryssa Chalikiopoulou, and Stratis Andreadis met at a Corfu Sailing Club seminar and immediately realized they shared a passion for sailing, design and doing good.

They realized, that abandoned sails collecting in landfill sites in Greece were causing a big problem for the environment, and each one had a unique and interesting story behind it. With this in mind, they decided to take ownership of these unwanted sails, revive them and turn them into something useful - bags.

The trio launched the company on the 25th of March that same year. They decided on the name Salty Bag, because the sails from which they were made often still had fresh sea salt on them when they were collected. The team is January Issue 2015

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CLUTCH BAG DUFFEL BAG BACKPACK

proud of the concept, saying they never design for the pure reason of creating a bag, but rather to tell a story and create something special for anyone who buys a Salty Bag. Even though responsible manufacturing and recycling is at the core of their vision, they prefer to call themselves an “upcycling” company. They have truly positioned ecofriendly fashion in the same line as some of the leading fashion brands. The company has featured in Cosmopolitan magazine among others and their designs are nothing short of stylish, and classic. The bags come in different styles such as the clutch bag, duffel bag, and backpack.

Colors are usually kept to a minimum, with the authentic texture and color of the sail it came from, still intact. Each piece is carefully cut and washed before being designed into a trendsetting, timeless yet practical bag.

While no details have been officially released yet, the team had earlier expressed plans to expand in 2015, so fans may soon be able to buy a Salty Bag in their home country.

www.ziwira.com

DESIGN

THE PC REVOLUTION DESK Old PCs are a nuisance to both your free space and the environment.

Here’s an innovative use for them in the home.

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www.ziwira.com

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ow that laptops and tablets are emerging as the popular choice, the home PC is becoming redundant.

There’s just no space and why have a big bulky metal case in the room when you can have a sleek mini-Mac right? There’s just one problem. What will become of those tossed out PC cases? They are probably one of the least recyclable items one could find.

Think again. Before you throw those PC cases out with the garbage, consider turning them into Avante Garde home furniture. German artist Klause Geiger came up with the idea of placing a piece of wood over two Apple G5 cases and turned it into a desk. The metallic G5 cases were more attractive than normal computer towers, making them a great choice for this unique idea.

www.ziwira.com

Get creative,do it yourself •

•

• •

Ask friends, family and colleagues if they have any PC cases they want to get rid of. (You may be surprised at the response!)

Find a low cost carpenter or family member who’s good with a drill and attach a piece of plain varnished or painted wood over two cases.

You could use matching PC cases or even paint over them with bright colors for a complete disguise.

Voila! Use it as a home office desk, dressing table or to display family photos in the living room. It looks interesting and saves the environment too.

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HEALTH

Here’s how 1.

Flu/Sore throat: At the first sign of a sore throat, nip it in the bud and chew on a slice of lemon. That’s right, squinch your eyes, squinch your nose and welcome that citrusy taste as it slides down your throat and kills bacteria along the way. A great way to avoid further infection and antibiotics.

2.

Indigestion: A few drops of lemon added to your dish will aid digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

3. Kidney stones: With its cleansing and blood purifying properties, lemon can clean out the stomach and treat or prevent gall stones.

4. Toothache: Apply fresh lemon juice to

the area of a toothache to soothe the pain.

It is also known to eliminate odors, which is why many toothpastes contain lemon extract. *Use small quantities of lemon in the mouth as the acidic content can cause burning.

5.

NATURE’S HEALERS

Fight flu, lose weight and clean your liver, all with one natural ingredient…

Healthy hair and scalp: Lemon juice can treat dandruff if applied directly onto the scalp, and can also give your hair a natural shine.

6. Skin Care: The natural antiseptic prop-

erties of lemon make it an excellent option for skin problems such as acne or blackheads. Lemon can also be used to reduce scarring or ease the pain of sunburn.

7. Reflexology: A dash of lemon juice in

warm water makes for a great foot soak.

The mixture provides an aromatic muscle relaxant.

8. Weight loss: The high Vitamin C con-

tent in lemon increases the body’s metabolism, thus contributing to weight loss.

9. Keep the peel: Lemon peels hold many

of the same benefits as lemon juice or the fruit itself, but they actually contain 5 to 10 times more of the same nutrients. Choose organic lemons to avoid contact with harmful chemicals on the peel.

Lemons are extremely rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants but also contain smaller quantities of dietary fiber, carbohydrates and phosphorous.

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www.ziwira.com

LETTUCE SOUP WITH CUCUMBER CROUTONS

RECIPE

METHOD Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the spring onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Add the potatoes and stir well. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

Add the lettuce to the pot and stir until just wilted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly, for 2-3 minutes.

Using a blender, puree until smooth. Stir in the sour cream and half the chives. Season with salt and pepper.

• 30g butter • 6 spring onions, white part only, thinly sliced • 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped • 1.7 litres vegetable stock, heated • 450g butter lettuce, roughly chopped • 60ml sour cream • 60ml chopped chives • Salt and pepper • 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeds removed, chopped

To serve, ladle into bowls and sprinkle with chives and cucumber croutons. www.ziwira.com

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HEALTH

HOW PURE IS YOUR WATER?

The very foundation of human health is increasingly under threat from chemical contamination. In true spirit of World Water Day (March 22), we dive deeper into this issue.

Sources of water contamination: •

•

•

•

The lowdown on Sodium

Sewage and Waste – In poor countries like Brazil, im- Sodium occurs naturally in most sources of drinking water. proper sewerage results in feces leaking into the water It is also a natural mineral found in rocks, so as water flows supplies. This creates a breeding ground for harmful over these rocks it can collect sodium deposits. Some wabacteria that leads to gastrointestinal illness. ter treatment systems also use sodium. The Environmental Industrial Waste – Chemical spills, and radioactive Protection Agency (EPA) states that the levels of sodium in waste from factories and refineries as well as metals MOST drinking water systems are not harmful. The averand sulphides from mining can contaminate surface age quantity found is 20mg/l, but in some countries it can water and is digested by aquatic organisms, (e.g. fish) exceed this. where it accumulates. When animals or humans ingest these organisms, they receive a higher than normal According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sodose of contamination. Lead and mercury poisoning dium in its natural occurrence is not toxic and a healthy can lead to kidney damage and delayed mental devel- pair of kidneys will maintain its balance in the body. Howopment. ever, serious side effects and even death have been reported Water treatment – Chemicals such as sodium fluo- from sodium chloride overdose. ride, sodium bicarbonate and sodium hypochlorite are used to treat water and can increase “Ill effects due to high levels of sodium in the quantity of sodium present in the drinking-water have been documented,” reads end product. Other disinfectants such a WHO report. as chlorine or bromate can cause eye or skin irritation and increase risk of Too much sodium causes the body to retain cancer. water. This excess water puts pressure on the Chemical fertilizers and pesticides heart and blood vessels, leading to high blood – When it rains, these harmful chemipressure and consequently heart disease or cals mix with the rainwater and flow strokes.

1 Tsp salt = 2300mg of into the rivers. Nitrite is just one runoff sodium from fertilizer that can be detrimental So the next time you rehydrate, consider the to infants if found in excess in drinking contents of your cup. Make sure your water water. is coming from a reliable source. If you have 783 million people doubts, perhaps now is the time to invest in do not have access to that water purifier. To find out exactly how clean drinking water much sodium is in your drinking water, contact your local water supplier.

Your body only needs 200mg of sodium per day

– UN Water

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www.ziwira.com

SHOULD I GET THAT APPLE WATCH?

With all the buzz around wearable tech, we take a closer look into its effects on human longevity.

B

y now most people are growing curious about wearable technology. If they’re not already donning a smart watch or Google Glass, they’re fantasizing about it, fascinated with the concept. Apple Watch is due for its official release in April and boasts several high tech functions such as monitoring the wearer’s health and connecting it to the phone, ultimately revolutionizing the way we communicate. But how healthy is it to have a constant source of radiation attached to your body?

Studies about radiation from microwaves first emerged years ago, then came the haunting information about radiation hazards posed by our popular mutual friend: the cellphone. Despite this, we have seen a recent boom in wearable tech, as the need to stay connected is evergreen.

However, the rise of the smart watch calls for new research into radiation and these devices.

What is radiation and what does it do?

The Radiation Effects Research Foundation in Japan defines radiation as subatomic particles with kinetic energy that move through space. It exists everywhere on the Earth, and human beings are already exposed to small amounts www.ziwira.com

from the air and sunlight. When absorbed into the body in large doses, these subatomic particles move around haphazardly, causing damage to cellular DNA. This is what leads to diseases and this is also the reason why previous research has warned against keeping electronic devices away from vital organs.

Radiation can be categorized into the more dangerous ionizing form (x-rays), and non-ionizing (microwaves, radio waves, mobile phones and Wi Fi). Studies have shown that ionizing radiation can have both immediate and long-term or delayed effects, such as cancer, genetic defects and mental retardation. Even though the amount of radiation emitted from cellphones and Wi Fi was found to be low, health experts still advise that precaution be taken with wearable tech, since unlike mobile phones, which we hold and put down, these new radiation emitters are on the body all the time, and can increase our total exposure.

So if you’ve been bitten by the tech bug, try to look for products that are more eco-friendly, or at least minimize usage until more scientific data is found. There are a zillion ways to stay connected, and while technological advancement is engraved in our fate, preservation of human health should by far take priority over having instant messaging on your wrist.

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IN FOCUS

EMMA WATSON 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.

E

mma 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.

In the summer of 2010, Watson launched a series of de-

signs 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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A BLOSSOMING ICON FOR

YOUNG WOMEN www.ziwira.com

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INTERVIEW

IN FOCUS

The

Q: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE NATURAL NUTRITION AS YOUR CAREER PATH? A: I changed my career about 4 years ago. Going

Stephanie Pech

through my own weight loss and lifestyle change I found my passion in nutrition and healthy living.

I decided to study nutrition and started helping friends achieve their health and weight loss goals. In 2012, I resigned from my previous job to do what I love: helping others in being the best they can be and finding optimum health through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Q: WOULD YOU RECOMMEND VEGAN DIETS? A: There is no one right way to eat for everyone.

What works for one person may not work for the next. I personally advocate consumption of both animals and plants and I think there is plenty of evidence that this is a reasonable way to eat. There

have developed quite a few healthier, guilt-free sweet

are some nutrients we can only get from plants, like

treats that don’t include refined sugar, dairy or wheat

Q: YOUR MOST RECOMMENDED NATURAL FOODS FOR FIGHTING FLU?

Vitamin C, and others that we can only get from

that completely satisfy my sweet craving.

Q: WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY OF US STILL HAVE NOT GONE ORGANIC? HOW DO

A: I think most people underestimate the power of

animals, like Vitamin B12, which is involved in the function of every cell in the body. It is particularly important in the formation of blood and the is very common in vegans, one study showing that a whopping 92% of vegans are deficient in this critical nutrient. There are other lesser known nutrients that are only found in anition of the body.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNACK? A: My favorite snack is my homemade natural almond butter with one banana. I am addicted to nut butters and I love making them at home in my own kitchen. I also finally mastered my own homemade Nutella recipe that is filled with nutrients and completely guilt-free.

Q: WHAT SHOULD WE MOST URGENTLY ELIMINATE FROM OUR EATING REGIME?

and disease. They would rather take pills instead of

Natural Inspiration

function of the brain. In fact, B12 deficiency

mal foods and are critical for optimal func-

good quality foods when it comes to fighting illness

Stephanie Pech is passionate about natural living and healthy homemade cooking. After drastically changing her life, she landed on the cover of Women’s Health & Fitness magazine. She now spends her time helping others live a better life, naturally.

re-looking at their diet and what they are feeding their bodies. In the end ‘we are what we eat’. I always make sure to include loads of veggies, fresh herbs, garlic, onion and ginger in my daily eating regime. Herbs such as ginger, garlic and onion have great anti-inflammatory properties and can most definitely help to fight a cold or flu.

Q: EATING HEALTHY TAKES MORE TIME AND THOUGHT. HOW DO YOU MOTIVATE PEOPLE TO GO NATURAL? A: It actually doesn’t. Unfortunately most people still think that they have to make more effort to eating healthy and prepare their own food. Most of my healthy dishes take no more than 10 minutes to prepare and they are delicious. Healthy cooking really can be fun!

A: I would definitely start with eliminating sugar. Most high-sugar foods like pastries, sodas and candy bars contain very little essential nutrients. The

WE TAKE THE LEAP?

harmful effects of sugar go way beyond empty calo-

A: Unfortunately, organic produce can be very pricey

ries. Added sugar is so unhealthy that it is probably

and easily bring you way over your monthly budget

the single worst ingredient in the modern diet.

for groceries. However there are also cheaper options

Q: IS IT OK TO HAVE OCCASIONAL TREATS LIKE COFFEE, CHOCOLATE OR A BURGER?

such as buying your

A: Yes definitely. I think it is important to allow

cal produce. My favorite is the Farmers

yourself to indulge with your favorite foods now

Market on the Terrace at Emirates Towers. You can

and then as long as you are able to keep a balance

buy directly from the farmers without having a mid-

to healthy nutrient-dense foods, only treating your-

dle person involved and therefore it’s much cheaper

self once in a while. I have a massive sweet tooth and

than buying from the big Organic stores.

cakes are my favorite. But I make sure that throughout the week I eat according to my beliefs and goals. I

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fresh produce from the farmer’s market or buying lo-

Stephanie was born in a small town in Germany and has been living in Dubai for over ten years. She was overweight for most of her childhood and adult life. During her years as a Management Consultant she battled with stress, poor diet and permanent exhaustion. Seven years ago she made a major change in her lifestyle and followed a disciplined nutrition and exercise plan.

She lost 20kg, competed in a bikini contest and was on the cover of Women’s Health & Fitness magazine. These days she is a natural nutrition coach to personal and online clients and is also involved in Corporate Wellness Programs, Menu & Recipe developments for Cafes and Restaurants and Health Screening Programs. She loves food photography and preparing healthy, tasty meals. www.ziwira.com

TRAVEL DIARIES

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS ARCHIPELAGO OF WILDLIFE AND NATURE

Few places on the earth can boast untapped nature like this little cluster of islands where you will find more sheep than people.

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www.ziwira.com

Falklands Conservation Support Falklands Conservation, an NGO dedicated to protecting the indigenous wildlife and landscapes with help from public donations.

The organization carries out scientific research, practical conservation projects, rescuing of endangered wildlife, monitoring of species and education campaigns for children.

www.ziwira.com

H

istory has it that the Falkland Islands were first sighted in the late 1500’s. Until just recently, the country has been at the center of an ownership battle between Argentina and the UK. While its geographic location is in South America, the Brits have maintained a stealthy hand, over the ruling of the land. But underneath all the political squabbles lies an intriguing, indigenous slice of our beautiful earth.

With a population of just 3000 people, the Falkland Islands is known for its abundance of sheep, penguins and other wildlife. It’s a great place to relax and explore nature’s wonders. Many of the locals still revel in farm life and milk their own cows by hand. The Falklands are home to the world’s Black-browed albatross, with over 70% of the world’s albatross population living here. Several other bird species can be found on the islands along with an abundance of penguins.

In addition, fourteen species of marine mammals wade through Falkland waters. Tourists can book boat trips for sighting some of the rare creatures such as dolphins, whales, seals and sea lions. Fishing experience on this island, is something to look forward to.

The heaviest fish, ever caught on this island, has been stated to be weighing over 10lbs.

Due to the lack of pollution in this storybook land, it is not uncommon to see shooting stars and clear views of the starry night skies. In the summer, constellations that are usually seen in the Falklands are Orion, the hunter and his dog and Sirius. The natural environment includes 178 species of native plants and many unique insects which are yet to be named!

For many years the Falklands managed to escape broad scale industrialization and to this day there are no tertiary institutions on the islands. High school graduates have no other choice but to study elsewhere. Sadly, the islands have recently come under threat by the rising offshore oil industry, commercial fishery and poachers, giving rise to an active local conservation movement.

Given its location in the South Atlantic Ocean, travelling to the Falkland Islands may be a bit tricky for tourists, but then again, it’s all part of the adventure!

You could choose to fly from South America, or take a ship cruise.

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www.ziwira.com

www.ziwira.com

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TRAVEL DIARIES

MELTING MOMENTS IN MALAYSIA For an ultimate green getaway, Malaysia is an alluring destination with its lush forestry, tropical islands and romantic sunsets.

L

angkawi and Pilau Sinu are just two of the many islands you will find in Malaysia that are rich with tropical vegetation. For an indulgent feast of green and blue, you can truly have the best of both worlds in this magical island paradise.

Malaysia is known for its multicultural population. A collective mix of Malays, Chinese and Indians along with other ethnicities enjoy life in this beautiful land.

In the city, you will find towering skyscrapers and some of the world’s most elegant hotels. Then just meters away Malaysia transforms into natural sanctuary of moist, lush forests and clear blue waters. There is much to explore, from warm beaches dusted over with white sand, to humid mangroves.

The country experiences tropical weather throughout the year so it’s perfect for those long beach walks, sunset dinners and water sports. Island hopping is a popular way to experience a few of the islands in a short trip.

Dense rainforests exist on the Island of Borneo, who is home to many species of wildlife such as freshwater fish, orangutan and the pygmy elephant.

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www.ziwira.com

DARE to

TASTE it

SAMBAL A blend of chillies, Belacan (fermented shrimp juice) and lime juice. This goes alongside almost every Malaysian meal and is rich in Vitamin C.

COCONUTS Malaysia is abundant in

coconuts, which are rich in ďŹ ber, vitamins and minerals such as iron, selenium and calcium. So go ahead and try it in any form – coconut water, coconut milk or fresh slices.

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