April Issue 2 2015
BUILDING THE FUTURE
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FASHION SUSTAINABLE
OAT Shoes 100% & Stylish
Biodegradable
Spring Fashion Get a low down on what to wear this spring‌
Eco-Friendly
Interview with
Dina Ghandour A delightful encounter with the ethical green retailer
Hair Care Our top picks for the month
Responsible fashion COV
E
TO RS
RY
CONTENTS green scen e 06 NEWS AND EVENTS
BE AUTY PIC KS 10 SPRING FASHION Get a lowdown on what to wear this spring…
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14 ECO FRIENDLY HAIR CARE Our top picks for the month
15 TOP 3 SPRING PICKS
Organic, vegan, gluten-free and cruelty-free beauty product brands you can trust.
16 TOP 6 ECO-FASHION
BRANDS AROUND THE WORLD
All around the world, fashion designers are making a difference by creating eco-friendly items in the area that they call home. Check out some international ethical designers from all corners of the earth.
COVER STO R Y 20 RESPONSIBLE FASHION
The 9th edition of Eco-Fashion Week Vancouver, brings beauty and environment in harmony with each other.
s hop pin g
28 STELLA McCARTNEY’S ENVIROFRIENDLY FASHION TIPS
Fashion designer Stella McCartney is known worldwide for her commitment to the well-being of the earth. Get to know some of her tips for maintaining an eco-friendly fashionable lifestyle.
30 ORGANIC DETOX Give nasty toxins the royal flush with these useful tips for an organic detox.
32 OAT SHOES - 100 %
BIODEGRADABLE & STYLISH
Dutch brand OAT has developed 100% biodegradable shoes that can be buried after they become unwearable. Read on to see what happens when the shoes are buried.
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INTERVIEW
26 GO VINTAGE
SHOPPING...ONLINE!
Do you have the craving to do some vintage shopping but don’t know where to find the nearest one? Good news, you can shop for vintage online!
April Issue 2 2015
FEATURE
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36 DINA GHANDOUR OWNER-yAPPAREL
Keeping things green, getting people active, and embracing diversity. yApparel is a yoga sportswear retailer, with an ethical twist. In an interview with Ziwira, Dina opened up about her company yApparel, and the influences behind going green.
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April 2015
D ESIG N
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40 ECO FURNITURE DESIGN There is an abundance of furniture options to choose from nowadays, so why not stand out from the rest, and go for eco furniture. Read on to know more.
32 H E A LT H 52 IS IT OK TO SPRAY? Recycling aerosols is something that we tend to overlook, and lazily throw them away.
IN FOCUS
56 JOAQUIN PHOENIX SPEAKS OUT AGAINST THE CHINESE DOG LEATHER INDUSTRY
Actor Joaquin Phoenix stands up for cruelty against dogs.
leisure 58 THE LAST RESORT ORGANIC SPA
Za n e’s CO L U M N 44 MEN, YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN!
G R EEN TEC H 48 SOLAR POWER FASHION REVOLUTION
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The fashion of the future looks to be more than just a means of looking good. In the future, our clothing will provide a purpose, helping people in their everyday needs.
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A natural healing experience is what you can expect from The Last Resort, an organic detox spa in Bondi, Australia.
TRAVEL DIARIES 60 EXPERIENCE AN AFRICAN GETAWAY Africa. Vast and beautiful, with endlessly serene landscapes and wildlife to marvel. Escape the repetitiveness of your everyday life. Visit Chumbe Island Coral Park Hotel, and you will witness tranquil beauty beyond measure. Sit back, relax, and enjoy…
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April Issue 2 2015
COVER STORY
April Issue 2 2015
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BUILDING THE 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 Marketing Nadir Khan nadir.khan@ziwira.com +971 56 7481747 Design Asif Habib asif.habib@ziwira.com Fahad Balabhai fahad@ziwira.com Head Office Techno Hub Building, Office No. 161-162, PO Box No. 341171, Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE.
APRIL 2015
EDITORIAL Today, an environmentally conscious and socially inclined lifestyle is no longer one full of compromises. Instead it is all about lavishness, panache and exuberance. In the second issue of Ziwira Fashion we have brought to you all these in abundance. The fashionable Myriam Laroche, with a French-Canadian legacy and more than 20 years of experience in the world of fashion started an eco-friendly fashion show almost six years ago in the hope of promoting awareness about sustainable designing, manufacturing, selling and buying clothes. Our cover story this month is dedicated to Vancouver Eco Fashion Week that provides thoughtful designers a platform to showcase their innovative styles and designs. If you have been craving to do some vintage shopping then try doing so online. To know more, read the story on (page 26). In addition, find out about the latest eco-fashion brands, top picks for the spring season, sustainable products for your healthy long tresses, yApparel, the sustainable apparel store for women, and much more, all here in this edition. For all the men out there who feel they are being ignored by the fashion industry, read the column (a regular from now on) by Zane Small, one of our writers. To get some eco-friendly fashionable advice from Stella McCartney go to (page 28) In the travel section this month we bring to you a natural healing experience from The Last Resort, an organic detox spa in Bondi, Australia, and a destination review of Chumbe Island Coral Park Hotel. The green personality for this month is Joaquin Phoenix (page 56) who has graced our screens with some powerful performances. His message to eradicate the Chinese dog leather industry is now getting noticed by many. Cheers!
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April Issue 2 2015
FASHION UPDATE
NeWS & eVeNTS ECO-FASHION WEEK IN VANCOUVER Global VIP guests, buyers, designers, stylists, photographers, and media were all be expected to attend Eco-Fashion Week in Vancouver, Canada, from 1924 April. This year the show will be celebrating its 9th season. Founder of the organization Myriam Laroche has more than 20 years’ experience in the apparel and fashion industry. She believes that as the 3rd most environmentally damaging industry in the world, it is important for leaders of the fashion trade to promote sustainability which is necessary for long term viability. At the show, there will be an offering of speaker seminars, industry panels, and much anticipated ecofashion catwalk shows. It will be a show to inspire those who are both fashion forward, and environmentally aware.
1 FASHION REVOLUTION DAY
On April 24, 2014, Fashion Revolution Day took place with titanic success. Fashion Revolution Day encourages people to think twice about where their clothes are made, and the working conditions of the workers who made them. Fashion Revolution Day will take place again in 2015 on April 24. To get involved it is simple: Turn an item of clothing you are wearing inside out, take a picture of yourself, and then upload the picture to social media with the hashtag #FashRev, and ask the brand “Who made my clothes?” The drive for the event is to bring people together for the purpose of making the fashion industry a more sustainable and ethical trade. It is an appropriate way to remember those who perished in the Rana Plaza Factory complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2013. Over 60 countries are involved in Fashion Revolution Day – you can visit the website to find out exactly what is happening in your area.
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ACTRESS ELIZABETH ‘SUZY’ AMIS-CAMERON PREDICTS ECO-FASHION FOR 2015 When asked about what direction she felt eco-fashion was going towards in 2015, Suzy Amis-Cameron seems confident that the fashion industry is becoming more eco-friendly and sustainable. She believes that with celebrities such as Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Karlie Kloss all shopping at LA-based brand Reformation (eco-fashion store), Suzy believes that this will not go unnoticed by youngsters who look up to them and mirror the choices they make. Suzy also believes that for the fashion industry to become more sustainable, there needs to be less emphasis on seasonal clothing, and more options for timeless pieces that will not go out of fashion and end up in the garbage. Suzy commends fashion label ColorZen who have managed to reduce their water use by 90% during the dye process.
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REDRESS ECO-FASHION AND TEXTILES CONFERENCE A very unique fashion conference was held at the Raleigh Marriott City Center in North Carolina, USA, from 22-24 March. Timo Rissanen spoke about his views on eco-consciousness in the fashion industry. He went into detail about the zero waste method being used today in sustainable fashion, and spoke about the materials that he considers to be eco-friendly, including; organic wool, organic linen, organic silk, hemp, recycled polyester, wool, plastic, bamboo, and polyamide. Another topic that he discussed at the conference was the importance of a fashion industry that does not solely revolve around profit making, but also eco-friendly fashion to benefit both people and the planet. Rissanen believes in the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ framework of ‘People, Planet, and Prosperity.’
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BEST OF ETHICAL FASHION - LA On April 24-25, Eco Fashion World’s “Best of Ethical Fashion” runway show at Moda 360: LA will be held at The New Mart. Eco Fashion World has partnered with Moda 360: LA to put ethical fashion on the runway. “The best of ethical fashion” challenge asks designers to submit 3 fashion looks that incorporate ecological, fair trade and/ or ethical principles with creative and innovative style. Entries were to be submitted by March 23. Moda 360: LA featured a panel discussion on ecological and ethical principles. Moda 360 is an art, fashion and film event, but the panel discussion focused on the importance of applying ethical principles to general business. Both ethical fashion designers and lifestyle companies will be participating. Participating designers submitted a photo of each look, a description of each look, with all eco/ethical principles listed, a short one paragraph bio of the designer or company submitting the looks, and why the looks represent the best of ethical fashion.
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SHARON OSBORNE SLAMS NORTH WEST’S FUR COAT Celebrity talk show host Sharon Osborne has lashed out at Kim Kardashian for dressing her 18-month-old daughter, North, in real fur. Osborne is an avid supporter of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Parents Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were criticized for taking North to fashion shows and using her as a ‘fashion accessory’. They also have no qualms about wearing real fur. Osborne, 62, was quoted saying, “I know PETA has asked the Kardashians to stop. (North) isn’t an accessory - she shouldn’t be wearing ugly couture clothes. (Fur) makes me physically sick, and wearing it is a very dated way of showing everyone how rich you are. Our grandparents did it, but now we’ve been educated, it’s cruel to keep the trade going.”
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April Issue 2 2015
FASHION UPDATE
NRDC’S LINDA GREER IS CLEANING UP CHINA’S TOXIC FASHION INDUSTRY Linda Greer is the Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s fiveyear-old ‘Clean by Design’ initiative. She ranks among the fashion industry’s leading ‘toxic avengers’. Greer is on the frontline of a sector burdened by high energy and water use and endemic, often catastrophic, pollution. She is pushing for multinational brands and retailers to chip away at the environmental impacts of their manufacturing abroad, beginning with China, who is the biggest offender. The Natural Resources Defense Council is preparing to ‘aggressively expand’ the programs reach. In 2008, the president of NRDC asked Greer to develop a project that would help to reduce the heavy industrial air and water pollution in China and serve as a model the country could use to accelerate its efforts. After considerable thought, Greer decided upon a “green supply chain” initiative that would ask multinational corporations to leverage their buying power and influence over the factories that manufactured their goods. She then developed a business-friendly, win-win model to achieve these reductions with process-efficiency improvements that would reduce impact and save money.
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IVORY JEWELRY BURNT IN ETHIOPIA Jewelry and other trinkets made from ivory was confiscated and burnt in Ethiopia last month in an attempt to clamp down on poaching and illegal ivory trade. The country has lost 90 percent of its elephants in just three decades. 6.1 tons of ivory was seized from poachers and traders over a period of twenty years. Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen said it was a crucial step towards implementing more stringent laws against poaching. Authorities also said that 90,000 trees would be planted at the ceremonial site and the ash collected from the burning of the ivory would be used to fertilize the trees. According to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Ethiopia still has a long way to go in terms of realizing the benefits of investing in its wildlife and resource conservation. Much of the country including its infrastructure and policies remains underdeveloped.
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May Issue 2 2015
BEAUTY PICKS
SPriNG
FaSHiON
HERE’S THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT TO WEAR THIS SPRING…
Must Go!
SS E R D RE G
SPR20I1N 5
Red flower print flare dress in certified 100% organic cotton. Sleeveless, with zip back. Perfect for picnics! Available from People Tree. April Issue 2 2015
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HOW ION S H S A F ECO-
15 29, 20 y a M , Friday pm -10:00 m p 0 6:0 e Theatr n l o c Lin s abarru 01 126 E C C, 276 N , h g i St Rale States United
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Gingham That traditional tablecloth pattern is making its way into fashion, big time! Find it on skirts, shirts, bags and even accessories. Wear it in different colors and styles for a cool spring look.
Men’s rancher shirt from Indigenous, an organic and fair trade online store.
Women’s gingham shirts from Patagonia with roll-up sleeves. Made from lightweight organic cotton.
This Sprout Watch with gingham strap is made of non-plastic materials e.g. Biodegradable corn resin, bamboo, cork, organic cotton. All Sprout Watch batteries are mercury free.
Hemp eco-friendly materials Hemp is proving that sustainable alternatives exist for both garment fabric and plastic accessories. Check out Hemp eyewear for men, designed and manufactured by Sam Whitten.
Subtle 70s Skinny legs are out, and wides are in, as the 70s dominate this season’s fashion trends. Wide-legged jeans and linen pants are not only cool, but comfy and stylish too. Wear them in full length, or threequarters
Shoulder fun Shoulders are the focus of attraction this spring, so have fun with those off-shoulder tops, tank tops or one-shoulder neck-lines.
Sustainable, organic materials from the H&M Conscious Collection.
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May Issue 2 2015 11|| April
BEAUTY PICKS
Accessories These classic-look dangle earrings by Soko are handmade from recycled brass and bone that would otherwise be discarded. Soko jewelry is made in Africa from natural and upcycled materials through slow and fair trade. Available from Ethica. Mismatched earrings are the new trend this spring, so try wearing two different colors!
Blooming floral rose basket bracelet from Bashford jewelry, who uses only recycled metal and conflict-free diamonds.
Add some retro glamour with these cluster earrings made from salvaged materials such as glass, stone and metals. Handmade in Spain, so limited editions only! Available from Ethica.
Yellow Slow Fashion Footwear
Yellow was one of the colors that featured on the runways recently. Embrace color this spring with yellows and deep mustards. This Poppy Pocket organic cotton dress with open back is perfectly sweet from Synergy. It’s made using low impact dyes and a hand sewn poppy applique.
These slow fashion sandals from Po-Zu can go well with dresses, skirts or even wide-leg pants. They are made from chrome-free leather, coconut husk, natural latex and recycled rubber. The name ‘Po-Zu’ stems from the Japanese word meaning ‘to pause’. The founders of the company aim to create footwear that is comfortable and beautiful, but also manufactured with care for the planet.
Vegan linen and cork shoe for men, also from Po-Zu. The back part can be folded down to turn it into a slipper! April Issue 2 2015
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May Issue 2 2015
BEAUTY PICKS
Josie Maran
brings you this ultra-moisturizing oil for hair (can be used on skin and nails too). Made of 100% certified organic Argan oil, this oil gives you a youthful glow. Ten percent of purchases go towards empowering women around the world. It’s completely free of all harmful substances including parabens and phosphates, and is scented with pure African red rooibos tea.
Waves are in for spring, so embrace them with Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist by
Josie Maran
containing Himalayan Sea Salt. It enhances naturally wavy hair, minus the frizz, and adds volume to flat, straight hair.
eCO-FrieNDLY
Hair Care Harmonic Shampoo
is derived from minerals and seed oils, contains no parabens or silicone. Completely non-toxic and cleansing. Harmonic also produces conditioners and natural styling products.
Many hair professionals recommend silicone to give hair that glossy shine, but eco-experts prefer seed oils as a natural alternative. Repair dry winter-damaged hair with this hair and scalp treatment from
Harmonica. It’s packed with certified
organic jojoba seed, apricot kernel and safflower seed oils to restore moisture and elasticity. Can also be used on color-treated hair that needs moisture.
Bamboo is all the shiz-niz in sustain-
able fashion fabrics and even home furniture, so why not in hair products too! This Paraben-free Bamboo Smooth Kendi-Intense Moisture Masque combines pure Organic Bamboo Extract with smoothing Organic Kendi Oil. It protects hair from future damage by infusing it with multiple essential fatty acids (Omegas 3,6,9) & antioxidant powerhouse Tocopherol. Both highly sustainable ingredients are Eco-Certified, Fair-Trade compliant & Certified Organic.
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Eminence Hollywood celebs received an Eminence hamper in their Oscar’s gift bags this year, proving that it’s fit for the best. The organic brand uses the highest quality earth-sourced ingredients that are rich in anti-oxidants such as Jojoba oil, Shea Butter, Aloe and Zinc Oxide for softer, rejuvenated skin. Try out the Cocoa Latte Tinted SPF25 moisturizer, Cinnamon Kiss lip plumper and Anti-oxidant mineral foundation in Honey Beige or Vanilla Cream. They also have an all-new herbal eye makeup remover.
Aromi
TOP 3
SPriNG PiCKS
Aromi cosmetics are all handmade in small batches, using vegan and glutenfree ingredients. They are certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny. Their matt liquid lipstick spring collection includes the colors Brick Red, Red Dahlia, Sweet Marsala Pink and Desert taupe.
Bare Blossom This cruelty-free, all vegan, all natural company was created by Australian, Adriana Woolf after her doctor advised her to avoid toxins found in make-up. Bare Blossom contains no animal products whatsoever, meaning no honey, no beeswax and no animal hair. They are also safe from parabens and other chemicals. This mineral blush in Natural Flush shade gives a velvety finish. Apply with a vegan brush made from nylon.
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April Issue 2 2015
BEAUTY PICKS
TOP 6 eCOFaSHiON BraNDS
arOUND THe WOrLD
Gudrun Sjoden (Sweden)
Limedrop (Australia) Limedrop has it all – it offers a wide range of products including sunglasses, swimwear, socks, jewelry, dresses, tops, bottoms, overs, unders, accessories, and bedding. With this vast selection, it is hard to believe that Limedrop is also an eco-friendly label, which only adds to its overall appeal. The brand was launched in 2006 by designer Clea Garrick, in Melbourne, Australia. All of the clothing and jewelry available at Limedrop is made from ethically produced, eco-friendly fabrics and materials. Limedrop aims to inspire freedom, discovery, independence, and modernity, from an Australian perspective.
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Gudrun Sjoden offers designs that are colorful, vibrant, and full of life. Gudrun Sjoden is a Swedish designer, who has drawn all of her inspirations for her designs from the earth since 1976. On offer, are impeccably crafted curtains, rugs, and earthy looking beds. Many of her products are made with eco-cotton fabric. Every year, Gudrun Sjoden donates part of her proceeds to a different charity organization, which she calls Gudrun’s Good Deeds. The designer is clearly passionate about the well-being of the environment, and has made suggestions such as only washing clothing when it is dirty, and that individual stains should be wiped off as opposed to washing the whole garment, which should only be done with phosphate-free powder. Gudrun Sjoden is now based in 40 countries, and was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ in Stockholm, her home city, in 2004.
BTC Elements (United States) Summer Bowen is the owner and founder of BTC Elements, located in the USA. Summer is a California girl, who has based her eco-friendly brand in sunny Santa Monica. BTC Elements offers a selection of skirts and tops, trousers, dresses, coats and jackets, and intimates – all designed by local artists, and made from third party certified organic, or from a plant that does not require the use of pesticide. BTC stands for ‘Be the Change’, a name inspired by Summer’s determination to create a brand that promotes sustainability. Summer believes that an important aspect of the brand is its ability to only sell products that will last a long time in your wardrobe.
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Kondakis (Africa) “Kondakis offers an ethical alternative to the fashion industry.” Nike Kondakis is a designer that epitomizes African style and culture. She is a unique blend of both Greek and Danish decent, and studied at a number of design schools, until enrolling in a three year programme focusing on responsible entrepreneurship. Based in Kenya, Africa, she seeks to provide an alternative to the polluting fashion industry. Kondakis’s designs are extraordinarily unique, featuring a combination of upcycled parachutes, cruelty-free peace silk, and wood from fallen trees.All of her clothing is hand spun and dyed in coffee, tea, and turmeric, by the hands of women
in the Nairobi slum of Kibera. Kondakis strongly believes in the importance of education, expressing her belief that “Education is one of the strongest tools
one can have in order to create their own future.” That is why she donates a percentage of her profits to the Maasai girls in the Kenyan bush.
Ecomaco (Japan) In 2012, Ecomaco won the ‘Gold Stevie Winner’ award (considered an Oscar in business) for Most Innovative Company of the Year. Masako Oka was first inspired to create eco-friendly fashion when she visited a rubbish dump. She wanted to see what types of clothing people felt necessary to throw away, as opposed to donating them to an organization like Oxfam. What she encountered moved her deeply - she discovered an enormous amount of clothing that had gone to waste, because of society’s obsession with following current trends. This influenced her to create her brand Ecomaco, to provide eco-friendly clothing options for women. Some of her designs are derived from inedible corn, sugar cane, silk, cotton, bamboo, and recycled Japanese paper. PLA is completely biodegradable, and is dyed using traditional Japanese methods that employ pigments extracted from grapes and roses.
Greens (Argentina) The name says it all. Greens is a locally produced ecofriendly fashion brand located in Buenos Ares, Argentina. Greens founder Gabriel Grinshpan, says it is not easy, but has been able to ensure that all the items he produces are made in Buenos Ares. The designs are very cool, simplistic and most importantly affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of customers. This quirky company is now recognized for its inspiring tagline, “Working with social and environmental awareness. Manufactured with pride in Buenos Aires.” Grinshpan has admittedly struggled to stay true to his eco-friendly roots, because he wanted to create a brand that was essentially affordable, so while most of the items are 100% cotton, some have been made with synthetic materials. However, Greens is certainly one-to-watch, as it can be difficult to find environmentally aware brands today. www.ziwira.com
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April Issue 2 2015
COVER STORY
reSPONSiBL FaSHiON
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“Integrity is the core of our being; our team intrinsically believes, that by educating, supporting, and promoting sustainability, from process to product – sourcing, design, production, distribution, purchase, and use – we can create a space that transforms personal responsibility to global change.”
Le
-Eco Fashion Week Team
S
ustainability hits the runway from April 19-24 at Eco Fashion Week, Vancouver. This will be the 9th edition of the event, which seeks to bring beauty and the environment in harmony with each other. Most importantly, it’s a milestone event for the industry, putting into action the core philosophy of eco-fashion: enjoying being creative with apparel, while having minimum impact on the environment. The fashion industry is the third most harmful to the environment. Every day vast amounts of natural resources are used along with cheap manual labor, in order to feed an insatiable desire for fashion. It’s not just what you wear or how you look in it, it’s how you buy, use and dispose of your clothing. Eco Fashion Week was founded by French Canadian fashionista Myriam Laroche, a petit, bubbly personality with a genuine goal. She has more than 20 years of experience in the fashion industry and is one of the few people in the forefront of sustainable fashion, worldwide. She founded Eco Fashion Week in October 2009 as a way to promote more responsible ways of designing, manufacturing, selling and buying clothes. Laroche buys mostly second hand clothing for her own wardrobe and also owns a vintage shop called Crows Closet.
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April Issue 2 2015
COVER STORY
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SKiP THe SaLeS Would you believe it a fashion guru herself were to tell you NOT to buy that brand new dress or leather bag that’s setting trends at the moment! That’s exactly Myriam’s belief in life. The more we purchase, the more the industry has to produce, and the more waste is being dumped in landfills, taking a toll on the planet. Her idea for sustainable fashion is shop smart, make each garment last and recycle old clothes. Vintage shopping can make for an adventurous outing. You can be creative and have fun with fashion in a responsible way. Each vintage item is also unique and cannot be reproduced, making it extra special. “What I love about vintage is that it’s second hand. I think for myself it’s the eco-friendly way because it’s already there. You don’t have to produce anything. It’s taking what already exists and giving it new life,” she says. According to Laroche, the seminars and industry panels at Eco Fashion Week, are the most important feature of the event, as it is a way for fashion professionals to share their knowledge and experience with each other and with the attendees, raising important issues and collectively pooling eco-friendly solutions. The event on the whole is a mash-up of dynamic, and award winning fashion shows, global VIP guests, buyers, designers, stylists, photographers, and media. Over the years, the high standard of the designs has seen Eco Fashion Week transcend hippie stereotypes of eco-fashion, placing it right on par with the top names in fashion. Fairmont Waterfront Hotel will be transformed into a style blogger’s heaven as it comes alive with organizations, brands and designers who aim to encourage people to become more conscious consumers. Well-known designer, Connelly McDougall, after a recent stint at Vancouver Fashion Week, will be launching an active wear line at Eco Fashion Week. Eco Fashion Week founder Myriam Laroche,
“
What I love about vintage is that it’s second hand. I think for myself it’s the eco-friendly way because it’s already there. You don’t have to produce anything. It’s taking what already exists and giving it new life..
“
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April Issue 2 2015
COVER STORY
H&M’s GreeN LiNe Another big name in this line-up is H&M, who is not only one of the partners, but will also officially launch a brand new ecofriendly range of clothing at the show called Conscious Collection. The line includes garments that have been created from hemp and other organic fabrics, as well as recycled polyester and decorative materials such as beads, using the most eco-friendly, resource-saving manufacturing process possible. “At H&M, we have set ourselves the challenge of ultimately making fashion sustainable and sustainability fashionable. We want to help people express their personality and feel proud of what they wear. I’m very excited to see the progress we’ve made so far and how this will help us to make you an even better offer – and create a more sustainable fashion future,” said CEO Karl-Johan Persson.
H & M’s senior sustainability specialist, Pierre Börjesson, gave a keynote speech at last year’s Eco Fashion Week, when the collection was first announced. He said the company has a goal to source all of its cotton from sustainable farming and significantly reduce overall energy consumption by 2020.
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FaST FaSHiON FaCTS Viscose
Artificial fiber made from wood pulp. The wood is mainly sourced from Eucalyptus trees which consume high amounts of water. Harmful chemicals are used to treat the pulp.
Cotton
Cotton may be a natural fiber, but it is heavily laced with pesticides. These chemicals often remain on the fabric even after manufacturing, and can affect both environmental and human health over time. Cotton is also one of the common crops to be genetically modified. Best to buy organic cotton.
Polyester and Nylon
These are both non-biodegradable and made from petrochemicals. Their manufacturing process produces Nitrous Oxide, a harmful greenhouse gas more potent than CO2.
Wool
Recent studies have shown that organophosphates, used in sheep dip, can cause headaches, mood changes and excessive tiredness. This can affect the agricultural and craft workers as well as consumers of wool products. Many companies are now producing organic wool.
Dye and other chemicals
Dyeing can use up enormous amounts of water and energy. Unfixed dye can also wash out into sewers and eventually pollute rivers. Formaldehyde is used in almost all polycottons, including bed linen and crease-resistant fabrics.
Leather
Leather is unsustainable due to its cruelty of animals, and also its dying and manufacturing process is very toxic.
Sustainable fabrics
Organic Cotton, Hemp, Bamboo, Recycled Polyester, Linen, Organic Wool.
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April Issue Issue222015 2015
SHOPPING
GO ViNTaGe
SHOPPiNG... ONLiNe! Do you have the craving to do some vintage shopping but don’t know where to find the nearest shop? Good news, you can shop for vintage online!
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Shopping online provides a great convenience if you simply cannot travel to retrieve the product you want. Just a touch of a button can bring your sweetest dreams to your door! However, when it comes to vintage, because no two items are the same, it’s best to try them on before buying. For this reason, many vintage shops prefer not to sell online and like to maintain that personal connection with each customer.
Nonetheless, here are a few that DO sell online:
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Adore Vintage
Retro Daisy
One of the most beautiful collections of dresses from any era. They also do bridal wear, even swimwear and home décor. They ship to most countries. The website, is clean, classic and easy to navigate.
Romantic, unique dresses, coats, accessories and more. Really beautiful, but they only sell online for really special cases, so plead, plead, plead!
Rokit
Janne’s Vintage
Almost addictive to browse, Rokit has a vast variety of items to select from, including men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. They even have a section for recycled clothes and leather handbags.
This is a really neat, comprehensive site, with almost everything you could imagine, such as gorgeous 1940s dresses. The jewelry and shoe section is quite extensive.
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May Issue 2 2015
FEATURE
STeLLa McCarTNeY’S eNVirO-FrieNDLY
FaSHiON TiPS April Issue 2 2015
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Fashion designer Stella McCartney is known worldwide for her commitment to the well-being of the earth. Here are some of her tips for maintaining an eco-friendly fashionable lifestyle.
S
tella McCartney is of course, the daughter of ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney. For having such a phenomenally successful father, Stella has not fallen behind his shadow at all. She is a famous fashion designer, well-known for her outspokenness, and also for her ability to create stunning clothing that does not harm the environment. Stella’s career took off in 1995 when her incredibly famous supermodel friends Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell modelled her clothing designs at
Recycle Stella believes that her tips for sustainable fashion are easy enough to fit into anyone’s day to day life, whilst also having a positive impact on the planet. Recycling is Stella’s first tip. She believes that recycling is particularly important, because by recycling one bottle, you would be saving enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes. Up to 60 percent of trash that ends up in the bin, could be recycled if only one bothered to recycle it.
Donate Donating unwanted clothing is also very important to Stella. In the United Kingdom alone, over 1.4 million tonnes of clothing are sent to landfills every year. By simply donating your unwanted clothing to charity organizations such as Oxfam, Red Cross, or Salvation Army, it means that someone else could enjoy the clothing, someone less well-off who really needs it.
her college graduation. Like her late mother Linda, Stella is a strict vegetarian, and her clothing undoubtedly reflects this. Her black and white approach to the positive treatment of animals and the environment has provoked her to criticize others who use animal products in their work as “heartless”. Here are some tips that Stella recommends for people who want to make a difference and contribute to the well-being of our world.
Choose FSC The term FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. Stella recommends buying products with the FSC label on it. Anything that has the FSC logo, means that it was made from a sustainably managed forest. So, Stella recommends looking for paper, wood, flooring, furniture and other products that come from trees that are FSC certified. By choosing products with this logo, you are showing that you will take a stand against deforestation, and that you encourage forest conservation and forest biodiversity.
Mend Garments Another tip from Stella McCartney, is to mend your garments, don’t just throw them away! Don’t cast away a garment just because it has a hole or a broken zipper. This is an opportunity for you to be savvy and figure out a way to fix it – whether you fix it yourself, or find a professional. Look for a tailor who can give it a new lease on life.
Green Cleaning Stella emphasizes the importance of saving energy. We can save a lot of energy by cleaning our clothes with more consideration of the environment. Up to 80 percent of our clothing’s environmental impact occurs from washing and drying. This means that each and every one of us have the potential to have a significant impact by reconsidering how we clean our clothing. It is more environmentally friendly to wash clothing using cold water, and also to hang clothing out to dry, as opposed to using tumble dry. It is not only better for the environment, but also better for your clothing. If you are going to dry-clean your clothing, try to find a dry-cleaner who uses only biodegradable materials.
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April Issue 2 2015
FEATURE
OrGaNiC DeTOX Give nasty toxins the royal ush with these useful tips for an organic detox.
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inter may have its beneďŹ ts, like those naturally rosy hued cheeks for example, but endless cups of steaming coffee, in our attempt to warm up can wreak havoc on the body. The great thing about Mother Nature is that she allows us to begin again, and again and again! As spring dawns it provides the perfect opportunity to grab that green leaf and turn it over
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(you get the pun? Turning over a new leaf!) That means detox, cleanse and purge that beautiful body of all its impurities gained in the harsh dry winter. Here are some satisfying organic detox recommendations that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and guilt-free as far as environmental impact.
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Warm Lemon Water Start each day with a glass of warm lemon water to flush out toxins and aid digestion. It has high vitamin C and low calorie content.
Homemade Organic Green juice Plant chlorophyll has amazing detoxifying properties and since green leafy vegetables are not always easy to palate, juicing them is a great idea. Try different green combinations, chop up the ingredients and blend until smooth. Add apple or stevia extract for natural sweetness. By making your own juices, you reduce the environmental impact of mass production and packaging. For example: - celery, spinach, cucumber - kale, celery, green apple - celery, parsley, pear, cucumber
Carrot Soup Carrots are extremely rich in Vitamin A and antioxidants. Try this easy soup. 2½ carrots), roughly chopped
DID YOU KNOW
1 cup coconut meat, roughly chopped
That carrots exist in purple, red, white and yellow varieties?
1½ tablespoons shallots, diced ½ cup coconut water ½ cup orange juice ½ clove of garlic 1 tablespoon minced ginger Pinch of cumin Method
1 Combine all ingredients in a high-power blender. 2 Blend well until completely smooth. 3 Pour into a bowl and enjoy.
Eat more
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Berries are known for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. So snack on blueberries, or add a mix of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries to your yoghurt. You can also grow blueberries and strawberries in your own home garden, free of pesticides and GMOs.
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April Issue 2 2015
FEATURE
100%
BiODeGraDaBLe
& STYLiSH
What is fashion without innovation? What is innovation without change? Dutch brand OAT have changed what it means to dispose of your old kicks. They developed 100% biodegradable shoes that can be buried after they become unwearable. What’s more, the shoes have flower seeds hidden in the tongue – when the shoes are planted, a flower will bloom.
OAT Brand
A
msterdam is the home of OAT – a company founded in 2009 that developed the first ‘shoes that bloom’. The brand debuted the concept in 2011, at Amsterdam Fashion Week, where two models characterizing Adam and Eve strutted down the runway carrying wheelbarrows holding ‘the tree of life’ within an OAT shoe. Following the debut, the brand won a prize at the prestigious Green Fashion Competition, which was followed by international praise, featuring in the LA Times, Dezeen Best Ideas of 2011, and many more.
With each OAT eco-fashion product, they are changing the way the fashion industry works. OAT is working towards a production process that is cleaner, and also providing consumers a chance to reduce the amount of waste that they produce.
In a world where everybody wants to stand out from the crowd, often the ability to look good is overshadowed by the cost of it. Yes, looking good is important, and OAT knew this only too well, but isn’t our health and well-being just as important? A significant portion of the world’s shoe manufacturers are located in China, where coal is the dominant source of electricity. A typical pair of running shoes comprises 65 discrete parts requiring more than 360 processing steps to assemble, from sewing and cutting, to injection molding, foaming, and heating. These processes are energy-intensive — and therefore, carbon-intensive — compared with the energy that goes into making shoe materials, such as polyester and polyurethane. In short, the production of mass shoes is undeniably negative on the environment. OAT stood up to this reality, and decided that it was time to make a change. The OAT company “makes things bloom”. They have an undeniable passion for the environment, creating meaningful products that combine quality craftsmanship, inspiring designs, and exceptional materials that are safe for the earth. The company acts as though they have a social responsibility, to provide products that are both fashionable, and eco-friendly. They take careto ensure that all of the materials used to create their products are sourced ethically. April Issue 2 2015
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OAT Shoes The famously biodegradable ‘OAT Shoe’ was created back in 2011. The concept enables consumers to lesser the amount of waste they produce, and feel less guilty about their shoe fetish. OAT totally understand the importance of looking good and feeling fashionable. Only, they wish that fashion and sustainability could go hand-in-hand. The shoes live up to this aim, eschewing the down-market hippie style typically featured in ecologically
minded shoes, in favor of broadly appealing, style-conscious looks. They created the OAT Shoe, which can be planted in the ground, completely biodegradable, decomposing back into the earth. Furthermore, with hidden seeds residing within the tongue of the shoe, when planted, a flower will bloom from where it was placed. Christiaan Matts
“We want to be able to choose green and style. And since that doesn’t seem to exist, we decided to take the first step with OAT Shoes. May it cater to all of you in search of some conscious style!” – OAT CEO Christiaan Matts speaking at Sustainable Brands 2012
Never fear, the OAT Shoe will not biodegrade if you wear them in the rain, or somehow manage to get them soaked. The material breakdown only takes place at a certain level of heat and with the presence of the appropriate microbes, found in soil. Concerning the flower that is supposed to bloom from where the shoe is planted, the company makes no guarantee that a flower will bloom when the shoe is planted – it is an added bonus that the company hopes will happen, but cannot guarantee it for every situation. According to OAT, the shoes are made of hemp, bio-cotton, cork, and certified biodegradable plastics – and flower seeds of course! The company has worked with waste processors so that the shoes can be tossed in the compost bin collection. Whether or not you care much about the wellbeing of the environment, what is great about the OAT Shoe is that it looks good. That is what the company wanted to achieve – an eco-fashion product that looked so good, that being ‘sustainable’ was just an added bonus about the product. This is true innovation, true genius, and hope for the future of the fashion industry. www.ziwira.com
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April Issue 2 2015
INTERVIEW By Zane Small
eTHiCaL
SPOrTSWear, FOr YOGa LOVerS
Feeling good, looking good, and caring for the world. This can be achieved by supporting a very interesting sportswear brand called yApparel. Based in Dubai, Dina Ghandour established her brand on the ethos: Keeping things green, getting people active, and embracing diversity. yApparel is a yoga sportswear retailer, with an ethical twist. In an interview with Ziwira, Dina opened up about her company yApparel, and the inuences behind going green. April Issue 2 2015
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yApparel is based in the Heart of Dubai, in the
Jumeirah Centre, where it features yoga clothing brands from all over the world, including Australia, Canada, United States, and United Kingdom. Dina, originally from Palestine, spent time living in the US, and clearly seized an opportune gap in the increasing market of sportswear. Dina made a smart move. Such is the growth of the athletic clothing trend, that denim sales – the traditional staple of most leisure wardrobes – dropped 6 per cent in the US last year, according to the market research firm NPD Group. Athletic clothing is becoming much more popular as every day wear.
Dina endeavored to sell clothing from material that was stretchy enough to allow for the constant bending over and bending of the limbs involved in yoga, and also clothing that was slightly longer in length, which also caters to bending over. The purpose of the clothing is to allow women to feel both comfortable, and on trend, as sportswear is now more popular than it has ever been, in a fashion sense. As much as women want to feel good working out, they also want to look good The yApparel twist, is that Dina Ghandour never failed to stay true to her belief in sustainability, and the distribution of ecofriendly clothing. Awareness of the environment is at the heart of everything that is yApparel, from the products sourced, to the business operations. YOGASMOGA for example, ensures that no harmful formaldehyde based dyes are used in the production of their clothing, because it can destroy our groundwater. Wellicious is another brand associated with yApparel, which specifically uses only organic grown cotton without any harmful pesticides, which are widely used in cotton production. Furthermore, Divine Goddess, another brand with yApparel, has employed families in Bali for the production of their clothing line. Divine Goddess has been employing the families for over 10 years, which has provided an important source of income for the area. Located next to Village Mall, in the Jumeirah Centre on Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, yApparel not only offers an excellent selection of yoga and fitness clothing, but also enticing homemade treats, fresh juices, and often free gifts. It is stores like these that we need to see more of in Dubai; pioneering brands that not only care about profitability, but also care about sustaining rapidly growing mega-cities like Dubai.
Interview with
DINA GHANDOUR
Dina, the owner and manager of yApparel, was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule, to open up to us about her brand. It is always motivating and commendable to hear the story behind businesses that have successfully incorporated sustainability into their practices – especially in the fashion world. 1
yApparel is established as a leading sportswear store in the UAE, providing yoga and fitness apparel that is strictly eco-friendly and sustainable. How have customers responded to the combination of yoga sportswear and sustainability? Was the idea initially easy or difficult to sell to people?
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A: While we strive to put sustainability and eco-friendly products at the heart of what we do, we also understand the importance of giving our customers a range of diverse items – both eco and not – particularly as the idea is not as easy to sell yet in the UAE. However, because a large portion of our customers are yogis, they already have a strong awareness about sustainability and care about the products they buy.
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April Issue 2 2015
INTERVIEW
2
Where did the inspiration come from to provide yoga sportswear that is made from eco-friendly, sustainable 3 resources? Is there a personal story behind it? A: As the owner and manager, the ‘eco-friendly’ mantra really comes from my time living in the United States for seven years where recycling and living sustainably was very much alive and widespread – from the food we eat, to the toilet paper we buy. Just like those were key to everyday life, so is fitness and being active. Therefore by sourcing products that are eco-friendly and sustainably made to retail here in the UAE, we are hoping to show customers that you can buy active wear that keeps your carbon footprint to a minimum that is still high-quality, fashionable and functional.
3 On your website, it says that yApparel has carefully selected brands to distribute, including Divine Goddess, Dharma Bums, Wellicious, Tonic and La Vie Boheme Yoga. What made you choose to associate with these particular brands? What about them stood out to you in terms of sustainability?
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A: Sustainability has so many facets to it – whether it’s the fabric used, the people who make it, or how far it had to travel. With Divine Goddess, families in Bali are supported through this endeavor, plus they hand cut and dye each piece only based on orders so there is no excess. Tonic uses organic and recycled materials in their collections – as well as Wellicious – and both produce in country which means factory and business are close by to limit their carbon footprint.
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4 YOGASMOGA ensures that no harmful formaldehyde based dyes are used in the production of their clothing, because it can destroy our groundwater– a very admirable aspect of their brand. Is supporting the environment an important aspect of your company ethos?
Sustainability has so many facets to it – whether it’s the fabric used, the people who make it, or how far it had to travel.
“
“
A: Absolute long, as it should be for every company and individual. The UAE has a way to go when it comes to giving both companies and people affordability and accessibility in sustainable living, but we do the best we can with the resources and limitations we have.
5
yApparel is currently in the process of stocking men’s apparel. Tell us about why you decided to include men into your company. Furthermore, will the men’s clothing also be eco-friendly? A: Yes, we sell menswear both in our store and now online and both lines – Tonic and Wellicious – are sustainable-oriented companies. The men’s tees by Wellicious are made from Organic cotton.
6 Do you have any plans to expand your brand, possibly out of the UAE? Any current campaigns you can share? A: The ‘official launch’ of our online store is imminent, and we will be sure to let you know when further expansions across the UAE and beyond are in the pipeline.
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Issue 2 2015
DESIGN
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FaLL iN LOVe WiTH SOUTH aFriCaN FUrNiTUre, WiTH aN eTHiCaL TWiST If you are in the process of redecorating your home, take a moment to think about where your products have come from. There is an abundance of furniture options to choose from nowadays, so why not stand out from the rest, and insist on furniture that has been ethically designed. Eco Furniture Design offers rich, quality, rustic custom furniture, made from locally sourced, sustainable materials.
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April Issue 2 2015
DESIGN
A
t the bottom of the African continent, a furniture making company is making a difference. Cape Town, South Africa, is home to Eco Furniture Design, a company that provides stunning, innovative eco-friendly furniture, as well as custom made designs to suit your home. To remain at the forefront of furniture making, Eco Furniture Design incorporates three essential design elements into their work: ‘Sustainability, Affordability, and Social Responsibility’. The overall goal that the company strives to achieve, is to encourage people to live sustainably, and contribute to the wellbeing of the environment when furnishing their home. They also encourage people to buy local, to keep South Africa free from unethical brands and practices.
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A great feature of the brand, is that it offers upcycled furniture as part of its product range. The company website offers a variety of products including a recycled metallic Silver Dresser. Customers can also purchase upcycled Solid Wood Bucket Chairs, made from unwanted Bucket Chairs. Aside from furniture options, the company website also offers wooden clocks and mirrors made from reclaimed timbers. Often left over wood like Oregon is used to create items, from building sites where there are excess left overs. The company also uses responsibly grown timber from South Africa. Sustainably sourced timbers used by the company include: Blackwood, Saligna, Oregon Pine, SA Pine, Yellowood, Cape Holly, Stinkwood, Rosewood, and Cottonwood. Eco Furniture Design has a very friendly range of staff, who apparently love a good challenge, and work with customers to build quality furniture to their specifications. The website offers a personality outline of each of the staff members, specifying their particular skills along with their goals, and opinions in relation to sustainability. The company is open to hiring staff who may not have experience, but are naturally talented, and could potentially bring fresh and innovative ecofriendly ideas to the business.
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Display furniture at Eco Furniture Design
It is refreshing to know that there are businesses around the world willing to stick to an ideal that represents a better future for the planet. If ever in Cape Town, be sure to check out Eco Furniture Design at their main store in Woodstock.
Popular Products at EFD Dining Tables
Chests/drawers
Beds/Bedroom furniture
Children’s furniture
Bookshelves/wall displays
Coffee Tables
Chairs/benches
TV Stands
OfďŹ ce furniture
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May April Issue Issue222015 2015
ZANE S COLUMN
MeN, YOU HaV NOT BeeN FOrGOTTeN!
Sustainable clothing from Continental April Issue 2 2015
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By Zane Small
T
Ve
here is no reason why eco-friendly fashion should be all about the ladies. As a male, I feel that there is a stigma of femininity that surrounds the idea of being eco-conscious. It doesn’t have to be that way. It is important for us guys to feel that we too have the option to benefit the environment by the clothes they purchase.
Initiative. Continental Clothing is adamant that the clothing they offer is expertly designed to market music merchandise, corporate promotions, and athletics. The company also has a 90% reduced carbon footprint by using a combination of organically farmed products, and efficiency in manufacturing and transportation.
Before I wrote this article, I automatically thought it would be difficult to find men’s clothing that was both stylistically appealing, as well as eco-friendly. It wasn’t. There are plenty of options out there for men who want to look good, without damaging our fragile world. Admittedly, I myself have not always made eco-friendly choices when it comes to my wardrobe. But after a bit of investigation, I feel a change in my shopping habits coming on.
These two brands are just a taste of a remarkable website called Three Leaves Ethical Menswear, founded in 2012, Brooklyn, New York City. Three Leaves Ethical Menswear is a platform website that only holds products that meet a strict criteria of environmental standards, including items certified by Oeko-Tex, Global Organic Textile Standard, certified organic by the Soil Association, and OE 100.
Guys, what you need to know about being ecoconscious, is that it’s an appealing characteristic to have. No doubt, as soon as you mention that your wallet is made from recycled bicycle inner tubes, you will appear to be interesting and compassionate, and as a result will have no problem with the ladies. What I mentioned about a wallet being made from recycled bicycle inner tubes was not just my wild imagination. In Seattle, Washington, Alchemy Goods are ‘upcycling’ bicycle tubes from all over the USA, and have collected over 400,000 of them to create wallets, belts, and bags. If you are looking for quality, sustainable clothing, look no further than Continental Clothing, based in England and Germany, in operation since 1994. Customers are spoiled for choice, from an array of timeless, simplistic designs, all compliant with the International Labor Organization, and the Ethical Trading
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I believe one of the best ways men can be more eco-fashion-friendly, is by choosing items more carefully, and buying clothing that will last in your wardrobe for years, as opposed to a season. That is exactly what UK based brand Cock & Bull Menswear have tried to emphasize on their website. The company lives by their design philosophy: ‘Ethical, Sustainable, and Cherished’. Cock & Bull strives to create clothing for men that will be valued, and can be worn season after season. What’s more, all of the products that are for sale are made from sustainable fabrics and textiles, including organic cotton, hemp, jute, and ramie. Guys, the time has come to step it up and transform men’s fashion into an industry that involves sustainable operation in every aspect, as opposed to having a separate eco-friendly section for a minority group. Only buy clothes you really like, and think twice about the materials you wear on your back.
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COVER STORY
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April Issue 2 2015
GREEN TECH
SOLar-POWer
FaSHiON
reVOLUTiON The fashion of the future looks to be more than just a means of looking good. In the future, our clothing will provide a purpose, helping people in their everyday needs. In March, fashion designer Pauline van Dongen presented her Wearable Solar Collection at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive Show in Austin, Texas, to a wealth of appraisal.
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P
auline van Dongen is more than just a fashion designer. She researches the body in a technologically textured space. After graduating from Art EZ Academy of Arts in Arnhem, Netherlands, she started her own womenswear label in 2010. Working closely with companies from the field of science and innovation, Pauline aims to merge fashion and technology and give life to scientific creations in fashion. Pauline’s astonishing creations have been made in partnership with the Holst Centre, an independent research and development center in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The research center is a hotbed of technology development, particularly wireless sensors and flexible electronics. The obvious benefit of an item such as this it that solar power is sustainable – it will never run out. Pauline’s solar-shirt is utterly unique. The shirt, which is undeniably stunning to behold, also allows the wearer to power their smartphone or other portable device using solar cells integrated into the fabric. Pauline is very excited by what she and the Holst Centre have been able to create together, how the solar cells can add to the esthetic of the garment. “We’ve taken solar fashion from the catwalk to street, with an attractive yet practical garment that people could wear every day,” she says.
“
Our technology enables extremely thin electronics that are stretchable, flexible, and washable. It can be integrated into fabrics using standard high-volume techniques that are well known in the textile industry. From the Holst Centre
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“
- Margreet De Kok,
Issue 2 2015
GREEN TECH
The concept of the shirt is quite simple. Clearly the shirt needs sunlight exposure to function. If you wish to charge the portable device, simply plug it into a small module in the front of the shirt, which doubles as a pocket when you’re not using it to charge. The shirt contains 120 thin-film solar cells. According to Margreet de Kok from the Holst Centre, speaking of the shirt, she said, “In bright sunlight, it produces one watt of electricity, enough to charge a phone in a few hours.” However, indoors, the shirt can only generate enough power to keep a battery alive. Another amazing aspect of the solar-shirt, is that most wearable technology tends to be uncomfortable and does not fit in with everyday life. Also, most wearable technology is unable to be machine-washed. According to de Kok, “Our technology enables extremely thin electronics that are stretchable, flexible, and washable. It can be integrated into fabrics using standard highvolume techniques that are well known in the textile industry.” The photovoltaic cells are designed to be manufactured using low-cost roll-to-roll (R2R) fabrication on flexible substrates. They can then be “ironed” onto fabric before it is made into a garment.
The shirt also has a battery pack of its own that can store excess power until it is needed later. As we rely on more wearable Health Tech devices, energy harvesting clothing like this can help provide power without the need to plug in to
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recharge. Pauline’s shirt is an absolutely revolutionary design, leading the way for other tech-savvy designers to emerge with new ideas, progressing the eco-fashion industry.
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May Issue 2 2015
HEALTH
iS iT OK TO SPraY? Recycling aerosols is something that we tend to overlook, and we lazily throw them away.
W
e all love a good fragrance. Rose, Vanilla, Musk, Citrus, Lavender, the list goes on. If only the scent was as simple and pure as the name sounds! In reality, deodorants and air fresheners are made from a cocktail of chemicals that can cause allergies, respiratory problems and environment pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the four main ingredients in air fresheners are formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p- dichlorobenzene, and aerosol propellants. They also contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which contain carbon and have been linked to several health problems. Even with the now obligatory exclusion of CFCs, there is still
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much damage that aerosols can cause, from the manufacturing process, to the gases they emit, and even to the recycling process of metals, which uses up substantial amounts of energy. Aerosol cans are made from part aluminium and part tin plated steel, both of which, are recyclable materials. The smaller parts contain plastic and rubber components that are usually separated during the recycling process. It’s important to note, however, that unless the cans are completely empty, they can explode and cause environmental hazards if packed under pressure. In some parts of the world, it is illegal to dispose of aerosol cans incorrectly.
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How to recycle aerosols: Ensure that your aerosol is completely empty before tossing it in the recycling bin (half full cans are considered to be household hazardous waste). Aerosols can be stored for a long time so there is no need to throw out a half empty can. Do not pierce, crush or atten the aerosol cans before recycling. Detach any loose or easily removable parts, such as the lid, and dispose them in their respective recycling category, e.g. Plastics
Sustainable alternatives
Open the windows and let in some fresh air! For indoor fragrance, use naturally scented soy candles, or eco-friendly air fresheners in biodegradable containers. Keep fresh cut owers in the room for a natural, pleasant smell. Place a bowl of baking soda and/or vinegar in the room to absorb bad odors. For body fragrance, look for natural, non-spray deodorants that contain coconut oil and baking soda, which inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Natural oils will mask unpleasant odors while keeping the pores open.
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53 | April
Issue 2 2015
IN FOCUS
Phoenix Fights for Rights
C
JOaQUiN PHOeNiX SPeaKS OUT aGaiNST THe CHiNeSe DOG LeaTHer iNDUSTrY
elebrities hold a unique power of influence in the world. This famous actor has taken a particular interest in the dog leather industry in China, and has not been shy about sharing his opinions with the world. Joaquin Phoenix has appeared in a video for PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals), where he describes what happens during the dog leather process, and urges people to not wear leather, no matter what animal it comes from. The reason Phoenix so adamantly requests the public to not purchase any leather products, is because it is very 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.
Actor Joaquin Phoenix who starred in blockbuster films such as Gladiator, and Walk the Line, has spoken out about a video he witnessed recently. The video that Phoenix saw, he has described as, “One of the worst things I’ve ever seen”. The actor was shown a video of the dog leather trade in China, where dogs are snatched from the streets and taken to factories where they are beaten to death, then have their skin ripped off (some are still alive). Phoenix will not stand for this cruelty, and has made his voice heard.
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Dog-leather processing plants in China
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world, with more than 3 million members and supporters. PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: on factory farms, in the clothing trade, in laboratories, and in the entertainment industry. Recently the Chinese dog leather industry has caught the attention of PETA, and has rallied many people to its cause. In China, dogs are being slaughtered for their skin to create leather. Reports from undercover PETA officials are sobering, with evidence of extreme cruelty to the animals. There have been reports of dogs having their skin ripped off while still alive.
According to PETA, China has poor regulations against the kidnapping of animals, and the conditions of workplaces. Not surprisingly, the quasigovernmental 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. The PETA investigator reportedly saw up to 300 dogs confined to 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. ‘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.
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57 | April Issue 2 2015
LEISURE
THe LaST reSOrT
–OrGaNiC SPa A natural healing experience is what you can expect from The Last Resort, an organic detox spa in Bondi, Australia.
T
he Last Resort organic detox spa was founded by naturopath Saimaa Miller, with the understanding that “only when mind, body and spirit are in harmony, can true beauty and total well-being be achieved.” Guests are met with an array of wholesome healing therapies that assist with restoring optimum health. The spa has a team of experienced health professionals who employ only natural means of therapy with 100% certified organic products.
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Organic Detox Treatments Re-mineralising salt scrub (60 min / $150) Feel rejuvenated after this treatment of skin brushing followed by a full body exfoliation to improve your skin’s texture, increase circulation and get rid of those toxins. It is completed with an invigorating massage using a customized blend of natural oils.
Nutrient–rich seaweed wrap (90 min / $210) Organic sea salt is used here with an unexpected blend of black pepper, juniper and cypress oils for a full body exfoliation. While you are wrapped in sea kelp and bluegreen algae, you will receive a reflexology foot massage. Then enjoy a natural birch oil massage and shower.
Bentonite clay wrap (90 min / $210 ) Bentonite clay is known to have exemplary detoxifying properties. It can remove toxins, heavy metals, chemicals and impurities. This treatment involves you being wrapped in warm purifying clay whilst receiving a reflexology foot massage.
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Africa. Vast and beautiful, with endlessly serene landscapes and wildlife to marvel. Escape the repetitiveness of your everyday life. Visit Chumbe Island Coral Park Hotel, and you will witness tranquil beauty beyond measure. Sit back, relax, and enjoy‌
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f you are feeling like you need a break from everyday life, and want to find a luscious, cultural resort to immerse yourself in, then I suggest you go to Zanzibar. Where is Zanzibar? It is an island off the coast of Tanzania, in East Africa. Eight miles off the south-west coast of Zanzibar, lies the 16 acre private island and ecological haven called Chumbe Island. This is home to the Chumbe Island Coral Park Resort, with stunning, secluded accommodation in the heart of humming wilderness and conservation area. The whole landscape is covered in natural forest, which ensures the privacy and seclusion of your getaway. The resort is not all that big, so it won’t bother you that the beach isn’t either. You will have the coasts beautiful coral reefs to explore all for yourself. Chumbe Island Coral Park has natural beauty. To maintain this natural glow, the resort practices sustainable living. During your stay at the resort, you will be provided with sweet-scented organic soaps, as well as crystal clear drinking water, filtered on the island. As well as enjoying the natural coral reefs, guests can explore the forest reserve, discover endangered animals, and enjoy the likes of historical monuments and nature trails. The resort is proud of the way it can provide a luxurious holiday, with limited impact on the state of the eco-system. Accommodation on the island is idyllic. Eco-bungalows are provided, with only seven on the entire island. It is the perfect opportunity for escapism, but also a good idea for educational trips for kids. All of the bungalows are located near to the coast, to give you easy access to the surreal beach. Each room is decorated with traditional African décor. Each and every bungalow at the resort is eco-friendly and promotes living off the land. The bungalows use stored rainwater heated using solar power, and then hand pumped to each room. All sewage is turned into natural compost so that it does not interact with wildlife or contaminate the reef. The United Nations Secretary General has recognized the sustainability efforts of the resort, noting it as the forefront of eco-friendly tourism.
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Never fear, food has not been forgotten. During your stay at Chumbe Island Resort, you will enjoy organically and locally sourced goods and supplies. The food offered is a mix of traditional Swahili and European culture, as the two ofďŹ cial languages in Tanzania are Swahili and English. All of the animals feeding patterns are closely guarded on the island. Chumbe has only one boat that takes guests to and from Zanzibar. It’s safe to say that if you visit the resort, you have to try some of its exciting activities. On offer is a range of exciting undertakings to enjoy, from snorkeling, scuba diving, forest trails, or visiting the Chumbe Lighthouse which has 131 steps, leading you to a breathtaking view of Zanzibar and Tanzania. The Chumbe Island Coral Park Resort is not for people who want a simple getaway. The place is reserved for those who truly want to experience a sense of African culture and rural living. All of the staff are very friendly, and also informal, as they are very much a part of the entire Chumbe project, and invested in the
Hermit crab on Chumbe Island Beach www.ziwira.com
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