Here are 10 things you need to know, that’s happening in sustainability around the world over the past week.
From vegan zero waste parties to algae-powered lights, the environmental future is an exciting one. However, more can still be done. With the vandalism of the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the potential #NoPlastics movement of NYC, the world of conscious-living is still a #workinprogress. Here is this week’s Conscious Scoop:
1. The UK’s biggest vegan zero waste festival lets you party while saving the planet
From a wide range of vegan food, yoga classes, ethical merchandise and pumping DJ sets, this is one party to remember. No Planet B is UK’s largest zero-waste festival that is set to be held in August 2018, and it is making green look so cool. Bringing together ideas, food, and people, No Planet B is a party for the Earth.
Grab your party hats (and your reusable containers and straws), it’s time to get your groove on at No Planet B.
2. The promising fate of Singapore zero-waste stores
It’s been a month since the opening of Singapore’s first zero-waste store, Unpackt. Living in a fast-paced, convenience-loving city like Singapore, are these stores a hit or miss? Waste is a big problem in Singapore, and these stores are a big movement towards saving us from a trash overflow.
Watch how these zero-waste stores are making ripples of change in Singapore!
6. Carvings on Bamboo Trees: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Young and in love, you take out a penknife to carve the initials of you and your lover on the bark of a nearby bamboo tree, maybe even add a heart for good measure. Well, as lovely as that sounds, it won’t be so romantic once you find out that you just destroyed a whole forest-full of bamboo trees. Located in the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is lauded for her Insta-worthy backdrops. Early this month, over 100 bamboo trees were defaced with carvings in English, Chinese and Korean. As bamboo trees are connected by their roots, damage on one tree affects another. In other to protect the entire forests, these trees have no choice but meet an early end.
Let’s not be tourists that can’t see the forest for the trees.
7. Bianca Spender on sustainable fashion: ‘There’s always a way to weave in something beautiful’
For Spender, sustainability “means being careful and respectful”. Not only is her work talking about the emancipation of women and dress reformation, she also aims to untangle sustainability issues faced in the fashion industry.
Join Spender on her mission to go green and produce ethically.
8. Food for thought: Salvatore Ferragamo’s orange fiber fashion
Posted a little over a year ago but nonetheless, something zesty to start your weekend. Salvatore Ferragamo launched a capsule collection made with orange fibers (yes you read it right) in anticipation of Earth Day. Wonder what it feels like? It has been said that it “looks and feels like silk”, perhaps it might even smell like oranges – one can dream.
Check out the collection to see if it a-peels to you.
9. Good for the Earth = Good for Business, Power to the People
The verdict is out! Sustainable brands under Unilever has been reported to grow 46% faster than its other brands, outperforming the average growth rate of brands in Unilever. It has been said that consumers are now placing greater emphasis on brand purpose and are growing more conscious, and in turn buy from brands that reflect these beliefs. Time to turn to that friend who said “I’m just one person, why does it matter what I buy yada yada”, and say “I told you so”. Your consumer patterns matter, time to stick it to them dirty industries and buy #green.
One big step for the Earth, one big paycheck for sustainable businesses.
10. Extinct Woodpecker returns to Singapore’s shores
With a bald head and a grey coat of feathers, the Great Slaty Woodpecker is not the most attractive of birds. However, this bird was recently sighted at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. You might wonder what the hubbub over this boring-looking bird is all about. Well, the Great Slaty Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in the world and it has disappeared from Singapore’s forests since the 1950s. Since its first sighting in 1904, there have only been 2 possible (but unconfirmed) sightings in Singapore. Who said Singapore didn’t have cool wildlife?
Maybe it’s time to look up from our screens displaying Pokemon Go and get out catch a glimpse of this elusive creature right here.
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