After a three-year break, the Green Warriors 2024 by Green Is The New Black is making a triumphant return. This prestigious environmental awards series, with its powerful theme “We Are Nature: Voices for the Earth,” is more than just a recognition of extraordinary individuals. It’s a call to action, a reminder that humanity’s fate is deeply intertwined with the planet we inhabit. From ocean conservationists to zero-waste innovators, this year’s Green Warriors are proving that fighting for the planet is a global mission, driven by both passion and purpose.
This year’s awards come at a crucial moment, where the world stands at a tipping point in the battle against climate change. By shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to safeguarding the environment, Green Is The New Black is encouraging all of us to rethink our relationship with nature. These warriors aren’t just advocating for the planet—they’re reshaping industries, challenging harmful practices, and inspiring change on a global scale.
New Beginnings: Expanding the Reach
With a new chapter under the leadership of Sean Lee Davies, Green Is The New Black is taking its mission further than ever before. Davies, known for his work with Awethentic Group, is steering the platform toward new horizons, including the launch of wellness retreats in Bali and the inaugural Conscious Leaders Summit in New York. It’s clear that environmental awareness is no longer the sole focus—conscious leadership in all aspects of life is becoming the cornerstone of the brand’s ethos.
Sean Lee Davies summed it up perfectly: “This year has been transformational for us as a company. We’ve expanded our Conscious Leaders Circles, launched Retreats, and brought our Summits and Bootcamps to cities around the globe, with incredible leaders like Deepak Chopra and Sylvia Earle. The Green Warriors series reflects our ongoing commitment to growing a global community, united by the shared goal of deepening consciousness and recognizing that real change begins within.” The combination of leadership and mindfulness is elevating environmental activism to a new level, with Green Is The New Black leading the way.
A Journey Through Cities
Instead of one grand reveal, this year’s awards are being unveiled city by city, reflecting the global nature of the environmental fight. The journey kicked off in New York during Climate Week 2024, with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented to the legendary Dr. Sylvia Earle. A marine biologist and explorer, Dr. Earle is a trailblazer in ocean conservation. Her passion has inspired countless marine protected areas worldwide through her organisation, Mission Blue.
The journey continues, with the next stop in Hong Kong at the 1.5 Degree Summit, where nine more environmental heroes will be honoured. By the end of this year’s revelations, 30 Green Warriors will have been celebrated across the world, including in Singapore and Europe. This year’s honourees represent a diverse range of activists, united by one goal: to protect the Earth. They include Sam and Gary Bencheghib, founders of Sungai Watch, a Bali-based organisation tackling plastic pollution in rivers, as well as fashion activist Denise Ho, and Anushka Purohit, who’s turning waste bread into beer through her innovative venture, Breer.
Meet the Green Warriors 2024: Champions of Change
Dr. Sylvia Earle
Explorer in Residence at National Geographic Society
Lifetime Achievement Award
A living legend in the world of ocean conservation, Dr. Sylvia Earle is not only a National Geographic Explorer but also the founder of Mission Blue, an organisation dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans. Her pioneering work has spanned more than six decades, during which she has led over 100 expeditions to explore and safeguard marine environments. This year, Dr. Earle is honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless efforts to inspire action for marine conservation, establishing marine protected areas across the globe. Her passion for the deep sea continues to shape the future of oceanic preservation.
Sam and Gary Bencheghib
Filmmakers, environmental activists and founders of Sungai Watch
Young Changemaker Award 2024
Sam and Gary Bencheghib, co-founders of Sungai Watch, have made a significant impact by tackling the enormous issue of plastic pollution in Bali’s rivers. The dynamic duo has created innovative solutions to clean up waterways while engaging local communities in environmental stewardship. Their work goes beyond waste removal—it’s about education and empowerment, inspiring local and international action against plastic pollution. Recognised with the Young Changemakers Award, Sam and Gary are setting a new standard for environmental activism by demonstrating that small steps, like cleaning rivers, can lead to large-scale change.
Dr. Jill Robinson
Animal welfare advocate and founder of Animals Asia
Lifetime Achievement Award 2024
As the founder of Animals Asia, Dr. Jill Robinson has dedicated her life to improving animal welfare in Asia, particularly through her relentless fight to end bear bile farming. Over the years, she has rescued thousands of bears and shifted public perception of animal rights across the region. Dr. Robinson’s work extends beyond bears, promoting compassionate conservation for all species. Her enduring commitment to animal welfare has earned her a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Dr. Sylvia Earle, cementing her legacy as a leader in the global movement for ethical treatment of animals.
Denise Ho
Fashion activist and founder of Kitdo
Sustainable Fashion Award 2024
Fashion and sustainability may seem like an odd pairing to some, but not to Denise Ho, founder of Kitdo. A fashion activist, Ho is passionate about bringing transparency and responsibility to an industry notorious for its environmental footprint. Through Kitdo, she advocates for ethical production, sustainable materials, and a conscious approach to fashion consumption. Her efforts are changing the way we think about clothing, reminding us that style can be both chic and sustainable. As a Green Warrior, Ho continues to push boundaries, encouraging consumers and brands alike to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
Carla Martinesi
Founder of Chomp
Innovation Award 2024
As the founder of Chomp, a food waste reduction app, Carla Martinesi is addressing one of the most overlooked yet critical environmental issues—food waste. Chomp connects surplus food with those in need, offering an innovative solution that bridges sustainability and social impact. Martinesi’s work is not just about feeding the hungry but also about reducing the environmental burden of food waste. Her leadership in sustainable food practices has positioned her as a Green Warrior, inspiring others to think critically about the way we consume and manage resources.
Richard Ekkebus
Celebrated chef of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong
Sustainable Gastronomy Award 2024
Celebrated chef Richard Ekkebus is redefining what it means to be a culinary leader in a world facing environmental challenges. As the head chef at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, Ekkebus has incorporated sustainability into his kitchen by prioritising locally sourced ingredients and reducing food waste. His commitment to sustainable dining practices is helping to transform the culinary industry, showing that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Ekkebus’ leadership in promoting responsible gastronomy makes him a standout Green Warrior in the fight for a more eco-conscious food system.
Andy Li
Environmental and Plastic Waste Activist
Plastic Reduction Leader Award 2024
Andy Li is a fierce advocate against single-use plastics, dedicating his efforts to reducing plastic waste in Hong Kong and beyond. Through community engagement and education, Li has inspired many to rethink their plastic consumption habits and take collective action toward a more sustainable future. His work demonstrates the power of grassroots movements in creating tangible environmental change. As a Green Warrior, Andy Li is challenging the world to say no to plastic and embrace more sustainable alternatives.
Roland Sharman
Adventurer and the founder of Hong Kong Outsider
Community Impact Award 2024
Roland Sharman, founder of Hong Kong Outsider, is all about bringing people closer to nature in a way that respects and preserves the environment. His organisation promotes sustainable tourism and outdoor education, encouraging individuals to appreciate nature while learning how to protect it. Sharman’s efforts to inspire eco-conscious tourism are crucial as more people look for ways to travel sustainably. His commitment to fostering a deeper connection with the natural world earns him a place among this year’s Green Warriors.
Anushka Purohit
Founder of Breer Hong Kong
Upcycling Pioneer Award 2024
Turning waste into something useful is the essence of Anushka Purohit’s work. As the founder of Breer Hong Kong, Purohit takes leftover bread and transforms it into craft beer, offering a delicious yet sustainable solution to food waste. Her innovative approach to upcycling highlights the importance of rethinking waste in all industries, not just food and beverage. By creating a product that’s both environmentally friendly and enjoyable, Purohit is showing the world that sustainability can be both creative and practical.
Maaike Steinebach
Gender equality activist in the tech industry and tech leader
Leadership Award 2024
A leader in both the tech and sustainability spaces, Maaike Steinebach is at the forefront of promoting eco-friendly innovations in business. As a tech leader, she champions gender equality while advocating for sustainable practices across industries. Steinebach’s vision of a future where technology and sustainability work hand in hand makes her a Green Warrior with a mission to drive positive change in both the tech world and beyond.
Marcy Trent Long
Host of the Sustainable Asia podcast
Eco – Conscious Advocate Award 2024
Marcy Trent Long is the voice behind Sustainable Asia, a podcast dedicated to exploring environmental issues across the continent. Through storytelling and interviews, Long highlights innovative solutions and individuals who are making strides toward a more sustainable future. Her work in environmental education is inspiring listeners across the globe to engage in conversations about sustainability and take action in their own communities. As a Green Warrior, Long’s impact goes far beyond the microphone, shaping the way we understand and approach sustainability in Asia.
Good People Wander: Merging Activism and Art
This year’s Green Warriors portraits were brought to life by the creative agency Good People Wander, a B Corp certified organisation known for their stunning visual storytelling. Co-founder Aurélie Gaillard describes the theme “We Are Nature” as an opportunity to illustrate the intimate connection between humans and the ecosystems they fight to protect. Through their graphic treatment of the Green Warriors, the agency fused portraits of the activists with endangered landscapes and species, creating a visual reminder that protecting the planet is inseparable from protecting ourselves. Each portrait serves as a powerful testament to the warriors’ dedication, showing that when we fight for nature, we fight for our own survival.
The Heart of the Movement
There’s a special message this year: we are not separate from nature. Co-founder Paula Miquelis reminds us, “We often forget that we are not separate from nature. This year’s series emphasises the essential truth that we are nature.” The portraits of this year’s Green Warriors, created by Good People Wander, illustrate this connection visually, blending each individual with the landscapes and ecosystems they work to protect. The effect? A striking reminder that when we safeguard the planet, we are essentially safeguarding ourselves.
Closing Thoughts: We Are Nature
As we celebrate this year’s Green Warriors, it’s clear that these individuals represent more than environmental champions—they are living reminders of our connection to the Earth. Their stories reflect the urgency of protecting our planet, but also the hope that comes with collective action. In the words of Aurélie Gaillard from Good People Wander, “When we protect the Earth, we protect ourselves.”
With heroes like Dr. Sylvia Earle, Sam and Gary Bencheghib, Denise Ho, and many others leading the way, the Green Warriors 2024 are setting a new standard for what it means to be an environmental advocate. Their message is simple yet profound: we are not separate from nature. Let’s take inspiration from these incredible individuals and continue our own journeys toward a more conscious, sustainable world.
