Which Countries Are The Most Environmentally-friendly?

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With the increase in carbon emissions alongside population growth, it has never been more critical for countries to become more sustainable.

Fortunately, more and more nations are starting to take environmental issues seriously, with the environmental performance index (or EPI) a useful tool to measure the green credentials of various countries around the world.

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The EPI assesses a country’s eco-performance across nine categories: agriculture, air quality, biodiversity and habitat, climate and energy, forests, fisheries, health impacts, water resources, and water and sanitation.

Countries are ranked based on how well they protect both human health and natural ecosystems across these categories.

So who are the most environmentally-friendly countries in the world?

Scandinavian countries lead the way, according to the EPI, with the top four spots taken by Finland (first), Iceland (second), Sweden (third), and Denmark (fourth).

For those familiar with the culture and politics of this region, this is a reflection of Scandinavia’s commitment to sustainability and green living. Finland, in particular, has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050, demonstrating a continued commitment to achieving this aim.

With one of the largest geothermal power stations in the world, EPI places Iceland in second position, a fantastic achievement considering the country’s population is just 338,000 people.

Following the example set by the Nordic countries, the top 10 is rounded out by six other European nations, with Slovenia (fifth), Spain (sixth), Portugal (seventh), Estonia (eighth), Malta (ninth), and France (tenth), also committed to positive environmental practice.

Of the non-European countries ranked by EPI, New Zealand is the highest-ranking, placing eleventh. The UK is in twelfth position, thanks to the progress made in renewable energy through offshore wind farms. Canada and the USA are 25th and 26th respectively, while Germany rounds out the top 30.

View the top 30 most environmentally-friendly countries in the world below:

 


Source: eCO2 Greetings

How Tea Has Empowered Women Through The Ages

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Here’s the story of how tea has played an instrumental role in the lives of women through the ages. It covers the powerhouse activists from the 1700s to the 1900s, who used it to mobilize support for women’s rights around the world; the untold story of women’s influence in tea commerce that shaped the sector into what it is today and a South African woman (Annique Theron) who propelled Rooibos to the top of the global tea charts when she made an unexpected discovery.

Drinking tea has played a central role in the lives of women across the globe for centuries. It’s hard to imagine a world without tea, but like much of written history, the tale of women’s roles and how instrumental they were in shaping tea commerce as we know it today, has not been well-told.

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Mary Tuke (1725-72), who was born in England, was among the first tea merchants to build a chain of tea stores – the equivalent of Starbucks back in the day – and did so amid jail threats and fines as many (mainly men) were vehemently opposed to a woman running a business.

Oura Kei from Japan (1850-80s), was pivotal in creating the Japanese tea export market, while Catherine Cranston (1880-1930) from Scotland built a renowned chain of tea rooms in Glasgow, which led to hotels setting aside space for afternoon tea. The list of female tea innovators and influencers, such as Elizabeth Petrovna (Russia), Penelope Barker and Alva Belmont (both American) goes on and on.

To the powerhouse activists of the 1700s to 1900s, drinking tea wasn’t an idle pastime, these women used ‘tea gatherings’ to mobilize support for women’s rights, which over time paved the way for women to start identifying outside of the home, and obtaining loans to start small enterprises, owning property and frequenting establishments without the companionship of a man.

Another remarkable woman who propelled Rooibos tea to the top of the global tea charts is Dr. Annique Theron, fondly known as the “mother of Rooibos”.

She first stumbled upon the healing powers of this uniquely South African tea 50 years ago, in 1968, when she gave her allergic baby a warm bottle of Rooibos to drink. It was the only thing that settled her allergic reaction – even to mother’s milk – since her birth. Curious about its effects, Dr Theron set out to investigate if there was more to the tea, beyond a refreshing drink. As it was difficult to prove her findings as a woman at the time, she struggled and faced great adversity, but couldn’t ignore the miraculous change in her daughter’s health. She became dogged in her pursuit to scientifically explore and verify the healing properties of Rooibos. 

Today Rooibos is one of the most popular beverages consumed globally thanks to Dr Theron’s discovery. “Her tenacious and never-give-up attitude has created a booming industry, which has not only contributed to a healthier lifestyle for millions of people,” says Adele du Toit, of the SA Rooibos Council. “People have come to rely on this rare and unique herb for almost every ailment: Soothing sunburn, calming a colicky baby, revitalizing skin, keeping hair healthy and strong, boosting immune systems and improving blood flow.”

“No matter the issue, it seems that a cup of tea can solve nearly any problem,” laughs du Toit.

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5 Amazing Destinations That Are Good For The Planet

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Visit these five unique places that have put social impact or the environment at the center of their business. Proof that you can have fun and be socially responsible at the same time.

1. Norway. The Most Fun South of The Arctic Circle.

There are more than 6,500 reasons to visit the Vega archipelago in Norway – the number of islands, islets and reefs waiting to be explored. The UNESCO-protected islands of Vega, just south of the Arctic Circle, is a World Natural and Cultural Heritage site and has Sustainable Tourism certification. Locals claim that spending time in Vega means “living your life slowly.” Replace the rat race with a dog sled race for something different.  www.visitnorway.com

 

2. Dublin. A River Runs Through it.

When designing The Iveagh Garden Hotel the owners set out to create the lowest carbon footprint possible when compared to other hotels in Europe. What they didn’t count on was the discovery of a massive energy reserve – an underground river – that has been harnessed for all their geothermal heating and cooling needs. Nature has become their greatest asset. www.iveaghgardenhotel.ie

 

3. Costa Rica. The World’s Best EcoCountry.

One of the world’s most successful eco-tourism destinations, Costa Rica is home to the largest percentage of protected areas in the world. Known for its array of wildlife, plants, pristine beaches, rainforests, volcanoes and incredible natural beauty – the Central American country is a fitting destination for one of the most sustainable on the planet. It hosts 5% of the world’s biodiversity with 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, 800 miles of beautiful coastline and an incredible 98% of its electricity generated from renewable sources. Not surprisingly, it’s also one of the happiest countries in the world, and spends nothing on its military. Situated on the edge of the Manuel Antonio National Park, the Costa Verde Resort (pictured) features an incredible hotel suite set inside a 1965 Boeing 727. We can think of no better place to unwind after a long flight.  www.VisitCostaRica.com

 

4. Canada. Turn Dining Out in Helping Out.

The next time you notice a fork symbol alongside a menu item in Canada, you’ll know that a young person will get a meal. MealShare provides needy youth with a free meal every time a customer chooses that meal. They have partnered with restaurants across the country and have served 1.8 million free meals to date. www.mealshare.ca

 

5. United Kingdom. Prison Food Goes Upmarket.

The Clink is a restaurant in the U.K. entirely staffed by prisoners, offering an innovative approach to rehabilitation. It trains former offenders to get them back into the community. More than 800 prisoners have graduated from The Clink’s four training restaurants and the organization is now able to train up to 160 prisoners a day. Each prisoner works and trains for 40 hours a week, so by the time they graduate, they have all the skills needed to get back on their feet. www.TheClinkCharity.org

Prosthetic Hand Wins Microsoft ‘Hackathon’

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A team of students from Canada has won Microsoft’s annual student developer competition with their invention – a smart robotic prosthetic hand.

Canadian company SmartARM developed a robotic prosthetic hand, using Microsoft Azure Computer Vision, Machine Learning and Cloud Storage, that uses a camera embedded in its palm to recognize objects and calculate the most appropriate grip for an object. Based on Machine Learning, the more the model is used the more accurate it becomes. Over 40 teams from around the world brought their biggest, boldest ideas to the event to tackle humanity’s most pressing problems. 

Team members, Hamayal Choudhry and Samin Khan, both 20, say their invention has the potential to dramatically lower the cost of prosthetics for people who are missing or have lost a limb. Hamayal is a second year Mechatronics Engineering Student at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology while Samin is a third year Computer Science student at the University of Toronto.

They walk away with $100,000 in prizes and a mentoring session with Microsoft, CEO, Satya Nadella (pictured above, far left with the winners). Microsoft’s Imagine World Cup Finals takes place over three days at Microsoft’s Washington HQ and is now in its 16th year.

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Dove And Cartoon Network Tackle Self-Esteem Among Kids

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As part of a two-year deal with the Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe, the Dove Self-Esteem Project has released a new short film, titled “Competing and Comparing Looks,” offering a confidence-boosting message to young people.

In the film, Smoky Quartz and Sardonyx chat about their totally different, but equally amazing, bodies – reminding us that we’re all beautiful and unique. The short film is the second in a series of six co-created with the Cartoon Network to address some of the biggest barriers to self-esteem and body-confidence among kids. Additionally, the Crystal Gems, along with some friends, continue the conversation in a self-esteem song, titled “We Deserve to Shine.”

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A child’s concept of what an “ideal appearance” looks like is influenced by what they see on-screen. Research shows that children’s media can be a powerful source of influence on young viewers’ emotional intelligence, creating more positive attitudes towards their own health and others. For kids who spend an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes every day on screen media, this is a harsh reality that can yield negative impacts like low self-esteem and body confidence.

 

Using a public health intervention model, the Dove Self-Esteem Project is expanding beyond structured workshops delivered by adults to taking educational content direct to young people in a medium they know and love – cartoons. Inspiring young people through animation, the partnership with Steven Universe will help further educate young people on self-esteem and body confidence through the cartoon’s themes of inclusivity and empowerment, world and characters.

Dove has a long-standing commitment to creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, and not anxiety. The Dove Self-Esteem Project, started in 2004, helps women develop a positive relationship with the way they look so they are not held back by appearance-related concerns and anxiety, allowing them to realize their full potential.

So far, they’ve reached the lives of over 20 million young people across 138 countries, making the Self-Esteem Project one of the largest providers of body confidence education in the world.

Sometimes, a young girl saying “I’m fine” doesn’t tell the whole story. Download the DoveDove Self Esteem Project resources to help them speak their minds.

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Art Tackles Drought

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For 31-year-old graffiti artist Mundano from São Paulo, Brazil, art has to do with attitude. He makes people stop and think about the issues swirling around them everyday.

His bold, colorful street art isn’t just eye candy; it calls attention to social, environmental and political issues, while raising chuckles from passersby. Coming across a cactus in drought-stricken California with faucets sticking from it, is sure to make you chuckle.

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The bright-green cactus wants to convey the urgency of vanishing water in California –  suffering the worst drought in 1,200 years. Mundano’s tour included eight lakes and reservoirs that supply the cities of California — and crucially, also supply the farmers of the Central Valley, who produce an amazing 25% of all the food consumed in the United States.

The water will end. And I’m not talking about the water that we will leave for our children, but the water we need next year. We need citizens to mobilize to reverse this scenario.

At each site, Mundano installed a cactus sculpture constructed from recycled water pipes. “I started painting cacti as graffiti a long time ago,” he says. “To me, they are the symbol of strength and the best representation of the Brazilian people, who survive on very little – but it is also an international symbol anyone can identify with.”

Each sculpture is fitted with taps that run (temporarily!) with real freshwater.

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Going Ballistic: The Bulletproof School Backback

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A rise in school shootings has resulted in one company developing an armored protection backpack for students, travelers and first responders.

In 2016 there were 385 mass shootings in which four or more people were injured or killed in the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive as of February 2017. According to the FBI’s study of active shooter incidents between 2000 – 2013, there has been a dramatic rise in shooter events – from seven in 2000 to over 200 in 2012. 

US company, Meret, that produces medical, adventure backpacking and scuba diving gear, recently collaborated with Angel Amor, a leader in ballistic armor technology, to develop a consumer daypack and reengineer their first responder bags to include lightweight, armored ballistic protection. Weighing no more than a typical daypack, their new commuter backpack can withstand multiple rounds, defending the vital chest area and potentially saving your life, all while carrying your laptop and personal items.  

“It sounds extreme,” says Scott Decker,  President of Meret, “but why wouldn’t you want the added protection if you’re already carrying a backpack?”

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Is Your Gold Conflict Free?

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Only 144,000 tons of gold have ever been extracted from the earth, 75 percent of it since 1910. There’s a good chance that the gold you wear on your fingers or around your neck was once involved in a war or conflict. One South African company is trying to change this.

Choosing a wedding band is one of life’s most significant experiences and reflects a deep personal commitment. Yet, have you ever questioned the social or ethical commitment of the company behind its making? Probably not. A new global awareness around conflict diamonds and responsibly-mined gold is seeing consumers take a closer look at the supply chain that leads to the impressive pieces on their ears, fingers and wrists. With dwindling natural resources on the planet, the temptation exists for many producers to extract materials at the expense of communities, workers and the environment.

A growing number of people and organizations are now calling for standards to be drawn up that ensure that human rights and are considered in the mining sector. Gold is already the primary source of income for armed groups in eastern Congo, much of which ends up in jewelry stores across the world. The link between gold and unlawful armed conflict and civil wars is well documented. Besides fuelling conflict, illegal gold extraction and dealing denies communities livelihoods and economic opportunities. In South Africa, Oro Africa recently launched the Absolute collection that has confronted this problem head-on.

Each wedding band is crafted from virgin gold, freshly extracted from the African earth, making each ring a pristine symbol of a brand new beginning. The trademarked product, called RandPure, consists of newly extracted gold ore; virgin metal of known provenance with a traceable source.

Inspired by the African philosophy of ubuntu – compassion, human dignity and respect for all – the woven bands reflect the continent-wide tradition of grass weaving and hair braiding.

 

Their manufacturing process is also independently monitored from start to finish and the gold is not contaminated with any scrap gold. The company has made a pledge to ethically source their raw materials and to develop communities in areas where the gold is found. “The collection is aimed at a new breed of consumer, who demonstrates a collective desire to protect the people and regions where our gold is sourced,” says Madrie Scott.

“It’s a logical next step for us, knowing how important responsibility is within a sector known for rogue traders,” she says. Oro Africa have collaborated with another local company, Rand Refinery, for this venture. This company has already refined over 50,000 tons of gold– almost one third of all the gold ever mined in the world. “The Absolute brand is currently the only gold brand that can claim with full confidence where their gold comes from,” says Scott.

“It provides an opportunity to make a responsible choice, with known provenance and a clear chain of custody from ore to store,” she says. A growing demand from consumers around the world is that information on the products they purchase is freely available and allows them a guilt-free experience.

So, before you declare your love for someone, ensure that what you put on their finger is not already tainted with the suffering of people in far-flung lands.

www.orodesign.co.za

Why Blockchain is Vitally Important to Women

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Global investment titan J. Todd Morley (pictured above) on women and the blockchain imperative.

I have completely upgraded our thinking to account for the effects – and to invest in businesses – which take advantage of the blockchain. Why? Because it’s Internet 3.0.

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The blockchain will open new ideas and markets and it will unleash the power of humanity at an exponential pace. And it’s very likely that 50% of the world, WOMEN, can take the lead and utilize the powers of the blockchain. 

The blockchain is the great equalizer that can be the key catalyst for the Decade Of  Women. The protocols of Ethereum and others are gender neutral. The blockchain doesn’t feature gender bias, it doesn’t care! The blockchain, Internet 3.0, will allow women to create and exchange services and ideas…with intention…and with connection to like-minded people. Women need to understand the awesome power of Internet 3.0.

“The super powers of women are about to roll throughout the world, with tsunami-like force. But women need to quickly understand the gifts of Internet 3.0.”

Education is critical because the utility of the blockchain is here, and now. The super powers of women are about to roll throughout the world, with tsunami-like force. But women need to quickly understand the gifts of Internet 3.0. It is simply the latest in a string of disintermediation technologies that decentralize power. A good place to start is “The Truth Machine: The Block-chain and the Future of Everything,” by Michael J. Casey and Paul Vigna.

The quest for empowerment, at its essence, is power transference. It has arrived with the blockchain.

The blockchain offers safety and connectivity with intention. Purpose-driven people are proliferating these new protocols so unheard voices and unseen faces can find a market, find capital, and find protection due to the unique state of the blockchain protocols and the open ledger system. Intention is now unhackable!

That’s why I participated in the Decade Of Women Collaboratory led by 5th Element Group. And it’s why I am pledging to focus my best (100%!) energy toward this blockchain space. This frontier technology represents a game-changer moment, when financial inclusion and independence for women can be achieved at a dramatic new scale. I’ll do all I can to help make it happen with partners that can bring the change.

By J. Todd Morley, Quantum Agent of Change / Founder of G2 Investment Partners, Co-founder of Guggenheim Partners

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Celebrating Queen Mother: A Frontier SDG Hero

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Queen Mother, the Global Ambassador for Africa at the United Nations and Founder of New Future Foundation has been honored as a Frontier SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) Hero.

The Decade Of Women action campaign, a core initiative of 5th Element Group, is honoring Frontier SDG Heroes that are leading the charge in accomplishing the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, across all industries today.

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Dr. Delois Blakely, affectionately known at the United Nations as “Queen Mother”, is a SDG #5 Hero, championing gender equality initiatives for women and girls around the world. Her SDG object is her native dress that symbolizes the power of women and of the feminine to rise above any obstacle and to take on any challenge. “Don’t hide who you are. I say to women all over the world, celebrate all of who you are, in all of your beautiful colors!“

“Queen Mother is down with the Decade Of Women! You tell them that Queen Mother is… down, she is so down, with the Decade Of Women! You tell them this is a sacred path.

And you tell them that those billboards in Times Square, they have to stay up. They have to stay up permanently, to be seen all the time all over the world. Because you are changing mindsets. You are changing mindsets of how things are. And mindsets have got to be changed to see that is through women that all of our problems will be solved. It is by supporting women and girls and youth that we will move forward in the world, that’s just the truth.”

View more Frontier SDG Hero stories here.

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