Recent studies prove chemicals in many sunscreens are damaging the environment, especially our coral reefs. And while sun protection is a must for almost every type of vacation, there are environmentally friendly ways to do it. But how do you decode the claims? Many brands that claim to be “environmentally-friendly” without earning the claim, and terms like UPF can be confusing (read more here). I’ve done the research so you can confidently trust these brands and products for true sun protection. So, toss any sunscreen with oxybenzone in it (Hawaii even recently banned sunscreens with the chemical) and instead pack some of these products to help protect yourself from the sun. Coolibar UPF 50+ Women’s Printed Beach Shawl Beach Shawl is a great multi-functional piece of sun protection to throw in your beach bag (or to keep warm on the plane). Related: 8 Sun Safety Tips You Need to Know When Traveling Mad Hippie Facial SPF This 100-percent natural skin care line … [Read more...] about Ultimate Sun Protection That’s Good for the Environment (and Still Stylish)
Environment
European firms optimistic about Việt Nam’s business environment
More respondents showed their confidence of a stable and continuously improving macroeconomic scenario in Việt Nam with a 9 per cent increase, according to the EuroCham’s latest Business Climate Index. — VNA/VNS PhotoViet Nam News HCM CITY — European firms remain optimistic about the business environment in Việt Nam, according to EuroCham’s latest Business Climate Index (BCI). … [Read more...] about European firms optimistic about Việt Nam’s business environment
Norwich city centre school given award for focus on the environment
The Free School Norwich has been given a Green Flag award. Picture: Free School Norwich Archant A school in the centre of Norwich has been given an award praising its commitment to the environment. The Free School Norwich, based on Surrey Street in the city centre, has been given the Green Flag award, a scheme run by Eco-Schools. It is an internationally recognised mark, given for excellence in environmental action and learning. It sees schools assessed on 10 areas - energy, waste, litter, water, transport, school grounds, healthy living, global citizenship, biodiversity and marine. Principal Tania Sidney-Roberts said: “I am very proud of our children for working so hard and with such great commitment and enthusiasm towards this award. “The children have had to make some key changes in their own lifestyles to help improve and protect the environment for the future. It is a fantastic achievement.” She said the school’s eco-committee was guided by year two … [Read more...] about Norwich city centre school given award for focus on the environment
Forget the coffee, what will Starbucks do to Italy’s environment?
Starbucks will open its first Italian branch in Milan this year. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP An association of Italian activists has something to say about Starbucks coming to Italy – but it has nothing to do with the taste of their coffee. When Starbucks announced it would finally open its first ever Italian branch in Milan this September, it pledged to make its debut in the home of espresso with "humility and respect". Comuni Virtuosi, an association of environmentally responsible local authorities across Italy, hopes to hold the US mega-chain to its promise. It's not asking Starbucks to change its coffee – just what it comes in. The association is calling on Starbucks' American management not to use any disposable cups in its Milan roastery, and instead serve drinks exclusively in in-house crockery or reusable to-go mugs. "A company made of 28,000 stores distributed in 77 countries, being attended daily by millions of people, has a huge potential to make a … [Read more...] about Forget the coffee, what will Starbucks do to Italy’s environment?
GEF pledges $4.1b fund to protect environment
Viet Nam News ĐÀ NẴNG — The 6th Global Environment Facility (GEF-6) closed in the central city yesterday with nearly 30 countries pledging to create a US$4.1 billion fund to protect the future of the planet and human well-being. “A clear majority of donors have stepped up their support for the GEF, signaling the urgency of the global environmental agenda, and trust in the GEF to help tackle the problem and achieve even greater results,” said Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairwoman. “We need to forge the partnerships that will help transform the food, urban and energy systems in an integrated way. The GEF-7 is designed to do just that.” She said at a closing ceremony press conference that she was happy that GEF-6 had developed a strategy and policy on how to protect the global environment leading up to the GEF-7. “The GEF-6 was an opportunity for us to think about what we will do in the next four years, and how we can care for nature. … [Read more...] about GEF pledges $4.1b fund to protect environment