Latest news with #eco-friendly
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Are The World's Most Sustainable Cities Worth Visiting?
Helsinki, Finland, is one of the world's most sustainable cities. It's no secret that the world's most sustainable cities think their forward-looking views on the environment will attract more visitors. But what's less known is whether being green makes them worth a visit. What are the most sustainable cities? According to the latest Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI), they are Helsinki; Gothenburg, Sweden; Copenhagen; Bergen, Norway; and Aarhus, Denmark. (I hope you like Scandinavia.) The GDSI ranks cities' eco-friendliness, assessing 69 criteria across environmental, social, and economic factors. It gives a snapshot of a city's sustainability performance and highlights areas for improvement. Although it isn't focused on tourism, many destination management organizations tout their GDSI scores, hoping it will add to their appeal. "Being sustainable can have a long-term impact on a city as a tourism destination," says Evelyn Xiao-Yue Gong, who teaches operations management at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. "Being rated one of the most sustainable cities in the world inarguably increases the visibility of a city, and evokes travelers' curiosity, both of which are important stimulants for tourism prosperity." But Gong says there's a potential downside. Some visitors may experience inconveniences — like having to recycle or use mass transit instead of driving. "Nevertheless, these small frictions are typically outweighed by the overall positive push on tourism," she adds. But how exactly does that work? Let's go down the list by ranking. Helsinki Cathedral in the city center. The Finnish capital ranks first on a new sustainability list. One of the first things you notice about a city like Helsinki is how squeaky clean it is. Every piece of trash is picked up. Every leaf that falls off a tree is raked. "There are bikes everywhere," says Tampa marketing executive Jasmine Charbonier. "And I mean everywhere." I spent several days last year in Helsinki, and tourism officials there told me that they are pursuing sustainability without worrying about how it affects visitors. And yet it does. The city limits the number of cruise ships in its port, as do the other top sustainable cities. There's a heavy emphasis on mass transit. But most of the green initiatives are not noticeable to the average visitor. The only place where someone might feel it is in the wallet — all those initiatives cost money, so you'll pay more for hotels, restaurants and attractions. Älvsborgsbron Bridge over the sea in Gothenburg, Sweden. When I visited Gothenburg a few months ago, one of the things I noticed was how normalized their sustainability efforts had become. "It's been regarded as the most sustainable city in Europe for numerous years," says Duncan Greenfield-Turk, a travel advisor. "The city runs practically entirely on renewable energy, and public transport is rather effective, which makes exploration simple without a car." Greenfield-Turk says the culinary scene is a standout. Restaurants like Bhoga concentrate on seasonal, hyperlocal foods. Of course, you can't miss the cinnamon rolls at Café Husaren. But there, too, sustainability is not front and center. Gothenburg is known for its food and cultural attractions, and it just happens to be sustainable. Very sustainable. Copenhagen, Denmark, is rated as one of the most sustainable cities in the world. Denmark's capital also has a well-earned reputation for being green, as Lizet Wesselman discovered when she recently spent a month there. "They have an amazing recycling system, which is more extensive than I've ever seen anywhere else," says Wesselman, a blogger who specializes in sustainability. (It is indeed impressive — and complex.) But, she adds, that doesn't really affect tourists. "The two biggest things that are relevant for tourists are the extensive bicycle path network and the fact that the whole city seems to be cashless," she says. I've been touring the world's most sustainable cities, and was only in Copenhagen briefly last summer. But it certainly left an impression. I'm not sure if visitors will notice its commitment to sustainability or even if they will visit because of its sustainability — but there is no question this city means to be green. Panorama of historical buildings of Bergen at Christmas time. "Bergen is one of those places that quietly impresses you," says Cindy Scott, a videographer and outdoor adventurer. "It doesn't shout about its sustainability efforts, but you can feel it everywhere. The city just gets it." On my last trip to Bergen, I was stunned by the number of EVs on the road. Norway leads the way in EV adoption, and nowhere is that more obvious than Bergen, where you really have to look both ways before crossing the street. You can't hear the traffic coming. Scott said as a visitor, she noticed the EVs too, especially the buses. Also, she said the restaurants were proud of their local ingredients, which made them more sustainable. But like other sustainable destinations in Scandinavia, Bergen wasn't in her face about being green. Aarhus by night in the blue hour and reflection in the sea. In Aarhus, sustainability is more visible, according to Richard Burgon, who publishes an RV site. But it's not where you might expect. "I wasn't struck by the green spaces or the green technology," he says. "Rather, it was the extent to which the people living in the areas integrated sustainability in their lives." For example, he found a lot of urban farming projects in Aarhus (not unlike the ones I recently reported on in Berlin). "It felt like something from a futuristic novel," he says. There's a reason behind it. Aarhus has an ambitious plan to invest in green spaces and sustainable design to create a healthier and more livable environment. It's working toward a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 through a range of initiatives, including increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing waste. A consensus of the travel experts I interviewed for this story was yes, it's worth going. But no, you probably won't see a lot of big sustainability projects. It's small stuff like many multicolored recycling bins, urban gardens, and lots of mass transport and bike paths. And it's also knowing that you're supporting a place that aligns with your values — if, indeed, being green matters to you. Kristin Winkaffe, owner of Winkaffe Global Travel, says for most of her clients, sustainability means visitability. "People are looking for places that align with their values," she says, "whether that's supporting local businesses, enjoying eco-friendly accommodations, or exploring cities that prioritize green spaces and clean energy." So if you care about the environment, consider adding one or more of these cities to your "must visit" list, says Jennifer Goff, a travel advisor who specializes in sustainable vacations. "The revenue directed toward local businesses, artisans, and sustainable programs helps improve infrastructure, provides more opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and creates jobs that are rooted in ethical practices," she says. Your visit will have a ripple effect. As tourism increases, other cities will see that sustainability can also affect profitability. And who knows, maybe you'll see your favorite place on the next GDSI list, which is due in October.
News24
2 days ago
- General
- News24
Makeup tips that are good for you and the environment
Build a make-up bag full of products that will boost your complexion and natural goodness. Editor's eco-tip: Use your product until the last drop. Squeeze every ounce out of your products, and don't purchase new ones until they're completely empty. This will extend the life of your beauty products and cut down on what you throw away. Repurpose and reuse Use reusable products like false lashes and reusable makeup remover pads for a sustainable and zero-waste routine. Choose eco-friendly formulas Get your glow on by checking product labels for organic and natural ingredients in makeup, like aloe vera extract, green tea leaf and vitamin C. Make kind and ethical picks Choose vegan and cruelty-free makeup formulas, from lip glosses to powders, which are kind to people, animals and the planet like natural extracts from flowers, herbs, vegetables, fruits and essentialoils. Brush up your act When looking for makeup and beauty tools, try to source brushes tha thave been crafted from sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo fibres, tree-free paper and cotton. Demand double-duty Use multi-purpose products that reduce waste like cheek tint, that can be used as blush and lipstick, as well as lipstick that can be used as eyeshadow, or concealer that can be used as foundation. Keep it minimal Simplify your current makeup routine: Ask yourself what are your absolute staples. The products you can't live without. The ones that enhance your eliminate excessive packaging where you can.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Renpho Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale review: These solar-powered scales are my go-to health tracker
What is the Renpho Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale? These scales are a popular choice for those looking for practical ways to monitor their health at home. Unlike many bathroom scales, this model features solar charging – meaning it can top up its battery from sunlight or indoor lighting, a welcome change from the usual reliance on disposable batteries. Sitting at the cheaper end of the market for smart scales, they offer a broad set of features, including measurement of 13 body metrics such as weight, BMI and muscle mass. The minimalist design fits easily into most bathrooms and supports unlimited user profiles, which works well for busy households. The standout here is the eco-friendly power source, which is still uncommon in this category. The scales sync with popular health apps and includes a baby and pet mode (which detracts the weight of the adult holding them) for added flexibility. For those seeking a set of smart scales that balances sustainability with solid functionality, these are a good choice. How we test scales I started by seeing how easy it was to get these scales up and running, as well as if there were any issues connecting to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or any accompanying apps. Accuracy was also key. I weighed myself and a test object – a 500g bag of dry pasta with a known weight – on each set of scales to determine the readings, while taking into consideration the maximum weight capacity and what the display was like, both for reading weights and other special features. These were some of the best value for money, with them also having a great range of features, particularly when you take into consideration the price tag. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Accuracy Score: 9/10 These are some of the most reliable and accurate scales I've tested. Whether stepping on and off the scales multiple times in a row or over the course of an hour, the results were essentially identical. The same could be said when weighing something with a definable weight – a 500g bag of dry pasta. I weighed this bag a few different times, and each time the scales showed the weight as dead on 500g (or 0.5kg). You do have to step on the scales with both feet to wake them up before weighing an inanimate object, such as a suitcase or parcel, but after doing so they quickly register and display the weight, without having to be connected to the app or a specific user profile. Ease of use Score: 8/10 I had no issues setting up the scales, with them quickly powering up and connecting via Bluetooth to the brand's Health app. You don't necessarily need to use the app if you're simply looking to weigh yourself or an item, but without it you won't get access to all of the metrics and measurements, including your protein levels, bone mass, metabolic age and visceral fat. This is all measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, which in layman's terms, means the scale sends a small, safe electric current through your body and measures the resistance encountered. The measurements are estimates rather than medical advice, but I found them to be fairly accurate, based on what I know about my own make-up. Even though the scales are stable and won't slide around thanks to four anti-skid feet, my only bugbear was their overall size. They're one of the dinkier bathroom scales, which might make them too compact for larger feet. Their dimensions weren't an issue for my size fives and meant that I could easily store them away when not in use, but you might want to get out the measuring tape before purchasing if you, or someone who will be using them, has larger feet. Display Score: 7/10 With a basic monochrome digital display, the numbers are clear and large enough to read even from a distance. You can even increase or decrease the brightness, as you need, on particularly dull or sunny days. The display also includes the battery level, as well as alerting you as to whether or not the scales are connected to Bluetooth. The units (kg, lbs) are a bit smaller than I would have liked, and while I don't struggle with my eyesight, they might be trickier for some to see. Capacity Score: 8/10 Most bathroom scales have a capacity between 150kg and 200kg, so at 180kg these are in the middle of that range. For most casual users, a weight capacity of up to 180kg should be more than enough, as this is just shy of 28 stone. There are scales with higher capacities. This also works for heavy suitcases or packages that need weighing before you leave the house. Special features Score: 9/10 Compared to some other smart scales on the market, being solar powered certainly makes these stand out from the crowd. According to the brand, they have a battery life of 500 cycles – this includes each full calculation of the 13 health metrics after you step on the scales – so you don't need to worry about doing an initial charge or running out of battery anytime soon. Other key features include a calorie sensor, which tracks the number of daily calories burned and links to external apps like MyFitnessPal, as well as an athlete mode, that aims to provide even more accurate readings for those who are training for a specific event. There's a baby mode to make weighing little ones and pets that bit easier, too. To use this feature, you need to first step onto the scale to record your own weight. Then step off, and step back on with the baby or pet, and the scale automatically calculates the difference. Tracking 13 health metrics in total, including muscle mass, protein, subcutaneous fat and more, these are an excellent all-round option. Technical specifications Should you buy the Renpho Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale? If you're looking for a reliable health tracker without breaking the bank, these are a good option. Priced at just over £30, they sit at the value end of the smart-scale market, but include features that rival more expensive models, like the 13 body metrics and syncing with apps. Yes, if: You're looking for affordable smart scales You want a user-friendly app or to connect easily to another popular fitness tracking app You don't want to worry about charging them or buying batteries No, if: You have particularly large feet Renpho Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale FAQs How does solar charging work? These scales are powered by light, whether that be sunlight or artificial light. This means that you don't need to purchase batteries at an additional expense or charge them via a cable. I personally keep mine in my bathroom where they get a steady stream of daylight all year round. What body metrics does the Renpho Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale track? These scales measure and track 13 body composition metrics including weight, body fat, BMI, muscle mass and body water. Is the Renpho Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale accurate? Over the course of testing, I found these to be one of the most accurate scales, able to measure in increments of 0.2lbs/0.05kg. How do I pair the Renpho Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale with the app? All you need to do is download the official Renpho Health app – either from the App or Google Play Store – and follow the instructions on-screen to pair your scales via Bluetooth. You will need to do this to unlock all of the features. This also allows you to easily track your metrics and data. These scales can also be paired with external health apps and fitness trackers such as Fitbit, Apple Health, Google Fit and Samsung Health. Can multiple users share the Renpho Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale? Yes. They support an unlimited number of users, making them a great option for larger families or even sports teams.
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Fishing vessel returns to Lowestoft home after 100 years
The owner of a 138-year-old fishing ship, believed to be the only one left of its kind, is hoping to raise funds to turn it into a research Nordlys has returned to Lowestoft in Suffolk, where it was built, for the first time in more than a Lund wants to raise £700,000 to convert the vessel into an eco-friendly ship for scientists to use."I am a custodian of history here and it is up to me to maintain that and keep this bit of Lowestoft afloat and alive," he said. The ship - originally called the Jubilee - was built in the coastal town in 1887 at the peak of the fishing industry, and was used as a drifter to catch herring. By 1910 it had been sold to a new owner in Norway. The vessel was most recently used to transport wine and olive oil from southern Europe and was later moored in the Netherlands during the coronavirus Lund, 25, who is an experienced sailor, helped bring the Nordlys back to Lowestoft on a 27-hour journey across the North Sea."She was absolutely flying. She sails better than any other boat I have sailed," he said."They have such power and life to them. They feel like living creatures that are meant to be out at sea." For the past five years, and the first time in its history, the Nordlys has not been used in a working is moored at The Excelsior Trust, which provides sailing experiences for the local community, and is where Mr Lund's restoration project will take place, with the help of volunteers. He said the ship was set to be transformed into a sail-powered research vessel, with the help of traditional boat-building skills."She will be used for taking scientists out to sea and giving them the opportunity to do research, without needing to burn too much fossil fuels," he added. Speaking about the ship, Karol Petryka, the general manager of the trust, said: "In the old days, the quality of timber was completely different, and the skill-set of people."The majority of the work has been done by hand."The restoration is estimated to take about three years. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
New York Times
3 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Curious About Menstrual Cups or Discs? Here's What to Know.
The biggest learning curve with a cup is probably how to actually get it in and out of your body without looking like a scene from Carrie . The first thing to know is that this is normal — pretty much nobody gets this right the first time; it takes practice and patience. Every single person I talked to who uses a menstrual cup told me that getting started involves a learning curve. Jackie Bolen, author of The Ultimate Guide to Menstrual Cups: An Eco-Friendly, Safe, Affordable Alternative to Tampons, said that her biggest frustration with menstrual cups is that 'people give up too soon.' 'Just keep trying and wear a pad while you're experimenting with it; after five or six months, if it's really not working, try a different cup,' she said. The learning curve includes figuring out the best way to insert and remove the cup or disc without spilling blood everywhere, determining whether the cup or disc is actually open inside you, and knowing when it's time to take the cup or disc out. Always wash your hands before you handle and insert your cup. How to fold a menstrual cup There are tons of ways to fold a menstrual cup. Over nine years of testing three dozen cups, I've found that the punch-down fold and the 7 fold are the easiest to use, as they make most cups smaller yet still provide a spot to grip to keep them from opening before they're in place. How to insert and remove a menstrual cup These are the hardest parts, and they're worth practicing first at home, if possible. Let's start with insertion. You fold the cup and insert it into your vagina. Then you release the cup, and it should 'pop' open inside you. It's totally fine to use personal lubricant to insert a cup or disc, as long as you use a lubricant that plays nicely with your cup's material. Avoid using silicone-based lubricants with silicone cups or discs. Figuring out if your cup or disc is fully open can be tough; some cups you can feel open, but depending on your musculature and how forceful that opening is, sometimes you can't tell. Once you've inserted the cup, you can reposition it by inserting a finger and moving the cup around a bit. Another good trick for making sure that the cup is open and positioned right is to grab the bottom and twist the cup gently. Some people like to squat or jump up and down a bit after they insert a cup, just to make sure that it is secure and won't move around. Several companies now sell menstrual cup applicators. We don't think they're worthwhile. In theory, applicators might be useful accessibility aids for people who struggle with the hand mobility and dexterity needed to insert or remove a cup. But the applicators we've tested so far have been really hard to use, requiring a lot of hand strength and dexterity. (I can deadlift 285 pounds, and I could barely get one of the test cups through an Ecoblossom applicator.) For removal, experts recommend squatting over the toilet, especially for the first few times, just in case. It's important to relax before you try to get the cup out; if you're tense, your vaginal muscles will squeeze the cup, making it harder to get out. There are several techniques for removing a cup. Generally speaking, it's not a great idea to just grab the stem and yank. Instead, you'll want to pinch the bottom of the cup to 'break the seal,' and then slowly remove it. How to insert and remove a menstrual disc As with a cup, learning how to insert, position, and remove a menstrual disc takes time. To insert a disc, you squeeze the rim so that the disc becomes a long, thin shape (akin to a tampon), and you insert it up into the vagina and push it all the way back so that the farthest part of the disc is tucked up behind your cervix. Then you press the side of the disc closest to you up and tuck it behind your pubic bone. Tension, rather than suction, keeps a disc in place. Removing a disc also differs from removing a cup: Rather than pinching the bottom of the disc and pulling out, you insert a finger into your vaginal canal and hook it under the rim of the disc (or, in the case of a disc with a pull tab or strap, use that). Then you carefully pull the disc out, making sure to keep it at an angle so that it doesn't dump your menstrual fluid out onto you, the floor, or whatever else. (There's a reason that the menstrual cup reviewers of Put A Cup In It called one menstrual disc a 'blood drawer.') Experts often recommend removing the disc in the shower, at least the first couple of times, to get the hang of it. How to know if a menstrual cup fits (and how it should feel) Once a cup is properly positioned, it should feel the same way a tampon does inside you. If you think about it, you can feel it there. But it shouldn't be uncomfortable or constantly at the forefront of your mind. It shouldn't press on your bladder, and you shouldn't be able to feel the stem at all; if you can, and it's irritating you, try cutting the stem shorter. Before assuming that a cup's size is wrong, try removing and inserting the cup a couple of times over a couple of cycles. It's hard to isolate the variables — a cup might be the right size but sitting awkwardly because it's not in deep enough, or it's at a weird angle. If the cup migrates up your vagina, and you're having to dig to fish it out, you probably need a longer cup. If you have trimmed the stem and are sure the cup is in as far as it can go, but the cup is still poking out of your vagina or rubbing uncomfortably, you likely need a shorter cup. If the cup makes you feel like you need to pee all the time or is causing pain in your urethra, you might need a smaller (or a softer) cup. How to know when a menstrual cup or disc is full This part takes a bit of learning. You can start by removing and emptying a cup in as much time as you would normally fill two tampons and then build up the time between cup changes from there — manufacturers' instructions can vary, but experts say you shouldn't leave any cup or disc in for more than 12 hours. Some people like to wear a panty liner or period underwear while they're learning their cup schedule, just in case.
