Cost, cleanliness, size, environmental friendliness and ethical ownership are all important parts of finding a great storage unit. Nobody enjoys the process of moving/relocating, but it doesn’t have to be a headache. With this article, we hope to help you find a quality, clean self-storage solution that’s right for your lifestyle.

Use a storage finding service to check out potential self-storage units

Finding a storage unit that perfectly suits your needs is a challenge in the best of times, but has potential to get a little complicated if you don’t know where to begin your search. Moving is much simpler when you have easy-to-use options available at your fingertips. Using a self-storage locating service is an elegant solution to a simple problem. A service like Self Storage Finders is perfect for finding clean and efficient storage units in San Diego with a large database of options. This allows you to thoroughly research, reserve or visit an array of economically viable solutions and get an idea of storage unit quality, but to book them from the comfort of your brand new home.

Learn about storage unit sizes to help with comparison searches

After you’ve become familiar with your new self-storage locating service, be sure to check out what type of storage unit options are available. Depending on what you plan to store—and how long you need to keep it there—it’s important to choose the storage unit size that’s right for you. Standard sizes run from five feet by five feet (equivalent to a small closet) to 10 feet by 30 feet (the size of a large room).

Each unit can hold a surprisingly large amount of stuff, so once you understand the sizes it’s possible to store your possessions efficiently and compactly without any hassle. Utilizing the entire space of the unit is key to maximizing, so it’s best to stack your stuff toward the ceiling with heavier items on the bottom. Keep in mind local fire codes and safety by leaving at least 18 inches of clearance for the sprinkler system and to reduce the possibility of damage or injury after you’ve finished moving.

Read the reviews to get perspective of other user experiences

It’s always good practice to look at the experience of others when making decisions related to your move. According to recent consumer research, 72 percent of consumers are more likely to use a service with mostly positive reviews. Per that same study, reading anywhere from four to ten reviews helps most people decide whether to trust a particular business or not. On top of the reviews are more than just a means of gaging the worth of the service—reviews actively provide social proof for determining how to think about the storage unit and its proprietors in a complex and meaningful way.

Research the owners of the facility to ensure ethical business practice and behaviour

In a high-demand service like self-storage, trust is key. By using a combination of reviews and the Better Business Bureau, along with researching the business location/business owner, you can ensure you find a trustworthy and ethically run storage facility. There are a number of methods to accomplish this, like talking to them over the phone or reaching out via social media. Thorough research will help you find facilities working toward reducing the environmental impact through landscaping (to reduce land erosion that can damage surrounding areas), recycling solutions, building LEED certified structures and implementing energy star appliances wherever

Find a unit with energy efficient climate control

Climate controlled solutions for storage units are important for storing certain items like furniture, wine, artwork and various types of media. In a climate controlled storage unit, the temperature stays between a predetermined range (typically between 55 and 80 degrees) to protect the unit’s contents from extreme weather and the elements. An energy efficient, climate controlled facility is beneficial in  high humidity or high temperature environments. Climate control keeps your belongings from being damaged by weather or developing mold/mildew and serves to maintain more fragile items. With proper research and a bit of planning, your search for storage units in San Diego will transform a difficult move into the next great chapter of your life.

The post Finding friendly and clean self-storage solutions in San Diego, CA appeared first on Eco-Chick.

This guide will give you a breakdown of the three most popular mined diamond alternatives and why you should consider them for your next jewelry purchase. Let’s dive in!

1. Birthstones

One of the most common mined diamond alternatives on the market is birthstones.
These gemstones are used to represent a specific month in the calendar year and are
said to have origins that can be traced back to biblical times. The practice of using
birthstones to commemorate or celebrate an individual’s birth month was cemented by
the National Association of Jewelers in 1912.

Each month has at least one gemstone that represents it, however, most months have
an alternative stone. For example, the month of March is represented by the gemstones
aquamarine and a bloodstone.

Pros
● Birthstones offer a personalized touch, as each stone represents a person’s
month of birth.
● Wide variety of stones.
● Many, not all, birthstones are more affordable than mined diamonds.

Cons
● Limited options, each month may only have a single stone option.
● Birthstones don’t always match the style of the person they are given to.

2. Lab-Grown Diamonds

Whether it’s cost, environmental impact, or ethical concerns — there are many reasons
why someone wouldn’t want to purchase a mined diamond. However, lab-grown diamonds offer the perfect solution to all the common reasons not to buy a mined diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds are a recent technological development. By using cutting edge
equipment, scientists are able to mimic the natural conditions, extreme heat, and
pressure, that create diamonds. These lab-grown diamonds are virtually identical to
mined diamonds both in appearance and molecularly.

Pros
● More bang for your buck. Buy a larger diamond at a fraction of the price.
● Lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced — there’s no need to worry about the
implications of purchasing a so-called “blood diamond.”
● Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same 4 C’s as mined diamonds, so
there is a diamond and price point for everyone.

Cons
● A lot of individuals have incorrect or misinformed opinions about lab-created
diamonds. If you go with this diamond alternative, you’ll likely be explaining that it
is, in fact, a real diamond for often than not.

3. Moissanite

This stone, discovered in 1893, is extremely rare. Moissanite was initially thought to
only occur naturally in space, as it was discovered in a crater left by a meteor. However,
later on, it was discovered that moissanite can be found in extremely low quantities on
Earth. As it’s so rare, all moissanite on the market is lab-grown.

Moissanite is similar to diamonds in appearance. However, moissanite refracts much
more colored-light than diamonds. This stone is known for its colorful brilliance.

Pros
● Diamond-like brilliance with more color.
● Moissanite is a significantly more affordable stone option than any other stone on
this list.
● Moissanite is an eco-friendly option, as it is lab-grown

Cons
● Many people dislike the brilliance of moissanite and it’s “disco-ball” effect.
● Moissanite can be colored and can appear more grey or yellow in certain light.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for unique jewelry pieces can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Not
only are jewelry choices dominated by mined diamond options, but they can also make
it difficult to source mined diamond alternatives. Difficult, but not impossible. As a buyer,
you have the ultimate power to research alternatives. Just make sure that you choose a
stone that you absolutely love!

This post sponsored by Clean Origins.

The post Top 3 Alternatives to Mined Diamonds appeared first on Eco-Chick.

Eco-friendly mattress for the best rest

A new mattress can be a big expense; when you have the right one, it’s worth the cost in exchange for that quality sleep. This is green furniture that is not just made sustainably, but is also good for your health. 

For starters, an eco-friendly mattress without harmful chemicals does not ruin the air quality in your room. You get the best sleep without worrying about laying on bedding that’s soaked in pesticides. They’re also hypoallergenic, breathable, and easy to wash. By the time you have to throw them away, you don’t have to feel guilty since they biodegrade faster than a mattress made with synthetic materials.

Blankets, sheets, and pillows

In addition to investing in an eco-friendly mattress, beddings that are covered in organic sheets can help contribute to a greener, cleaner room. Think wool, cotton, and hemp. These are sustainable materials that can help enhance the air quality in your room, resulting in a better, more relaxing sleep. 

Sustainable shelves

There are plenty of beautiful shelves in the market but nothing beats used furniture made with natural materials. By the time it’s in your possession, it’s already rid of the gas contained in the paint and varnish. If you’re buying brand new, opt for spacious ones made of recycled paper wood that uses low-VOC paints, glues, and finishes.

One of the reasons why you’ll want a spacious shelf is so you can immediately put away things when it’s time for bed. A cluttered room is a cluttered mind. When you have room to put your clutter away, you won’t have a hard time falling asleep.

LED light bulbs

This is another easy way that green furniture can improve your sleep. Simply switch your fluorescent light bulbs to LED lights. Fluorescent lighting has been found to emit more UVC and UVA rays than any other kind of lighting. 

By switching to LED lights, you’ll have the option to adjust the dimness of a room. The right amount of light during evenings makes it easy to maintain your circadian rhythm which regulates your sleep cycle. LED lights also last longer than conventional bulbs! Less waste is always good for the environment.

Natural air purifiers

When it comes to purifying your home, you always want to opt for the most natural form: plants! They have the ability to get rid of harmful gases in their air, thus improving the air you breathe. Opt for indoor plants known for improving air quality such as aloe vera, bamboo or reed palm, rubber plant, chinese evergreen, and spider plant. It’s also worth doing some deeper research of your own to find indoor plants that fit your bedroom’s aesthetic.

If you can’t bring plants in but still want to enjoy better air quality, consider other natural alternatives such as candles and essential oils. You’ll want to opt for candles that are soy-based since most traditional candles are made with paraffin that actually pollute the air.

As for essential oils, the best choices for sleep include lavender, rose, jasmine, and marjoram. Have these ready beside your essential oil diffuser or mix it with water and spray on your linens.

By having pleasant natural smells in your room, you not only have better sleep but possibly better dreams as well! So make sure to follow the nose on this tip. 

This is a sponsored post.

The post 5 Ways Green Furniture Can Improve Your Sleep Patterns—and the Science Behind It appeared first on Eco-Chick.

In a surprising move, the Swedish Fashion Council recently canceled Stockholm Fashion Week in the name of sustainability. Think about it: Fashion weeks the world over consume an incredible amount of resources, racking up the greenhouse gas emissions as fashion insiders convene to check out new collections in cities around the world. 

“If the industry should have a chance to survive together with the planet, it must self-disrupt. Sticking your head in the sand does not make the problem go away, neither does the traditional Fashion Week format. In order to make the transformation towards becoming sustainable, the industry needs support, new tools, and platforms that extend across industries as well as national borders,” said Jennie Rosén, CEO of Swedish Fashion Council, at the time of the cancellation, in a statement.

Yes, it’s a very, very bold move. But it’s time for bold moves—we have no time to waste in correcting some of the damage done to the planet (remember those effects, from rising seas to less fresh water will be felt more intensively by the people on the planet with less, which is unjust).

In lieu of a fashion week, Sweden instead held the 1st Annual Sustainability Forum at The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York,which included an eclectic mix of sustainably-oriented Swedish brands and innovations.

The evening began with a mix and mingle segment in a room dotted with products made by local artisans from northern Sweden’s Lapland region featuring metal work by Erica Huuva, outdoor hot bathtubs by Hikki, hand-made hats by Catharina Carlsson Millinery, and more.

The forum began with a nod to the strong business partnership between the United States and Sweden. Sweden is a huge hub within the innovation realm, second to Silicon Valley in unicorn companies produced (Spotify was one of them!).

Anna Throne-Holst, President of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that “sustainability is good business,” leading the theme of the evening. Stockholm boasts a thriving fashion district, featuring 150 showrooms open 365 days a year. The Swedes themselves are mainly informed consumers putting their money where their heart is and demanding that companies make a positive contribution.

The forum’s panel featured representatives from brands Fjallraven Kanken, House of Dagmar, Nudie Jeans, H&M, and Gudrun Sjödén. Country Manager for the US and Canada of Nudie Jeans, Corey Spencer, emphasized the importance of consumer habits gravitating towards convenience as the main avenue when shopping and companies needing to absorb this psychological preference. Emily Scarlett, Head of Communications and PR for H&M USA, noted that “fashion should never be a question of price” with the aim of H&M trickling sustainability into the affordable marketplace.

A common theme of the event centered around the importance of technology in innovating the sustainable fashion realm. Companies Spindye, a dying method using less water and chemicals, and Circulose by re:newcell, a fiber made from recycled cellulose pulp, prove that new technology has a great influence on creating a greener fashion landscape with recycling efforts.

Jennie Rosén, CEO of the Swedish Fashion Council, told ID Magazine, “We need to put the past to rest and to stimulate the development of a platform that is relevant for today’s fashion industry … [and] support brands in their development of next-generation fashion experiences. By doing this we can adapt to new demands, reach sustainability goals and be able to set new standards for fashion.”

The post Stockholm Fashion Week Canceled—for the Planet appeared first on Eco-Chick.

Raise your hand if you, like me, have ever scrolled through your Instagram feed and all-but-drooled over photos of epic scenery in the far reaches of the world. Don’t be shy, I too am raising my hand. 

Now raise your hand if you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your day job, ditching the fluorescent-lit-office life and business clothes, and traveling to some of those epic destinations for a living. Again, my hand is raised!

Meet Coach Cass 

Enter Cassandra Nuamah (Cass). She may not be able to help you with ditching that gawd-awful cubicle. But, I assure you, she can definitely get you some prime photo-ops to juice up that humdrum instagram feed of yours! Cass, along with her mother, is the co-founder and co-owner of ‘Africa With Us’, a travel company that curates group tours to countries within the African continent. 

When I first met Cass back in 2014, she was curating annual trips to only one location: the country of Ghana in West Africa. Now, almost six years later, her tour business has grown to include several more destinations: Morocco, Zambia,Tanzania, and Kenya, to name only a few. 

How did Cass expand her business exponentially within just five years? One phenomenon that may have helped is that past participants return and book multiple tours with the company year after year. During a recent chat, I asked Cass to share with me some insights about starting a travel company as a woman of color, and how the Africa with Us travel experience is unique. 

The Africa With Us Experience 

“It’s the community aspect of the experience,” Cass tells me. That’s what makes the Africa With Us travel experience so special. “It’s about US. ‘Us’ meaning: Travel with Us, Eat with Us, Be one of Us. We’re like a family when we’re out there. Always having fun.”

In five years, she’d like to expand her tour business to include at least 25 more locations within the continent of Africa. “You know most Americans only know about five countries in [Sub-Saharan] Africa? Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia. But there are so many more countries than that! I guess it kind of makes sense” Cass says, “since most Africans probably wouldn’t be able to name all of the American states, either. It’s just different cultural reference points.”

Inspiration

Fittingly dubbed “Coach Cass” for her fitness and wellness-centric brand, Cass is not only a travel guide and business owner but also a certified fitness coach and nutrition expert. Cass, who has been teaching dance since college, learned the craft from her mother.  “She’s a legend,” Cass gushes.

Cass’s mom, Kukuwa, founded a self-named dance movement over 30 years ago. “I was actually born while my mother was dancing. [She went into labor] while she was teaching a class.” When Cass travels she incorporates elements of fitness into the tour’s daily itinerary. Whether it be through a Kukuwa dance morning workout or a 5k that Cass recently ran while traveling through

*Kukuwa in Swahili (Kukua) means “to be” and in the Ghanian tribal language  means “born on Wednesday.”

Travel Stories 

I asked Cass about her favorite place to visit. “It’s hard because I have a favorite thing in every place I visit. But if we’re talking Africa specifically, I’d have to say my favorite in terms of beaches and beauty are the Seychelles and Zanzibar.”

For food Cass prefers Ghana “no place like home” and her favorite safari is Chobe National Park in Botswana. She loves Durban, South Africa for day party vibes and tells me that Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda are the best for dance, fitness and community service. 

As for her most memorable moment: “dancing with over 500 Zambian children in the village. [It brought] unexplainable joy to my soul.”

The Return

This year, Africa With Us has teamed up with Girltrek, an organization spearheading a health movement with the mission of inspiring women to exercise by taking daily walks. The two companies, will host a series of journeys designed to trace the transatlantic slave trade.

“Girltrek is taking 150 Black women on an epic journey across the African Diaspora to learn the healing traditions of our foremothers,” reads Girltrek’s website. This year marks 400 years since the first African woman was enslaved. For Girltrek and Africa With Us this epic and tragic anniversary is an opportunity to revisit African history in a meaningful way.

The women-only journeys start this November when the first group will touch down in Ghana. Soon after tours to Kingston, Jamaica; Bahia, Brazil; Savannah, Georgia and the Gullah Sea Islands; and New Orleans, Louisiana will take place. Each tour has space for 25 women and will be led by Coach Cass herself.

Advice for Travel Entrepreneurs

Cass didn’t finish our interview up without imparting a bit of wisdom for those of us with entrepreneurial ambitions. If you’re looking to take your first steps into either business ownership or the travel industry Cass has some wisdom to share:

First start with what you know; if you know a country start there. Plan an informal trip with family and friends at the beginning, advises Cass.

When someone tells you it’s not possible it’s only because it’s not possible for them, not for you. Keep going!

Don’t talk about your plans. Instead, write them down and make actual schedules to make them real.

Always remember your ‘why’ when you get discouraged, because you will get discouraged.

Find your strengths and do that/those thing(s) well. Then, delegate your weak areas to others that you know can do those things well.

It meant a lot for me to be able to pick Cass’ brain for all the better part of an hour. I’ve admired her for a long time. I mean, to me anyone who’s doing what they love EVERY DAY is definitively Living the Dream. And is, therefore, aspirational.

I hung up the phone from my interview with Coach Cass feeling fully motivated and empowered. Her story rekindled a bit of the ‘entrepreneur’ fire in me; stay tuned to see what it brings about! 

The post Meet Coach Cass, the Millennial Face of African travel appeared first on Eco-Chick.

Te Awa Tupua [Whanganui River Claims Settlement] is an indivisible and living whole, comprising the Whanganui River from the mountains to the sea, incorporating all its physical and metaphysical elements.

Te Awa Tupua  [Whanganui River Claims Settlement] is a spiritual and physical entity that supports and sustains both the life and natural resources within the Whanganui River and the health and well-being of the iwi, hapū, [Māori tribes] and other communities of the River.

Te Awa Tupua [Whanganui River Claims Settlement] is a singular entity comprised of many elements and communities, working collaboratively for the common purpose of the health and well-being of Te Awa Tupua. 

The iwi and hapū  [Māori tribes] of the Whanganui River have an inalienable connection with, and responsibility to, Te Awa Tupua and its health and well-being.

— Te Awa Tupua [Whanganui River Claims Settlement] Act 2017

With these words, something remarkable happened. New Zealand was the first country to enshrine into law that a river is a living being. On March 20, 2017, Parliament passed legislation declaring that Te Awa Tupua — or Whanganui river — is an indivisible, living whole, and henceforth possesses “all the rights, powers, duties, and liabilities” of a legal person. Not long after,  820 square miles of forests, lakes, and rivers—a former national park known as Te Urewera—also gained legal personhood based on this precedent. Then came the mountain named Taranaki who became the third geographical location to become a person.

So is a river, mountain or a rainforest really a living entity and entitled to a set of legal rights?

According to the Māori tribes of Whanganui, New Zealand, certain forests, rivers and mountains are considered ancestors and Whānau, or family members. And just as New Zealand was the first country to give women the vote, it’s also the first country to grant personhood to the land and bodies of water. 

“We have fought to find an approximation in law so that all others can understand that from our perspective treating the river as a living entity is the correct way to approach it, as in indivisible whole, instead of the traditional model for the last 100 years of treating it from a perspective of ownership and management” said Gerrard Albert, who led the negotiations for the Whanganui iwi [tribe].

This acknowledgement of indigenous people’s relationship to nature means if someone harms their sacred land, it is legally the same as harming the tribe.

I can’t help but wonder: in the face of our ecological crisis, is this a model that should be adopted elsewhere? 

It’s starting to happen.

Four days after New Zealand granted legal status to the Whanganui River, the high court in India’s northern Uttarakhand state said the Ganges and its longest tributary, the Yamuna will have personhood, which includes protections against its mistreatment and being parties to disputes. 

Apparently, the Indian court looked to the example of the Whanganui in New Zealand as a case study for these two rivers held sacred by millions of Hindus.  

Then, astoundingly, earlier this year on March 4th 2019, voters in Toledo, Ohio passed the Lake Erie Bill of Rights, granting the body of water the same rights as a U.S. citizen. This measure was taken to the ballot box after the Toledo water crisis, where the cities residents were advised to stop drinking tap water for three days after chemical fertilizer runoff triggered toxic algae blooms in the lake and polluted the water source for 12 million people. 

According to The Hill, the Lake Erie Bill of Rights aims to prevent similar incidents from happening again by allowing Toledo citizens to sue government or business entities on behalf of the water source. And according to the legislation, the Lake Erie ecosystem has the legal right “to exist, flourish and naturally evolve” without being harmed by human activity.

Supporters of the measure say the law is the first of its kind in the U.S. and will guarantee the body of water protection from significant environmental harm.

These ideas have begun to take root with the Rights of Nature Movement spreading across the globe to other countries including Bolivia and El Salvador where courts and lawmakers have also granted ecosystems legal standing. Leading the way for this movement was Ecuador — the first country to recognize the right for nature to “exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles”, along with the people having the legal authority to enforce these rights on its behalf and the ecosystem itself being named the defendant. 

This is really exciting news! But the question becomes, will these measures hold up in a courtroom? Will nature be able to sue humans for the damage they inflict?

In the case of Lake Erie, so far, the answer is no.

In May earlier this year, just two months after the ballot measure was passed, a federal judge in Ohio said that he would not allow Lake Erie to participate in a lawsuit filed by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce to challenge a law Toledo residents passed to protect the lake’s ecosystem.

According to The Intercept, business advocates — primarily the fossil fuel giant BP, which has fracking interests in the state — spent more than $300,000 to campaign against the Lake Erie Bill of Rights prior to its passage in Toledo.

In another case of courts ruling in the favor of corporate interests over democracy, U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary wrote that the request to let the lake’s ecosystem into a federal lawsuit was “unusual” and “meritless.”

So while corporations in the United States are granted personhood, I can’t help but wonder: Why can’t the Earth?

In 1972 the law professor Christopher Stone published a groundbreaking article, Should Trees Have Standing? He explored the possibility of recognizing the legal rights of nature and compared how women and slaves did not originally have rights under the law. He suggested that just as they eventually had to attain rights for society to be just, so should trees and other nonhuman living beings. 

And in the wake of burning rainforests, collapsing glaciers, and decapitated mountains, I believe it’s time we enter a new paradigm shift that places nature over profits and grants it the right to exist.

The post These Rivers, Mountains, and Lakes Are Getting Legal Rights: It’s About Time appeared first on Eco-Chick.

The fabric sample in my hands reminded me of something. Soft to the touch with a distinct textured surface and a sturdy feel, I think it you had given me leather to compare it to, I would have had a very hard time differentiating the two. What was this mysterious fabric? Why, Pineapple Leather Alternative!

I first heard of Pineapple “Leather” through my Sustainable Material Sourcing class at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). We were looking at new, innovative fashion materials, and I was immediately hooked on the fabric: how innovative, I thought, how different. A fun buzzword that I could tell my friends and family about!

What Pineapple Leather Is—And Isn’t

I had heard about vegan alternatives to leather—many human made from a plastic material called Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC is a synthetic fiber that’s carbon-intensive, does not biodegrade and is toxic when it sits in landfills. But here was something made from plant material, specifically: PINEAPPLES? WHAT?

Wanting to learn more, I pinpointed the manufacturer of the material, Piñatex, to dig deeper.

As it turns out, the leather is not made from the pineapple fruit, but rather the leaf! Piñatex’s online homepage states, “The leaves are the byproduct of existing agriculture, and their use creates an additional income stream for farming communities.”

The company was founded by Dr. Carmen Hijosa, who while consulting on the leather export industry in the Philippines in the 1990s, was shocked at the environmental impact of mass leather production and chemical tanning. Realizing that PVC solutions were not an option since they were derived from petroleum and unable to biodegrade, she sought a sustainable alternative inspired by the traditional weaving of traditional Filipino Barong Tagalog garments.

Piñatex is currently the only manufacturer of pineapple “leather.” The leather alternative supports positive social and economic impact and has a low environmental footprint. And there’s plenty of it available as a byproduct of pineapple harvest. 

However, leather isn’t the only material that can be made from pineapple leaves. A light, strong, and translucent fabric can also be made, called Piña. It’s often mixed with cotton, silk (piña seda), or abaca (banana leaf fibers).

Also made in the Philippines, “Piña is produced primarily in the Aklan region, with women from the area supporting their families through their craft of weaving,” according to textile site Synzenbe. Eco-Chick editor saw some of this fabric mixed with more traditional fabrics at several boutiques in Puerto Rico during her visit there in 2016.

How Pineapple Leather Is Made

In the Philippines, long fibers are extracted through a process called decortication by manufacturer Ananas Anam, get degummed and undergo an industrial process to become a non-woven mesh. Then it’s sent to Spain for finishing. The textile becomes soft, flexible, and durable, much like animal leathers. From there, a resin coating covers the leather providing wettability, durability, and elasticity to the final product.

Products made by Piñatex are PETA approved —so great for animal advocates and sustainability-minded folk alike. The products made from this material are water resistant and use GOTS certified pigments. Unfortunately, although the fibers that make up the product are 100% biodegradable, the petroleum-based resins are not. However, Piñatex does state that the company is currently in the works for a bio-based coating to push the company forward in the sustainability realm.

Pineapple Leather Put To Use

Companies using this innovative fiber include Rombaut, Liselore Frowijn, Votch and furnishing company, Tamasine Osher. There are even car seats being made from this material by company blue.cruiser solar car. 

Designer Liselore Frowijn discovered the material on the internet in Spring of 2017 when researching a silver leather material and reading an interview with the founder Ananas Anam. “It’s a sustainable replacement for leather which is often made under environment polluting circumstances,” she says. Frowijin focuses on bags and coats, specifically biker jackets, overcoats, and capes made of the material because it is “flexible and versatile.”

As a designer, she’s really exploring the material’s functionality and aesthetic possibilities:

“Its surface changes when you start working with it, from a very shiny silver/gold it slowly shows wrinkles as if it’s alive. The fact that is comes from the pineapple leaf fibers makes it very exotic and innovative,” says Frowjiin.  Thinking into the future of fashion design and production, she says: “I believe future designers should work more as farmers, together with factories: by growing their own materials or re-using existing materials and turning them into fabrics, instead of using new sources.”

Cruelty-free UK-based watch company Votch, shares a similar view on Piñatex’s faux leather innovation, which they currently use for the watch straps of their Classic and Moment timepiece range (above). 

“We love being able to use this material and tell its story. Our customers find it fascinating they can wear a strap that was once made from pineapples. But not only that, no additional land, pesticides or water is used in the production of Pinatex, and it also generates additional income for farmers too,” says Laura Way, the founder of Votch. 

Although products made with pineapple leather tend to have a higher price-point for now, more hype around the leather alternative should make the product more recognized which could mean lower costs and increased accessibility. Frowijn is hopeful that “many more brands will be starting to work with [pineapple leather].”

What is certain is that the pineapple leather industry is hitting many facets by promoting circularity, using organic material, and helping inspire one-of-a-kind designs.

The post Pining for Piñatex’s Alternative Leather: Made from Pineapple Leaves appeared first on Eco-Chick.

It’s hardly news that cow-derived dairy has been met with a strong and far more sustainable competitor: plant-based milks, or alt milks. Some people like the way milks made from nuts, seeds and grains taste, while others are looking to avoid a stomachache due to lactose intolerance.

And plenty of us don’t like the impact of cows on our already-burdened planet. A single cow can generate 200 pounds of methane (a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change) in one day. Animal agriculture constitutes for one-fourth of our global water footprint. And then of course, there’s the ethics of removing baby cows from their mothers so we can drink that cow’s milk instead.

Soy, nut, hemp, and oat are only some of the now commonplace alt milks. Some better for you—and have a smaller environmental footprint too. What’s the healthiest milk for planet and people?

Here’s a breakdown (each milks stats are for a one-cup serving): 

Oat Milk

Water: 10 liters 

CO2: 0.18 kg  

Protein: 3 grams

Fat: 5 grams 

Calories: 120

Oat milk is super-popular right now—one time there was even an oat milk shortage in Brooklyn and everyone flipped (no, seriously). But oat milk isn’t new—it was developed in 1994 by a food scientist looking into lactose intolerance and sustainability.

The grain uses roughly six times less water than most nut milks and contributes little in carbon production. This milk is high in fiber and low in GMOs. The downside is that many of the nutrients you’d get from a bowl of hot (or cold) oats don’t make it through the straining process or into the milk. But fortification (adding vitamins and minerals to a final product) usually takes care of that. Oat milk has plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Additionally, there are few allergens and rarely any added sugar! 

Soy Milk

Water: 5 liters 

CO2: 0.195 kg 

Protein: 7 grams

Fat: 4 grams 

Calories: 80 

The US and Brazil account for over half of the world’s soy production, with the United States ranking at no.1. Soy has an origin story dating back three millennia ago, where it was first domesticated by farmers in China. During the nineties, soy really became the first popularized alternative milk for the lactose intolerant—or the health nut—as a glass of soy has just as much protein and calcium as a glass of cow’s milk.

Comparatively, the crop doesn’t suck up water resources and irrigation is well-planned. However, the production of soy has disturbed ecosystems and caused mass deforestation. The Amazon rainforest has taken serious blows from soy farming. The legume has sparked controversy over its environmental hazards and being genetically modified (it’s always best to look for an organic or non GMO label). If soy is your go-to, keep your eyes peeled for transparency amongst brands. Sourcing is crucial. Edensoy is a great brand with biodegradable packaging and sources from family farms in the US—so it’s not contributing to Amazon forest destruction. Soy is one of the oldest plant-based alternatives but perhaps is the filk for an era that’s past.  

Almond Milk 

Water: 74 liters  

CO2: 0.14 kg 

Protein: 2 gram

Fat: 3 grams

Calories: 40

Assuming you are not deathly allergic, nut milks are very popular, probably due to their delicious flavor. Almond milk been touted as healthier than animal and soy. Although almond milk production involves low CO2 emissions, that’s outweighed by the amount of water needed. Big almond production exists in drought-ridden California, only aggravating the issue.

A single almond needs about a gallon of water to grow. Almond milk is a great source of vitamin E which helps manage stress levels and prevents disease— but the crop itself is one of the most water intensive.

Other Nut Milks

If you want to meet your daily calcium intake— macadamia, hazelnut and cashew (technically a drupe) are harvested in areas which aren’t so water deficient. The magical root structure of hazelnut trees sequester carbon and combat erosion. (Eco-Chick’s editor counts hazelnut milk as her fave for its flavor; she even makes her own from local nuts.) 

Popular brand Milkadamia sources its nuts from Australia which is the homeland of the macadamia tree along with many flowering plants.  If you love the buttery and rich flavor that nut milks bring, remember that you have options. 

Coconut Milk

Water: Minimal

CO2: .1 liters

Protein: 0

fat: 5 grams

Calories: 80 (can vary) 

Coconut milk is a newer but well-loved alternative with a sweet and floral flavor profile. The production has a fairly neutral environmental impact. The coconut tree requires little water and is thought to isolate and store carbon in its trunk and leaves. The downside? Coconuts grow in tropical climates and therefore have a decent carbon footprint from their transport, though less than almond and dairy.

Coconut milk is full of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) which have been researched and thought to stimulate weight loss and assist with gut health. MCTs create the majority of coconut fat, and while studies have displayed a positive correlation MCTs have on metabolism, there is still much to be explored in overall health and environmental potential. Unlike nut milks and soy milk, coconut milk doesn’t have any protein.   

Hemp Milk 

Water: 10 liters

CO2: None (could be carbon negative)

Protein: 4.7 grams

Fat: 7 grams

Calories: 85

In 2018 the United States Farm Bill was transformed in a major way: Hemp became legal to grow on American soil, Previously, hemp was put in the same category as all cannabis plants and under the Controlled Substances Act and considered a schedule 1 drug. Hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, which is the part of the cannabis plant that can intoxicate, so it’s not a drug. Now, hemp milk is easy to find and is one of the more eco-friendly options. The plant requires a bit more water than oat (but far less than almond and dairy) and the crop is very sturdy, meaning pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers aren’t generally required.

Though more research is needed, the hemp plant has been reported to have strong roots which boost soil health by sequestering CO2. Hemp is also high in protein and packed with the 10 essential amino acids. Overall, this alternative is easy for our body to digest (unlike cow’s milk) and seems to improve earth’s soil too. Like many plants, hemp does best in areas where rain falls consistently.  

Milk is usually associated with life or birth or growth. Something we told our kids they needed to grow strong. On the other hand, the dairy industry has simultaneously contributed to the destruction of the environment.

In 2018 alone, big dairy lost about 1 billion dollars whereas plant-based milks roughly accrued that. It is undeniable that modern food culture is leaning toward a consciousness and sustainability that was once void in our kitchens. Though hemp and coconut milk seem to have the most positive environmental and physical effects, any milk alternative you choose is far less impactful than dairy. 

The post Is Oat Milk Ethical? A Breakdown of How Alt-Milks Impact the Earth appeared first on Eco-Chick.

Two years ago, I received an Instagram message from a medical student in Nigeria. 

“I’m a medical student in my final year and I am the CEO of Youths Enlightenment Senitel, an NGO for girls in Nigeria,” the note started out. 

“I want to create an awareness on care during menstruation in women in Africa down here in Nigeria ?? because I must say it’s very devastating when young girls are rushed to the hospital because of infections from the rags and wrappers which they normally use because of the lack of education.

We go hospitals and hotels and condoms are free. Why not same with pads?”

I told him to let me think about it and that we have the same problem here in the United States —  pads are not free. And while women are not routinely rushed to the hospitals for infections, girls miss school because of it.

Just the other day I was forced to go to CVS the other day to buy an emergency pack of tampons for my best friend who was having a period emergency on the way to her house. As I recently ran out of them myself,  figured I’d get myself a box too. Unfortunately, CVS didn’t carry organic cotton or even applicator-free options. But hey, better to have a magic plastic bullet as a back-up than nothing at all. So I picked up two boxes: Total price was $24!

As they’re usually just incorporated into the price of my grocery bill, I don’t really think about it. But today was a reminder that having a period is bloody expensive!

According to this article in Medium, a lifetime supply of cheap tampons costs a person around $1,035 bucks, but would cost much more if a woman has a longer, heavier flow and perfers organic tampons that are better for the earth. 

But that doesn’t take into account OB/GYN visits, cramps, and missed work.

I thought of homeless women in Los Angeles and how they could possibly afford it. 

Then the medical student in Senegal messaged me again. 

He sent me the letter below, which describes the price the women must pay in his country for clean sanitary pads. We here at Eco-chick feel it’s best served published in its entirety on Eco-Chick and this is why we’re acknowledging as our first #mensupportingwomen feature. 

And in the meantime, if you see a homeless woman on the street and want to help out her but maybe feel uncomfortable giving cash, a great idea is to keep a bag filled with maxi-pads and sanitary wipes handy in the car instead.

SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (SRH) MENSTRUAL HYGIENE

(Stories, complications and prevention measures) 

“Menstrual Hygiene!! Menstrual Hygiene!” was all I shouted and screamed at the top of my voice to the young girls under the local canopy we had for the girl child enlightenment, at Jenta Adamu street, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. To my greatest surprise: what I heard from the midst of the girls was a tiny little voice, but one with GREAT CONFIDENCE AND PAINS coming from deep within her heart. She says, “The problem is that my parents, and even a lot of my friend’s parents, cannot afford to give us money to buy pads.”

Then I said please come forward little one, which she did and which much sadness on her face she said; “I was on my break period in school then I decided to standup and go and get some snacks, I was so embarrassed especially with the boys looking and laughing, without knowing why, I didn’t realize I had stained myself. Ever since then any time I am on my period, I use my food money to buy pads so that I don’t smell or feel uncomfortable that way I take care of myself.” 

Now this was the first burden that was placed in my heart, the little girl who often had to starve during her menstrual cycle. “A lot of my friends can’t afford it (sanitary pads). We buy a sanitary towel for N360.00 ($1 USD) and there are six pads in it. I see my period like five days in a week and I have to buy two packs,” she added. As she narrates her story, she breaks down in tears. 

Amid gentle intermittent sobs, she continues, “My friend, of whom we are very close. She asked her boyfriend for money to buy pad and the boy told her he will give her but he had to sleep with her.” 

She said her friend obliged and slept with the boy just after her period – which is the ovulation period where pregnancy often occurs. (ED. Note: Pregnancy can occur at any time in the menstrual cycle.) 

Her friend got pregnant:“In search of a proper hygiene, she got pregnant, now she has ruined her life.” She goes on to tell this reporter how education is the only way out of poverty. “My friend has lost the opportunity to go to school,” she says. And I went all teared up. 

Globally, women are deprived of proper menstrual hygiene practices as a result of poverty. Statistics derived from a smart phone survey titled Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 (PMA2020) showed that only 37% of women aged 15-59 in Nigeria, have all they need – clean materials to prevent leakages and stains, wash facilities for proper menstrual hygiene management, pain relievers and places to dispose of used products for a proper menstrual hygiene. 

Findings from a 2015 survey titled an assessment of menstrual hygiene management in secondary school, conducted by UNICEF, showed that school girls in Nigeria face many challenges when they are on their period. 

These challenges affect the ability of school girls, across religion and ethnicity, to manage their period with dignity; and also cause them to skip school during their period because concentration becomes difficult. A 2016 UN report estimates that one in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa skips school because of her menstrual cycle. 

The number of days that a girl will miss classes due to menstruation has a negative impact on her academic performance. Three days at least per cycle for each month is equivalent to not less than 30 days per year. If the cycle doesn’t fall on weekends, then a girl misses a great part of class lessons. Apart from other challenges such as doing a pile of domestic work after school hours, girl students often face unnoticed difficulties during their menstruation period. 

Additionally, we found out that a lot of the girls resorted to using pieces of material and tissue paper because they could not afford sanitary pads. Sanitary pads are considered the most convenient to use because the stay glued to underpants and cause little or no stain. Worse, is that some girls in the villages could not even afford underpants and had to stay at home for the entire period of their menstruation. Life is getting more complicated for so many women and girls as a result of Nigeria’s shaky economy which just recovered from one of the worst recessions; and ongoing conflicts in several regions of the country.

 Nigeria is the most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa. It also has a very young population. The majority of the population is below the age of 25 years, with 22 percent of the country’s population between the ages of 10-19 years. Data on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes in Nigeria highlight the importance of focusing on adolescents. Global evidence shows that young girls bear a higher burden of maternal mortality and morbidity. Data show that the average age at sexual debut is roughly 15 years of age among adolescent mothers in Nigeria (DHS 2003, 2008, 2013). 

COMPLICATIONS: 

Common practices of the girl child who cannot afford a proper menstrual hygiene and sanitary pads resort to improvised materials like scraps of old clothing, leaves, banana fibers, are faced with embarrassing leaks, bodily odors that lead to social exclusion, also stating the fact that they are exposed to a risk of getting Pelvic Inflammatory Disease through urine track if such pieces of clothes used are contaminated with fungi or bacteria. Also, most types of such pieces of clothes can easily get wet and stay wet for a long period of time compared to sanitary pads which are made to absorb the wetness and keep the user dry during period. Staying wet for a long time can easily attract fungus and itching will be inevitable. However, in case there is no other option than using pieces of clothes, then such items should be washed properly with soap and clean water, dried and ironed in order to kill any bacteria and germs, but sadly there are no provision of the basic amenities. 

It may interest you to know that we have DISABLED LADIES, MENTALLY UNSTABLE LADIES, CRIPPLED LADIES, those living with HIV/AIDS, women and girls in prisons/prisoned, they all undergo their menstrual cycle, this situation reduces most girls’ experiences of menstruation to a monthly dose of discomfort and shame, really wonder how they cope during such periods. Girls and women become more vulnerable to transactional sex. It also really worsens the state of gender inequality. Now imagine a girl child who is bleeding and starving just to keep herself clean and also amidst of all these struggles to come to school to learn, that isn’t a good history (speaking as a final year medical student), as she lacks the proper amount of glucose to learn and ends up sleeping in class which doesn’t prevent the pains she undergoes and the irritation she experiences at that moment.

WHAT CAN BE DONE: 

Primarily educating the citizen in general especially in the rural areas, where they battle with different myths and stigmas. Making them to understand that it is a normal physiological process, a blessing rather than feeling cursed and something that should be embraced and taken cared of properly than going into hiding and seeing it as a thing of shame. Also making posters and bills educating them on the complications that come with it and the appropriate place to go when it comes abnormally. Not leaving out the men and boys also, making them to understand that the society would never be, without the existence of the ladies and would never be controlled if every passing ovum was fertilized. Making them know how to treat a lady at that particular time of the month.

Secondarily providing the basic amenities for a proper menstrual hygiene by the government and leaders, proper WASH facilities, gender friendly toilets especially in public schools, washable and reusable sanitary towels that will last for more than 12 Months, building the capacity of girls and boys on menstrual hygiene. Campaigns to demystify menstruation will be rolled out at grass root rural areas and school level, prisons, street girls and refugee girls and girl with disability schools and this will go ahead to target men and boys in the campaign. We should also cover all issues on HIV/AIDS, STI’s, early pregnancies and natural family planning. And it shall also help school going girls to stay healthy, it shall reduce unwanted pregnancies, school absenteeism among the adolescent girls and rural women.

Tertiary prevention would be the government laying down policy on the proper distribution of the sanitary products. First taking it with up most IMPORTANCE and making their female subjects know the they care a lot about them, for if condoms are very often distributed freely, sanitary products should be distributed in the same manner or at a heavily subsidized rate (sex is a choice but menstruating is not a choice for girls and a lot of parents with several girls cannot afford it).

Good sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system. It implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so. Menstrual hygiene is part of basic health hygiene and one of the most fundamental issues concerning reproductive health. Every girl should have the right to such services that would help them maintain their dignity and wellbeing during their menstruation period. 

I am OGUNJINMI MARTINS AYODELE, the Chief Executive Officer(C.E.O.) of YOUTHS ENLIGHTENMENT SENITEL (Y.E.S.) an NGO for the girl child, where we enlighten the young ones how to take care of them self and most importantly how to take care of the old, not been carried away with the wave of just growing up but growing up to make a difference. A final year medical student of BINGHAM UNIVERSITY KARU AND BINGHAM UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (ECWA EVANGEL) JOS, PLATEAU STATE NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA. 

Find YES! on Facebook and Instagram. 

The post What’s It Like to Have Your Period in Nigeria? appeared first on Eco-Chick.

Tackling sexual violence against women in the Congo is a direct way to fight deforestation.  

Let me explain: Africa’s Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world, second only to that of the Amazon Basin. Both of these rainforests combined make up what is known as the ‘lungs of the planet’; the Amazon being the right, Congo the left.  

This left side of the Earth’s vital organ is the world’s largest reservoir of CO2 carbon, holding 30 Gt of Carbon, or the equivalent to 20 years of fossil fuel emissions for the United States. It’s land so fertile that a trip down a dirt road has been described as  driving through a fruit salad. It’s a land so rich in minerals, it’s been dubbed the Saudi Arabia of the tech age.

This land is currently appealing to militias because of the demand for Cobalt, which is used in lithium-ion batteries — basically all of our gadgets and electric car batteries. 

We all may be carrying a piece of Congo around in our pockets. And while nobody wants to think that their smartphone is contributing to the raping of women, girls, and even babies, data reveals it does. 

Last year, expected growth in Elon Musk’s Tesla market triggered a surge in cobalt prices, along with a boom in supply from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Record prices unleashed a modern-day gold rush in the embattled nation and thousands of small-scale miners scrambled to exploit rich mineral deposits, often working illegally in dangerous makeshift pits. Supply from these so-called artisanal miners more than doubled between 2016 and 2018, according to trading house Darton Commodities. 

And according to Bloomberg, even though the current cobalt market is depressed, a rebound could be ahead as automakers roll out electric-car models.

While cobalt suppliers scramble take a piece of Congo’s mineral pie, its rainforest, like that of the Amazon—along with its biodiversity and ability to breathe for our planet—is under great threat due to deforestation from intensive mineral exploitation. A new study reveals this vital forest may completely vanish by 2100.

Women’s Bodies as a Unique Battlefield

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1820 states that sexual violence is “a tactic of war to humiliate, dominate, instill fear in, disperse and/or forcibly relocate civilian members of a community or an ethnic group.”

It works. Chouchou Namegabe has seen that violence first-hand (see part 1 of our interview with this Congolese journalist here). The “silent war” in the Congo was a euphemism for using rape to destabilize communities.

“They gave orders to militias; you have to use the silent war,” says Chouchou, who shares one woman’s story (warning: brutal scenes ahead):  

“She was raped. Every day she was attached to the trees. They used such atrocities that really make her suffer.” Some of the women were even forced to eat their babies, Chouchou tells me. Another woman’s story:  

“When I met her, she was lost. She saw her five kids being killed in front of her. Five! She was obliged to eat the flesh every day because they told her ‘it will give you the strength to resist’. And while she pleaded with her assailants to kill her they merely replied, ‘No. We can’t give you a good death.” 

Chouchou explains this was not only a physical torture, but a spiritual torture. 

As a result of the trans-generational trauma, along with impunity for rebel leaders, a culture of rape has seeped into the fabric of communities. It’s to the point that sexual assault is so normalized that young babies are often raped.

According to Unicef: “Sexual violation of women erodes the fabric of a community in a way that few weapons can. Rape’s damage can be devastating because of the strong communal reaction to the violation and pain stamped on entire families. The harm inflicted in such cases on a woman by a rapist is an attack on her family and culture, as in many societies women are viewed as repositories of a community’s cultural and spiritual values.”

Hearing Chouchou’s stories above, that’s not hard to understand.

What’s more is that the damage to cultural and community life wrought by the use of sexual violence in warfare can persist for generations. Long-term psychological damage and ongoing suffering mean that such violence affects not only the immediate victim but also her children and grandchildren, family, extended family and community life, according to this report.

“Rape has become kind of a social disease because it was done by rebel groups, by foreign groups, and when people saw that there was no justice, the civilians started copying that. People think they can use women’s bodies as they want,” says Chouchou. 

No Justice, No Peace

In 2006, Chouchou urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to include rape and sexual violence in its list of charges against former Congolese commander, Thomas Lubanga. She was thinking of justice for the victims. To prove her case, she hand delivered testimonies to the ICC documenting Lubanga’s use of sexual violence during the conflict. In 2012 Lubanga was convicted of war crimes and sentenced to 30 years in prison—but not for sexual violence. 

Chouchou explains there’s still no justice: “We saw that in his charges, there were not charges of rape and sexual violence. So we went to the ICC and they said there was no proof. Then they said they’d start investigations.”

While it was over thirteen years ago that she hand-delivered these messages to the ICC urged the ICC to include rape as a weapon of war in his list of charges, she has yet to hear back: “We’re still waiting on the investigation.”

Bad for women, bad for the environment 

Backing up Chouchou’s experience, research reveals that mining leads to violence against women. When women are broken, communities disintegrate—and are left unable to fight for the health of their land. Nobody is worrying about deforestation when they are physically and mentally traumatized.

Mining hurts both women’s bodies and the environment. Mining inevitably leads to  large-scale environmental devastation. An investigation by the DRC-based PREMICONGO, supported by the Dutch-based watchdog coalition GOOD Electronics Network, has observed the industry’s toxic public-health consequences and impacts on critical ecosystems: A dyke built by the company has diverted the local Mabende River, and local wells have dwindled and drinking water supplies are endangered.

Chemical discharges due to lack of sedimentation tanks have left swaths of the forest “destroyed by the spreading of acid on the ground,” without protective measures for endangered species.

Due to massive deforestation, villagers have lost crucial income sources due to the destruction of traditional forest-based food cultivation, including medicinal plants, fruits and mushrooms. While mining companies reap the profits, locals are left with no compensation for the impact on these indigenous resources, one of the few other economic resources other than the unregulated artisanal mine work. 

Mining changed everything

Before her country began exporting its mineral resources for a global commodities market, Chouchou explains that rape did not even exist. 

“In our culture, we didn’t have clothes before the economization,” says Chouchou. “Before, in the ancient tradition, people had their nipples out with a small cloth, but there was no rape. You say because a girl is in a short dress, it will push men to rape,” she says, but it wasn’t that way in the past when partial nudity was simply a part of the culture. 

While Chouchou is tired of the impunity, the continual raping of women and children, and waiting for a response from the ICC, she still has hope:

“For those [cases] who were brought into the first 20 years ago, they ask them to bring the proof. What proof can they bring — their underwear? We hope they really take into account the seriousness of rape and sexual violence.” 

Back at Chouchou’s home in New York, I step outside with the videographer. When I come back inside, there’s another woman is in the house. Her hair is in a curly bob, and she’s wearing a sweater, leggings, and socks. She’s relaxing on the couch with the children who’ve been brought back into the room. I assume it’s Chouchou’s sister, but when I see the espadrilles thrown to the side of the front door, I realize it’s Chouchou herself. She’s removed her traditional attire and no longer resembles the embattled warrior queen, but a mum hanging with her kids, working tirelessly for justice for the women in her country.  

“#MeToo gave me hope and I’m hoping someday we have a movement like this, that will change everything.” 

Read part 1 of this 2-part series on Chouchou Namegabe’s work to help rape victims in the Congo here.

The post Preventing Rape in the Congo Fights Deforestation—Here’s How appeared first on Eco-Chick.