Fashion and the Global Goals. Style & Resilience Co- Organizes the First Sustainable Fashion event at the United Nations. by Dena Mekawi

16 November 2017 - Thursday Briefing 

"Fashion and Sustainability: Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good"

Using Fashion as a Vehicle for Change

DPI NGO Briefing followed by a Sustainable Fashion Showcase

Date: 16 November 2017

Time: 11 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Location: Conference Room 4, UNHQ, NY

Women’s National Book Association

Dena Mekawi, Founder of Style & Resilience, and representative of Women’s National Book Association co-organized the Sustainable fashion show at the United Nations, November 16, 2017, along with the DPI NGO sub-committee , United Nations DPI. Taking the passion she had for style, fashion and beauty, into the United Nations 17 Global Goals framework. Dena says “  I wanted to creatively engage millennial into really understanding how they consume fashion. Fashion consumptions affects unpaid labor, forced child labor, especially in developing countries for women and girls, with the access and resources we have, now more than ever people have the tools to shift into a better circular economy.” 

Dena creatively came up with the social media marketing, along with the hashtag  #rolemodel4fashion, as a representation of models beyond runway models. Mirroring models within fashion, being the change makers and shifting how we consume fashion, makes us real role models. 

Did you know, the fashion industry’s CO2 emissions are projected to increase by more than 60% to nearly 2.8 billion tons per year by 2030- the equivalent of emissions produced by nearly 230 million passenger vehicles driven for a year.

#rolemodel4fashion. Also, over 50% of workers are not paid the minimum wage in countries like India or Philippines.

What if someone told you it takes 2,700 liters of water to grow enough cotton for one T-shirt, an amount equal to one person’s drinking water for 900 days? 

This was just one of the statistics about the fashion industry’s social and environmental effects shared at this month’s United Nations Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organizations briefing, “Fashion and Sustainability: Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good: Using Fashion as a Vehicle for Change.”

The briefing, moderated by Patrick Duffy, founder of the Global Fashion Exchange, featured panelists from global organizations working to enact change in the industry and was followed by a fashion showcase, the first of its kind at the UN. Five designers presented sustainable clothing collections to an audience comprising designers and companies, students from multiple New York universities, NGOs, UN officials, and ambassadors.

One way Ottoboni wields that power is by avoiding “fast fashion,” a term referring to companies releasing new clothing collections quickly and cheaply, leading to more textile waste and consumption of resources.

While some sustainable purchases cost more, Ottoboni suggests those with limited budgets can consider spending more on a garment that will last longer instead of buying new clothes more often.

She also believes that in the long term, “ethical sourcing and things like that will become a norm and become less expensive as demand increases.”

The enthusiastic audience at the UN briefing and showcase suggests the trajectory is already in motion, and Ottoboni is especially encouraged by this statistic: 65 percent of consumers are now actively seeking sustainable fashion.  

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18 Lipstick Brands That Are Full Of Cancer Causing Heavy Mercury Metals by Dena Mekawi

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The makeup industry is secretly one of the most corrupt industries in the world, whether you believe it or not. The chemicals women are putting on their faces today are toxic; if you don’t believe me see for yourself.

 

The makeup industry uses some of the most profound carcinogenic chemicals ever known. Lots of lipsticks contain toxic heavy metals in them. Always check the ingredients labels before you purchase your next lipstick. The CEO’s of these makeup companies are making billions per year at the expense of your health. Of course, they’re not the only ones doing this. Many corporations that control our food and water do the very same thing. It’s no wonder cancer is on such a rapid rise.

 

Were you aware of the fact that the US has little health regulations and no required health testing before their products hit the shelves? This is an open window for the greedy CEO’s to save millions of dollars; at the price of your health. They particularly use harmful chemicals in deodorants, foundations, powders, lipsticks, and shampoos. The Environmental Defense Group tested 49 makeup items for their levels of toxic metals. What they found was stunning. In fact, almost all of the most popular makeup brands tested for highly toxic metals. They tested the following.

 

5 foundations

 

4 powders

 

4 concealers

 

8 lipsticks or glosses

 

5 blushes or bronzers

 

7 mascaras

 

2 eyeliners

 

14 eye shadows

 

Around 96% of the makeup products tested contained lead-based ingredients. 90% contained beryllium based ingredients, and 61% contained thallium based ingredients. That’s not all either; 51% had cadmium and 20% contained arsenic. It’s clear to see that these are not chemicals that belong in makeup products, or anything else that comes in contact with people for that matter.

 

List of carcinogenic lipstick:

 

1. (#103c), Stargazer Lipstick

2. (#1005 Red Lizard), NARS Semi-Matte

3.(#410 Volcanic), L’Oreal Colour Riche

4.(#125 Pink Petal), Maybelline Color Sensational

5. (#165 Tickled Pink), L’Oreal Colour Riche

6. (#580 Ruby Remix), CoverGirl Queen Collection Vibrant Hues

7. (#27 Mauvey), Sonia Kashuk Luxury Lip Color

8. (#748 Heroic), L’Oreal Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor

9. (#025 Warm Brick), CoverGirl Continuous Color

10. (#475 Mauve Me), Maybelline Color Sensation

11. (#009 Fabulous Fig), Revlon Matte

12. (#1009 Funny Face), NARS Semi-Matte

13. (#375 Ripened Red), Revlon ColorStay

14. (#558 Mad for Mauve), Avon Beyond Color

15. (#530 Mauve Amour), L’Oreal Endless

16. (#631 Luminous Pink), Revlon Super Lustrous Peal

17. (Toffee), Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer

18. (#643 Satin Plum), Revlon Super Lustrous Peal

 

 

 

 Sponsored by Revcontent

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Sustainable Development Goals by Dena Mekawi

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

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The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

These 17 Goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities. The goals are interconnected – often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another.

The SDGs work in the spirit of partnership and pragmatism to make the right choices now to improve life, in a sustainable way, for future generations. They provide clear guidelines and targets for all countries to adopt in accordance with their own priorities and the environmental challenges of the world at large. The SDGs are an inclusive agenda. They tackle the root causes of poverty and unite us together to make a positive change for both people and planet. “Poverty eradication is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda, and so is the commitment to leave no-one behind,” UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said. “The Agenda offers a unique opportunity to put the whole world on a more prosperous and sustainable development path. In many ways, it reflects what UNDP was created for.”

In the report Better Business, Better World, from Business and Sustainable Development Commission, the business case for sustainability is evaluated from a macro perspective. In short the research shows that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals — to end extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030, offers a compelling growth strategy for individual businesses and for business in general. Achieving the Global Goals creates at least $12 trillion U.S. in opportunities in four economic systems examined by the Commission; food and agriculture, cities, energy and materials, and health and well-being can generate up to 380 million jobs, mostly in developing countries.

Skroupa: Why should companies engage around the SDGs?

Weidman-Grunewald: The SDGs provide an international common language and framework, increasingly used to define and measure impacts. It also helps companies to describe their value throughout the value chain and respond to requests that include non-financial measurements.

The SDGs also provide investors with an insight on how government decision-making and company behavior will shape the development of the global economy over the next 15 years. By setting policy makers’ priorities, the SDGs will be a key driver of global GDP growth and source of investment opportunities. Investors are in general more concerned with companies’ sustainability risk profiles as well as interested in understanding sustainability-related business opportunities.

It provides an engagement model internally as well as externally, i.e. both with employees, with customers, investors as well as different societal stakeholders.

Here is a list of 17 SDGs and 17 companies that are doing their part to make the world a better place.

1. NO POVERTY

Visa brings financial services to the underserved.

2. ZERO HUNGER

General Mills gives meals to local food banks.

3. GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Kaiser Permanente invests in healthy communities.

4. QUALITY EDUCATION

LEGO funds children’s play, learning, and creativity.

5. GENDER EQUALITY

Participant Media teaches students worldwide about Malala.

6. CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

Kimberly-Clark recognizes that toilets change lives.

7. AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

Cummins is investing in solar power.

8. DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Microsoft YouthSpark helps young people develop computer skills.

9. INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Qualcomm brings wireless technology to underserved communities.

10. REDUCED INEQUALITIES

Citi sees diversity as a source of strength.

11. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Siemens celebrates communities that foster green and sustainable economic solutions.

12. RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

Nike uses recycled materials in most of its gear

.13. CLIMATE ACTION

JetBlue teaches customers and crew about climate change.

14. LIFE BELOW WATER

Discovery Channel supports clean oceans.

15. LIFE ON LAND

The North Face protects outdoor areas.

16. PEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

AirBnB helps provide refugee relief workers with places to stay.

17. PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

TripAdvisor partners with GlobalGiving to identify and support locally-driven nonprofits with SDG-focused missions.

Why should Muslims "condemn" an act of terrorism? My religion already represents peace by Dena Mekawi

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Turn on the news, watching an act of terror, as muslims we all have the same thought process. Please don't let it be a muslim. We all know the negative and false depiction of muslims in the media.  It’s not muslims job to “condemn” any violent act carried by a coward that claims to be part of a specific religion. It’s your job, as global citizens to notice how media portrays muslims. When an act of terror happens and the person is a non Muslim, he isn’t classified as a terrorist. It’s like we wait for the backlash, it’s an endless cycle. This post is not to prove that muslims aren’t “terrorist”. This post is to educate and shift the narrative of how media is trying to paint the picture of muslims, while pushing the agenda and representation of muslims, through peace and light. Fashion is my way of self- expression- it’s universal, it shows we are all interconnected somehow, it creates dialogue. If I can communicate through that , I’m informing you and enlightening. We need to educate others the real side of what mainstream media doesn't want to portray. Every religion represents peace, once a person claims to be of a certain religion and carries out an act of violence, they are no longer a representation of that religion. Let us unite through peace, love & unity. 

Block Chain by Dena Mekawi

Building a Better World, where Crypto and Real Economies are Bridged

by Valentin Preobrazhenskiy, founder of LAToken

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A couple of years ago, universal recognition of blockchain technology opened up amazing opportunities for entrepreneurs around the globe to revolutionize almost every economic sector, from finance and real estate to healthcare and transport. LAToken contributes to the ongoing revolution by adding blockchain to antiquated processes still used for selling assets and investing money. We made hard assets tradable in crypto to bridge crypto and real economies, enabling small investors to get access to previously closed markets, like real estate and artworks, and significantly improving user experience of trading.

 

Room for improvement

For more than 7 years, I’ve been working for global investment companies and hedge funds. I couldn’t help but notice how old-fashioned the traditional capital markets are. They simply can’t effectively reallocate money in the economy from the players who are in a situation of over-liquidity to those who can use them to create additional value because of three main reasons.

First of all, transaction costs — commissions can be as high as 25–30% — result in tens of thousands of dollars losses every time anything big is bought or sold. Secondly, intransperancy of markets creates asymmetry of information, when investors don’t get the full data about the asset that the owners have. It leads to erosion of markets: low-quality assets become more profitable to sell than high-quality assets.

Finally, many markets are closed to retail buyers — for example, the entrance level for real estate and artworks markets stand at thousands of dollars. Even if you see an amazing investment opportunity, you wouldn’t be able to invest without a considerable starting capital.

All this slows the economic growth, reduces the productivity of companies and entire regions, and deprives many quality ideas of the opportunity to be implemented. The money just doesn’t het to be at the right time at the right place. The system shouldn’t look like this in the 21st century. There’s a huge room for improvement. And we know how to fill it in.

The Blockchain Revolution

To build something big and attractive, you have to have a vision of the way things could be done better. That’s something that the brilliant and still unidentified creator of bitcoin — Satoshi Nakamoto — definitely possessed, when he posted a White Paper, describing the groundbreaking technology behind the new cryptocurrency.

In simple words, it was a shared, trusted, public ledger that everyone could inspect, but no single user could control. It soon became clear that blockchain could transform the whole economy, working as a «trust machine», removing middlemen from any transactions, bringing disruptive cost reduction and unprecedented transparency to the traditional processes.

Bitcoin provided the first example of how the outdated payment process could be revolutionized by replacing banks and other financial institutions with a mathematical algorithm. The idea was so attractive, that the capitalization of bitcoin leaped to $70 billion in just 9 years, overtaking such giants as FedEx and PayPal.

The Better Crypto World

Bitcoin’s rapid take off didn’t go unnoticed, and after a few years the technology behind bitcoin finally got the appreciation it deserved, with everyone from governments and regulators to global corporations and startups looking for ways to use blockchain with their products and services.

Last year, in a vote of confidence for blockchain technology, the Republic of Georgia, in cooperation with blockchain industry pioneer the BitFury Group, decided to implement the technology for validating property-related government transactions. Since the launch of the project in February 2017, more than 100,000 documents have been registered the new way.

Global corporations have joined the race as well. In November 2015, the world’s biggest financial institutions formed the R3 consortium to research and develop blockchain database use in the financial industry. They already got positive results, proving that the technology can help facilitate easier interaction in banks’ back-end infrastructures when processing trades. And Barclays already carried out the world’s first blockchain trade transactioncutting a process that takes 7–10 days to less than 4 hours.

I could go on forever with these blockchain success stories. Looking back, we can say that, in many ways, the triumph of the technology was predetermined. If we are being honest, we have to admit that the current systems are too clumsy, too expensive, and too slow, as well as overregulated and opaque. Blockchain can change everything. Once the LAToken team came to that conclusion and realized that the whole economy is on the edge of a technological revolution, we quickly picked our slice of the growing crypto-economy pie.

LAToken is a Game Changing Platform

Just like Satoshi ten years ago, we have a vision of the world, where the new transparent, fast, decentralized crypto economy is finally bridged with the real assets.

The differences between LAT platform and traditional markets are striking. For example, if you were to invest in real estate right now, you’d have to get a large amount of money for the lump-sum mortgage, go through tedious paper works and lawyers, and you’ll also have to bear a massive burden should the real estate market fail. With LAToken, you can buy tokens — fractions of the hard assets instead of paying huge money upfront which is massive gamble.

We have already built the first multi-asset tokenization platform, where hard assets, ranging from Apple or Tesla shares to gold and real estate ETFs are already traded for cryptocurrency. New asset classes will be added soon to enable you to buy fractions of rare paintings, French castles or New York penthouses with just $100 and sell it with profit in a few years. Or you can get cash by selling your house by fractions to thousands of investors without borrowing money and paying interest.

This is the world we are building. We make the markets liquid, transparent and safe, and bring transaction costs to minimum (0,001–0,1%). This way we give the crypto holders an opportunity to diversify portfolio without converting to fiat. Owners of illiquid assets, such as real estate or works of art, can tokenize them and sell by fractions with a liquidity premium estimated at 10–40%. Fiat traders can prefer LAToken to NASDAQ due to lower transaction costs and 24/7 availability.

Thanks to the advantages of LAT Platform and the easy process of creating new tokens backed by real assets, assets worth $1.2 trillion can be tokenized and traded on the LAT Platform by 2025, while the total crypto market capitalization can reach $5tn, according to LAT Crypto Research. We believe crypto will dominate the global economy. And we work hard to bring crypto expansion to multi-trillion dollar markets closer to make them fit for the 21st century.

Just two days are left till the end of LAT Token Sale

(ends on October 10 at 6 pm GMT).

We are #1 among tokenization platform by funds raised with $18+ million raised from 12,000+ contributions.

Don’t miss the chance to join our community and get LAT with an 8% bonus(can expire at any moment, when a batch of 2,5M LAT is sold).