But this change didn’t come about overnight. In fact, Copenhagen used to be just like any other city – polluted and fully dependent on fossil fuels. But when the 1973 Oil Crisis happened, its leaders sought to change the city’s environmental policies.

What happened next was a total transformation, turning Copenhagen into a sustainable city that decreased its water and energy consumption without sacrificing economic growth. As a result, Copenhagen has become the holy grail for urban planners and policy makers – proof that a vibrant green economy is possible and sustainable.

For the latest in our ‘Green City Goals’ series, let’s take a look at eight initiatives Copenhagen has undertaken to become the world’s greenest city.

See also: 10 Most Eco-Friendly Cities in the World

BIKES > EVs

Another misconception to clear up: while the Netherlands is the country with the most cyclists per capita, the city with the greatest number of cyclists is Copenhagen! 62 percent of Copenhageners commute to work or school using the 675,000 bicycles in the city. By 2050, it is estimated that half of all journeys across Copenhagen will be made on a bike.

While Copenhagen does view electric vehicles as another viable solution for transportation, the government has chosen to focus on bicycles by prioritising funding of the city’s cycling infrastructure.

CHARGING UP

That doesn’t mean that they’ve totally forgotten about cars though! In fact, Copenhagen is heavily investing in electric and hydrogen-powered cars too, with the local government aiming for 85 percent of the city’s fleet to comprise of these green vehicles.

It’s not the government alone that’s enamoured with EVs; residents have been making the change as well, with sales of EVs doubling in 2020 alone. To further encourage ownership of EVs or hybrids, the city is aiming that by 2025, a charging point will be available no more than 250m away from any multistorey building, guaranteeing charging accessibility throughout Copenhagen.

DECARBONISATION THROUGH RENEWABLES

With its green credentials, it’s no surprise that Copenhagen is a leading proponent of renewable energy. With the city mainly powered by wind and solar energy, its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 is firmly on track.

But the city also generates power from another renewable source – biomass. The city uses discarded wood, straw and refuse, along with human and animal waste to produce heat, electricity and biofuel.  As an example, Copenhagen’s CopenHill power plant turns waste to energy, generating up to 57MW of electricity and 190MW of heat for tens of thousands of homes and businesses.

OUTSIDE-THE-BOX THINKING

In addition to being one of the symbols of Copenhagen’s green initiatives, CopenHill is also notable for another thing – it’s an activity destination for adrenaline junkies, with a year-round artificial ski slope, hiking slope and climbing wall. This outside-the-box thinking proves that public infrastructure need not be only for a single purpose; a little daring and imagination can change the landscape and add to the city’s urban design.

And if those weren’t enough accolades for CopenHill, its cutting-edge filtration technology means that it produces more clean water than it uses!

CAPTURING HEAT AND COLD

Copenhagen has also invested in the efficient distribution of energy throughout its network – meaning that heat, which is otherwise dissipated when generating electricity, is captured and re-used through redistribution. Meanwhile, chilled water is partly cooled through the use of cold seawater, reducing demand on the electricity grid.

BIG DATA, GREEN DATA

But what truly sets Copenhagen apart is its use of data, thanks to the city’s extensive and sophisticated network of sensors that monitor energy and water consumption. This means more resources can be allocated towards generation when necessary and adjusted to minimise waste, reducing carbon emissions.

The use of water is another particular focus. Acoustic leak sensors, intelligent valves and pumps, smart water meters and software modelling have all been implemented to create an efficient water management system.

INNOVATING WASTE COLLECTION

As part of its mission to be a carbon neutral city, Copenhagen has taken a leading position in circular economics too. It has mounted an aggressive campaign for residents to separate their rubbish, as well as recycle and reuse products – which the city hopes will lead to a reduction of 59,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

What’s even more interesting is the way Copenhagen manages waste; it is pilot-testing a robotics-based facility to sort plastic. The city also currently uses waste trucks that run on biogas, but these will soon be replaced with autonomous vehicles and small EVs – reducing noise and carbon emissions.

THE OVAL GARDENS OF COPENHAGEN

“Urban garden” has become a trendy phrase in this age of sustainability – and whether its vertical farming, rooftop gardens or hydroponic systems, every city seems to have some kind of urban garden in their green strategy. But Copenhagen has another type of garden in its arsenal – one that dates back to 1948.

In the suburban district of Naerum, you’ll find 40 plots of land designed by famed landscape artist Søren Carl Theodor Marius Sørensen. Known as one of the world’s most visually appealing allotment gardens, these ‘Oval Gardens’ are meant to not only add to the overall aesthetic of the district, but also to impress upon owners the importance of nature and greenery.

See also: All Green City Goals articles

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When shopping for a summer skirt, my advice is to look for those made from natural materials. Not only are they perfect for the humid weather, but they’re also generally more eco-friendly and durable than synthetic fabrics. 

Here are my three of my favourite sustainable skirt picks, made from different natural fabrics:

See also: 3 Eco Items To Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Cass Livia Skirt 

CASS’ Livia skirt is made of hemp, a fast-growing, resistant and renewable natural material that is made to last a lifetime. It grows with little water, without pesticides and is extremely durable, breathable, comfortable and great for skin, thanks to its moisture-wicking abilities. Even with all those benefits, hemp still has one more trick up its sleeve – it’s also considered a carbon-negative raw material, as it absorbs more carbon than it produces.

This skirt design is timeless and I love its simplicity. I’m currently pairing it with a crop top and squared heels for a classy and elegant look, or with a t-shirt and sandals for a more relaxed vibe. 

Available at CASS

Mayamiko Doreen Mini Skirt

Mayamiko’s Doreen Skirt is made from pure rain-fed organic cotton grown in Uganda, and crafted at a fair trade workshop by talented artisans in Malawi. Organic cotton is made from natural seeds, with zero pesticides or other harmful chemicals used when growing the plant.

This skirt is so soft that I get slightly emotional at the end of the day when it’s time to take it off! It’s a great summer staple and I love pairing it with a cami during the weekend or a shirt on work days. I personally wish more brands would follow Mayamiko’s lead and promote fair trade practices, as I believe that the people who made my clothes should be paid fairly for their work.

Available at Mayamiko

See also: Sustainability Defined: 10 Useful Eco Fashion Terms

Linen Handmade Studio Valencia Slit Skirt

Linen Handmade Studio’s Valencia Skirt is made of linen, a strong but lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. It is naturally hypoallergenic and very breathable, making it a great material for warm weather. I love this skirt because the design is so fun, yet it’s smart enough to wear to work when paired with a shirt.

What’s great about this brand is that their designs are made-to-order; with 27 different colours to choose from, you can pick the best shade to fit your capsule wardrobe. Made-to-order business models help reduce waste and minimise surplus stock but are they the future of sustainable fashion? Keep in mind that small businesses like these need your support as they face scalability issues. 

Available at Linen Handmade Studio

This summer, let’s rethink the way we buy fashion. Read clothing labels carefully, take time to research materials and support small businesses whenever you can. Through these small yet conscious steps, we can make a difference in the future of our planet!

See also: 3 Sustainable Mini Handbags To Invest In For Summer

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Want to keep the changing of the seasons distinct and beautiful but still sustainable? Keep reading for 8Shades’ picks of the coolest eco-friendly shades!

See also: 6 Sustainable Sun Hats & Visors for Summer Protection

KNWLS: Yellow Adrenaline Oval Sunglasses

With a slanted oval shape, these sunglasses from the latest it-girl brand KNWLS are one of our faves this season for those sunny days. Not only do they have the most unique silhouette that just begs to be complimented, but they are also handcrafted from 100 percent recycled acrylic!

Available at SSENSE

Bird: Athene Clear Sunglasses

We’re not sure if you’ve noticed, but clear frames seem to be back in fashion and we’re loving how wearable and chic they are! The eco-conscious eyewear label Bird makes its frames with Mazzucchelli cellulose acetate — a naturally derived material made from wood pulp.

Available at Bird Eyewear

& Other Stories: Brown Tortoise Squared Thick Frame Sunglasses

A cheaper alternative that doesn’t compromise on style, & Other Stories’ rectangle tortoiseshell shades have an unmistakably strong look that simply stands out amongst the rest! We also adore that they’re made from 85 percent recycled polyester, processed from plastic bottles and textile waste.

Available at & Other Stories

Waterhaul: Harlyn Aqua Sunglasses

On the hunt for something bright and colourful to go with summer’s vibrant palette? Well, these ocean-coloured shades are just the thing! What we love most about these round-framed shades though is that they are designed to be saltwater-resistant and are made from 100 percent recycled fishing net recovered in Cornwall, UK.

Available at Waterhaul

Proof Eyewear: Grove Wood Sunglasses

Looking for something way different? We got you. These unconventional sunglasses with a vintage vibe are handmade from sustainably sourced wood, and hand-polished with water- and sweat-resistant plant-based sealant. As it turns out, you really can have your cake and eat it too.

Available at Proof Eyewear

Szade x Impala: Dollin Sunglasses

This one’s for all the Barbie girls in a Barbie world! These matte bubblegum-pink shades with 90s inspired flame decals on the sides are so much more than meets the eye. Szade makes its sunglasses from broken-down and recycled sunglasses collected in China that were destined for landfill — tackling the waste problem at its source.

Available at Szade

Read also: 8 Bio-Acetate Sunglasses to Reinvent Your Summer Wardrobe

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However, this hasn’t stopped the city from pursuing a better, greener future. Over the past 40 years, Mumbai has experienced a 0.25°C temperature increase every decade; this, together with the near-annual devastating floods that the city experiences, has provided leaders the impetus to tackle climate change.

The result? The Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) – a 30-year roadmap that lays out short-, middle- and long-term climate goals for the city to mitigate the impact of climate change and secure its future.

There is a lot riding on the success of the MCAP. Not only is this a long overdue step in the right direction for the city, but it will also serve as a template for other cities in a similar position to Mumbai. If they can do it, then it’s proof that ‘sustainability’ is not just a first-world buzzword but is in fact, something tangible and achievable by all. We take a look at seven ways Mumbai is working on becoming more sustainable.

See also: 8 Cool Sustainability Initiatives In Paris

FLOOD CONTROL WATER TANKS

The most immediate problem that city planners must solve is Mumbai’s annual flooding. While climate change has shrunk the city’s annual monsoon period from 120 to 70 days, the volume of rain has increased – and it’s often accompanied by gusty winds that contribute to further damage. To mitigate this, Mumbai has installed underground water pumps designed to siphon excess water and store it in massive underground silos. It has constructed three of these structures, creating a capacity of over 26 million litres.

Conservationists are also constructing 6,000 ‘rainwater harvesting pits’ in municipal gardens. They hope that these structures – which hold up to 5,000 litres – will prove popular enough for residents to install them in their neighbourhoods.

CLEANING UP

While Mumbai is India’s wealthiest city and home to the country’s highest number of millionaires and billionaires, it is also home to the country’s poorest population. In fact, over 40 percent of Mumbai’s population live in slums with little to no access to proper sanitation.

This simple but critical problem led Hindustan Unilever to establish hygiene and sanitation community centres around the city, with six open so far. They function as oases to slum dwellers – providing them with access to potable water, functioning toilets and laundry facilities, moving them away from using the city’s waterways for these activities.

ELECTRIFIED TUK-TUKS

Transport is another key focus, with plans to electrify Mumbai’s extensive urban transport network – including its cars, motorcycles, tuk-tuks and buses – to cut emissions and pollution. Authorities are targeting that by 2025, 10 percent of all registered new vehicles will be electric.

Mumbai’s state bus corporation will also put more than 2,000 electric buses on the road by 2023, as it begins a programme to convert 15 percent of its fleet to electric. The government is also encouraging residents to make the switch to EVs by implementing tax concessions and creating more charging stations.

SWAPPING COAL FOR THE SUN

However, the success of Mumbai’s EV programme hinges on the city being able to switch to more renewable energy sources. Currently, its entire grid is almost wholly powered by coal, which would make any EV programme expensive and unsustainable. Authorities are thus betting heavily on solar power; only green power projects will be approved going forwards, with a heavy focus on solar energy.

By 2026, Mumbai aims to generate over 17 gigawatts of electricity from the sun, helping the city meet its target of 35 percent of energy consumption coming from renewables. Buildings will be a focus for the increased installation of solar power sources, as they make up most of the city’s energy emissions.

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

Mumbai generates over 10,000 tonnes of waste daily that is delivered to landfills with little to no separation or processing, thereby further aggravating methane emissions. The city is aiming to cut its waste emissions by 10 percent via a zero-landfill waste management plan and planting urban forests.

While this is laudable, civic groups have also taken it upon themselves to accelerate this zero-waste strategy. Startups like Mumbai-based Skrap have been busy educating other businesses and organisations by preaching the gospel of ‘zero waste’. They also hold waste-free events with corporate partners to demonstrate simple, innovative ways to be eco-friendly and alleviate waste disposal.

PLANTING THE SEEDS FOR REGREENING

One of the most striking things about Mumbai’s current situation is its lack of green cover. Over the past 30 years, Mumbai’s development has sacrificed urban greenery, losing as much as 42.5 percent of its green cover to public and private infrastructure projects.

To reverse this, over 400,000 trees have been planted through volunteering efforts – and to advance this further, the city is borrowing the Miyawaki Method of cramming more trees into small corners to restore greenery. While this method alone won’t reverse decades of deforestation, it’s a positive step: between 2011 and 2021, Mumbai has recorded a 9 percent increase in forest cover.

SHOW ME THE MONEY

All these plans – while well and good – will require funding. Mumbai is fortunate enough to be India’s wealthiest city with access to a $6 billion annual budget. As the home to India’s wealthiest individuals and families, the possibility of privately funded initiatives is also more likely.

To further backstop this access to investment, the government has been raising funds through ‘green bonds’ that are geared towards climate mitigation projects. Since 2015, India has so far raised over $9.6 billion locally and overseas.

See also: 10 Most Eco-Friendly Cities in the World

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Before you head to the supermarket to pick up those cheap and cheerful plastic beach toys you noticed hanging next to the grocery counter, why not do a bit of forward planning and consider some more eco-friendly toys instead?

Traditional beach toys are often made of cheap PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastics that contain compounds such as BPAs and phthalates, chemicals that have been proven to be harmful to humans. Since they also crack and chip easily, these toys are typically thrown out after just a few uses – where they can then take more than 400 years to decompose.

Some people leave their discarded toys on the beach too; these often end up washing into the sea, breaking down into microplastics and wreaking havoc on our ecosystems.

Thankfully, a growing number of toy makers have started using biodegradable materials such as bamboo fibre, bioplastic or recyclable silicone for their beach toys. Apart from being environmentally friendly, these are more durable and will serve your little ones longer than their plastic counterparts. Here are eight fun ideas to get you started.

LoveLotte Eco Beach Set

Made from soft-touch bamboo fibre, LoveLotte’s Eco Beach Set is biodegradable – and if lost in the ocean or buried in the sand, the toys will break down in approximately 12 months.

Available at Amazon

Hevea Flipper & Beach Toy Set

This pair of baby flippers and cute beach toy are made from a mix of natural and recycled rubber in order to reduce its environmental footprint.

Available at Smallable

Dantoy Toy Truck

This 29x17x15cm truck is made to last, created with bioplastic, 90 percent sugar cane and vinylon, without pesticides and comes in a recycled cardboard box. It’s even dishwasher safe too!

Available at Smallable

Liewood Sand Toys Set

Danish eco-brand Liewood has created this super cute ice-cream shaped sand toy set made from 100 percent silicone.

Available at Babyshop

The Beach People Beach Toy Set

Made from unbleached compostable bamboo and bioplastic with hemp rope handles, this set of four toys with a pail and three tools ideal for sandcastle building also comes in a handy canvas bag.

Available at The Beach People

Scrunch Sand Moulds Set

These super bendy sand moulds are made from 100 percent silicone and come in a set of four different animal shapes in a matching net bag.

Available at Baby Central HK

Scrunch Foldable Flyer

This 18cm-diametre frisbee is foldable, soft, weighs only 65 grams and is made from 100 percent silicone – making it ideal for throwing in your bag for beach days.

Available at Baby Central HK

PlanToys Penguin Sailing Boat

This colourful sailboat from award-winning sustainable Thai toy brand PlanToys is made from chemical free, kiln-dried recycled rubber wood and designed with water-based, non-toxic accent colours.

Available at Amazon

See also: 8Shades’ Guide to a Sustainable Beach Day

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Following on from our tips on how to organise a sustainable junk trip, why not go the extra mile and make sure your food is as healthy and eco-friendly as possible too? With that in mind, we’ve rounded up five great junk catering options in Hong Kong for the perfect eco-junk trip.

Knead

When on a junk trip, sometimes all we knead is a sandwich. Knead is a grab-and-go sandwich joint in Sheung Wan, where you can customise your own sandwiches or salads with 35 topping choices, along with various bread options like sourdough and flatbread.

Knead’s junk catering menu offers a choice of wrap and salad lunch sets that come with a brownie tray, as well as healthier salad trays, and small bites. There’s also antipasto platters or pastry sets, plus the option to add biodegradable plates, cutlery and napkins, and plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices too.

Find out more at Knead

Habitu

Habitu is a European-style café that uses only the best ingredients from around the world. Their sharing platters come loaded with a variety of dishes, ranging from pasta and quesadillas to seafood dishes. Alternatively, pick and choose from their lunch boxes, bento sets and sandwiches, alongside adding some sweet treats. You can even order two-litre or four-litre coffee pots to sober up after your junk trip!

Habitu takes care to minimise the use of plastic in their catering orders; all food is packaged in paper boxes with biodegradable paper plates and wooden cutlery.

Find out more at Habitu

Tai Tai Pie Pies

Offering an alternative to your standard sandwiches, pies aren’t that common in Hong Kong – but they certainly make for an easy meal while out at sea! Specialists Tai Tai Pie Pies have an extensive selection to choose from, including classic steak pies and desserts like apple pie; you can even find vegetarian options like their Impossible plant-based meat pie and Omnipork sausage roll, both made with vegan pastry.

Tai Tai Pie Pies also offer whole cakes, making it a great option for birthday junks; their extra-large pies come in reusable glass dishes, which you can return to receive a HK$20 rebate on your next order. While Tai Tai Pie Pies don’t have specific junk catering menus, they do offer next-day delivery of their pies via their website, making it perfect for add-ons or last-minute planners.

Find out more at Tai Tai Pie Pies

Nosh

Most people know Nosh from their healthy meal plan services, but they also do catering! Their junk platter menu will cover an entire day’s worth of seaside activities with plenty of guilt-free snacks and is great for large groups.

All Nosh’s ingredients are sourced sustainably, with vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options on their menu, as well as hearty mains like peri-peri chicken steak and beef meatballs. For HK$250 per person, everyone will receive a morning snack, lunch with salad, afternoon snacks and dessert – all served in biodegradable sugarcane and PLA plastic packaging. Do note that you would need to reheat your mains and orders must be placed three days in advance, with a minimum of 20 orders.

Find out more at Nosh

KIN Food Halls

If nothing above catches your eye, how about some sushi? KIN makes sure that all their food is made fresh to order using regeneratively-farmed ingredients, with responsible waste management and sustainable sourcing every step of the way.

Their sustainable sushi boxes are available in 6, 12 or 18-person sizes. Best of all? They come in a reusable bamboo box that you can keep or return to KIN to receive HK$50 credit towards your next order. Other options include a morning pastries box, a cheese and charcuterie platter, a cookie selection with prosecco, or a combination of everything – and they even do next-day delivery.

Find out more at KIN

See also: 8 Ways To Make Your Junk Trips More Sustainable

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Before we immerse ourselves in Mother Nature’s warmest season, take a look at our list of eco-friendly and sustainably made beach bags that are both functional and adorable!

Beach’d: Half-Moon Crossbody

Searching for something dainty for bringing only the essentials to the seaside? Look no further than this half-moon crossbody bag, made responsibly by fair-trade weavers. Whether you choose the natural or black colour, it’s the cutest and easiest accessory for all your memorable summer outings and photo ops. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s so wearable, you can reuse it for city days too!

Available at Beach’d

Kayu: Astrid Oversized Woven Straw Tote

Like to be well-prepared? This bag is big and soft enough for all your essentials and more. Handcrafted by women in Southeast Asia using indigenous techniques from sustainable and durable jute, the Astrid tote is functional and elegant. Aside from providing them with a sensible living wage, Kayu also makes sure their cultural heritage is preserved and promoted.

Available at Kayu

Mar Y Sol: Odette Crossbody Bag

We love this slouchy bucket bag for its “effortless but I’m still cooler than you” vibe. Crafted from woven straw made locally in Madagascar, complete with durable cotton lining and a pair of tassels, this Odette crossbody is simple yet unique, and we can’t wait to flaunt it under the bright blue sky.

Available at Shopbop

Maison Métisse: Katy Beach Tote

Handwoven with dried Buri leaves by Filipino artisans, each of these square-shaped bags is hand-painted individually in a playful aesthetic. This tote from the Philippines’ Maison Métisse is the perfect summer fashion item to shine at the beach. Wear it with a sweet playsuit, a floral dress or even just your summer fits as you’re out and about — the sky’s the limit when it comes to this one!

Available at Maison Métisse

AAKS: Tia Blush

Stand out and brighten up your beach look with this intricate statement bag from AAKS. Handcrafted in Ghana with woven raffia, this colourful top-handle bag is the best prop for those Instagram stories and posts, and is guaranteed to get you loads of compliments from the beach to the brunch!

Available at AAKS

The Dharma Door: Jumbo Hemp String Bag

Who doesn’t love a string bag in the summer? Especially when it’s an upgraded fashion version! Knotted and tied from hand-spun hemp fibres by fair trade artisans in Bangladesh, this strong and versatile bag can accommodate any situation you can think of. The thick handle looks tough but is actually soft… just like our hearts when we think of the beach!

Available at The Dharma Door

See also: 8Shades’ Guide to a Sustainable Beach Day

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As always, it doesn’t have to be that way, so here are some easy ways to make your next junk trip more eco-friendly:

1. Bring reusable cutlery

It’s not uncommon to see lots of paper plates, bowls, and single-use plastic cutlery on a junk. Convenient they may be, but imagine the impact they’ll have on the environment when they end up in landfill.

Instead, bring some cutlery from home (and maybe a few extra sets for your junk trip buddies). If you need a new set, try looking at Hong Kong’s zero-waste stores such as Slowood or Liv Zero.

2. Buy compostable cutlery

It can be hard to ensure that everyone brings their own cutlery and containers. As backup, why not order some biodegradable cutlery and containers in advance. A good platform to order compostable cutlery is Vegware, if you’re lucky, you might also find some compostable cutlery and plates at your local Park’N’Shop!

3. Use reef-safe sunscreen

Did you know that conventional sunscreen can be damaging to the ocean and our skin? Common sunscreens contain toxic chemicals such as benzophenones, parabens and other skin irritants, which are absorbed into our skin after just a single application. These substances are also toxic for marine life, especially coral reefs.

Instead, choose a good, eco-friendly sunscreen that’s devoid of chemical UV filters. Some of our favourites include Thinksport’s SPF50 Sunscreen and Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30.

4. Have a recycling system onboard

Without a system in place, it’s easy for recyclable and non-recyclable materials to be mixed up amidst the chaos that normally happens during junk trips. To put a recycling system in place, simply bring a few extra biodegradable large plastic bags, which you can use to separate food waste, plastics, glass, paper and non-recyclable waste.

Make sure everyone on board is aware of this system by either labeling the bags clearly or making a quick announcement before the fun begins!

6. Potluck and/or bring your own containers

Half the fun of going on a junk is the food, and while a lot of people like to order takeaways to bring on the junk, this often adds to the single-use waste. Instead, why not go potluck style and bring something in your own reusable container(s)? If you prefer not to cook, simply bring your own containers to the restaurants or bakeries you are buying takeaways from.

6. Bring sustainable snacks to share

Everybody loves a good chat with friends on deck, preferably with a glass of wine or two! However, conventional snacks like chips or chocolate bars can result in a lot of plastic waste.

Instead, stock up on snacks from your local zero-waste store or try making some of your own! Need some plant-based junk friendly recipe inspiration? Check out the recipes below:

• Peanut butter stuffed dates
• Baked carrot fries
• Fudgey vegan brownies

7. Do a mini beach clean-up!

The pandemic has led to a significant increase in plastic waste in Hong Kong. If you have a dinghy (or small boat) with you, it may be worth stopping at a nearby beach and doing a mini-beach clean up! This isn’t just a fun activity to do with friends – it also means you’ll be giving back to our oceans while spending your day out at sea.

8. Take your rubbish with you

Lastly, be sure not to leave any plastic bags, masks or napkins on the junk without weighing them down with something. From experience, they can easily blow away into the ocean while everyone is busy having fun, adding to marine pollution and potentially injuring marine animals.

Just like the hiking trails, it’s important to leave the beauty of Hong Kong’s nature untouched, so be sure to pick up after yourselves whilst still enjoying the day out!

Read also: 5 Sustainable Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip

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When it comes to safety, make sure that your stroller is free from toxic chemicals like BPA, PVC, phthalates, or fire retardants. Look for the GREENGUARD Gold and the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications because those are the ones you want to see on the label.

For sustainability, look for strollers that are made from recycled plastic, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and other eco-friendly materials like cork or wood. If they can last till toddlerhood, even better!

If all this sounds a tad confusing, not to worry – we’ve scoured the world of strollers to come up with five green and sustainable options:

1. Bumbleride

US brand Bumbleride offers many types of eco-friendly strollers that are made from fabric upcycled from used water bottles, plus frame components made from recycled fish nets. Impressively, Bumbleride has upcycled more than one million plastic bottles to date!

All the fabric they use are OEKO-TEX certified or free from harmful chemicals and do not contain PVC, flame retardants, BPA, or phthalates. What’s more – the brand uses PFAS-free durable water repellent while it dyes its black fabrics using an innovative process that helps conserve 25 to 40 gallons of water per stroller! On the practical side, their strollers are also designed so that they can be used well beyond the newborn stage.

Shop on Bumbleride

2. Zoe Tour+

Another brand that uses 100-percent recycled materials is Zoe Tour+. Known for their lightweight and umbrella strollers, their products are also free of synthetic flame retardants, polyurethane foam, and phthalates. They use biodegradable EVA plastic for the wheels and carry the JPMA certification and meet ASTM safety standards. A downside of Zoe’s strollers is that are only recommended for ages three months and up, so you can’t use them for the first few months of your newborn.

Shop on Zoe Tour+

3. Bugaboo

Bugaboo not only makes sturdy, well-designed strollers – the company is also credited for having several commendable sustainability initiatives. For instance, it’s working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2035 and eliminating single-use plastic packaging by 2025.

Bugaboo also makes strollers that are meant to be used for many years using mostly recycled fabrics; they’re also working on replacing plastics with bio-based materials. Unlike most stroller makers in the market, Bugaboo sells replacement parts and offers service centres to repair its products.

Shop on Bugaboo

4. Nuna

When it comes to appeasing any parents’ concerns with chemicals, Nuna tops the list. All their products meet the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which certifies that they are free from harmful and allergenic substances. Further, the brand also meets the Global Organic Textile Standard, which ensures that the fibres they use are harvested and produced in an environmental and socially responsible manner.

Nuna also goes the extra mile by running an ISO 14000-certified facility, where they use alternate fuel sources such as solar-powered energy, treat wastewater, and recycling programs for plastic waste and packaging.

Shop on Nuna

5. Stokke

Norwegian brand Stokke is known worldwide for designing baby gear and accessories that combine quality and functionality. They pride themselves for transporting products efficiently, which is in line with its goal of vastly reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Further, as a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative Norway, Stokke is an advocate of ethical trade practices.

For dyeing, they use extracts from plants from fallen acorns and radix isatidis, which contain no hazardous chemicals, are processed with no wastewater, and effectively has a low environmental impact. Their strollers can be used from six months up to four years old or 48.5 lbs, and for newborns with a carrycot or car seat.

Shop on Stokke

Read also: How to Keep Microplastics Out of Your Body

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It’s all but natural for the city to lead the sustainability movement. Paris is, after all, the home of the Paris Agreement from the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) that prescribed 1.5°C as the limit for global temperature increase to prevent severe climate change effects.

In our latest series called Green City Goals, we take a look at different cities around the world and how we can all learn from their sustainable initiatives, starting with Paris.

THE 15-MINUTE CITY

Central to Paris’ sustainability efforts is the realisation of the ’15-minute city’. This concept aims to promote the idea of “hyperproximity” where the basic essentials – public transport, shops, schools, etc – are all within 15 minutes from a Parisian home. Doing this not only strengthens the local (read: neighbourhood) economy but also reduces carbon emissions by encouraging walking or biking instead of driving.

See also: Take a walk on the wild side

THE NEW AMSTERDAM

Speaking of biking, we’re familiar with the stereotype of a Parisian on a bike, wearing a beret and carrying a baguette. Well, get ready to see more of this in the near future (beret and baguette, optional). City authorities cleverly took advantage of the reduced public commuting during the COVID-19 pandemic to build over 60km (out of a 180km target) of bike lanes to add to the city’s already extensive bike lane network.

By 2026, Paris aims to be 100% cyclable with over 180,000 bike parking spaces. This program is important as Paris has passed a resolution to ban diesel cars by 2024 and all petrol cars by 2030.

BRAND NEW LUNGS

Plans are also afoot to literally green the city. Urban planners will be creating ‘urban forests’ next to landmarks such as the Gare de Lyon and Opera Garnier to add more ‘lungs’ in an increasingly congested city. More than 170,000 trees are targeted to be planted by 2030 and this is further being encouraged by updating building codes to make it easier for residents to plant trees in their neighborhoods.

A GREENER CHAMPS ELYSEES

In addition to greening the city, another eye-popping plan is the proposal to create a ‘tree tunnel’ in Paris’s most famous thoroughfare – the Champs Elysees. This is part of the masterplan to make over the 19km street in time for the 2024 Olympic Games. Not only will this transform the area to a tree-lined, urban forest but also reduce the number of car lanes from four to two, to create more space for pedestrian and green areas.

30,000 BINS AND COUNTING

Did you know that Paris is blanketed with over 30,000 bins? That’s a waste bin available every 100 metres. Authorities took this important step to ensure that waste is discarded of and recycled properly, as Paris aims to adopt a zero-waste strategy and create a circular economy. Door-to-door collection is also being stepped up, especially from restaurants and food markets with the aim of halving food waste by 2025.

REPAIR INSTEAD OF CHUCKING

However, Paris doesn’t want their residents to get the wrong idea that more waste bins should equal more waste. Part of their zero-waste strategy is to also set up ‘Ressourceries’ around the city in an effort to teach Parisians to repair things instead of throwing them away. Whether it’s furniture, appliances, clothing, or even toys, this program lets people get hands-on with keeping their “broken” items out of landfill.

SPROUTING GREEN ROOFTOPS

Paris has a green roof law dating back to 2014 – when Hidalgo took the reins of the city. It decreed that new buildings built in commercial zones must be covered by plants or solar panels. Since then, the city has made its mark in renewable energy with over 76,000sqm of solar panels already installed on Paris rooftops. By 2030, the city is targeting to have 20% of buildings equipped with these PV cells.

ZERO INTEREST ECO LOANS

One of the biggest obstacles in Paris’ greening initiatives is the question of what to do with older, heritage buildings. While new developments can easily be made sustainable and receive the ‘Habitat et Evironnement’ certification, it is tricky to retrofit older buildings and require more investment. While there is no set official template, the city government has been encouraging owners to go green by extending financial incentives such as tax credits and zero interest eco-loans.

See also: 10 Most Eco-friendly Cities in the World

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