map magazine's street editors » Conscience

BLOOD:WATER MISSION

map magazine — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:07:39 +0000

Pamela Crane is just like any other tech-savvy academic, except that she has a dream – one of hope, health and healing for the people of Africa. There are millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa suffering from HIV/AIDS and struggling to find clean water for their families and their communities. But Pam and the passionate, thoughtful people behind Blood:Water Mission have made it their mission to paint a brighter picture for these communities. They’re committed to empowering local communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and water crises in Africa by raising funds for the provision of clean blood and clean water. In the space of six years they’ve successfully provided water and healthcare to more than 600,000 people across 13 countries. But there are still millions of people in need of aid, so Blood:Water Mission has now expanded its promise to helping communities develop health clinics and sustainable water solutions as well as funding health workers and support groups.

S.P.A.R.E

map magazine — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:00:44 +0000

Amina Abaza was lucky – she was taught to greatly respect all living things. At eight years old, each morning she would greet a stray dog at her school bus stop and bring him treats. But one day her four-legged friend wasn’t waiting – she had been shot by the police. This stark memory and Amina’s love for animals was the inspiration behind S.P.A.R.E., Egypt’s first registered charity for the protection of all animals. Today S.P.A.R.E. houses hundreds of stray dogs, cats and donkeys and provides a free veterinary service. Among advocating better conditions for strays and zoo-kept animals, S.P.A.R.E. aims to educate society to be compassionate towards animals. Inspired by the quote: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” famously said by Gandhi, S.P.A.R.E. has succeeded in making the lives of Egyptian animals just that little bit better.

OXFAM UNWRAPPED

Ashton Rigg — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:51:57 +0000

At the same time each year, many are faced with the daunting task of buying for the friend who has everything. The answer is simple: give them a goat. The hoofed beast is a quirky present for someone special and an amazing gift to a family in poverty. Goats, with their magnificent eating abilities, can provide nutritious milk, clean up scraps or be bartered for pay for a child’s education. A goat not really ‘your thing’? How about guitar lessons for children in Vanuatu, a well in Sri Lanka or toys for orphans in Africa? Sometimes we forget just how lucky we are. So this year when you are making your list and checking it twice, give the gift that gives a little something more.

SWEDISH PIANO STAIRS

Georgie Keating — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:18:04 +0000

Too easily can our existence become mundane and painstakingly routine – the daily grind of waking up and beginning the journey to work is perhaps the most ideal example of this. The users of the Odenplan subway station in Stockholm, however have been the recipients of a slight shake-up and life-intervention of sorts, acting as human guinea pigs in regard to “The Fun Theory”. The Swedish Piano Stairs, which were implemented to encourage people to use the stairs, rather than the escalator, fulfills the notion that the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better is by making the process fun. Once installed, the initiative of uber-contemporary German car brand Volkswagen saw 68% more people than usual channeling their inner Beethoven and choosing to take the stairs over the escalator.

RSPCA GUARDIAN ANGELS

map magazine — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:00:48 +0000

For some, a beloved pet can be a lifesaver – the perfect listener, always ready for a cuddle, and willing to forgive almost anything. But despite their unconditional love, sometimes these furry friends aren’t treated as well as they should be and are cast out on the street or, worse, treated inhumanely. Every year thousands of animals turn to the RSPCA for help and hundreds still remain in desperate need of financial support so they can find new homes. Christmas is a particular time of need for the RSPCA, when pets are given as gifts but sometimes become unwanted or mistreated. The RSPCA has launched its Guardian Angels appeal, allowing people to become a Guardian Angel to an animal in need this Christmas. The campaign’s ‘angel ambassadors’ are some of the survivors who have benefitted from the RSPCA’s foster program – you can read their stories and become a Guardian Angel here.

REALLY WILD GIFTS

map magazine — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:00:10 +0000

While it is generally a time of joy and celebration, Christmas can also be somewhat confounding when you are faced with the task of finding gifts for loved ones. It can be tempting to resort to the old ‘socks and jocks’ solution, but a more creative touch will always be appreciated. The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has created an alternative for gift-giving that also highlights the under-exposed issue of animal cruelty and welfare. Via the society’s website, visitors are able to choose an animal they would like to benefit (ranging from bears and pigs, to dogs and elephants), buy a gift that benefits that animal (from bedding and food, to providing proper training to farmers) and finally, create and send a card that gives the gift in the name of a friend or loved one.

UNHATE

Mikki Brammer — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:35:58 +0000

This new campaign from United Colors of Benetton, entitled UNHATE, cleverly places world leaders with opposed ideologies in amorous liplock. The cheeky campaign is intended to illustrate the fact that hate and love are not as far away from each other as we think.

BLOOD PACK

Wendy Serrano — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:21:20 +0000

The mercury is rising, the days are longer, the Christmas bells are ringing- it’s that time of the year again! Many of us look forward to the Christmas holidays as it represents spending time with family, friends, an abundance of fresh prawns, a large smoked ham and stockings over flowing with gifts. But this time of the year is often a difficult one for some. There are many who are often too sick to enjoy this holiday period that is supposed to bring peace, happiness and joy. And each year, there always seems to be a shortage of blood donations during the holidays. Designer Kiseung Lee has created a holiday blood pack putting the most valuable gift of blood into a special pack that will bring some joy to those who need it most. These little packages are sure to bring much needed smiles, welfare and love, potentially gifting someone with a new life- heart warming.

BETTER WORLD BOOKS

map magazine — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:30:25 +0000

Escapism, the mental diversion by means of entertainment or recreation, is best served through literature. Books give us the opportunity to escape from the banal aspects of our lives, forget our worries and exercise our minds – even if it is a chapter at a time. Better World Books, an online bookstore with a mission to promote literacy all over the world, understands that not everyone has access to this basic human right and it hopes to change that. Through its extensive collection (more than 8 million new and used books) of books sold online, the profits fund literacy initiatives all over the world. The organisation’s motto ‘creating a better world, one book at a time’ is a tribute to its efforts to assist in social, economic and environmental development worldwide.

THE BIG ISSUE

Ashton Rigg — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 06:37:38 +0000

You’ve probably seen them around the major cities. They’ve caught your attention with a friendly smile, a jingle or the flash of a colourful cover. But do you know what The Big Issue is? The Big Issue is an international organisation offering a creative approach to aid people in need including the homeless, disabled and long-term unemployed. They publish a fortnightly magazine filled with witty current affairs insights, in-depth interviews and inspiring personal stories. The vendors who sell the magazines come from all walks of life but the one thing they have in common is they are down on their luck and looking to improve things. If you are the organised sort getting a jump on the Christmas shopping, consider a subscription to this alternative media for the friend who has everything. It could go a long way to helping someone who has nothing.

PENGUIN SWEATERS

Ashton Rigg — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:20:55 +0000

Penguins are pretty stylish creatures, always looking dapper in the tuxedos that nature gave them. But sometimes we all feel a little under the weather and opt for more casual attire. The penguins of Tauranga, New Zealand, aren’t feeling their best at the moment as an oil spill off the coast continues to wreak havoc on their natural environment. All knitters are encouraged to lend a stitch or two for penguin relief by crafting small sweaters to protect the birds and stop them ingesting toxic oil when they preen their feathers. Skeinz, the natural yarn store, has supplied a penguin pyjama pattern on their website if you are wondering what measurements a penguin takes.

PROJECT BORNEO

map magazine — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:30:05 +0000

Indonesia’s national motto ‘Unity in Diversity’ does not simply relate to the cultural variety and geographical complexities of the nation, but also to the people who inhabit and work towards bettering it. Film director Cathy Henkel hopes to inform, educate and ultimately unite audiences within her environmental documentary Project Borneo: 100 days in the Jungle. The highly emotive and sensitive issue of the destruction of Borneo’s rainforests, and the subsequent effect it has on wildlife within the area, is at the forefront of this film, which follows the journey of 12 young eco-warriors (led by biologist Willie Smits), fighting to replant an entire eco-system and rescue and care for the endangered orangutan species. Cathy recently presented her inspiring idea at the TEDx Brisbane conference, enrapturing the audience with her passion and enthusiasm.

MAP MAGAZINE’S SPONSORED SWING

Mikki Brammer — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:18:25 +0000

A few months ago, inspired by the work of Jeff Waldman, map magazine sponsored a swing in South America in the hope that it would help spread simple joy to all those who came in contact with it. Today we received word from Jeff (who will also be one of the many exciting speakers at the upcoming TEDx Brisbane) as to the exact location of our swing: “Here’s your swing! We hung it in a Chilean silver mine railroad boneyard. The trains are from the 18th and 19th centuries, and would transport silver from the mines in Potosí to the ocean. The trip through the salt flats would get the best of them, and they’d eventually rust away and become abandoned. The yard sits just on the outskirts of Uyuni, and sees frequent visitors because it’s so unique.” Thanks guys! We’re so proud to be a part of your amazing project.

CREATIVE3

map magazine — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:05:03 +0000

How often is creativity and innovation given the chance to blossom without interruption? Harnessing the power of conversation and community, the Creative3 initiative (hosted by QUT Creative Enterprise Australia) brings together some of world’s best creative minds, entrepreneurs and business leaders in a unique forum from October 26–28 in Brisbane. Visit the Creative3 website to enter your creative idea to pitch for a special $125, 000 creative business prize. Entries close this Monday, October 10 at 5:00 pm. Showcasing an amalgamation of design, screen, music, fashion, games and interactive media thinkers and doers, the conference will provide an exciting and rare opportunity for the Brisbane community to explore what inspires creativity and innovative around the world. A totally revolutionary conference model, the speakers (including special guest Stefan Sagmeister) will converse directly with participants, sharing their stories about translating creativity into real profit.

Image courtesy of John Madere.

THE COFFEE BREAK PROJECT

map magazine — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:03:17 +0000

Catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee provides an opportunity for discussion, venting, brainstorming, sharing dreams, and the simple satisfaction of connecting with another human being. Brisbane-based charity organisation Group 61 links volunteers with mentally ill members of the community who are in dire need of social interaction, friendship and support, by organising coffee catch ups and social meetings. By linking up volunteers with those in need, the initiative tackles mental illness with sensitivity and a hands-on approach. The Coffee Break Project encourages the community to give up coffee during the month of October to raise funds for mentally ill members of the community, by raising money for Group 61. Bid your daily flat white or espresso goodbye for a month, and register for The Coffee Break Project online and create your own personal fundraising page here.

THE HOLSTEE MANIFESTO

map magazine — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:01:42 +0000

Adopting a positive life stance can inspire everyday habits, thought processes and overall outlooks. Whilst mantras, regular exercise, banishing negative thoughts and having an all-round super-human attitude may sound positively inspirational on paper, in practice a positive attitude might be more challenging to implement, once real-life factors come into play. Harnessing the opportunity to contribute to the blank state of the internet, the Holstee Manifesto divides positive thinking into practical and simple steps, with a printed manifesto that has morphed into an online range of sustainable and affirmative wares. Striving to curate, design and create with a conscience, the team behind the Holstee Manifesto believes in the power of positive and beautiful design. Coaxing society to ‘travel often’, ‘seize opportunites’, ‘follow passions’ and ‘eat with awareness’, the manifesto can be applied to everyday life, as well as long-term goals. Encouraging people to live passionately, the manifesto is available on t-shirts, posters and greeting cards.

OWN A COLOUR

Ashton Rigg — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:22:59 +0000

Have you ever been green with envy? Maybe you have felt a little blue, seen red or perhaps your day was just peachy keen. UNICEF is offering the chance to purchase your very own colour. You can choose a colour that is special to you, or even gift a hue to a friend. All funds raised go directly to changing the life of a child in need, bringing colour into their world as well as your own. The average computer, smartphone or tablet device can display 16.7 million colours. A virtual rainbow awaits.

NIKE MAG

map magazine — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:41:57 +0000

While time travel is not yet possible, part of the future as envisaged in the 1989 film Back to the Future II, has partly come to fruition – four years before its time. Audiences watched on in awe as Michael J Fox’s character travelled to the year 2015 and stepped into an automatic pair of self-lacing shoes. This September, in support of a worthy cause, Nike has released 1,500 exact replicas of the shoes that captured the imagination of shoe lovers across the globe. While the NIKE MAG shoes do not lace themselves up – let’s face it, we are still in 2011, not 2015 – every aspect of the shoe has been created as an exact replica. The 2011 NIKE MAG shoes light up when the ‘ear’ in the high top is pinched and every detail, down to the contours on the upper, is a perfect match to the original shoes. As well as being the ultimate fashion statement, the shoes are also helping a good cause. Each pair was auctioned on eBay between September 8–18 and all proceeds from the auction donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

SODA BOTTLE

Wendy Serrano — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:10:57 +0000

How a plastic soda bottle saved a village in Thailand – heartwarming.

PAPERFLOPS

Melinda Halloran — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:23:59 +0000

With a little imagination and the goal to try and make a difference in the world, few things are off limits. Paperflops is a project currently trying to garner enough funds through Ulule (a site similar to Kickstarter), in order to get the business up-and-running. Paperflops are made by impoverished and disabled residents in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Each pair of sandals is made from 1 kg of recycled newspaper, the roots of old palm trees, coconut shells and natural rubber. And to stop rain and puddles from turning the sandals into paper mache, each pair is coated with a natural sealant.