Features

AMMAN — The transformative power of colour in shaping confidence, personal style and overall wellbeing was the focus of empowerment sessions hosted by Family Flavours and Nakahat ‘Ailiyeh magazines in Amman recently.

Vibrant Choices: Confidence and success through colour celebrated women by bringing together some 100 women from the magazines’ loyal community with five of Jordan’s top experts, each delivering insightful sessions on how colour influences mental health, sustainable interiors, beauty and even dental aesthetics.

Attendees gained valuable knowledge on how thoughtful colour choices can enhance confidence and self-expression.

“This event was a celebration of knowledge, empowerment and the vibrancy of every woman’s journey,” says Hind-Lara Mango publisher and managing director. “We are proud to bring together experts and thought leaders to inspire women to embrace their uniqueness with confidence.”

Dr Abeer Annab, obstetrician and gynaecologist, opened the sessions with a discussion on the significance of the colour gold, highlighting menopause as the Golden Age and stressing the importance of preparation, awareness and health insurance.

Rania Sa’adi, mental health expert in both magazines, explored the psychological effects of colour on emotions and behaviour, while sustainability architect Heba Nazer delved into how colour in interiors shapes emotions and well-being.

Image consultant Khuloud Abu ‘Aisheh, a contributor to Family Flavours magazine, demonstrated how personal style and colour analysis enhance self-confidence. Dr Reham Ma’ani, dental and oral surgeon, and expert contributor in both magazines, highlighted the role of a bright smile in boosting confidence. Beauty consultant Sarah Saman rounded off the discussions by offering expert advice on selecting the right hues for makeup and beauty.

Distinguished guests, including Princess Rajwa Bint Ali, Princess Yasmine Assem, Princess Nour Assem, former minister of culture Haifa Najjar and former minister of investment Kholoud Saqqaf, reinforced the event’s significance in empowering women through knowledge and community engagement.

This impactful initiative was made possible through the generous support of NatHealth, Barlant Jewellers, FJ Boutiqueand St. Regis Amman. Their commitment to women’s health, empowerment, and confidence-building through colour played a vital role in making the event a success.

NICE, France — French customs officers seized nine dinosaur teeth last month from a courier truck transiting through the country from Spain on its way to Italy, they said on Friday.

The teeth, probably from Morocco, were found during a routine check along a highway running along France's Mediterranean coastline near the Italian border, customs official Samantha Verduron said.

Using sniffer dogs and opening some parcels at random, inspectors have been known to find cannabis or even cocaine among such truckloads of hundreds of parcels travelling from Spain to Italy, she said.

But on January 27, officials from the French border town of Menton found nine enormous teeth in two parcels that were destined for addresses near the Italian cities of Genoa and Milan, French customs said.

An expert at the Menton prehistory museum helped identify the fossils as probably dating back tens of millions of years and originating from what is now Morocco.

They included the tooth of a long-necked marine reptile called a zarafasauraoceanis, a type of plesiosaurus at least 66 million years old first discovered in Morocco.

Some people believe plesiosauruses, which lived in different parts of the globe, inspired the legend of the Loch Ness monster in Scotland.

Three other teeth would have once belonged to a mosasaurus, an extinct aquatic lizard with a long snout.

The remaining five teeth were thought to belong to a dyrosaurus, an ancestor of the crocodile.

 Prized trophies

Fossils must be authorised for export and without such a licence are usually returned to their country of origin.

An investigation is under way to identify the receivers and decide how to proceed, Verduron said.

In 2020, France returned 25,000 items including fossils, minerals, stones and art objects to Morocco after intercepting them in 2005 and 2006.

Most had been found during illegal excavations.

In 2015, customs officers in the French city of Lyon found part of the skeleton of a tarbosaurus bataar, a land dinosaur that walked on its hind legs, that had been illegally excavated in Mongolia.

Dinosaur remains have become a hot-ticket item in recent years, with paleontologists voicing concern that museums are losing out to private bidders.

A hedge fund CEO last year spent a record $44.6 million to buy a stegosaurus fossil at a New York auction.

Dinosaurs first appeared at least 230 million years ago, while the first humans are believed to have appeared on Earth only around 6 million years ago.

JAKARTA — Footage of a seemingly confused orangutan roaming the desolate site of an Indonesian coal mine, metres from excavators, has sparked renewed concern about the future of the critically endangered species.

The images, taken last month by a local resident and verified by AFP, are from the same province on Borneo Island where Indonesia is building its new capital, a project environmentalists fear will endanger animal habitats in Asia's last great rainforest.

Indonesia has one of the world's highest deforestation rates, with commodities mining a key driver, but it is also one of only two places in the world where orangutans are still found, along with Malaysia.

The footage, which went viral on Indonesian social media, shows the male orangutan roaming across a chasm of sand streaked with white and black rocks, dug into land still surrounded by vegetation.

"Humans are sometimes too greedy. I hope God won't punish us," read one comment on the video, which racked up tens of thousands of views across YouTube and TikTok.

Locals standing on a bluff overlooking the site filmed the creature as it meandered metres from a digger that was seemingly oblivious to its presence.

Ahmad Baihaqi, who filmed the images, said a group of locals had been watching activity at the mine site when they spotted the primate.

"I felt bad because he looked so confused," the 22-year-old driver told AFP.

"He was alone and looked lost, he didn't know where to go because the forest was disappearing."

The sighting took place in East Kalimantan, where Indonesia is building its multi-billion-dollar capital city Nusantara at breakneck speed.

Habitat disturbed

Although the coal mine is a nine-hour drive from the construction site, the images renewed doubts about government claims that economic activity in the province is not affecting endangered animals.

Local environmentalist Mappaselle of the Balikpapan Coastal Working Group, who like many Indonesians uses one name, said the footage was clear evidence of that impact

The orangutan sighting "was definitely because their habitat has been disturbed and is getting smaller", he said.

"Our endangered wildlife could go extinct," he warned.

"It's a natural wealth from God to us on Earth. If wildlife goes extinct, humans have failed in our job to protect nature."

All three species of orangutan are considered critically endangered, though estimates of the number left in the wild vary considerably.

Ari Wibawanto, head of the local conservation agency which sits under Indonesia's environment ministry, told AFP its officials had located the 15-year-old wild orangutan and moved it to a protected forest area after the footage surfaced.

But he argued that it was natural for male orangutans to roam around.

"The area is not just a mining area, there's also a farm and residential area, and we found the orangutan on someone's farm," said Ari, shrugging off the concerns raised by environmentalists.

"That's the nature of an adult male animal, he doesn't stay in one place, he wanders."

AFP identified the site as belonging to private coal-mining firm Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC), a subsidiary of Bumi Resources, Indonesia's biggest thermal coal producer.

The Indonesian environment ministry and Kaltim Prima Coal did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

Baihaqi said he hoped the striking images would help people think about the costs of environmental destruction.

"I hope we can rehabilitate our forests, or at least protect our wildlife," he told AFP.

"This animal is almost extinct, you rarely can see it anymore."

By Shama Kaur,
Kundalini Yoga Teacher & Wellness Mentor

With my studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) deepening, I find myself increasingly fascinated by the human body, the prevention of illness and how to cultivate a happy, healthy life.

Reflecting on the world today compared to 100 years ago, it’s clear that while we’ve made incredible strides in eradicating certain illnesses, new and complex health issues have emerged.

Many of these are linked to modern lifestyle factors: A fast-paced existence, processed foods, GMOs and yearround imported produce that disregards seasonal and local eating patterns.

In harmony with the environment

Our ancestors ate in harmony with the seasons and their environment. In contrast, today’s industrialised food systems often promote convenience over nutrition, introducing pesticides, preservatives and fast-food options that our bodies are not evolutionarily equipped to handle.

Could this shift be connected to the rise in chronic health problems? Absolutely.

But what can we do? This month I explore TCM-inspired strategies for prevention and health maintenance to help you begin the year with renewed vitality and a holistic approach to wellness.

Lifestyle practices 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of Yin and Yang represents the dualistic nature of life — opposites that complement and balance each other.

Yin is associated with rest, nourishment and stillness, while Yang represents activity, energy and outward expression.

A healthy lifestyle, according to TCM, is one that nurtures a harmonious balance between these two forces.

Modern life, with its sedentary habits and overstimulation, tends to skew this balance. 

We often find ourselves overactive during the day, with excessive screen time and work pressures (Yang), but insufficient time for rest and rejuvenation (Yin).

This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, joint pain, muscle weakness and poor sleep — issues that are commonly seen in today’s fastpaced world.

TCM teaches that our internal rhythm should align with the natural cycles of day and night. 

When we are out of sync with these cycles, our Yin (rest) and Yang (activity) become imbalanced.

For instance, too much Yang (constant activity, long hours in front of screens, overexertion) can lead to exhaustion and depletion of Yin (energy reserves), causing burnout, anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns.

On the other hand, too much Yin (lack of movement, over-resting, poor circulation) can lead to stagnation, weight gain and muscle weakness.

A holistic lifestyle that integrates both Yin and Yang is essential to restore balance.  Here’s how:

Exercise: In TCM, movement stimulates the flow of Qi (energy) through the body, which is necessary for both Yin and Yang to thrive.

Mindfulness and Breathwork: Practices like meditation and breath regulation help calm the mind (Yin) and harmonise it with the body’s natural rhythm (Yang).

Diet: In TCM, food is considered an essential part of balancing Yin and Yang. For example, warm, nourishing foods such as soups, stews and herbal teas provide Yin, while lighter, cooling foods balance excessive Yang energy.

Addressing modern health challenges

As a result of modern lifestyle changes, chronic conditions such as infertility, diabetes, migraines, PCOS, endometriosis, cancer, IBS and fatigue have become increasingly prevalent. 

These conditions are often rooted in imbalances like deficiency, excess, and stagnation.

While Western medicine tends to focus on treating disease symptoms, TCM complements these treatments by addressing the underlying causes of illness, aiming to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing process.

Did you know that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often face side effects like nausea, fatigue, and poor appetite? TCM can help manage these symptoms by improving digestion, boosting immunity, and enhancing overall quality of life.

By addressing underlying imbalances, such as energy deficiency or stagnation, TCM complements conventional treatments and supports the body’s natural healing processes.

Health maintenance

TCM views health as a balance of yin and yang, with a focus on addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.

1. Acupuncture: Regular treatments harmonise the body by balancing yin and yang, improving energy flow along meridian lines, and addressing imbalances such as:

Excess (heat, dampness).

Deficiency (cold, blood stagnation). Phlegm Accumulation

2. Additional Therapies:

Moxibustion (Moxa): Warmth to stimulate Qi flow.

Cupping: Relieves stagnation and promotes circulation. Herbal Medicine: Tailored formulas to address specific conditions.

Gua Sha: Releases toxins and improves circulation.

Electro-Acupuncture: Enhances traditional acupuncture technique.

Strengthening the Immune System

A well-functioning immune system is essential for overall health and wellness.

Acupuncture supports the immune system by improving circulation, reducing stress and balancing energy throughout the body.

By targeting key points, acupuncture helps to increase the production of immune cells and reduce inflammation, making the body more resistant to illness.

What to Avoid

Certain foods, particularly greasy, fried, overly spicy, or excessively sweet ones, create imbalances in the body.

  Combined with mindful dietary choices, such as avoiding foods that cause imbalances, acupuncture empowers the body to resist illness and recover more effectively.

Prioritising these practices can lead to improved overall health, allowing you to feel your best and thrive in your daily life.

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

PARIS — A neutrino with 30 times more energy than any previously seen on Earth was detected by an unfinished observatory at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea after travelling from beyond this galaxy, scientists said on Wednesday.

Neutrinos are the second most abundant particle in the universe. Known as ghost particles, they have no electric charge, almost no mass and effortlessly pass through most matter -- such as our world or bodies -- without anyone noticing.

The most violently explosive events in the universe -- such as a star going supernova, two neutron stars smashing into each other or the almighty suck of supermassive black holes -- create what is called ultra-high-energy neutrinos.

Because these particles interact so little with matter, they glide easily away from the violence that created them, travelling in a straight line across the universe.

When they finally arrive at Earth, neutrinos serve as "special cosmic messengers" offering a glimpse into the far reaches of the cosmos that is otherwise hidden from our view, Italian researcher Rosa Coniglione said in a statement.

However, these ghost particles are extremely difficult to detect. One way is by using water.

When light passes through water, it slows down. This sometimes allows quick-moving particles to overtake light -- while still not going faster than the speed of light.

When this happens, it creates a bluish glow called "Cherenkov light" that can be detected by extraordinarily sensitive sensors.

But to observe this light requires a huge amount of water -- at least one cubic kilometre, the equivalent of 400,000 Olympic swimming pools.

That is why the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope, or KM3NeT, lies at the bottom of the Mediterranean.

Think of a ping pong ball

The European-led facility is still under construction, and spread over two sites. Its ARCA detector, which is interested in astronomy, is nearly 3,500 metres underwater off the coast of Sicily.

The neutrino-hunting ORCA detector is in the depths near the French city of Toulon.

Cables hundreds of metres long equipped with photomultipliers -- which amplify miniscule amounts of light -- have been anchored to the seabed nearby. Eventually 200,000 photomultipliers will be arrayed in the abyss.

But the ARCA detector was operating at just a tenth of what will be its eventual power when it spotted something strange on February 13, 2023, according to new research published in the journal Nature.

A muon, which is a heavy electron produced by a neutrino, "crossed the entire detector, inducing signals in more than one-third of the active sensors," according to a statement from KM3NeT, which brings together 350 scientists from institutions in 21 countries.

The neutrino had an estimated energy of 220 petaelectronvolts -- or 220 million billion electron volts.

A neutrino with such a massive amount of energy had never before been observed on Earth.

"It is roughly the energy of a ping pong ball falling from one metre height," Dutch physicist and KM3NeT researcher Aart Heijboer told a press conference.

"But the amazing thing is that all this energy is contained in one single elementary" particle, he added.

For humans to create such a particle would require building the equivalent of a Large Hadron Collider "all around the Earth at the distance of the geostationary satellites", said French physicist Paschal Coyle.

Blazars as source?

With this kind of energy, the event that created this neutrino must have been beyond Milky Way.

The exact distance remains unknown, "but what we are quite sure is that it's not coming from our galaxy", said French physicist Damien Dornic.

The astrophysicists have some theories about what could have caused such a neutrino. Among the suspects are 12 blazars -- the incredibly bright cores of galaxies with supermassive black holes.

But more research is needed.

"At the time this event happened, our neutrino alert system was still in development," Heijboer emphasised.

If another neutrino is detected near the end of this year, an alert will be sent in seconds to "all the telescopes around the world so that they can point in that direction" to try to spot the source, he said. 

NEW YORK — A rare Stradivarius violin, made over 300 years ago by Antonio Stradivari during his so-called golden period, fetched $11.3 million at auction in New York on Friday, Sotheby's said.

"This extraordinary violin represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and classical music history, its unparalleled sound and storied provenance captivating collectors and musicians alike," Sotheby's chair Mari-Claudia Jimenez said in a statement.

It said the buyer chose to remain anonymous.

Known for its extraordinary sound, the "Joachim-Ma Stradivarius", named after its distinguished former owners, became the third most-expensive musical instrument ever sold at auction.

The most-expensive record belongs to another Stradivarius, the "Lady Blunt", which sold was sold in 2011 for $15.9 million.

"What sets the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius apart is its exceptional sound -- rich, complex, and full of depth," the auction house said.

The instrument belonged to the celebrated Chinese violinist and pedagogue Si-Hon Ma, who before his death in 2009 donated the violin to his alma mater, the New England Conservatory in Boston, on condition that some day it sell the violin to fund scholarships.

Before that, the violin belonged to the 19th century Hungarian virtuoso Joseph Joachim, who was famous for his collaborations with composers such as Johannes Brahms.

PARIS — Artificial intelligence (AI) presents vast opportunities if correctly chanelled but is already sharpening gender pay disparities, global leaders told a Paris summit aimed at finding common ground on the technology on Monday.

Co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Paris summit aims to lay the groundwork for governing the nascent sector, as global powers race to play leading roles in the fast-developing technology.

Technology's shift to AI was set to be "the biggest of our lifetimes", Google chief Sundar Pichai was due to say according to the text of his speech seen by AFP.

"We have the chance to democratise access [to a new technology] from the start," Pichai will add.

World Trade Organisation chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said her staff had calculated that "near universal adoption of AI... could increase trade by up to 14 percentage points" from its current trend.

But global "fragmentation" of regulations on the technology and data flows could see both trade and output contract, she added.

In the workplace, AI is mostly replacing humans in clerical jobs disproportionately held by women, International Labour Organisation (ILO) head Gilbert Houngbo told an audience in the French capital's opulent Grand Palais.

That risks widening the gender pay gap even though more jobs are being created than destroyed by AI on current evidence, he added.

What's more, "there is a risk of those new jobs being paid less and sometimes with much less protection" for employees, Houngbo said.

Political leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, are set to rub shoulders in Paris with the likes of Pichai and OpenAI boss Sam Altman.

A largely suit-wearing crowd of men and women speaking languages from all over the world flocked under the glass-and-steel dome of the great hall, built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition and now decked out with screens and geodesic domes.

French 'Stargate'

Macron on Sunday had trumpeted the economic benefits of artificial intelligence, saying 109 billion euros ($113 billion) would be invested in French AI in the coming years.

That was "the equivalent for France of what the US has announced with 'Stargate'," he added.

That $500-billion US programme led by ChatGPT maker OpenAI and the emergence of high-performing, low-cost Chinese startup DeepSeek have made clearer the technical challenges and price of entry for nations hoping to keep abreast.

For the EU, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen is expected to announce while attending the summit that around 10 public supercomputers designed for use by researchers and startups will be built.

Also on Monday, a group of more than 60 European companies such as Airbus, Volkswagen and Mistral AI launched an "EU AI Champions Initiative".

They said that they were aiming to increase use of AI by industrial firms and stimulate the emergence of new companies.

Global governance puzzle

Away from the investment grandstanding, a group of countries, companies and philanthropic organisations on Sunday said that they would pump $400 million into a partnership called "Current AI" that would foster "public interest" approaches to the technology, including offering open-source tools.

And a group of major tech players OpenAI, former Google boss Eric Schmidt and vast gaming platform Roblox said they were launching a suite of open-source safety tools for battling harms including child sexual abuse imagery (CBAM).

Open source development refers to software makers sharing freely the inner workings of their systems so others can build on and adapt them.

While few AI makers fully respect the philosophy, "things that are even a little bit open... are starting to make it possible for the global AI community to collaborate on making AI better and more accessible," Mark Surman, president of open-source software maker Mozilla told AFP.

On Tuesday, political leaders from around 100 countries will hold a plenary session, with notable attendees including Modi, Vance, Zhang and Von der Leyen.

France hopes that governments will agree on voluntary commitments to make AI sustainable and environmentally friendly.

But any agreement may prove elusive between blocs as diverse as the European Union, United States, China and India, each with different priorities in tech development and regulation.

DUBAI – Dubai is the ultimate destination for women planning a getaway with friends. Indulge in dining experiences like royal afternoon teas and glamourous dinners with live shows, explorethrilling activities, or even unwind for a cozy outdoor cinema night. Whether seeking an adventurous or relaxing holiday, the city offers countless experiences for a memorable girl’s trip.

Dining experiences

Instagrammable cafes

Afternoon Tea

Best spots for dinner

Healthy dining

Live entertainment

Activities Arts & Crafts

Gastronomy classes

Unique activities

Wellness and Fitness experiences

Shopping Experiences

Where to stay

Beach Resorts

Heart of the city

Unique stays

For more inspiration on Dubai’s wide range of activities, attractions and offers to enjoy during your holiday in Dubai, Make sure to check out Visit Dubai website (www.visitdubai.com)

By Helen Batmany,
Masters in Human Nutrition

Root vegetables have long been known for their rich flavours and powerful health benefits. Among these underground root vegetables are galangal, horseradish, kudzu, ginger and turmeric.

Used in ancient healing remedies for their vibrant colours and aromatic qualities, these superfoods are also prized for their impressive medicinal properties.

Discovering the healing benefits

These age-old roots offer a treasure of vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can transform your diet and enhance overall wellbeing.

Galangal

Galangal, often referred to as Thai ginger, is a close relative of both ginger and turmeric. Native to Southeast Asia, it is commonly found in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Rich in antioxidants, galangal is traditionally used to ease arthritis pain, relieve coughs and colds, support digestion and reduce bloating.

It can be consumed fresh or dried. Thin slices of galangal are frequently used in soups or broths adding a sharp flavour.

When in powder form, it can be used in baked casseroles, curries and even enjoyed as a tea.

Horseradish

Horseradish is a spicy root vegetable belonging to the mustard family. Native to southeastern Europe, it contains an essential oil similar to mustard, giving it a sharp, bitter flavour comparable to wasabi; Wasabi is a spicy, green condiment commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Similarly, horseradish is used as a condiment alongside meats, potatoes and beets. It is rich in phytochemicals like sinigrin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, horseradish is rich in Vitamin C, which led sailors in the past to use it to prevent scurvy caused by Vitamin C deficiency. It is also recognised for its ability to stimulate digestion and support the respiratory system, especially in treating coughs and bronchitis.

Kudzu

Kudzu root, also known as Japanese arrowroot, is native to China, Japan and Korea.

Kudzu root is packed with antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress, a condition that can contribute to various diseases. Kudzu root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help lower blood pressure.

Kudzu root is also known for its ability to stop diarrhea and curb alcohol cravings, making it useful in treating alcoholics.

Additionally, it is rich in phytoestrogens — plant compounds similar to estrogen in the human body — which can help alleviate hot flashes.

The roots of the kudzu plant can be dried and ground

 into a powder, which some people use as a coating for fried foods, or as a thickening agent for soups and sauces. Additionally, kudzu root is consumed as a herbal supplement or as a tea.

Ginger

Ginger is native to tropical Asia, however now it is widely cultivated in many parts of the world.

It contains a high concentration of antioxidant compounds, with gingerol being one of the key components. Many studies highlight its anticancer properties.

Known for its long-standing use in traditional medicine, ginger is commonly used to relieve motion sickness, morning sickness and nausea. Ginger also aids in digestion reducing bloating and intestinal gas.

Ginger root can be consumed fresh, dried, as a tea, or even pickled.

Turmeric

Turmeric, often referred to as Indian saffron, is native to the tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. It is a key ingredient in Indian curry and can be used either fresh or dried.

Known for its rich antioxidant properties, turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its potent antioxidant and potential anti-cancer benefits.

However, curcumin’s bioavailability — the extent to which it can be absorbed and utilised by the body — is relatively low.

Turmeric is widely recognised for its anti-cancer properties and has been used in traditional remedies for various purposes, including wound healing, alleviating intestinal gas and relieving menstrual cramps.

Finally, you shouldn’t worry about the calories of these root vegetables if taken naturally; the amount consumed will not exceed a few grams.

However, if you are using supplements derived from these products, be sure to inform your doctor to give you the correct dosage and to avoid any potential interactions with other medications.

Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

SEOUL — Recovering South Korean shopaholic-turned-climate activist Lee So-yeon used to buy new clothes almost daily — until a $1.50 winter coat triggered an awakening that stopped her shopping entirely.

While looking at the ultra-cheap padded jacket at an H&M shop in the United States, where she was working at the time, Lee asked herself how any item of clothing could be sold so cheaply.

The 30-year-old embarked on a deep dive into fast fashion production methods and was horrified at the human, social and environmental toll hyperconsumerism is having on the planet -- and on the mental health of women who make and buy cheap clothes.

"I used to buy one new outfit each [working] day of the week," Lee told AFP, adding that each item from major high street retailers would typically cost less than a dollar.

But the reason the clothes are so cheap, Lee learned, is because the women who sew for companies are paid little, while the business model itself is causing significant environmental harm.

Lee stopped buying any new clothes -- and has not purchased a single fast fashion garment since her epiphany around six years ago.

Her much more compact wardrobe consists of used items that she received from friends and family, including a vintage leather jacket that once belonged to her mother.

Unlike fast fashion items, which are often designed to be thrown away after just a few wears, each piece is irreplaceable because it carries a unique story and history, she said.

"Ultimately, the most eco-friendly clothes are the ones already in your wardrobe," said Lee.

Break the cycle 

Lee now organises clothing swaps with her friends and family, and has written a book to promote the idea of valuing garments for "the story behind it", rather than chasing ephemeral trends

She is part of a small but growing global movement seeking to promote second-hand clothing and help people -- especially women -- opt out of the cycle of over-consumption.

The app Lucky Sweater provides a platform for users to trade items from their closets with each other, focussing on sustainable brands, founder Tanya Dastyar told AFP.

"We're programmed to believe the only way to express my fashion or show that I'm beautiful or trendy... is new outfits," Dastyar said.

"But you can still be fashionable and feel good and look great and not have to do that," she said, adding that although trading clothes did not have the same quick dopamine hit as making a fast-fashion purchase, it was far more rewarding over time.

The app's growing uptake indicates that people are hungry to shift their relationship with clothing and consumerism, she said.

People realise: "I don't have to follow trends and I can just dress in a way that feels comfortable to me," she said. "Is that like a mass market thing? No. But do I feel like it can be a movement? Yes."

For Lee, breaking the cycle of cheap clothing consumption helped her improve her mental health.

As a teenager, she would worry about what to wear on school trips -- when uniforms were not required -- at least a month in advance and would go shopping to ease her fears.

"I felt a lot of pressure about how others would see me," she told AFP.

But learning about Bangladesh's 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy -- one of the world's worst industrial disasters that killed more than 1,130 garment factory workers, most of them young women -- was a turning point.

The factory workers died making clothes for "women like me", Lee said.

No second-hand? 

The global fashion industry is one of the most polluting, accounting for up to 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to World Bank estimates.

Most modern clothes are made of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, which are essentially plastic and do not biodegrade in landfills, industry data shows.

Keeping clothes out of landfills can help, but in South Korea, many still avoid used garments, said Kim Dong-hyun, who runs a used clothing export factory.

"People often don't look favourably on someone wearing used clothes because they are seen as unwanted items," Kim told AFP, noting he has found dirty diapers and food waste in the collection bins.

South Korea is the fifth largest exporter of used clothing in the world -- and activists say many garments are essentially dumped in developing countries, which lack the capacity to process them.

At Kim's second-hand clothing factory in Paju, outside Seoul, a mechanical claw categorised piles of used clothes to be exported overseas.

"Many people treat the clothing collection bin as just a trash can," Kim said.