Business
Less Plastic, More Life: How This Youth Leader Is Ending Bali Plastic Bags

Plastics, at one point in time, may have been a useful and normal part of everyday life. However, because plastics take forever to disintegrate, it has become a global ecological problem.
More often than not, these plastics end up polluting the environment and also end up killing animals who mistake them for food. Because of these environmental concerns, Melati Wijsen from Bali, Indonesia, decided to put a stop on single plastic use forever. And she’s just 18 years old.
The Genesis: Bye Bye Plastics!

Indonesia is the second world’s largest plastic producer next to China. Wijsen saw the ill-effects of single-plastic use in her hometown as plastics were everywhere! The side of the road, the rivers, and the canals – plastics were an eyesore to the popular tourist destination.
Still, the quality of environmental life in Indonesia was rapidly declining as plastic usage increased. Melati Wijsen, together with her sister, just came from a school video showing inspirational leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King when they were inspired to start doing something.
They then formed the non-profit organization called Bye Bye Plastics in 2014, where its primary objective is to ban the use of single-use plastics throughout the community. Their plan of action included encouraging their schoolmates to join their cause and often held meetings during lunchtime!
Within months, the Bye Bye Plastics team was able to mobilize communities to clean the polluted beaches with a whopping 50,000 people clearing more than 150 tons of plastics! Also, the team encouraged businesses to reduce their use of plastics.
By 2018, the team partnered with the Balinese government to ban the use of single-use plastics, which took effect in July 2019. At present, Bye Bye Plastic expanded globally, with 50 teams spread out in over 29 countries.
What’s Next?

Because of the success of Bye Bye Plastic in Indonesia, Wijsen became a prominent youth leader with a global audience. She has spoken to different youth leaders in various prominent platforms such as the United Nations conferences, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Economic Forum.
But she will not stop there. In an interview with Wijsen, she feels proud of her team’s accomplishment. Still, she feels frustrated that the world’s awakening about such a prominent environmental issue took six years in the making. She also vowed to assist with other youth-led initiatives.
Wijsen and her sister founded another non-profit organization, Youthtopia, where its primary objective is to have a support group among other budding youth leaders. It also aims to develop the skills of youth leaders through development activities, peer-learning activities, and online workshops.
To date, Youthtopia has catered to a multitude of youth leaders whose cause ranges from anti-human trafficking to Black Lives Matter foundation. In another interview, Wijsen mentioned that she has all the hope for the youth and their generation because of their passion for making an impact on the community.

When asked for advice to be given to youth leaders across the globe, Wijsen wisely mentioned three actionable steps to take to make an impact:
- Empower Yourself
- Collaborate with others
- Reach out to leaders
Indeed, youth leaders such as Wijsen are inspiring figures not just for the youth but also for anyone—regardless of age, gender, and nationality, to do the right thing and make an impact on the community.
Business
Evangelos Marinakis: Capital Maritime & Trading Corporation Founder

Evangelos Marinakis was born in the Greek port city of Piraeus on 30th July 1967. He is probably best known as the chairman of Capital Maritime & Trading Corporation, having amassed an extensive business empire spanning an array of different industries, most notably shipping.
Vangelis Marinakis studied at the American International University in London, England, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in international business administration and a master’s degree in international relations. He served as a commercial manager for Capital Ship Management Corporation from 1992 to 2005, overseeing the success and growth of many businesses that today form part of the Capital Maritime group.
Founding Capital Maritime & Trading Corporation in 2005, Evangelos Marinakis began amassing an extensive fleet of vessels, which today includes container ships, dry bulk carriers and tankers. Having served as Capital Product Partners LP’s chairman of the board from 2007 to 2014, Mr Marinakis founded Crude Carriers Corporation in 2010, overseeing its merger with Capital Product Partners LP in 2011.
Like his father before him, Evangelos Marinakis is a life-long supporter of Olympiacos FC, the team of his home city, Piraeus. In 2010, he was fortunate enough to be able to purchase a controlling share in the club. Throughout the course of his seven-year tenure as Olympiacos FC president, Evangelos Marinakis led the team to an astounding seven consecutive championship victories.
In addition to owning Olympiacos FC, Evangelos Marinakis also acquired Nottingham Forest FC in 2017, gaining the English Football League’s approval for his ambitious plans to restore the side to its former glory. The scheme included an extensive redevelopment of the team’s historic grounds, culminating in the creation of a worldclass stadium that today ranks as the largest in the East Midlands.
In 2014, Evangelos Marinakis joined forces with Yannis Moralis, the then-Olympiacos vice president and current mayor of Piraeus. Together they launched the Piraeus Winner alliance, running a highly successful election campaign, with Mr Marinakis subsequently becoming an elected member of Piraeus city council. Focusing on improving living standards for local people, transforming infrastructure and establishing Piraeus as a thriving tourist hub, Evangelos Marinakis pledged his own personal finances to facilitate the creation of businesses and jobs throughout the city.
Evangelos Marinakis is also an active investor in the media industry, with his company, Alter Ego Media, ranking as Greece’s largest media group with a presence in broadcasting, content creation and publishing. The group portfolio includes this historical media outlets TA NEA, TO VIMA and OIKONOMIKOS, as well as the radio station My Radio, and Mega, Greece’s largest television channel.
Throughout an extraordinarily successful career spanning not just global shipping but a variety of other industries, Evangelos Marinakis has consistently leveraged his position as a public figure and business leader to achieve a positive social impact. Following the Greek financial crisis, he pledged €168,590 to Greece Debt Free on behalf of Olympiacos FC, providing the non-profit website with vital funding with the mission of eliminating the national debt. A committed philanthropist, Mr Marinakis is the benefactor of an array of worthy causes, actively supporting UNICEF and the Kazantzakis Museum in Crete. He is also a proud patron of Ohio State University’s Miltiadis Marinakis Professorship for Modern Greek Language and Culture.
Today, the Marinakis family owns and operates a vast 146-vessel-strong fleet of dry bulk carriers, ships and tankers. Under Evangelos Marinakis’s visionary leadership, the organisation has gone from strength to strength. Capital Maritime & Trading Corporation has been recognised with numerous prestigious awards for its sustainability efforts, including earning GREEN4SEA’s 2015 Excellence Award and the Green Environmental Achievement Award from the Port of Long Beach in Southern Carolina.
BigBusiness
Which Industries Are the Most Secure for Establishing Your First Business in 2023?

What Are the Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023?
The Top 10 Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023
Starting a business can be an exciting venture, but it is essential to choose the right industry for your first business. When considering which industries are the safest to invest in, you want to look at factors like market demand, stability, and future growth potential. In this blog post, we have put together a list of the top 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023.
The industries listed here have been selected based on their overall potential for success and long-term growth. These industries may offer lower risks for first-time entrepreneurs and a better chance of success due to established markets, stable customer bases, or growing trends. Keep in mind that while the industries featured here may be considered safer bets, no industry is entirely risk-free, and it’s crucial to conduct thorough research before committing to any business idea.
Let’s dive into our list of the 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023, where we provide an overview of each industry along with some key points to consider.
1. Eco-friendly Products and Services
As people become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly products and services continues to grow. This industry offers a wide range of opportunities for new businesses that focus on sustainability and reducing humanity’s impact on the planet. With increasing public awareness and support from both consumers and governments, starting your business in this field has never been a more attractive option.
For instance, you could design and produce sustainable clothing made from organic materials or create biodegradable packaging for food and beverages. The possibilities are vast, and the market potential is promising for those who can offer innovative solutions to environmental problems.
- High consumer demand for sustainable products
- Supported by government initiatives and regulations
- Potential for social media outreach with eco-friendly messaging
- Attractive to environmentally conscious investors
- Different entry points depending on your business idea (e.g., products, services, consulting)
- Opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet
2. Health and Wellness
With an increased focus on personal health and wellness in recent years, this industry presents a wealth of opportunities for new businesses. Consumers are seeking ways to live healthier lives through various means, such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and holistic remedies. As a result, there is an increasing demand for innovative products and services that cater to these interests.
Consider creating a mobile app that promotes healthy habits or opening a fitness studio specializing in popular workout trends like yoga or HIIT. The opportunities are endless, and with the right approach and effective marketing strategy, you could build a successful business in this thriving industry.
- Growing market with high consumer interest
- Expanding range of possibilities, from apps to physical products
- Increased importance due to global health concerns
- Multiple niches to explore (nutrition, fitness, mental health)
- Can be started online or in-person
- Physical, mental, and emotional well-being will always be relevant
3. Educational Technology (EdTech)
The EdTech industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, thanks in part to the shift toward remote learning. This industry focuses on integrating technology into educational settings to improve overall learning experiences. There is a vast potential for growth here, especially as advancements in technology continue to shape how we learn and teach.
An example of a successful EdTech startup might be an online tutoring platform that connects students with qualified instructors in their chosen subject area. With online learning becoming more accessible and in-demand, this is an increasingly attractive market for entrepreneurs.
- Rapid industry growth driven by technology advancements
- Expanding range of products and services available
- Increased demand due to remote learning adoption
- Appeals to both individuals and institutions
- Potential for global reach through online platforms
- Relatively low barriers to entry, especially for digital products
… please limit your response to 2800 characters
BigBusiness
Which Industries Are the Most Secure for Establishing Your First Business in 2023?

What Are the Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023?
The Top 10 Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023
Starting a business can be an exciting venture, but it is essential to choose the right industry for your first business. When considering which industries are the safest to invest in, you want to look at factors like market demand, stability, and future growth potential. In this blog post, we have put together a list of the top 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023.
The industries listed here have been selected based on their overall potential for success and long-term growth. These industries may offer lower risks for first-time entrepreneurs and a better chance of success due to established markets, stable customer bases, or growing trends. Keep in mind that while the industries featured here may be considered safer bets, no industry is entirely risk-free, and it’s crucial to conduct thorough research before committing to any business idea.
Let’s dive into our list of the 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023, where we provide an overview of each industry along with some key points to consider.
1. Eco-friendly Products and Services
As people become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly products and services continues to grow. This industry offers a wide range of opportunities for new businesses that focus on sustainability and reducing humanity’s impact on the planet. With increasing public awareness and support from both consumers and governments, starting your business in this field has never been a more attractive option.
For instance, you could design and produce sustainable clothing made from organic materials or create biodegradable packaging for food and beverages. The possibilities are vast, and the market potential is promising for those who can offer innovative solutions to environmental problems.
- High consumer demand for sustainable products
- Supported by government initiatives and regulations
- Potential for social media outreach with eco-friendly messaging
- Attractive to environmentally conscious investors
- Different entry points depending on your business idea (e.g., products, services, consulting)
- Opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet
2. Health and Wellness
With an increased focus on personal health and wellness in recent years, this industry presents a wealth of opportunities for new businesses. Consumers are seeking ways to live healthier lives through various means, such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and holistic remedies. As a result, there is an increasing demand for innovative products and services that cater to these interests.
Consider creating a mobile app that promotes healthy habits or opening a fitness studio specializing in popular workout trends like yoga or HIIT. The opportunities are endless, and with the right approach and effective marketing strategy, you could build a successful business in this thriving industry.
- Growing market with high consumer interest
- Expanding range of possibilities, from apps to physical products
- Increased importance due to global health concerns
- Multiple niches to explore (nutrition, fitness, mental health)
- Can be started online or in-person
- Physical, mental, and emotional well-being will always be relevant
3. Educational Technology (EdTech)
The EdTech industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, thanks in part to the shift toward remote learning. This industry focuses on integrating technology into educational settings to improve overall learning experiences. There is a vast potential for growth here, especially as advancements in technology continue to shape how we learn and teach.
An example of a successful EdTech startup might be an online tutoring platform that connects students with qualified instructors in their chosen subject area. With online learning becoming more accessible and in-demand, this is an increasingly attractive market for entrepreneurs.
- Rapid industry growth driven by technology advancements
- Expanding range of products and services available
- Increased demand due to remote learning adoption
- Appeals to both individuals and institutions
- Potential for global reach through online platforms
- Relatively low barriers to entry, especially for digital products
… please limit your response to 2800 characters
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