Who do you trust? In an age where consumers are becoming more conscious and demanding transparency and social responsibility in the brands they frequent, it's not easy to find media that we feel relates to us -- and more importantly, that we can trust.

The general consensus nowadays is that it's not acceptable to be racist. Similarly, while making jokes at the expense of a person with disabilities might draw some laughs in certain company, on the whole it's a no-no. But not so for fat shaming.

As more and more groups come forward and emphasize their humanity in the face of their oppression, there is one group that many continue not only to ridicule but to shamelessly attack: fat people.

The American writer Maya Angelou said: "Pehaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try to understand each other, we may even become friends." Indeed, traveling can have a purpose.

Hula is an indigenous dance and way of life in the Hawaiian islands. Born in Honolulu and raised on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui and O’ahu, I’ve danced primarily auana (modern) hula for most of my life, having performed for audiences of thousands at a time. I also danced kahiko (ancient) hula when I was very young. 

France is the land of baguettes, café au lait, 35-hour work weeks, two-hour lunches, and Michelin five-star restaurants. With the focus so heavily on food, you would expect the French would have come a long way when it comes to vegan dining. Think again.

Paris is a city of smokers. Almost all restaurants, brasseries, and cafes have outside seating with ashtrays for their smoking patrons.The tabac shops are usually open even when nothing else is. Even price hikes don't seem to stop Parisians from buying cigarettes.

This is all well and good -- until those cigarette butts start landing on the pavement. Total damage: 350 tons of cigarette butts a year.