Digital lending and payment provider WLTH and Parley for the Oceans, a new form of environmental organisation, announce a five-year partnership to empower customers with an innovative lending solution that offers an everyday way to protect the oceans and support the movement to end marine plastic pollution across Australia.
WLTH is collaborating with Parley for the Oceans to develop and deliver simple mechanics to its customers to aid in the protection of Australia’s treasured reefs and coastlines from the threats of plastic pollution.
Aimed at a new generations of banking customers who are driven by authentic, impactful commitments to environmental responsibility, WLTH and Parley for the Oceans will deliver an eco-innovative suite of products and services over the next five years.
Scheduled for release in Q4 2021, WLTH will introduce the Convego® Parley Ocean Card developed with Giesecke+Devrient (G+D). The innovative new payment card, made of Parley Ocean Plastic® created from intercepted and upcycled marine plastic waste, will empower cardholders with an everyday tool to take action for the oceans.
Founder and CEO of Parley for the Oceans, Cyrill Gutsch said: “To end plastic pollution and the environmental crises behind it, we need to align our economic system with the ecosystem we all depend on: the oceans. Everyone has the power to demand change and take action to help create it, but it’s on industry leaders to own the responsibility of bringing new and better options into reality. The keys are collaboration and eco-innovation. This Convego® Parley Ocean Card and the alliance behind it represent the future we have the opportunity to create, and the role leaders of financial technology can play in shaping it.”
The dynamic partnership with WLTH gives Parley for the Oceans a new platform to scale its global mission to intercept plastic from beaches and coastlines while educating communities throughout Australia. Together, WLTH and Parley for the Oceans are re-imagining the future of lending and its social impact, creating a practical solution for customers to actively address today’s major ocean threats.
Co-founder of WLTH, Drew Haupt commented: “With sustainability in our core DNA, we have partnered with Parley for the Oceans and G+D to launch the first recycled ocean plastic cards in Australia. Not only is it an honor to be one of the first fintech doing so, but it’s also a goal we’ve been aspiring to achieve since the planning phase of building WLTH.”
“As a business, we want to make a difference to the environment and the world around us, and through this partnership, we will be fighting against the growing threat of marine plastic pollution, as well as protecting the oceans and waterways, that are such a huge part of the Australian lifestyle.”
Out of the gate, WLTH will contribute proceeds to Parley for the Oceans with every new user who activates a WLTH Pay account. WLTH will include additional mechanics such as round-up features, plastic off-setting options, and will host events and customer expeditions with Parley for the Oceans throughout the year to raise awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans.
WLTH’s commitment to support Parley for the Oceans includes allocating contributions for every home loan towards Parley for the Oceans’ Australian Clean-up Efforts to support intercepting plastic from beaches and coastlines from around the country.
Global Head of Sales and Distribution at G+D, Dr Carsten Wengel added: “Consumers are looking for new ways to a more sustainable lifestyle. That’s why we offer banks our ecologically eco-innovative payment cards. They remind consumers every day of their own and their bank’s environmental commitment to protecting the planet.”
Emmilia O’Sullivan’s inspiring journey highlights resilience in overcoming life-threatening health challenges and her mission to help others.
In Short
Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, has faced severe health challenges since childhood but remains resilient and determined to inspire others through her book, podcast and beyond. She emphasises a positive mindset and actively engages with her medical team while supporting her family during her journey.
Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, shared her journey through numerous health challenges starting from childhood.
Born with kidney disease, she had a kidney removed by age two and lived on one kidney until major complications arose at seventeen, requiring a bladder reconstruction and a kidney transplant at twenty-one.
However, shortly after her transplant, she faced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at twenty-two. Following remission, she discovered rare EBV-driven smooth muscle tumors.
Over the years, Emmilia dealt with various medical issues, including a tumour requiring a craniotomy and a severe bout of sepsis that led to a coma.
Despite these obstacles, Emmilia demonstrates remarkable resilience, emphasising a positive mindset and a strong desire to survive. She actively engages with her medical team, focusing on treatments and timelines, determined to keep moving forward.
Her support system includes her husband and family, and she also plays a reassuring role for them despite her struggles.
Emmilia views her health challenges not as defining elements but as aspects of her life alongside her ambition to inspire younger individuals facing similar issues.
Through her book, & podcast she aims to provide guidance and support for others.
You can find her podcast on social media platforms and her website, ammeliaosullivan.com. Emmilia’s story is a testament to fighting spirit and the pursuit of life goals despite adversity.
Mental health support needs increased funding and resources to combat stigma and ensure affordability in Australia.
In Short
Demand for mental health support is rising in Australia, hindered by affordability, resource shortages, and stigma. Shehara Fernando, CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, calls for equal prioritisation of mental health services and systemic changes to improve access and reduce stigma.
The demand for mental health support continues to rise as affordability, resource shortages, and societal stigma present significant hurdles.
Shehara Fernando, founder and CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, highlighted the pressing need to prioritise mental health services on par with physical health care in Australia. High out-of-pocket costs hinder access, with current Medicare rebates often inadequate for ongoing therapy and specialised treatment.
Resource shortages, particularly of psychologists and psychiatrists, must be addressed through increased training of healthcare professionals and the expansion of telehealth options, which can reach rural populations effectively. Fernando emphasised the need for tailored services for diverse groups facing unique mental health challenges.
Overcoming societal stigma, especially among men, remains critical. Statistics reveal only 15% of Australian men with mental health conditions seek help, with a substantial number dropping out of treatment. Fernando urged public figures to speak openly about mental health, fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.
Crowned Cross Healthcare aims to deliver quality mental health services and encourages individuals to connect through their website and social media for support and resources. More systemic changes and discussions are vital for improving mental health care access.
Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.
In Short
Meta is laying off about 4,000 employees, or 5% of its workforce, as part of a shift towards AI and greater efficiency. This move, part of a broader trend in Big Tech, has raised employee fears about job security and a culture of fear under CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Meta has initiated significant layoffs, impacting thousands as the company pivots towards AI investment and efficiency.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to eliminate around 5% of the workforce, equating to nearly 4,000 employees. This decision aligns with a broader trend among Big Tech firms to streamline operations after extensive hiring during the pandemic.
Reports indicate employee anxiety regarding these changes, with some claiming a culture of fear under Zuckerberg’s leadership. Concerns include the potential reputational damage for employees laid off under performance-based criteria.
Affected workers in the US will receive severance packages, including 16 weeks of pay plus additional compensation based on service length. Nonetheless, some employees fear that innocent parties could face cuts to meet corporate quotas, hindering workplace morale.
The layoff strategy will target employees receiving low performance ratings, with management instructed to identify up to 15% eligible for cuts. Notifications will occur across different time zones to affected employees via email, with access to company systems revoked shortly thereafter.
European employees in specific countries will follow local regulations, which may alter the process.
As part of restructuring, Meta is consolidating teams, particularly merging Facebook and Messenger groups. The Reality Labs division is being realigned with the main business to reverse previous organizational changes.