We know it can be a large change, and there are plenty of things you have to decide regarding your new future and how it will pan out. Factors such as current lifestyle, finances, location, and other elements will play a big role in how you can approach this. Your skill levels will also play a factor – are you willing to do all of your own plumbing, for example? And, realistically, can  you? You’ll have to consider areas like this–among many others–to help your final decision.

Some Basics

Basically, off-grid living means taking care of your electric, gas, water, sewage, and other utilities independently, rather than paying a company. If you’re just starting out, the best way to approach the situation is to research, research, research. Check out details about your home/building you live in, electricity, plumbing, water, gas, engine, repair, electrical, and more.

At the on-set, it is also important to note that it does cost a little more to get started, so unless you’re rolling in some wealth, you will need to establish some savings and money for the things you need. Build a prioritized checklist, including things like implementing solar panels, or learning about breaker boxes, piping, and so on, and start to scour the Internet for cheap and used sources.

What’s the Point?

Many people choose the option of off-grid living because they have to. They may have lost a job, or their home due to foreclosure, or perhaps a natural disaster took its toll. Others, though, are worried about the future of the environment–and opt to look into renewable resources as a widespread solution. It also increases self-sufficiency, decreases bill payments, and moves towards a relaxed lifestyle.

Food and Drink

Food and water obviously play a big role in living, though living off the grid doesn’t necessarily play a roll in preserving much of it. This is why stocking up on dry foods, dehydrated foods, and canned goods–basically things that don’t require refrigeration–is necessary. Since you’ll be looking for options in bulk, make sure that these items are stored properly in order to not attract animals. When it comes to water, consider the option of a water tank, and use a filter  or purifier to make sure it is safe to use. Because we use water to drink, cook, wash, and water the areas around us, we definitely need this in abundance. Many folks who live off the grid use different forms of water collection systems in their homes, such as wells, rain barrels, and grey water systems.

Ridding the Waste

We already know that a reason for moving off-grid is that municipal waste systems, such as garbage pick-up, are costly and not the best for the environment. To help remedy this, consider composting.  Composting is an excellent way to put scraps and waste back into the environment, replenishing it with much needed healthy nutrients to help it thrive. You can scatter it over a garden, grass, or any outdoor space, or create an indoor vermicompost bin.

If You Want to Build

If you’ve decided to move out of the old place, buy some land, and build an off-grid home, it’s not as intimidating as you might think. It’s quite possible you should consider an expert: after all, the worst approach would be to buy cheap building materials, using sketchy contractors, over-estimating your building capabilities, or try to do too much. Let the professionals be the professionals, learn everything you can, and take the time down the road to eventually take the power in your own hands.

Another thing to keep in mind is that before you buy, you should double check if you need permission. There are sometimes restrictions on what you can build on, so be aware. In some situations, it might even be more viable to buy land that already has a building on it that you can knock down and replace. Yes, the upfront cost will be more, but it could also save you money if you have the electrical connections, drainage services and pipes, and other elements that you still might need.

Worrying About the Weather

We’ve definitely seen some wet weather in our day, and if you live off-the-grid, this can be a lot more menacing. If you’re moving to a new location, you might want to choose somewhere that you’ll have greater protection from flooding and rising sea levels all year round. Some places, such as Australia, Indonesia, France, and the Philippines, for example, have seen larger amounts of rainfall and snowfall in the past years since global warming has really moved in place. Because temperatures are continually rising, the warm air expands to hold more moisture–which results in more rainfall.

So what can you do?

When you’re looking for an area, avoid areas that have previously been flood-prone, and seek out information to find out what might happen if you’re in an area where there could potentially be a flood. Some certain things could cause health issues — IE if the local sewage becomes flooded — so you’ll want to know if there are risks involved. Make sure that in the case of a wind storm–whether minimal but strong or a hurricane–that your building is secured, too. And if the seasons are brutal, there can definitely be a lot of preparedness needed for winter off-the-grid.

Being Prepared

Living off the grid is also all about being prepared. Though everyone should be prepared anyway — after all, natural disasters can wreak havoc on any home or building. If you are foreseeing a natural disaster on the way, you should be prepared with the following:

• one gallon per person per day of water
• non-perishable food to feed each person per day
• can opener
• battery-powered weather radio with tone alert
• batteries
• flashlight
• hand-cranked flashlight for backup
• hand-cranked radio for backup
• first aid kit
• moist towelettes
• garbage bags
• cell phones and chargers (or other devices, like tablets)
• towels
• duct tape
• dust masks
• whistle or horn for help signal

However, if you are living off the grid, you should have plenty of these anyway. Always be prepared, starting months in advance, with canning, collecting seeds, fire starting methods, drinking water, ammo and weapons, escape routes, solar panels, extra gas, and more.

Get Crafty

When you start to live off the grid, you want to start thinking of incorporating a little more “do it yourself”. DIY projects will save you money, time, and, if done right, energy, as well. When you are trying to just hanker down the basics, these two projects can help get you started, and check out some ways to get cooking the low-carbon way.

DIY Washing Machine: Gather a five gallon bucket and a toilet plunger. Cut two or three holes in the plunger so the water can flow through, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Put your laundry int he bucket, fill it with enough water to cover the clothes, and add in some laundry soup. Cut a hold in the lid that will fit the handle of the plunger. Put the plunger in the bucket, put the lid on (sliding it down over the handle), and begin to plunge.

DIY Laundry Soap: Take a bar of soap and grate it finely, trying to get it as powder like as possible. Add equal amounts of borax and washing soda, measuring by volume. (One part: one part: one part). Put in a container, mix well. Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture per wash load.

An Easy Way To Start

Living more efficiently can definitely be intimidating, so an easy way to incorporate a little more off-grid living into your life is generating your own electricity. There are plenty of options, and although some are costly, they generally begin to benefit you down the road. There are a few things in bear in mind when you get started. For example, wind turbines, well, they might die down if there isn’t any wind, and if there is battery back-up, it might not always be enough. Some circumstances might require more sources of backup to ensure that they can be counted on. Having a backup generator is key, an you can use a gasoline generator to back the batteries. Gasoline generators run about ten percent of the fuel cost to a coal-fired power plant and, of course, you don’t use it nearly as long.

The biggest key here is to do your research. There are plenty of ways to move toward a life that is more off-the-grid, benefiting your wallet and the environment — a win-win situation. If you’re a part of the lifestyle already or just moving into it, the time is definitely now: getting started will bring you closer with our planet, which will be the biggest benefit of all.

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Don’t cut the lawn shorter than two inches.

Keeping it between two and three inches delivers a stronger, deeper root system, which in turn, requires less watering. It also helps keep it alive in the hottest months.

Do use hand-operated tools when you can.

Trim and mow by hand, cutting down your contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Combined, they deliver about 5% of total emissions, and making this swap is an easy solution.

Do design your garden efficiently.

Planning is the key, taking into account the existing environment such as trees, plants, sun, wind and water. The landscape design should ensure water drainage back to the ground’s water table, and  permeable dry-laid materials such pea gravel and flagstone should be inter-planted with other ground covers in your hardscaping. Patios and walkways should be sloped so  water drains into the garden bed.

Don’t underestimate soil – it’s your  best fertilizer

Manmade, chemical fertilizers aren’t either the most cost efficient or eco-friendly. The best source of nutrients for plants is quality soil. And always add a topcoat of mulch, which helps plants retain water longer, and fend off weeds.

Do water less frequently, and do water longer

Plant root systems weaken with frequent watering, and this also wastes water and time. The key is to water less often, but deeper, allowing root systems to become hardier and survive drought.

Do remember to love nature

Organic gardening is actually easier than using chemicals. Simple as that.

Add your tips below!

Image courtesy of transformcompost.com

Buying a bicycle – especially your first one – can be a little overwhelming. Here are some basics to buying your new bike, whether it’s your first one or a much-needed upgrade.

What kind of bike do I need?

It can be confusing at first with the different options, but we’ll break it down into the most common:

Mountain bikes
If you are interested in a little off-road biking, and gearing up for some adventure, then the mountain bike would be your best bet. Mountain bikes include different gears (most often, 15+), a stronger frame, thicker, knobbier tires, and often some form of shock-absorbancy.

If you are thinking of a mountain bike, bear this in mind: using the thicker tires and heavier frame makes normal, everyday riding a little slower.

Hybrid bikes
These are perfect for commuters, combining an upright, still durable frame, with lighter wheels and a smaller frame.  They are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike (hence the name) and perfect for everyday use. With treaded tires and higher gearing, they give a sample of both worlds.

Road bikes
If you’re buying a bike for serious fitness, consider investing in a good road bike. With their streamlined, aerodynamic shape and thin, smooth tires, they are built for speed and flow.

Cruisers
These bikes are true to their name: perfect for the casual rider who just wants to cruise. Often available in simple one-speed versions. (pictured right)

Comfort bikes
Mountain and hybrid bicycles can come in the form of comfort, with an upright riding position and lower gearing.

Recumbent bikes
You might have seen these “reclined” bikes on the road, with feet forward and a full seat with back.

Tandems
Bicycles built for two.

Things to consider:

• Are you riding just for fun?
• Where will you be riding?
• Will it be used for fitness?
• Do you plan on becoming a serious cyclist?
• How frequently will you be riding?

Where should I go?

Opting for professionals is the way to go. The owner(s) and staff in bike-specific specialty stores can advise you on appropriate bicycles for your needs, and will take the time to treat you respectively and efficiently. Talk to people in your area and see what they recommend – usually you’ll get a few that’ll praise the folks in certain stores.

Things to consider:

• Choose a retailer who has an on-site service department; if anything goes wrong with your bike, and when it comes time for its yearly tune-up, your best bet is to go to the source of purchase
• Ask a lot of questions – you’ll know soon enough how savvy the staff is.

How should the bike fit?

It’s recommended to go to an actual bike dealer, as opposed to a large store that just stocks bikes. Department stores and large sporting good chains often aren’t equipped with higher-end bicycles and staff know-how. Going to a bike dealership optimizes the experience by having knowledgeable staff to help you make adjustments to fit your needs.
Things to consider:

• When you extend your leg on the pedal, your leg should be slightly bent.
• Have a comfortable distance between the seat and handlebars
• Women can use men’s bikes and vice versa – often, they are the same, other than the cross bar.

What size should I get?

Bicycles can have over eight sizes, but the easiest way to narrow it down is using the length of your inseam to find the correct frame size. Your reach to the handlebars is also important for comfort. Based on these, find a few you need, and see if the dealer can recommend a proper fit.

Things to consider:

• Just because it feels right sitting on it in the store, doesn’t mean it is comfortable
• The dealer wants you to be pleased with your purchase (otherwise, you should seek out a new store), so they should willingly suggest you go take it for a short ride.

What does ______ mean?

If your dealer is talking bicycle mumbo-jumbo, and you stare blankly at them in return, feel free to ask. Like most people knowledgeable in their field, I’m sure they love to talk about any bike information that people will let them.

Things to consider

• If its your first bicycle, it’s okay not to understand how to change gears/inflate tires/get on bike. Just ask.

Aren’t seats extremely uncomfortable?

On road bikes and some hybrids you’re less upright, so a thinner seat is better since it’s only carrying about half your body weight. But if you are a woman, you might want to opt for a women-specific seat, to carry wider hips. If you aren’t keen on the comfort level of the seat, opt to buy a whole new seat instead, as opposed to a ten dollar gel padding. If you are going to use it frequently, it’s worth the investment.

Things to consider:

• Before you use a new seat, adjust it. Sometimes the seat’s nose is the problem – try shifting it, first.
• Alternatively, try a model with a channel centered down the length of the seat, bearing less weight on your sensitive region
• The seat should support your sit bones – so make sure you can feel them on the seat

How much am I going to spend?

Consider your bike as an investment, especially if using it for fitness. If you’re opting for only using it to get from A to B, you might want to spend a little less. Additionally, if you live in a busy area and locking it outside as you work inside for eight hours, you might want to consider spending less, in case of theft or damage.

Less expensive bikes that are still excellent quality (especially for fitness or a lot of commuting) start at around $650 and can run into the thousands. But just do your homework, ask a lot of questions, and see what fits you best. With bicycles, you pay for what you get (for the most part), and you pay for extras that you might decide you need (or not).
Here are some great, quality bike manufacturers; peruse their sites to get a feel for what they offer, find out who deals their bikes, and then bring a list with your questions to the store:

specialized.com

feltbicycles.com

giant.com

norco.com

bikes.com [Rocky Mountain]

rei.com

brodiebikes.com

cannondale.com

Have any other questions? Let us know!

Image courtesy of justbicycles.com

Recently, Planters Canada has started the conversion to  over one million units of their traditional canisters to new, one hundred percent recyclable packaging.

Planters Recycles

Starting with Planters Naturals and Planters Lighted Sea Salted, the new packages are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and are bisphenol A/BPA-free. The clear packages also allows for a look inside of the product, and has the same shape of the traditional tins with the easy-to-open top.

We already know how great nuts our for our health. They are rich in fibre, healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, iron, calcium, and planet sterols that may help lower cholesterol. Even better, Planters recently launched two new products. Planters Naturals are unsalted nuts, while Planters Lightly Sea Salted  have fifty percent less sodium than their regular salted products.

The new 100 percent recyclable products include: Lightly Sea Salted Almonds, a good source of calcium and iron; Lightly Sea Salted Cashews and Deluxe Mixed Nuts, both a good source of fibre; Lightly Sea Salted Cocktail Peanuts, with zero cholesterol and a good source of calcium and iron; Naturals Raw Pecan Halves, Raw Mixed Nuts, Raw Walnut Halves, all a high source of fibre and a good source of iron; and Natural Raw Almonds, a high source of fibre, and a good source of calcium and iron.

According to Don Lock, Planters VP Sales and Marketing, their “traditional canisters contain recyclable elements”. However, not all of the components were, and these new canisters can be recycled without separating them. He continued, “It’s what our customers had been asking for and it was the right thing to do.”

You Could Win and Help a Charity!

It gets even better than just some new packaging with tasty treats inside. Planters is currently holding a contest for Canadians to visit their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PlantersCanada) to enter. Folks get to vote for or nominate their favourite environmentally-driven charity, organization, or community project to receive a $10,000 donation! In addition to this, one lucky winner will also have the opportunity to score a $20,000 energy efficient Kitchen Makeover by entering on Facebook daily.

 A special kudos to the folks at Planters — not only did they send us some samples to check out the new packaging, but also a tree to plant! We’re excited to plant our new tree, which was safely housed in a biodegradable bag. Thanks!

There are plenty of ways we can educate kids about Earth Day and the importance of celebrating and acknowledging the impact of food.

Our friends at the Rainforest Alliance offer some tips and information for our future leaders about the impact of foods and how they make their way to our grocery store shelves.

From the Rainforest Alliance:

An astounding number of fruits, vegetables, nuts, drinks, oils and flavorings originate in and around the rainforest. If we are not careful though, our appetites for these products could destroy the rainforest — the source from which they came from. Unsustainable farming methods continue to be a major cause of rainforest destruction and pollution worldwide. We help to conserve the rainforest and protect wildlife by supporting earth-friendly farming — Simply look for the Rainforest Alliance Certified^TM green frog seal on everyday products, like chocolate and bananas.

A fun way to get kids engaged in rainforest conservation is to visit the Rainforest Alliance’s Kids’ Corner, featuring online games, printable coloring pages and rainforest facts. One game — Track It Back — helps kids learn about where chocolate, bananas, and coffee come from, where they are grown and how they are harvested.

Once your kids have discovered the journey chocolate and bananas take to reach your supermarket shelves, try these sweet and sustainable recipes . Be sure to use chocolate and bananas stamped with the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal!

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To celebrate Earth Day and keeping the tips from the Rainforest Alliance in mind, here are some recipes to get you started:

Try our vegan banana bread, with three different variations: Simple, No Frills Banana Bread; Tropical Banana Bread; and Double Chocolate Banana Bread.

Or for something a little different, this kid-friendly recipe is easy to put together, healthful enough to enjoy for breakfast, and loaded with our two favourite ingredients.

Banana Chocolate Chip Pecan Breakfast Bars

1 very ripe banana, mashed
2/3 cup unrefined cane sugar
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
3/4 cup whole grain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick cooking oats
2/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch pan.

Put the banana, sugar, and coconut oil in a large bowl. Mix well. Put the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined. Put the flour mixture into the banana mixture. Mix until just combined. Stir in the oats, pecans, and chocolate chips until just combined.

Use a spatula to scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Press snuggly in the pan. Bake for 22 to 26 mixtures, until the edges are golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Looking for more ways to get your kids engaged in Earth Day and Earth Month? Check out: “Kids! 10 Easy Ways YOU Can Help Save Rainforests.”

Unlike energy, we can control our usage of water relatively easily, and seemingly small steps can help our individual impact on water conservation.

Here are 21 tips to get you started on saving this important resource.

Look at Your Dishwasher Settings

Many defaults on dishwashers, surprisingly, aren’t the eco-option. Take a look to see if it is in its “eco” mode. Additionally, shut off the dryer setting and let them air dry, instead.

The Candy-Free Easter Basket

There are plenty of ways to give your kids an exciting Easter basket without making it a chocolate and confectionery explosion. Consider gifting them with a few good quality, low sugar, and organic options to fulfill the sweets quota, then top the rest of the basket with toys, certificates, and more. Check out our Nine Candy-Free Easter Basket Ideas, each with a theme that will suit whatever your kids love, with everything from gardening, to sleep overs, to video gamers, to art supplies.

All-Natural Egg Dyes

Egg kits are notorious to contain little tablets made from chemicals. Though they are easy to use and create great-looking eggs, they also inevitability gets on your (and your kids’) skin, which, in turn, absorbs the additives into your systems. These food colourings have been linked to various developmental issues, such as ADHD. Lucky for us, it’s super easy to Dye Your Own Eggs Naturally.

Delicious Spring Produce

With Spring finally in the air, one thing is for certain: we are basking in the produce that comes along with it! Our favourites include fresh artichokes, completely worth the prep time; slender, green asparagus stalks that are tender and delicious; antioxidant and fibre-rich blueberries, perfect for pie; sweet plump peas excellent for a Mint Pea Soup; crisp, bright stalks of rhubarb in a simple, but Classic Rhubarb Pie; mixed and matched with brightly colored, plump strawberries. Check out all our tips in Spring Produce 101. berries with their leaves intact.

Fiddleheads Two Ways

If you want to serve your guests something a little different, opt for fiddle heads. These little spirals carry a nutritional kick of carotenoids and phenol compounds, both of which make fiddleheads an antioxidant powerhouse. What does that mean for our bodies? They can halt the growth of cancer-causing cells and taste amazing, too. Read more about preparing these little veggies, along with some recipes, in The 411 on Fiddleheads.

Organic Easter Basket Candies and Chocolate

Instead of using Easter baskets, try reusable bags. Swap that shredded recycled paper for plastic Easter grass, and enjoy  dinner filled with organic, local ingredients. But the most important part of Easter? Keeping those goodies; just make sure that they are Organic Easter Treats instead.

The Easter Lily

If you’re visiting family or friends over the holidays, consider giving them a lily as a gift. With their large, bright white, trumpet-shaped flowers, subtle yet notable fragrance, and beautiful simplicity, Easter lilies are a traditional Easter-time bloom that brings brightness to any room. If you’re not sure how to take care of it, whether it is your own or to offer others some advice, here is our Easy Guide to Easter Lilies.

Make Your Own Easter Grass

Growing your own Easter grass is far more environmentally friendly than the plastic scraps you use to fill your children’s baskets. Even better, it is a great activity for the family to do together. All you need are wheat berries/seeds, vermiculite or potting soil, a basket to grow it in, a spray bottle filled with water, a piece of plastic, cellophane, or similar to line the basket, and a sunny spot. Here are the instructions for DIY Easter Grass.

Recycling the Egg Cartons

After we sit with our families, friends, and children in our  kitchens, dipping hard-boiled eggs into food colouring solutions to create a vibrant creations,  what can we do with those left over containers? Luckily, egg cartons are perfect for a dozen convenient household tips and techniques. These are our favourite ways to Reuse Egg Cartons After Easter.

Invest in some good chocolate and some organic jelly beans to satisfy that sweet tooth, then fill the rest of the basket with useful goods that they’ll love even more.

Here are nine candy-free Easter basket ideas, each with a theme that will suit whatever your kids love.

With things they’ll use again and again, waste is at a minimum, making it much better for our planet, too.

The Slumber Party Lover

Most young girls love a good sleepover, and a basket of flip-flop slippers, a pair of cute pajamas, some books with girl-driven games (think: truth or dare), and a few others favourites is a great way to give them a basket of fun that they’ll be able to use over and over.

The Video-Game Lover

Go to a trade/buy/sell store and pick up a classic game or a new favourite. Round out the basket with an extra memory card and something that compliments the game, such as a comic book for a game based on the series, or a sports hat for their favourite team.

The Green Thumb

One of my favourite childhood memories is gardening in the yard; the vegetable garden with my dad and the flower garden with my mom. Fill an outdoor pail or tub with a watering can, seed packets, gloves, and a tool or two.

The Budding Artist

Art supplies can be cheap, and a great idea for kids. For younger kids, look for colouring books with spring themes. For older kids, find a good quality sketchbook. Round it out with crayons, markers, and paint, along with a few DIY crafts with step by step instructions.

The Animal Lover

Inspire the kids to bring birds into the backyard. Opt for an inexpensive bird feeder, some bird seed. Look for other options for squirrels and other backyard critters, too.

The Mini-Athlete

Whatever they love, give them something to help build their sport career. Flashy laces for a pair of cleats, a new baseball cap to shield the sun, some legwarmers for the dancer, a jump rope for the young one.

The Toddler

Still have a young one? Fill it up with books of their favourite characters. Choose board books, filled with their current TV and movie stars that they know and love. Add some stickers, a puzzle, and a DVD to bring it altogether.

The Kitchen Chef

Have a kid who loves to help out in the kitchen? Get them an apron, a few kid-friendly tools, and a recipe book designed specifically for them. Look for bright colours, comfortable grips and smaller sizes designed specifically for them.

The Teenager

So they are getting a little old for presents… right? Wrong. All kids, no matter the age, love a basket filled with some goodies! Through in a gift card to Starbucks or iTunes, add a cool pair of socks, a magazine, and something else they love: a book for the bookworm, a baseball for the slugger, and a blu-ray for the film lover.

Whatever you choose, don’t deny your kids of the delicious treats… Just fill it out with some great options that’ll last a lot longer than their sugar high.

Founded in 2003, the company has since then has built itself into a solid business with over 1400 employees and over $16 million in sales as of 2010. Their cars have been geared more toward the high end sports car audience– not necessarily for the average family man–but it would seem that the Model X might change all that.

As Tesla says, they have focused the next lot where utility meets performance. Their newest addition to the lineup is the Model X, described as an SUV that carries the benefits of a minivan, in the only way that an electric car can. It has a sleek design that resembles a lean SUV far more than a minivan. It houses an array of technological advances, all nestled within subtle curves that make up the exterior.  It is built with a center of gravity lower than any other SUV, allowing it to feel nimble yet solid on the open road. Developed with an optional Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive system, it’s able to handle everything mother nature can throw in its path, without leaving a trace. It boasts an acceleration of 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds.

We have to take a moment to appreciate the design of the doors. The Falcon Wings, allow parking in tight spaces and even let 7 people to step into the vehicle comfortably. With a front console that appears to rival many of the tablets on the market, the Model X enables the passengers to get as much information and entertainment as possible.

What’s most incredible about the Model X, above the fancy doors, nimble handling and the sleek exterior is that it runs entirely on battery power. Not even one tiny drop of gasoline is ever required, with a battery that spans nearly the entire base of the car. There are two options: 60 kWh and 85 kWh; given that the Roadster is capable of traveling just over 500 km on a single charge it will be interesting to see what records the Model X will be breaking.

Multiple sources have stated the Model X may reach a top price of $100,000, with all the bells and whistles, but you can expect it to be light years ahead of the crowd. According to recent studies, Canadians alone spend on average about $2,300 a year on gas, and, in many cases, more.

Tesla is the Apple Inc of the car industry; they may be many years ahead of the competition but the competition will eventually catch up. Let’s just hope this catching up is sooner than later, and in the meanwhile, schedule a test drive, and experience the way green driving should be.

Information provided by Tesla Motors, Forbes, and Statistics Canada
Image courtesy of Tesla Motors

Our friends at the Rainforest Alliance is pleased to announce new commitments and product launches from five companies: Clif Bar, Dagoba Organic Chocolate, NibMor, The Republic of Tea and Yogi Tea.

This  highlights continued growth in sustainable sourcing and growing recognition of the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal as a global symbol of sustainability.

From the Rainforest Alliance:

New Product Launches Signify Continued Growth in Sustainable Sourcing at Expo West

The Natural Products Expo West — the nation’s largest trade show in natural, organic and healthy products — kicks off this week, and this year’s exhibit features numerous product launches from companies committed to sourcing sustainably from Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM farms. The Rainforest Alliance is seeing an increasing number of companies make serious commitments to sustainability, and five companies will highlight their new commitments and product launches at this year’s Expo.

“Expo West is the go-to show for the natural foods industry and provides an important venue for companies to highlight social, environmental and economic responsibility,” said Alex Morgan, senior manager of sustainable agriculture at the Rainforest Alliance. “These new commitments and product launches reflect the growing recognition of the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal as a global symbol of sustainability, with 500 new companies registering to buy or sell certified products in 2011.”

Clif Bar & Company announced that 100 percent of cocoa ingredients for CLIF Bar will be sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, making the energy bar line the first in its category to commit to certification for all of its cocoa-based ingredients. CLIF Bar energy bars carrying the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal on packaging will be available in 2013.

Dagoba® Organic Chocolate announced that its complete line of USDA Certified organic chocolate products will be made with cocoa beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. By mid-year consumers will be able to purchase Dagoba Organic Chocolate products that bear the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal.

NibMor announced that it will expand its current offering of chocolates made with Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa, with the addition of Daily Dose of Dark — small chocolate squares made with 72 percent cocoa, perfect for snacking anytime.

The Republic of Tea announced the launch of a new ”Be Active Teas” collection, including five organic green rooibos-based teas — Get Restored, Get Hydrated, Get Limber, Get Burning, and Get Active. Each tea is blended with organic green rooibos, sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. The Republic of Tea also launched a collection of “Green Rooibos Teas” made with rooibos from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

Yogi Tea announced the launch of three new teas made with organic rooibos from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms — Soothing Caramel Bedtime, Caramel Apple Spice Snack Tea and Honey Lavender Stress Relief. Consumers can spot the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal on the front of packaging.

Other companies already working with the Rainforest Alliance and exhibiting at Expo West include Endangered Species Chocolate, Naked Juice, Back to Nature, Seth Ellis and Justin’s Nut Butter.

The Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travellers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, businesses and consumers worldwide are involved in the Rainforest Alliance’s efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily. For more information, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org.

Though the event itself is private, there will be an online auction starting on March 19th and lasting until March 29th so we can all get involved.

This includes a video contest on their Facebook page, and what do the winners get? An awesome prize: admission for two to the Green Auction itself!

For the past two years, the Green Auction has raised nearly $5 million for its environmental beneficiaries, and we can only imagine what this year will bring.

Christie’s International is the world’s leading art business. The event, the third annual Green Auction: BID to Save the Earth will occur at Rockefeller Center on April 11, 2012–just two weeks before one of our favorite times of year: Earth Day!

The public portion includes an online auction. Lasting from March 29 to April 19th, The Green Auction is a borderless collaboration of individuals, organizations, and businesses who are engaged, in spirit and action, in the protection and conservation of the environment.  Since 2010, the event has raised funds for  four of the world’s leading environmental nonprofits – Oceana, Conservation International (CI), Central Park Conservancy (CPC), and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

“Christie’s is delighted to again host the Green Auction:  BID to Save the Earth – fulfilling our commitment to help raise crucial funds and awareness for the preservation of our planet’s precious resources,” said Steven P. Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of Christie’s International in a press release.  “By partnering with four globally renowned and respected not-for-profits, we are honored to help serve as a catalyst in such an endearing effort.”

The 2012 Green Auction will be supported by JW Marriott, co-chaired by Graydon and Anna Carter, James R.  Hedges IV, François-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek, and David and Susan Rockefeller, and include a live musical performance by Grace Potter of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, in addition to visits from  New York’s most influential environmentalists, celebrities and philanthropists.

In the past, the live auction portion has included big prizes such as spending a day with the president, attending the Oscars, and going to fashion shows in Paris.

The online auction part includes hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime packages spanning the worlds of entertainment, fashion, travel, art and more to the lineup, accessible to anyone in the world via http://www.Charitybuzz.com/BidtoSavetheEarth.  Some of this year’s highlights include  a Mercedes Benz Fashion Week experience; a one-week paid Global Marketing & Communications internship with DKNY; a five-night stay in an over-beach villa in the Maldives; a Girard-Perregaux watch and more!

This year’s theme is focused on water, as each organization promotes it as a source of life, and preserving it is key.  The goal of the Green Auction is to raise awareness and funds for the large-scale earth-saving initiatives programmed by each non-profit, as well as to demonstrate how easy it can be to act green in everyday routines.

“Our ocean waters, which cover 70% of this blue planet, are hovering on the brink of an irreversible collapse, with 90% of the ocean’s big fish gone,” said Andrew Sharpless, Chief Executive Officer of Oceana in a press release.  “This means an irreplaceable source of food and protein for over a billion people today – and potentially billions more in the future.  Luckily, history and science show us that our oceans can rebound if we put in place and enforce sensible policies.”

“Clean and plentiful water is our most precious resource, and we need to treat it as such,” said Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “As we enter the 21st century, swelling demand and changing climate patterns are draining rivers and aquifers, and pollution is threatening the quality of what remains. We need to start implementing smart water solutions today, to ensure we’re sustaining, not wasting, this invaluable resource.”

“Central Park is home to 150 acres of water bodies, and water conservation is an important part of the Conservancy’s history of successful Park restoration,” adds Doug Blonsky, President of the Central Park Conservancy.  “We’re more conscientious about how we use water than ever before – and whether you live in or outside of New York City, there are easy, cost-efficient changes that anyone can adopt to help save our planet.”

“Human beings have always had a strong tie to water, as most of the world’s global population lives near a body of water,” said Dr. Greg Stone, Senior vice-president and chief scientist for oceans at Conservation International. “The oceans in particular provide us with irreplaceable benefits; improving their health will be imperative as we prepare to provide for 9 billion people, up from the current 7 billion, on Earth by the middle of this century.”

In addition to these efforts, Christie’s has launched the “BID to Save the Earth” campaign.  Since early February, users can visit Facebook.com/ABid toSavetheEarth to enter the “My BID to Save the Earth” video contest. The winners will receive admission for two to the exciting event.  They can also follow @bid2saveearth on Twitter for exclusive announcements and updates, and to tweet with the hashtag #Bid2SaveEarth for sharing easy tips on keeping green.

To date, the Green Auction has successfully raised nearly $5 million for its four beneficiaries. For additional information on the LIVE and online auctions, visit http://www.bidtosavetheearth.org/.

Visit them on Facebook, Twitter, and at www.bidtosavetheearth.org.

With that in mind, this consumer-driven holiday tends to also be pretty bad for the planet. Lots of money is spent on wasteful items, plenty of gag or one-time-use gifts, and flowers that don’t come from sustainable sources.

Here are some tips for keeping this Valentine’s Day waste free, along with plenty of other ideas to celebrate it sustainably.

Say no to paper cards

Instead of purchasing cards that, sure, might shed a brief tear, make a smile spread across a face, or get you a romantic kiss, consider delivering an e-version instead. This doesn’t waste paper, and, really, does the job just as well. Save the in-person gift in the form of a hug or kiss, instead.

But if you need a card…

If a printed card is absolutely necessary, make or purchase recycled ones instead. If you are choosing to hand make it, look for materials such as reclaimed paper, and cut and paste from old cards. If you must buy, there are many options made of recycled material.

Figure out the flowers

Flowers are a classic option, so be sure to ask your florist about the source of the flowers you’re about to buy, and look for those from local farmers. You can also order organic options from web sources such as Organic Bouquet.

The right drinks

Need a bottle of wine? Do a little research to find organic wine sources, and supporting local growers if possible. There are also plenty of choices for ethical champagne. If it is something vegan you are after, Barnivore is a great source for figuring out what alcohol is vegan.

The right food

If you’re celebrating by going out to dinner, look for restaurant choices that thrive on local, organic foods. Many areas often have at least a handful of restaurants that look toward local sources for their menus.

The right gifts

Nope, your boyfriend doesn’t need a gag gift that he’ll never use. And, honestly, your wife hates teddy bears. And those trinkets for the kids? They’ll be forgotten about in a couple of hours. Check out our links below to a load of ideas to bring the right gifts to the forefront this year.

Eat chocolate

When all else fails, there are plenty of organic and ethical chocolate options for you to munch on. Even Cadbury has gone fair-trade! Look for high-quality chocolate sources to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours.. and your lover’s. By purchasing fair-trade chocolate, you will help developing nations help establish themselves and move out of poverty.

Need some more inspiration?

If you need some other ways to spread the love this Valentine’s Day, check out these articles, too!

Top Four Eco-Valentine Gift Ideas for Her: for everyone from the culinary queen to just spending time in the bedroom.

Six Vegan Valentine’s Day Desserts: Nothing says love from desserts made with love. Sorbet, fondue, biscotti, and more!

Ideas for a Sustainable Valentine’s Day: our friends at Rainforest Alliance created a great green guide to gifts and activities especially designed for lovers to have an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day.

Top Four Eco-Valentine Gift Ideas for Him: after picking out the best gifts for her, here’s our follow-up for what to buy for your man this love-filled holiday.

Going Green on Valentine’s Day: Here’s another great green guide from Rainforest Alliance, perfect for promoting love, without promoting damage to the planet!

Sweetheart Vanilla Macaroons Dipped in Dark Chocolate: a yummy recipe that’s super easy to make… and it’s raw vegan, too!

Cheezy Fondue with Roasted Vegetables: round out a romantic meal with this perfect vegan dish designed for two.

Image courtesy of keetsa.com

Lucky for us, our friends at Rainforest Alliance has conjured up a great green guide to gifts and activities especially designed for lovers to, well, show their love for one another. The best part? They are all eco-friendly, sustainable ways to spend it together.

This Valentine’s Day sweethearts can demonstrate their love for one another and the planet by choosing gifts and activities that protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of workers and their communities across the globe.

Surprise your love with certified blooms

Surprise your Valentine with a beautiful bouquet, but make sure it was not grown at the expense of the environment. Flowers that bear the Rainforest Alliance Certified^TM seal were grown on farms that curb deforestation, conserve soil and water, provide habitat for wildlife and protect the rights and well-being of farm workers. You can find certified blooms at: Whole Foods Markets, Sam’s Club, Trader Joes, Costco, and online at FTD.com. 

Treat your love to ethical chocolate

Farmed on over 18 million acres of tropical land, some 40 million people depend on cocoa for their livelihoods. Make sure the chocolate you buy contains cocoa grown in a way that protects forests and helps cocoa farming communities thrive. Find a list of certified chocolate on the Rainforest Alliance’s Marketplace

Tell your love how you feel

Let your loved one know how you feel by sending a romantic e-card. They are environmentally-friendly, save paper, reduce carbon emissions and they’re inexpensive!

Enchant your love with an intimate night-in

Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at home while saving emissions and money. When selecting the perfect bottle of wine to complement your meal, look for wineries committed to sustainability. Willamette Valley wines use cork certified by the Rainforest Alliance to meet the environmental and social standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Mediterranean cork forests provide refuge for the Iberian lynx and other endangered species, and support local farmers who sustainably harvest the cork bark without damaging the trees. End your evening with a super sweet delight — a chocolate fondue! Indulge in this decadent dessert while supporting wildlife and workers alike by buying fruit and chocolate that bear the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal.

Rekindle your love on a romantic get-away

Rekindle your love on a romantic get-away. Find stunning and sustainable destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean on SustainableTrip.org– a database of tourism businesses that conserve natural resources, protect plants and wildlife, and support local communities.

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The Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, businesses and consumers worldwide are involved in the Rainforest Alliance’s efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily. For more information, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org

But there is something really great about having a home full of fresh (and alive) plants. Even better are the ones that with beautiful flowers.

Here are our top favorites:

African Violets

African violets are gorgeous, compact, and free flowering plants that have a wide variety of flower forms and colors. It needs specific watering, high humidity and bright, indirect light to thrive.

Poinsettias

Pretty popular, and especially around the holidays, poinsettias are one of the most common plants available. Though we are most familiar with the standard red hue, other growers have introduced pink, white, and versions of the two.

Orchids

There are over 30,000 known types of orchids and thousands of hybrids, making them  the largest group of plants in the world. They come in a large variety of colors and shapes. The most common type is the moth orchid, which is known for its purplish-pink hue.

Begonia

Though begonias are often thought of as outdoor plants, they also are perfect for the indoors. Since they don’t need a lot of maintenace, they are great for those who aren’t the best with keeping care of plants. Plus, you can always easily move it outside.

Desert Cacti

You wouldn’t believe it, but desert cacti can be one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. There are many types available, and for a beautiful bloom they just need lots of sunlight.

Amaryllis

The amaryllis’ large, deeply colored flowers adorn tall stalks, and are most commonly sold as potted flowering plants or naked bulbs. Though they come in many colors, they are most commonly available in red, dark pink, light pink, and orange. At the end of its growth cycle, the bulbs can be removed from the soil and stored in a cool, dry place for six to eight weeks. They then can be replanted and brought to bloom again.

Christmas Cactus

These subtropical forest cacti have vibrant, drooping red or pink flowers on unique, paddle-like foliage, and are easy to take care of.

Hibiscus

One of the most popular tropical flowers, these are availabe in two types: single forms and double forms. Both of these are available in a wide vareity of colours. Some of them are huge (up to 12 inches in diameter), with bright, multicolored flowers. It is difficult to keep in bloom, and requires a lot of warmth, light, humidity. It can also become fussy, as they are prone to bugs.

For guests that are just stopping it, or starting off your holiday party, consider making this easy eggplant and ricotta appetizer. If you have vegan folks, there is a ricotta-free version, too, using a tofu and almond mixture.

If you need to make up a few last minute gifts, these gift ideas that come from the kitchen are a great alternative. Sea Salt Caramels, Lemon Infused Olive Oil, Vegetable Soup Mix, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pecan Raisin Cookies in a Jar, and Peanut Caramel Corn…. mmmm. And for those who just need a break? Here are some super-easy do-it-yourself body scrubs.

For gifts that do something for someone else, look for ones that benefit a charity. Maybe items have teamed up with charities or donate to specific causes. Product (RED), ShopAnthropy, GiftBack.com, GiftBack.com, Jedidiah, TOMS Shoes, and others make our list of favorite Gifts That Give Back.

If you have meatless folks at your dinner table, let them have more than just salad. These tips will help with entertaining vegans, and offer two delicious side dishes: Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cider Glazed Brussels Sprouts.

Our friends at the Rainforest Alliance came up with some ideas and tips among their certified products. When you choose products bearing the Rainforest Alliance Certified^TM seal and/or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo you’re supporting farmers, foresters and tour operators who have adopted sustainable practices that improve their local communities, protect wildlife and conserve water and soil. Check out their Green Giving Guide. And here is last year’s.

Need some dessert inspiration? Other than the traditional cookies and treats, consider an Apple and Pear Crisp, Crumb-Topped Apple Pie, or Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread: all seasonally inspired, vegan, simple, and delicious.

Don’t worry about all of the gift wrap and wrapping paper this year. Read this to check out four great eco-friendly gift wrap alternatives to traditional wrapping paper.

Sure, gift giving can be fun, and sometimes we do want to buy a gift instead of make it or donate to a charity. If you plan on buying, here are some of our favourite green gifts under $20, including bamboo bowls, wood print art, gadget holders, and Fair Trade items.

Last year, David Suzuki compiled his top choices for gift giving. This year he launched Where Will Santa Live. Since climate change is melting the snow and ice, and the rising water is getting too close for comfort. Santa must relocate — fast — to make sure that all the nice boys and girls still have a Happy Holiday. Folks can help by buying Santa the supplies he needs to land safely in a new home. (Well, buying green gifts for friends and family to show you’re thinking about them — and the planet — this holiday season).

Want a fun activity for today or Christmas Eve? Gather your family, friends, and kids to make some natural, homemade Christmas ornaments. The eco-friendliest Christmas ornaments and decorations are usually made within your own home and the experts on creating holiday Christmas ornaments are about ages 4-10.

Raw vegans will love more than just a few side dishes. For dessert, dole out this raw vegan Apple Crisp. It’s super simple, delicious, and can be made well in advance.

If you’re completely stuck for another gift or two, here are 101+ of the best eco-friendly gift ideas. We’ve compiled a list that is sure to help you combat any last minute gift shopping woes you might have.

And here are some more health inspired green gift ideas, too.

And finally, it’s Christmas morning. But what’s for breakfast? Sure, snacking on some cookies is always good, but try this warming Maple Apple Oat Bake. Perfect alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or hot apple cider.

This recipe is great for that. It can be prepared in two different ways, each delivering delicious flavor to your friends and family, without sacrificing anything at all! Here’s how to prepare it both ways.

Your guests will love it.

Ricotta-Topped Eggplant Bites

This easy, non-vegan appetizer is simple to put together and guaranteed to impress.

Adapted from here (and image credit).

1 medium eggplant
Sea salt
Whole grain flour, for dredging
2 large eggs
3/4 cup whole grain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil, divided, plus more as needed
2 large plum tomatoes, diced
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 cup good quality, organic ricotta cheese
Fresh basil, shredded, for topping

Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the eggplant into rounds. Season the rounds with sea salt. Pour some of the whole grain flour into a shallow dish. Crack the two eggs into another shallow dish, and lightly beat. In a third shallow dish, put the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Mix well. Using a single hand, dredge the eggplant in the flour. Dip it into the eggs. Press it into the breadcrumb mixture.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet set to medium heat. Working in an assembly line of dredging, breading, and frying, cook the eggplant until it is golden in color, about 2 minutes per side, adding oil when necessary.

Put the finished eggplant rounds on paper towels to drain. Season with additional salt.

Once the eggplant is finished, put the tomatoes in a medium bowl. Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well, and add the vinegar.

To assemble, put the eggplant on a serving tray. Spoon some of the ricotta cheese onto each eggplant round. Top with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with basil.

Vegan Eggplant Bites

A twist on the recipe above, this version will satisfy your favorite vegans without avoiding any of the delicious flavor!

1 medium eggplant
Sea salt
Whole grain flour, for dredging
6 tablespoons nondairy milk
2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
3/4 cup whole grain breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil, divided, plus more as needed
2 large plum tomatoes, diced
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 cup almond/tofu cheese (below)
Fresh basil, shredded, for topping

Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the eggplant into rounds. Season the rounds with sea salt. Pour some of the whole grain flour into a shallow dish. Heat the nondairy milk briefly on the stovetop or in the microwave, about 30 seconds, until just warm. Add the ground flaxseed and let stand until thickened, about 5 minutes. Pour the mixture in a shallow dish. In a third shallow dish, put the breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast. Mix well. Using a single hand, dredge the eggplant in the flour. Dip it into the flax mixture. Press it into the breadcrumb mixture.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet set to medium heat. Working in an assembly line of dredging, breading, and frying, cook the eggplant until it is golden in color, about 2 minutes per side, adding oil when necessary.

Put the finished eggplant rounds on paper towels to drain. Season with additional salt.

Once the eggplant is finished, put the tomatoes in a medium bowl. Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well, and add the vinegar.

To assemble, put the eggplant on a serving tray. Spoon some of the almond/tofu cheese onto each eggplant round. Top with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with basil.

To make the almond/tofu cheese, put a block of well-drained, firm or extra-firm tofu in the food processor. Add about 1/3 cup almonds, a bit of lemon juice and salt. Pulse until the mixture is the texture of ricotta cheese. I like using this version better than straight up tofu – the almonds are a nice complement – though you can do it with just tofu if you’d like!

Here are our favorite – and easy! – gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.

Sea Salt Caramels

Makes 8 dozen

1 3/4 cups sugar
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon coarse sea salt
Oil

Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Oil lightly.

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the sugar, evaporated milk and heavy cream to a boil over medium heat. Add the corn syrup and continue cooking until mixture reaches 230 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Add the butter and vanilla. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 240 degrees. Remove from heat, stir in salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Let cool at least 1 hour.

Invert onto a cutting board covered with parchment paper. Cut the slab into 1-inch pieces with a sharp, lightly oiled knife. Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and twist the ends to secure) Store airtight at cool room temperature or in the refrigerator. Caramels will keep up to 3 weeks.

Lemon Olive Oil

Makes 2 cups

2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

In a medium saucepan, heat the zest and the olive oil over low heat until the zest begins to sizzle. Be sure it stays less than 220 degrees F. Remove the pan from the heat. When the zest stopped sizzling, cover the pan with its lid and let sit at room temperature for 48 hours. Strain oil into clean bottles.

Vegetable Soup Mix

Makes 1 jar

1/4 cup red lentils
1/4 cup split yellow peas
1/4 cup whole grain barley (not pearl)
1/3 cup beef bouillon mixture
3 tablespoons onion flakes
2 tablespoons parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup dried small pasta

In a two-cup jar, layer the ingredients in the order listed. Seal the jar.

Include these instructions:

In a large saucepan, combine 8 cups of water, a 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes, and the soup mix. Add 2 chopped and peeled carrots, 4 chopped potatoes, and 2 cups chopped green cabbage. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover. Let simmer at least one hour until the peas, lentils, and barley are tender.

When you’re planning on giving those gifts this holiday season, why not consider something a little kinder to the environment?

If you’re not sure where to begin, look no further. Our friends at the Rainforest Alliance have come up with some ideas and tips among their certified products.

Here’s what they recommend, with some additional notes from our team:

Rainforest Alliance’s Annual Green Giving Guide

This holiday season give a gift that counts. When you choose products bearing the Rainforest Alliance Certified^TM seal and/or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo — including coffee, tea, chocolate, flowers, greeting cards and furniture — you’re supporting farmers, foresters and tour operators who have adopted sustainable practices that improve their local communities, protect wildlife and conserve water and soil.

Check out our Green Giving Guide for the environmentally savvy:

For the parents:

Do your parents like to garden? If so, give them a way to tend to their greens through the chilly winter months with a SunPod mini greenhouse, made with FSC-certified wood. SunPod green houses are hand-crafted green houses that increase yields and can be used all year round. They allow you to grow your own vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and are made with sustainable materials. Their ideal growing environment shelters your plants from cool weather and winds, and their non-toxic, multi-purpose containers are suitable for any home.

For the kids:

Kids love to be creative, so they’ll definitely get into the creative spirit with an Eco Tots easel. These easels are made from FSC-certified wood. They have loads of options, including memory games, mobiles, and more!

For the tech savvy:

Is there someone on your list who loves gadgets? If so, be sure to check out the TAPE collection. This collection offers a range of stylish pouches and sleeves, all of which are made with FSC-certified cork, and designed for cell phones, e-readers, laptops and more! You can also choose your option of colorful stitching. Established in 2009, TAPE offers
sustainable, durable, functional and useful covers and sleeves to protect your personal devices.

For the pampered:

Those that need a little lovin’ will appreciate Alba Botanica skin care and hair products. Made from pure plant proteins, natural botanicals, vitamins, advanced sea enzymes and tropical fruit, nut and plant essences from the Hawaiian Islands, they not only do their job, but offer you benefits, too. The best part/ the Andiroba and Brazil nut oils are both Rainforest Alliance Certified.

For the foodie:

Those who love food will love a gift basket with gourmet treats, such as tea, coffee, chocolate, and fruit. Many products now bear the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal, so it’s easy to hunt down what is available in your major supermarket and specialty stores. JK Adams also offers a range of cutting boards, all of which are made with FSC-certified wood. Find certified products on their website depending on your country.

For the adventurous:

Those who love a good adventure will need to head out on a trip that’s good for themselves and the planet. That’s why the Rainforest Alliance, and us at ecoki, recommend SustainableTrip.org, which features  hotels, tour operators, and other businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean that are either verified by the Rainforest Alliance, certified by third-party programs or recommended by reputable organizations. Their goal is to help travelers and tour operators choose destinations that are not only beautiful, but also benefit the communities, flora, and fauna they will be visiting. It will help you hunt down eco-friendly hotels, lodges, restaurants, and other businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean. And even better, if you choose to travel on American Airlines, British Airways, Asiana Airlines, or Al Nippon Airways, you also get complimentary Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee onboard your flight!

For the person who has everything:

We always have someone on our list who has everything (or needs nothing). This is the perfect opportunity to make a tribute gift to adopt-a-rainforest, which will support conservation projects run by Rainforest Alliance partner organizations in Latin America.

Check out more sustainable gift ideas in our articles listing over 100 eco-friendly gift ideas, health-inspired gift options, and some picks from David Suzuki.

Christmas decorations can easily be created and made from recycled materials, scrape pieces, and organic gear. Items such as cinnamon sticks, homemade gingerbread, holly, ivy and evergreen branches, pinecones, popcorn, and dried indian corn can easily store year to year, and look great, too.

An easy way to start off the decor is using items form the garden and seasonal fruit. Think of fresh, bright clementines, rosy apples, and vibrant pears. Decorate with these alongside greenery from your garden – simply twist it into wreaths and garland, make table arrangements, or add a little outdoors.

If you have a real tree, purchase the tree from a sustainable, local grower. Choose a tree that still has its roots intact so you can replant it. If that isn’t an option, see what your region or city has for a Christmas tree recycling program. Wrap the roots with hessian, and decorate it with organic, nature-inspired decorations that are both good for the environment, and budget-friendly, too. Pare these alongside storebought favorites that you’ve collected over the years for a perfect balance.

Instead of wasteful tinsel, start decorating with handmade paper chains, strings of popcorn (not buttered!), and cranberries. All will be traditional, without the glitz and glam (and mess) that tinsel delivers.

Easy decorations can be made with cardboard, cardstock, and paint. Just draw and cut out shapes from recycled materials, and use natural paints, foil, or scraps of giftwrap to cover.

To make baubles, use old tennis balls or other balls of a similar size. Wrap in colorful twine, focusing on the colors of your holiday decor, or reds, greens, golds, silvers, and white. You can also purchase inexpensive foam balls, and use material or cord to cover them.

Other Christmas ornaments can be made from just taking a look around your house! Thread spools wrapped in ribbon or recycled paper can be threaded together to create garland, or hung one by one for a single ornament. Old costume jewellry can also be painted or strung along the try. Gift cards can be revamped to turn into a simple tree decoration.

For those who are a little more crafty, you can also make origami figures out of scrap paper. Birds (which can be made from white and resemble doves) are pretty easy to do. Here is a great step-by-step for making origami cranes. Just round off the beak and the wings to make it a little more dove-like.

Bows are another easy form of decoration that can be made from nearly anything. Make simple bowls out of old material or ribbon, and check out local fabric shops for discounted (or free) scraps.

Pine cones are another easy option. It’s a fun project for the kids, too. Go pine cone gathering together, then get ready to do some crafts! Dip the pine corns in a soy, beeswax, or natural-based candle wax, or splatter them with some white paint so they appear frosted. Finish them off with a bit of glitter. When the cones are dry, tie a festive ribbon around the top.

Pipecleaner is one of those craft supplies that goes a long way. Use beads threaded onto pipe cleaner, alternating between red and white. Bend into a candy cane shape and hang directly on the tree! You can also take colourful pipe cleaners and create shapes to wrap around the Christmas tree or to hang from branches, adding beads or another items that you might find around the house.

Another fun and easy craft is using a homemade dough that you can bake and paint to make ornaments. These are perfect gifts from your kids to others. The basic salt dough includes 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup water. Mix together the flour and salt. Add just enough water until you have a firm dough. Knead for about 8 minutes, then roll and form into shapes and bake at 325 degrees F for up to 90 minutes, depending on thickness.

For more ideas, check out our article on Natural, Homemade Christmas Ornaments.