Since 2003, the Rainforest Alliance has held their coffee cupping event that was modeled after similar ones in the industry. Since then, the Rainforest Alliance Cupping for Quality has provided an opportunity for Rainforest Alliance Certified™ coffees to be evaluated by industry experts. These experts analyze and recognize coffees that further do what their certification promotes, highlighting links between sustainability in farm management  and high quality product. It also provides the coffee producers for feedback on how to improve their product if recommended.

This biannual event takes place at the same time when there are coffee harvest cycles. It occurs once in New York in the spring for Central and South American coffees, then later in December in Long Beach for coffees that hail from Brazil, Peru, East Africa and Indonesia.

The official results of the Rainforest Alliance Cupping from this past December are out! Here are the details given to us from our friends at the Rainforest Alliance.

Sustainable Coffees Recognized for Quality at the Rainforest Alliance Cupping

Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms in Peru and Kenya earned top scores at the Rainforest Alliance’s December Cupping for Quality, held at the Specialty Coffee Association of America Lab in Long Beach, California. The Rainforest Alliance’s biannual cupping events recognize farmers for their hard work in producing high quality sustainable coffee.

A total of 45 coffee samples from eight origins were submitted, including the debut of coffees from the Karatu and Kilimanjaro regions of Tanzania. The highest score — 87.9 points — went to Tunki, a two acre farm located in the Puno region of Peru. Over 95 percent of the samples scored above 80, the threshold for the designation of ‘specialty coffee’ — a clear indication that sustainable farming practices can contribute to the production of high-quality coffee.

“It’s only natural that Rainforest Alliance Certified farms would produce more and better quality coffee,” said Maya Albanese, event hostess and coordinator of the Sustainable Agriculture Division at the Rainforest Alliance. “When you improve workers’ conditions and livelihoods, farms become more productive. When you reduce waste, energy consumption, and agrochemical usage, you increase soil quality and biodiversity, thereby facilitating the production of a better crop.”

Top Ten Scoring Coffees:

Highest Scoring Farms By Country:

To see the full results from the December 2011 Cupping for Quality, please visit:

http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/agriculture/crops/coffee/cupping-quality

A panel of 17 expert cuppers, representing coffee importers, roasters, and retailers large and small in North America, evaluated the profile of the coffees according to aspects such as aroma, acidity, uniformity, and balance.

The samples were roasted and cupped by Rocky Rhodes of International Coffee Consulting, Ted Vautrinot of Kean Roasters, and Andrew Phillips of Rose Park Roasters.

The cupper team included:

• Shawn Hamilton, Lead Cupper & VP of Plant Operations, Java City
• Jeffrey Chean, Groundwork Coffee
• Trish Rothgeb, Wrecking Ball Coffee
• Darrin Daniel, Allegro Coffee Company
• Adam Kline, Atlantic Specialty Coffee / ECOM
• Michael C. Boyd, Boyd’s Coffee Company
• Alexandra Katona, Coffee Quality Institute
• Kika Miramontes, InterAmerican Coffee
• Ian Kluse, Olam Americas
• Patrick Russell, Second Cup
• Fernando Seminario, Sustainable Harvest
• Dane Loraas, Sustainable Harvest
• Stephen Leach, Maranatha Import Export Pty Ltd.
• David Sager, Maranatha Import Export Pty Ltd.

Cupper Steve Leach stated that Rainforest Alliance certification is a “win-win for all partners in the supply chain. The producers get a better price, there’s less risk of quality problems at the exporter/importer level and the roaster is better assured of receiving the quality contracted for. Being involved in a sustainable program helps ensure that we will have continued access to the product our customers expect.”

The Rainforest Alliance Cupping for Quality takes place twice a year to accommodate various coffee harvest cycles around the world. On March 28-30, 2012, a new set of certified coffees from regions including Central and South America will be evaluated during the Spring Cupping event.

To learn more about Rainforest Alliance Certified™ coffee and how certification benefits coffee farming communities, please visit www.sealyourcup.org.

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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.

For more on the Rainforest Alliance and their coffee ventures, you might want to know that:

• Caribou Coffee set a goal of sourcing 100 percent of the coffee and espresso that is used across all its products and platforms from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms by the end of 2011. (Read more here)
• SealYourCup.org is a website launched by our friends at the Rainforest Alliance. This online resource provides consumers with a window into the world of Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee farms. (Read more here)
• Java City ™ coffee, which is 100 percent Rainforest Alliance Certified™ is offered onboard all American Airlines flights as part of the airline’s inflight beverage service. (Read more here)
• The Rainforest Alliance has an annual gala that recognizes companies and individuals for their combined efforts with the Rainforest Alliance on making sustainable changes and decisions. (Read more here, and read even more here)

Our friends at the Rainforest Alliance have given us all of the details; and we couldn’t be more pleased for the growing coffee company. Last spring, Caribou Coffee set a goal of sourcing 100 percent of the coffee and espresso that is used across all its products and platforms from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms by the end of 2011.

From the Rainforest Alliance:

Caribou Coffee Becomes First Major US Coffeehouse to Achieve 100% Milestone

New York – The Rainforest Alliance is pleased to announce that Caribou Coffee, the country’s second largest coffeehouse, is the first major coffee company in the US to source 100 percent of its coffee and espresso beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified^TM farms.

“Caribou Coffee’s achievement sets a shining example, demonstrating that it is entirely possible for companies to meet their sustainability goals,” said Tensie Whelan, president of the Rainforest Alliance. “We are thrilled that our long-standing relationship with Caribou Coffee has helped to improve the livelihoods of coffee farming communities across the globe, while providing consumers with high quality, sustainable coffee.”

The Rainforest Alliance started working with Caribou Coffee in 2003. Last April, Caribou Coffee set an ambitious goal of sourcing 100 percent of the coffee and espresso used across all its products and platforms from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms by the end of 2011. To meet this objective, Caribou Coffee worked directly with coffee farmers in North and South America, Africa and South East Asia, helping them to understand the social, environmental and economic benefits that result from achieving certification.

“Reaching 100 percent certification is a significant accomplishment for Caribou Coffee,” said Chad Trewick, senior director of coffee and tea at Caribou Coffee. “I’ve seen how communities thrive from working with the Rainforest Alliance, and I’m proud to say that all of our beans come from sustainable, healthy sources.”

Caribou Coffee’s path to sustainability highlights the significant benefits large companies can bring to both farming communities and the environment, even before they reach 100 percent certified content. Companies are permitted to use the green frog seal on products that contain at least 30 percent Rainforest Alliance Certified content, but this fact must be clearly displayed on packaging. Because of the demanding certification standards, which were established by a coalition of grassroots conservation groups known as the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), it takes time for large companies to build and integrate supply into their products. Farmers also often need time to make any changes needed to meet the SAN’s social, economic and environmental standards.

“Allowing companies to use the seal before they have reached 100 percent certification, but have made a commitment to increase to 100 percent as soon as feasible, is a realistic approach that benefits workers, their families and wildlife,” explains Chris Wille, the Rainforest Alliance’s chief of agriculture.

Farms that achieve Rainforest Alliance certification have met the environmental, social and economic standards of the SAN, which cover ecosystem conservation, wildlife protection, water and soil conservation, agrochemical reduction, worker rights and safety, decent housing, legal wages and contracts for workers and access to healthcare and education.

Other major brands are also scaling up their commitments to source tea, coffee and cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. Lipton®, for example, has made a commitment to source 100 percent of its tea from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms by 2015 and is well on its way to doing so.

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About the Rainforest Alliance

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.

About Caribou Coffee®

“Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee Company is one of the leading branded coffee companies in the United States, with a compelling multichannel approach to their customers. Based on the number of coffeehouses, Caribou Coffee is the second largest company-operated premium coffeehouse operator in the United States. As of July 3, 2011, the Company had 554 coffeehouses, including 147 franchised locations, in 20 states, the District of Columbia and nine international markets. The Company’s coffeehouses aspire to be the community place loved by guests who are provided an extraordinary experience that makes their day better.  Caribou Coffee provides the highest quality handcrafted beverages, foods and coffee lifestyle items with a unique blend of expertise, fun and authentic human connection in a comfortable and welcoming coffeehouse environment. In addition, Caribou Coffee’s unique coffees are available within grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, office coffee and foodservice providers, hotels, entertainment venues and e-commerce channels.  Caribou Coffee is a proud recipient of the Rainforest Alliance Corporate Green Globe Award and is committed to operating practices that promote sustainability and environmental protection. For more information, visit www.cariboucoffee.com.”

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there are so many choices for travelling sustainably. Luckily, organizations like ResponsibleTourism.com are there to help. They believe that responsible tourism is a better way to travel, where you get a more authentic experience, and your holiday benefits local people and the environment. As they say, “Responsible tourism simply means holidays that care about local communities and culture, as well as wildlife conservation and the environment.”

Here are some of our favorites:

If you like adventure…

The site features over 1268 adventure holidays, from sea or river kayaking and surfing, to cycling and horseback riding. It will take you up Mount Kilimanjaro, across the Galapagos or through the rich culture of the Middle East.

Try this: Peru Multi-Sport Vacation

They say: Perfect for the active adventurer looking for a challenge, this trip will have you hiking, biking and paddling through Peru’s Andes Mountains and into the jungle below. Conquer a whitewater river by raft and hike the Inca Trail to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu and spectacular views. Tear it up on mountain bikes on a descent into the Manu Cloud Forest, raft wild rivers and get your adrenaline pumping on exciting optional excursions.

How it helps: The crew ensures minimal social and eco-impact, uses local transportation, and stays in locally-owned hotels. They also work with local guides. While in Cuzco, you’ll support two non-profit organizations, including the Inca Porter Project (IPP) and the Inti Runakunaq Wasin (House of the People of the Sun). On this tour you’ll also visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the city of Cuzco and the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

If you want to help a charity…

The site features many types of travel based around charity challenges, which are ideal for people who want to travel responsibly, as well as give that little bit extra and help contribute towards a favourite charity. These trips are either run by charities, or contribute a significant proportion of the cost of the holiday to a charity.

Try this: Zambezi canoeing holiday and community project, Zambia

They say: Transfer to Livingstone the home of breathtaking Victoria Falls – the planet’s largest curtain of water, considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. In Livingstone you will spend 3 full days volunteering at a school or centre for HIV+ children in Lusaka. Then experience the journey of a lifetime, as you experience a five day waterborne safari, as you canoe down the Zambezi River, spotting wild game as you go!

How it helps: This unique tour doesn’t just let you “see” Africa, but provides you with the chance to help local people suffering from the onslaught of AIDS by making their community centre, school or place of work a more enjoyable place to be. All hotels you travel in are eco-driven, the hotel workers are treated fairly, and you’ll help the locals while you’re there.

If you’re bringing the family…

Good thing there are 831 family holidays to choose from, including activity for the kids, relaxation for the grownups, and everything in between. There are adventure, peace and quiet, beaches, and safaris.

Try this: Tanzania wildlife and beach holiday

They say: This itinerary has been carefully designed to sample some of the incredible contrasts of Tanzania – from the lushly forested Usambara Mountains to the exotic palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar.

Begin your holiday relaxing and walking around the tranquil Usambara Mountains, exploring their rich biodiversity. Enjoy the company and knowledge of the local villagers as they guide you on a walk up to the Irente Viewpoint from where there are spectacular views over the Maasai plains more than 1000m below. You then move on to Arusha, to begin a 4 day private safari covering the Tarangire National Park, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. You will have a highly knowledgeable local Tanzanian safari guide accompanying you on these days to help you make the most of the incredible landscapes and diverse wildlife that you will encounter. Amongst many others, you can hope to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffe, hippo, zebra and if you are lucky perhaps even black rhino and leopards.

Following safari, you will fly to Zanzibar, and spend a few nights in exotic Stone Town. Guide yourself through the maze of narrow streets and you will find something fascinating around every corner – from the old slave market to the former palace of the Sultan. Enjoy a trip to Jozani forest where you can watch the rare red colubus monkeys playing in the trees. The itinerary ends with a few days relaxing on the east coast of Zanzibar, enjoying the exquisite white palm-fringed beaches and clear turquoise sea.

How it helps: The programs are run entirely by local people, with all proceeds going to the local communities. The accommodations used are all small-scale local hotels, and the safari company is owned and run by a Tanzanian couple only employing Tanzanian guides, drivers and cooks. All food is local as well. The travel guides also give basic responsible travel advice to help bring guests into direct contact with locals from a range of different tribes and cultures across Africa.

If you want to learn something new…

These holidays combine amazing sightseeing with developing your knowledge and skills, through crafts, languages, sports and music, and are operated by worldwide specialists committed to the local environment and communities.

Try this: Wild food cookery weekend in Scotland

They say: Over the weekend we will experiment with ancient ways of cooking. You will forage for greens during the day, cook a wild lunch and have an evening feast on Saturday night. You will learn to cook on an open fire and using a stone lined pit -a fantastic technique for cooking meat or slow stews. You can also try outdoor bread baking and preparing clay baked fish. These ancient techniques have been pieced together by studying archaeological evidence and comparing it to different cooking methods still in use elsewhere in the world -plus a bit of common sense!

How it helps: Their course has been designed to have a very low impact on the environment. They offer wild camping, a compost loo, locally foraged and locally purchased foods, and encourage guests to use public transport and the train versus flying. They teach ancient techniques of cookery using local sourced ingredients which require little or no packaging, minimal waste, and recycle or compost (on site) as much waste as possible. They have sustainable woodland practices,  protect, improve and expand the niche habitats and food sources of rare species, and are committed to using local services wherever possible.

If you love yoga…

Specialist yoga holidays and retreats are available in extraordinary locations, with responsible specialists who are committed to your well-being, the local community, and the environment.

Try this: Yoga holiday in Malta

They say: You’ll be staying on a beautiful island in the Mediterranean. A secret gem, you’ll be taking in the stunning scenery, the friendly people, the fresh local produce and the sun sparkling off the sea. Time is slower here and you’ll soon become acquainted with Gozo Time. Your host and teacher is resident on the island and there is no better person to show you around and share their love with the place. Malta gets the most sunshine in the whole of Europe and whether you want to lounge by the pool with a book and a bottle of suntan lotion, or put on your sun hat and explore the many faces of the island, we are on hand, all the time to help you make the most of your holiday.

You’ll practice yoga twice a day in our underground yoga studio. It’s peaceful, quiet and air-conditioned and perfect to focus on your practice. There is also a meditation session once a day. Included in your package are private airport transfers which include your passage across the sea from Malta to Gozo. Included in the week are 2 evening meals, one of which is a 3 course meal in a local restaurant, a guided hike along the rugged and isolated coast with a professional hiking company, and a sunset yoga class held at the breathtaking Azure Window. What you will bring home with you is a thoroughly stretched and relaxed body, a calm and clear mind and some great memories. What you will remember most is the quality of service, with your host organising fun trips to beaches, blue lagoons and fascinating local festivals.

How it helps: The trip supports local companies and the accommodation is locally owned and run. It uses a solar panel heating system to heat the water, and guests are briefed on waste management, and energy-saving practices. Local produce, restaurants, and shops are highlighted, and on your guided hikes, you will learn about animal and plant life endemic to the island. You’ll also learn much about the culture and meet the locals, as well.

The company donates 10% of their annual profit to Tsunami affected regions, operate as a paperless office, have strict recycling policies, planst a tree in a new forest in Africa for each guest, and off-set the carbon emissions for return flights within Europe. Overall, very impressive!

The Rainforest Alliance takes the time to dedicate their work to conserve biodiversity. They also ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.

Some of their ongoing projects include:

Keeping Forests Standing

Because forests are disappearing, wildlife habitats are destroyed, species are becoming extinct, soils are eroded, water is unsafe and climate change is in overdrive. For more than twenty years, the Rainforest Alliance has worked to stop deforestation by developing innovative and sustainable alternatives to forest destruction. Through certification and verification, they give forest managers, farmers and tourism entrepreneurs tools to manage their land in a sustainable way. They also help build communities in these areas. Read more here.

Curbing Climate Change

We know climate change is a huge issue, and although some is the result of natural processes, the biggest impact is caused by human activities: in this case, greenhouse gas emissions. The Rainforest Alliance’s programs help alleviate this. On Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms, farmers cannot deforest, must maintain healthy soils, protect native ecosystems and decrease their use of energy, water and agrochemicals. Read more here.

Protecting Wildlife

As forests are cleared and degraded, the two-thirds or so of the world’s plants and animals that depend on these ecosystems become threatened. In this case, preventing deforestation is key. Read more here.

Alleviating Poverty

According to the Rainforest Alliance, about 1.4 billion people around the world live on less than $1.25 a day. Because of this, they have to resort to clearing land for subsistence agriculture, cut down trees for firewood and sell illegal timber on the black market. To help, the Rainforest Alliances works with farmers and forest managers to provide them with the tools and know-how to manage their natural resources, reach new markets, and earn extra money. With this, they can develop a more secure future. Read more here.

Transforming Business Practices

For long-term success, businesses must ensure they have responsibly sourced resources and keep their employees healthy, happy and productive. To help, the Rainforest Alliance ensures that farms and forestry operations that they certify give workers decent wages, good housing and healthcare, and that the workers’ children have access to education. Read more here.

This is just the beginning.

So now that it is Rainforest Alliance Week, we want to make sure that you tune in to their tips on sustainability.

To let consumers know how they can support healthy farms and forestlands, the Rainforest Alliance is launching a week-long social media campaign, September 19 through 23, and we at ecoki want you to get involved! All you have to do is take up our offers on moving toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

Here are three simple ways consumers can get involved from the Rainforest Alliance.

1) Follow the Frog

You have the power to support a healthier planet. Learn why your consumer choices matter – watch the “Follow the Frog” video then share it with family and friends! Follow @RnfrstAlliance on Twitter and “like” the Rainforest Alliance on Facebook to get the latest environmental news and tips for a sustainable life. [Also check out their special #frogstory on Twitter!]

Why this matters: Agriculture and livestock are responsible for 70 percent of global deforestation. By choosing products that bear the Rainforest Alliance Certified^TM seal, you’re supporting farms and forestlands that curb deforestation and provide habitat for wildlife, while protecting the rights and well being of workers and their communities.

2) Shop the Frog

When shopping, look for the Rainforest Alliance’s little green frog on everyday items like coffee, tea, chocolate, fruit, flowers, paper and furniture. And when planning a vacation, use SustainableTrip.org to find hotels, lodges and tour operators in Latin America and the Caribbean that are good neighbors to the community and the environment.

Why this matters: The Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal and the Rainforest Alliance Verified™ mark are your assurance that goods and services were produced according to strict standards for environmental, social and economic sustainability. When you choose goods stamped with the little green frog seal, you’re rewarding communities for their commitments to sustainability and investing in their futures.

3) Spread the Word

Tell your friends and family how easy it is to support a sustainable future! Share the “Follow the Frog” video with friends, look for the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal in stores, post photos of your favorite seal-bearing products on the Rainforest Alliance Facebook page, write your own blog about why you choose certified… Get creative!

Why this matters: Small actions lead to big change. If everyone takes just one small step to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, we can collectively make a huge impact, protecting our planet’s precious resources for generations to come.

Because of this, there has been an increasing demand in sustainable investment options, all of which build on the Triple Bottom Line philosophy.

A Triple Bottom Line investment is one that yields benefits financially, yes, but as well as social and environmental returns, too. It seems simple – how hard can it be to balance all three? – but the challenge is that this is a new territory, so data is moderately reliable at best.

Basically the answer to this lay in the definition of sustainability. What kind of return is just that: sustainable?

Well, in 2006, the United Nations launched what they referred to as the Principles for Responsible Investment. These included broad guidelines that outlined for investors to look for long-term benefits by taking the environment, social issues, and corporate governance into account. This helped bring sustainability into the mainstream investment process, however, it still wasn’t clear enough to assess exactly how much is needed for a Triple Bottom Line investment.

Triple Bottom Line investing is, for the most part, a newer endeavour. Seldom has the environment and social issues played a role in financial gain. The social and environment impacts of making investment choices are external to the investment choices themselves. Economic wealth is not pursued with the environment in mind, or social issues at the forefront. As much as we would like it to be, or think it is, when making our investments, this isn’t a highlighted factor. But sustainable investing is what we need to look toward.

We seek wealth for a number of reasons: our family, ourselves, future, security, money for the future, goal planning. We would love to build a system to assure that all members of society have monetary support, but often, it doesn’t work that way. Simply, we use economic planning and financial strategies for our own well being. But that’s only one part of Triple Bottom Line investing.

This creates a problem. We need to think of the broader task at hand, the one that pulls from social and environmental benefits, also. The investor does have many options, more than they might be aware of. They have to engage in different strategies to achieve many outcomes, and look at social well-being, personal well-being, worthy causes and support, and still fulfilling their ultimate goals.

Investors such as the World Financial Group can help make this happen. Many investors have proven that it is possible to balance financial returns with social and environmental impact. They understand that portfolio performance isn’t the only issue regarding financial return, but instead that a variety of planning returning over time. Returns that are viewed solely by themselves tend to not result in benefits akin to all investments looked at as a whole. By spreading and balancing your wares, you’ll see there is more for yourself, as well as to complete the Triple Bottom Line.

This concept, of course, makes complete sense. Though putting it in action can be somewhat difficult. It is obvious, though, this is going somewhere. There are an increasing amount of investors that are practicing this way and executing strategies that seek social, environmental and financial value.

A growth is obvious: the socially responsible investment market has grown from $40 billion in the mid-1980s to over $3 trillion in 2010. And that is just the starting of the impressive growth.

Most investors, unfortunately, still continue to struggle with fulfilling all there parks of the Triple Bottom Line investment process. They want to promote social and environmental issues, though they want to make sure they achieve their financial goals.

To do this, they must look at their overall investment strategy to look for simple solutions. They also need a more comprehensive understanding of the different investments available to them. Their strategy must be founded on looking at this full array of assets and put them at the forefront of the process. Then, take a look at the opportunities for social and environmental factors and bring it all together.

Some financial advisers are already there, such as the TBLI Group and Natural Capital Investment Fund. When you’re looking to spread around your money, consider doing something good for the environment and social awareness, too.

Actors have no small feat: rehearsing, performing, preparing… There’s so much to do, just to bring it all to the stage. And what’s even better, is when we support the arts and culture, we give back directly to the community around us.

This spring, take some time to immerse yourself in culture around you, exploring something a little new and giving back to the community, too.

Broadway 101

Before you go, be sure to get some information on how you can score discount tickets for Broadway Shows. Even better, the money you save means you can head there more than once.

You can also score tickets the day of, up to 30 minutes before the show. These tickets are also greatly discounted, or sometimes include Standing Room Only.

Be sure to arrive early, take your seat, and relax. Turn off your cell phone and keep the noise to zero to respect those around you, as well as the actors and musicians.

Popular Shows

Sure, we’re familiar with the shows–we see them advertise all the time. But how do we narrow it down? Here are the most popular shows and, well, why you should see them all:

Wicked: This amazing reimagining of the classic The Wizard of Oz, highlights the untold stories of Oz’s most famous characters, including the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. It’s a story of  love, friendship and trust, showing two different sides to the story. This touching story is too good to miss, and very different from the Oz story that we know and love. It doesn’t include any swearing or sexual situations, making it good for kids, although perhaps a little scary.

The Lion King: This stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King is the story of Simba, who loves exploring the grasslands, and spending time with his father, king  Mufasa. And just like in the film, Simba takes on Scar to fulfill his destiny to be king. Vibrant, gorgeous with wonderful music, it’s reputation of winning loads of awards is worth the show. It’s great for kids who have seen and weren’t frightened by the film.

Jersey Boys: A musical biography of the Four Seasons, this musical focuses on frontman Frankie Valli. More than a biography, it covers topics such as gambling debts, Mafia threats and family disasters. It appeals to those who are fans of the Four Seasons, as well as anyone who loves a good show. It isn’t really a show for the kids, however, with infidelity, the death of a child, and swearing rounding it out.

Rock of Ages: In the 1980s, partying it what it’s all about. Aspiring rock star Drew longs to be the next big thing, but then German developers come into town with plans to turn the music-laden Strip into just another strip mall. Music includes Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more, perfect for anyone who loves the 80s. Not intended for kids.

Chicago: The Broadway classic takes place in the the roaring “jazz hot” 20s. It tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses locked up in Cook County Jail. Velma and Roxie’s antics woo the audience and make for a great adventure. Loads of great music and excellent, quick moving story equals a great musical. Although the topics are a little heavy (murder, adultery), it’s still okay for the more mature kids.

Keeping Up

Whether you’re heading to your first show or a long-time Broadway lover, staying tuned to the latest news is key for anyone who is heading to NYC for a good time.

Lucky for us, Tony Award winners Matthew Broderick and Anika Noni Rose are set to announce the nominees for the 2011 Tony Awards. The announcement will take place on May 3 at the Lincoln Center branch of the New York Public Library.

And soon enough, the 65th annual Tony Award ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS from the Beacon Theatre on June 12.

Stay tuned for details!

Image source

Champagne — a sparkling wine developed by fermenting  the wine further to create the effect of carbonation — gets its name from the region in France. It most often uses Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes. But now, many North American companies are producing eco-friendly choices that we can get locally (or at least a little closer than overseas).

Domaine Carneros

This is the first champagne-based Californian winery to gain certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers.  There are no pesticides used in their grape-growing and they also use compost for fertilizing. Seven years ago 2003 they also installed a photovoltaic solar system–the largest of any winery worldwide.

Pommery

As the first champagne-winery to obtain ISO 14001 (environmental) certification for sustainability, waste management and water and energy conservation, they also use lighter glass than conventional champagne. This redues both pollution and shipping energy, AND the label is made with recycled paper and printed with water-soluble ink.

Leclerc Briant

This eco-friendly winery is keen on biodynamic winemaking.  They use only natural fertilizers, compost cleanly, and always aerate soil to maximize its planet-friendly sustainability.

Images courtesy of articles.sfgate.com and domainecarneros.com

They claim “organic is a way of life”, and we heartily agree. Farming in this manner brings oneself together with nature, promoting a level of self-sustainability without destroying our natural surroundings.

In addition to their extensive crops, they also grow and  extract essential aromatic oils, including mint, lemongrass, citronella, tulsi, basil, and khus, as well as  palmarosa oil which exceeds 1000 kilos annually.

It doesn’t end there, with their test crops of medicinal plants, aiming to expand in yet another direction. (More about their crops)

Their goal is to make it a viable enterprise so that villages in the area understand and eventually harness the benefits of living organically. This is combined with giving back, by donating 10% of their profits being set aside for helping local women and children.

There is a rapidly growing population in Indian villages, which creates a burden on nature and wildlife. This is quickly leading to catastrophic changes such as drought, floods, and use of toxic chemicals which makes soil infertile and, in turn, impacts food security. Ground water is contaminated, micro-organisms are demolished, soil is degraded, and then food is poisoned.

Ahana Organic Farm has harnessed organic food production is solve these issues, ensuring strict procedures that have been adhered to for the past five years, and include a certification by SGS.

It is their “vision to create a model in social responsibility and sustainable development in the face of climate change.”

Ecoki founder Aran Down had the pleasure of spending two weeks with the owners of Ahana Organic Farms in India and is going to assist with fund raising for the Ahana non-governmental organization (NGO), to assist with health care, education, food, nutrition, and everything in between.

Visit them to read more about their practices at ahanaorganic.com and stay tuned to ecoki.com in the next coming months, as we begin our fund raising event to assist with making Ahana Organic Farm’s vision turn to reality.

Images courtesy of ahanaorganic.com

One of the key elements for a sustainable life and world is community. To make your community a sustainable one you need to invest a lot of time and effort.
Now for the last 2 months I have been making that investment and now the time has come to leave this bubble of support and be reinstated back with the rest of the planet. I have learned to appreciate diversity in a way I never thought I could.

The “me” before this tour wouldn’t even imagine that I could interact, and live the way I plan to/have been doing. It’s time to apply this knowledge and share it with the people around me.
Otesha’s Prairies Sky tour 2009 ended today in Regina; half our crew of 10 is gone and the remaining will be gone in a day or 2. I will be heading west of here still on my bicycle towards Vancouver with a few stops in between. This change to traveling alone is going to be an interesting one, I now have to start providing my own food again, luckily “Eat healthy foods” on 12th.St. in Regina can provide me with some good ol’ lentils, granola, and some type of grain undecided as of yet.

I’d like to jump back a bit and tell a pleasant story from this tour about one of the awesomest people I met. I began the ride that day heading south from Saskatoon to Kenaston, and about 15 km north of our stop my bike partner, Mille, noticed my rear tire bulging out! I sprang into action jumping off of Evelyn (my bike), ripping off my panniers, and examining the damage. I decided I had no choice but to ride on it, but I gave one of my bags to Mille to lighten the load. As we arrived in Kenaston I took instant notice of the fact there is no way I’m going to buy a new tire in this little town and probably nowhere else until Regina.

I began conversing with the locals trying to find a solution, as they are bending over backwards making phone calls to help this poor fellow out. Eventually it is decided to call our host who lives about 15 km outside of town on a gravel road to come and pick me up as I cannot ride there. So the farmer comes to get Mille and I, we hit it off with great chatting, and picking everyone else up too as the gravel was just laid making for an impossible bike ride.

Following dinner it is offered to me to ride to the next town about 30 km’s away to buy a tire found in the discontinued section of the hardware shop. While driving there I learn more about our host whose name is Arnold Taylor, and is the president of Canadian Organic Growers!! (www.cog.ca)

After picking Arnold’s brain some more I went to work fixing this tire problem, as I pull it over the rim and start pumping it up I notice a huge split in the tire! The reason it was in the discontinued section is because someone cut it with box cutters by accident I imagine. I get pretty frustrated at this point, my group gets a little scared of me, and I go to bed not too happy.

First thing in the morning Arn suggests I go to the back of the farm where some old, weather/sun beaten bikes reside. Going back with a fair trade, organic coffee in my hand I locate the machines find the one with 27 inch wheels and commence to remove them. These tires have seen better days, much, much better days, I mean really, you could see through part of them!

I get to work as quick as possible as we perform in about an hour’s time. I put the good front tire on the back and well this next part is easy put the tube into the tire, pull the tire over the rim and pump it up.  That day however was much different, after several ripped tubes and about 16 patches I finally get the rear tire on and working, but now I have to fix the front!

Arn gives me a lift to the performance then we drive together to the next town and spend a little more time repairing the front while I wait for the others to arrive on their bikes (see photograph).

Once its working I bid farewell to Arnold and continue my ride on the transparent/ancient tire for almost 200 km’s into Regina where I purchased top notch German tires!

A quick note on Arnold and his farm, Taylor Farms, is registered for WWOOFING (www.WWOOF.ca) and one of our Otesha crew is headed that way to work with him, and you should too he is a wealth of knowledge.

This little story turned into a bit of a big story but I feel it was important to share, and I’m sure I will share more as the weeks go on. I hope you continue reading about what I’m up to while I ride to a new destination with a different but similar goal.

Love, peace, and bicycle grease,
Joshua

Image courtesy of Katrina Siks

To bring you up to speed, the Prairies are a very surprising and mysterious part of Canada, you never really know what’s next.

While in Red Deer, Otesha had planned a performance in Blackfalds which is about 20 km away; meaning 40 including return.

Waking up that morning I discovered about 4 inches of snow on the ground, and it was still falling! This frozen treat continued all day as we discussed whether to ride our bikes or not. Finally after much deliberation we chose to bear the blizzard, and bear it we did as you can see by the photograph.

This brutally unexpected, unpleasant experience turned out to be one of the most memorable and my personal favourite ride to date. We filmed a small movie, found some useful things on the ground, and just laughed and played in the snow.

I think the meaning behind the snowfall was really a test and lesson for us, to be ready for anything. I took a lot from that day and have been applying it to my life since.

A lot of us in our lives become stressed out over simple situations with very simple solutions, or things we cannot control, when you think about it does it really make sense? Basically the idea I’m trying to get across is simplicity. No longer having my cell phone, or having my computer, or even having an apartment, just living on my bike with a tent.

Of course this doesn’t mean everyone should quit their jobs and go ride their bikes around the world (that would be cool however), but what I am saying is taking some parts of your life and limiting them or stopping them altogether.

[Editor's note: If you do follow Josh's great suggestion, we want to hear about it! Tell us below in the comments, or write us here with your story!]

Try this for a couple weeks see how it works for you, it might be just what you need. Before I get too carried away on this concept I would really like to share some other great experiences I’ve been having with you guys.

On top of the amazingly wild and sporadic weather, I have encountered some of the most amazing people. Before our arrival in Red Deer the Otesha crew and I stopped off in Olds and in Bowden, 2 smaller towns with some great stuff hidden away. In Olds we stayed with a family of 4 who are in the beginning stages of a massive garden in their backyard, a monstrous composting pile, and permaculture on their brains. What I learned from staying with these folks was that if you want to make a difference you must do it in your own lives, with your own food, and share those ideas, if they are welcome great, if not, that’s okay, too.

They also taught me that it is totally possible to be in charge of your food no matter where you live, whether it’s in your backyard or in a community garden plot. We spent a couple more days then we had originally planned to because we loved it so much, but when we had to say goodbye there was lots of love floating around and I knew we would see each other again someday.

Following Olds we had planned to stop in Bowden, this super tiny town with no grocery store, nothing! We did not have any contacts except that we were staying at a rest stop, but through our connection in Olds we got in touch with this really cool, really big, really blue house!

The inhabitants were all seasoned in the school of life, and were ready to have a little spot to call their own, and, in fact, as we rode our bikes up that evening they were beginning their own permaculture paradise, digging ditches, moving dirt, and planting the proper plants that could flourish together.

We spent most of the evening there then went back to the rest stop to sleep planning to arrive early the next morning to cook beakfast at the blue house. But to my surprise (as the first one to arrive) they had already made us breakfast and had giant smiles on. We chatted for a couple hours, took some photographs, swapped emails, then hugged and said goodbye.

My journey has continued much farther than Bowden but to squeeze everything and everyone in is just not possible. The idea I really wanted to get across here is there is so much to explore and experience if you just let it happen and not worry about things. So I strongly encourage you to do so. Maybe I’ll see you on the highway.

Image courtesy of Katrina Siks

The training itinerary involves rehearsal of the play, building our group dynamic/relationships, tuning decision making skills, planning our tour, and, of course, lots and lots of eating.

As mentioned before, the way we “clicked” continues to ring through; making decisions together that normally would be difficult are done with ease. To live in a close knit group/family such as this can be very difficult, but with the light at the end of the tunnel glowing with cleaner air, organic food, social equality, and an all around much more positive attitude towards life, everything seems easier.

As I have limited computer access I don’t have as much time to write this, but felt necessary to let you all know how I am feeling after this week of sharing, learning experiences.

The tour will begin this Friday as we head into Calgary but our first performance is at Kamp Kiwanis this Thursday. Thank you for you comments and hope to continue hearing from you all. Stay tuned for my next update!

Missed the first installment of Josh’s sustainable ride? Click here to check it out and stay up to date, as he keeps us updated on the journey.

Image credit: Katrina Siks

“The honorees we’ve selected have made solid commitments that benefit ecosystems, workers and wildlife worldwide,” said Tensie Whelan, president of the Rainforest Alliance. “By making sustainability a priority in their business decisions, they demonstrate its importance not only for the longevity of their businesses but also for the well-being of the entire planet.”

These honorees will come together with representatives from the Rainforest Alliance and other business leaders for a workshop on marketing sustainability and certification. It will be followed with an awards dinner, dancing and silent auction at the American Museum of Natural History.

All proceeds of the gala’s events will  benefit the Rainforest Alliance’s work in sustainable agriculture, forestry and tourism.

The honourees include:

Corporate Sustainable Standard-Setters (companies that have worked with the Rainforest Alliance and exhibited outstanding leadership in efforts to promote sustainability):

• Green Hotels of Costa Rica
• Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A
• Napo Wildlife Center, Comunidad Kichwa Añangu

Corporate Green Globe Awardees (businesses that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to furthering sustainability):

• Allegro Coffee Company
• Drie Mollen Group
• National Envelope
• Unilever – Lipton Tea

Individual Green Globe Awardee

• Becky McKinnon

2009 Gala Co-chairs:

• Ecuador Ministry of Tourism
• Gloria Jean’s Coffees

Honorary Chair:

• Gisele Bündchen

Visit their website for detailed information how each of these companies and individuals have specifically done their part.

The Rainforest Alliance aims to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainability by. For more information, visit rainforest-alliance.org.

Image: Unilever – Lipton Tea received a Corporate Green Globe Award this year for making an extraordinary commitment to sustainability. Workers at their Rainforest Alliance Certified Kericho Tea Estate in Kenya. © Rainforest Alliance

With only a couple days left before the beginning of my new journey, I find myself with almost no time, running and riding all over town trying to tighten all my loose ends. Saying an appropriate goodbye to everyone is an impossible task when they all need at least a day of complete attention. I’ve discovered I have to compress it all, compiling a few goodbye potlucks and just go.

If I turn around to give my farewells again I probably won’t ever get out of here, and this is something I truly want/need to do.

I’m Josh Suppan and I will be spending the entire summer on my bicycle.

The birth of this idea took place a couple years ago when something just sparked in my mind; I had to get a bike and learn everything possible about it! This same attitude rings true still today as I type this with fingers covered in bicycle grease, in a basement littered with bikes and bicycle parts.

My fascination with bikes is not really something I can describe; I just see a bike and want to get to know it intimately. This all probably sounds crazy and, well, maybe it is, but I’ve found what makes the most sense to me in the world and now I’m going to share it with everyone.

To kick off my bike adventure this summer I have teamed up with The Otesha Project (www.otesha.ca), an organization out of Ottawa that designs bike tours through Canada. The tours take the riders to different towns and cities and into their schools/community events to educate people on sustainable living practices (i.e. water conservation, organic food, bicycles, clothing).

The tour I am apart of (Prairie Sky Tour) runs from Calgary to Edmonton, over to Saskatoon, and down into Regina, stopping in towns in between. Myself and 10 others will be doing this ride starting May 7th into the last week of June, roughly 2 months of living in tents and eating delicious, delicious vegetables!

To be apart of Otesha we are expected to fundraise $1900.00 which goes towards our food/lodging, et cetera, as well as different administrative costs. With our fundraising contributions Otesha is much less dependent on government and corporate sponsorship, which is definitely noteworthy!

I raised money in different ways, ranging from bake sales to opening a bike shop in my basement. I spent about 6 weeks raising the money and it went very successful. I am very grateful at the amount of support my community has given me.

Following this Otesha tour I am planning a ride from Regina to Vancouver, and then probably ride along the coast. I’m not too sure, really, a lot of this stuff is still in the air; all I really know is that I will be riding my bike. To keep in touch with what I’m doing check out my periodical updates here at ecoki.

Image courtesy of The Otesha Project