Green & Black's Organic Chocolate

How one woman used Green & Blacks chocolate to get the figure she'd always dreamed of

Top 10 Green Valentine's Day Gifts for Women and Men - From AusPen Eco-Friendly Markers

Looking for gift ideas for Valentine's Day that show your romantic side, but that are still earth-friendly? Going green for Valentine's Day is easier than you may think. AusPen eco-friendly markers has selected the 10 best eco-friendly and economical Valentine's Day gifts for women and men. From hand-blown glass vases, to natural beauty products to eco-friendly jewellery, you'll be sure to find a gift idea that your sweetheart will love.  

 For Women:

1.    Organic, fair-trade chocolate

Chocolate just tastes better when you know that the growers are paid a fair wage and that the growing practices are less destructive to the environment. Fair Trade chocolate is typically organic and shade-grown under the canopy of the rainforest rather than in a clear cut field. Fair trade arrangements also provide for a social premium – extra money that is invested back into the communities for much-needed projects. Try Cocoa Camino, Divine, Maya Gold of Green & Blacks, and Presidents Choice chocolates marked with the Transfair logo.

2.    Essential oil perfume

In the 2010 Environmental Working Group's report, Not So Sexy – The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance, we learned that the chemicals added to commercial perfumes are very toxic and poorly regulated. 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum and can be linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, hormone disruptions and allergic reactions. For natural perfumes made of essential oils, try Nantucket Natural Oils, Aubrey Organics, Lavender Farms, and Tigerflag Natural Perfumery.

 3.    Hand-blown glass vase, candle holder or jewellery

Crystal is a traditional choice for Valentine's Day gifts, but quality crystal is made with lead, a heavy metal with serious health risks. There may also be lead present in some ceramic glazes. As a healthier alternative, consider hand-blown glass creations. Many glass artists use recycled glass to create beautiful and one-of-a-kind hand-blown vases, candle holders and jewellery. For a hand-blown glass creation, visit your local gallery or artisan shop.

4.    Organic cotton pjs, towels, bedding, outdoor blankets

It is said that cotton is the ‘fabric of our lives'. But growing conventional cotton requires the use of enormous amounts of pesticides – approximately 25 percent of the world's insecticide use and more than 10 percent of the world's pesticides. These chemicals have a huge environmental impact and present health risks for those working with and around the cotton fields. For organic cotton pj's, towels and bedding, try Gaiam, and for outdoor blankets try Blue Lotus.

5.    Conflict-free, eco-friendly jewellery

Leonardo DiCaprio brought the troubling issue of ‘conflict diamonds' to our attention in his 2006 movie, Blood Diamond, and the United Nations has said that conflict diamonds has been a crucial issue in fuelling wars. Ensure that the country of origin of any diamonds is not on the UN blacklist. Also, recycled gold is a green choice as the production of one gold ring generates 20 tons of waste. Some green jewellery retailers include: Brilliant Earth, GreenKarat, and Faeries Dance.

For Men:

1.     Natural grooming products with essential oils.

Conventional grooming products such as cologne, hair product and shaving cream can contain phthalates, dyes, parabens, and other harsh synthetic ingredients. For natural personal care products for men, try Organic Grooming, Burt's Bees Natural Grooming, Bulldog, and The Natural Grooming Company.

2.  Organic massage oils

Synthethic-based massage oil contains mineral oil, which is a petroleum by-product. Natural vegetable, seed or nut oils would be a greener choice, and healthier for the skin. Weleda, Lush, Happy Endings and Earth to Body have products that use certified organic oils and 100% natural products.

3.    A low-flow shower head

Many newer energy-efficient showerheads conserve energy and water without changing water pressure. Low-flow showerheads use up to 70 percent less water than standard showerheads, and can save approximately 15 percent on the cost of heating your water.

4.    Tree-free journal

A journal is a sweet Valentine's Day gift, giving your man the opportunity to record memories and dreams, especially if it is a green journal. 2011 is the United Nation's International Year of Forests. Reducing our consumption of paper made from virgin fibre will alleviate the pressure on this limited natural resource. Tree-free paper can be made from the fiber of banana leaf, sugar cane husk, hemp, jute, flax, bamboo, sisal and even crushed stone. Some retailers that sell tree-free paper include: Green Field Paper Company, Kenaf Paper Products, Living Tree Paper and EcoPaper.

5.    Repurposed accessories

Guys generally love technology and gadgets – why not repurpose a gadget into a cool, one-of-a-kind Valentine's Day gift? Online retailers offer recycled circuit board cufflinks, rubber messenger bags, necktie wallets, bicycle wheel clocks, bike chain bottle openers, doorknob bottle stoppers…you get the picture. It's Valentine's Day the 2011 way.

Annie's Homegrown Tropical Treat Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, 4.0 Ounce Boxes (Pack of 4) List Price: $21.52 Sale Price: $16.55 You save: $4.97 (23%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Organic tropical treat bunny fruit snacks are a delicious mix of mango-peach, tropical punch and orange flavored bunnies. Certified organic, these bunny-shaped fruit snacks are made with real fruit juice and packed with 100% daily value of vitamin c. Features Pack of 4 (total 16 oz) Certified organic and made with real fruit juice Vegan, gelatin free, fat free, and naturally gluten free 100% recommended daily value of Vitamin C 5 packets, 0.8oz per box

HAPPYMETLS Organic Yogurt Snacks for Babies & Toddlers, Mixed Berry, 1-Ounce Pouch (Pack of 8) List Price: $37.12 Sale Price: $29.00 You save: $8.12 (22%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Dr. Sears recommends all natural organic food for babies' developing bodies. Only organic dairy products are free of growth hormones & pesticides. That's why we only use the highest quality organic yogurt to give your baby, HAPPYMELTS, a wholesome organic treat that tastes great! Features Always organic, no GEIs.. Melts in Baby's mouth - no mess Delicious freeze dried yogurt snacks - no frigeration needed pre and probiotics, high protein and low sugar, suplemented with vitamin D and calcium. Portable Packaging, Bpa Free

Annie's Homegrown Summer Strawberry Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, 4-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 4) List Price: $17.96 Sale Price: $16.55 You save: $1.41 (8%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Summer Strawberry fruit snacks are enlivened with the taste of juicy strawberries. Certified organic, these bunny-shaped fruit snacks are made with real fruit juice and packed with 100% daily recommended value of Vitamin C. Features Two delicious, all natural, organic strawberry flavors in every pouch. Certified organic and made with real fruit juice Vegan, gelatin free, fat free, and naturally gluten free 100% recommended daily value of Vitamin C 5 packets, 0.8oz per box

Peter Rabbit Organics, Organic Mango, Banana and Orange 100% Pure Fruit Snack, 3.5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 10) List Price: $19.00 Sale Price: $16.50 You save: $2.50 (13%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Peter Rabbit Organics 100% fruit snacks are ideal for babies and children. They contain 100% organic fruit with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. The convenient squeezable pouch means there is no need for a spoon. The pouches are resealable which makes them a great snack for children whenever you are out and about or to feed your baby at the start of weaning. We don't add water only natural fruit, so each 3.5oz pouch counts as one of your child's 'five a day'. You can contact us with any questions at peter@prorganics.com Features 100% Fruit No added Sugar 100% USDA Organic Nothing Artificial No added water

Peter Rabbit Organics, Organic Strawberry and Banana 100% Pure Fruit Snack, 3.5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 10) List Price: $19.00 Sale Price: $16.50 You save: $2.50 (13%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Peter Rabbit Organics 100% fruit snacks are ideal for babies and children. They contain 100% organic fruit with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. The convenient squeezable pouch means there is no need for a spoon. The pouches are resealable which makes them a great snack for children whenever you are out and about or to feed your baby at the start of weaning. We don't add water only natural fruit, so each 3.5oz pouch counts as one of your child's 'five a day'. Features 100% Fruit No added Sugar 100% USDA Organic Nothing Artificial No added water

Annie's Homegrown Berry Patch Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, 5-Count Pouches (Pack of 4) List Price: $21.52 Sale Price: $16.55 You save: $4.97 (23%)   Eligible for free shipping! See Reviews For This Product Description Organic Berry patch bunny fruit snacks are a delicious mix of strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavored bunnies. Certified organic, these bunny-shaped fruit snacks are made with real fruit juice and packed with 100% daily value of vitamin C. Features Pack of 4 (total 16 oz) Three delicious, all natural flavors in every pouch: strawberry, cherry, and raspberry Certified organic; made with real fruit juice Vegan; gelatin free, fat free; and naturally gluten free 5 packets, 0.8oz per box

Late July Organic Mini Peanut Butter Bite Size Sandwich Crackers, 1.125-Ounce Pouches in 8-Count Boxes (Pack of 4) List Price: $31.84 Sale Price: $19.97 You save: $11.87 (37%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Real organic peanut butter organic buttery tasting rich crackers are USDA organic. While carefree mid-summer days inspired our name, the love of family inspired our ideas. On any given day you can find three generations at work including my father, and cofounder, mother, husband, aunt and three year old son, the boy on the front and the biggest fan of our new organic mini sandwich crackers. As a mother, I'm constantly in the position where I need to give my son a snack on the go, but I'm not willing to sacrifice the quality of the ingredients for convenience. These mini sandwich crackers were developed with him in mind. Our family hopes you enjoy them. The organic ingredients in our Mini Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers are produced without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetic engineering. They also contain real organic peanut butter, no trans fat, no hydrogenated oils, no corn syrup, no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, no preservatives, no cholesterol and are vegan. Features Case of four boxes, each box containing eight 1.125-ounce pouches (total of 36 ounces) Child-friendly snack of real peanut butter between buttery-tasting rich crackers USDA-certified-organic; no trans fats or hydrogenated oils; kosher and lacto-vegetarian Late July brand name inspired by carefree mid-summer days when it's family time Made by the Bernard family's snack-food business (founder of Cape Cod Potato Chips ) in Hyannis, MA

Peter Rabbit Organics, Organic Apple and Grape 100% Pure Fruit Snack, 3.5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 10) List Price: $19.00 Sale Price: $16.50 You save: $2.50 (13%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Peter Rabbit Organics 100% fruit snacks are ideal for babies and children. They contain 100% organic fruit with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. The convenient squeezable pouch means there is no need for a spoon. The pouches are resealable which makes them a great snack for children whenever you are out and about or to feed your baby at the start of weaning. We don't add water only natural fruit, so each 3.5oz pouch counts as one of your child's 'five a day'. You can contact us with any questions at peter@prorganics.com Features 100% Fruit No added Sugar 100% USDA Organic Nothing Artificial No added water

Sensible Foods Organic Crunch Dried Snacks, Sweet Corn, 0.75-Ounce, 12-Count Pouch List Price: $21.36 Sale Price: $16.43 You save: $4.93 (23%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The seed that sprouted into Sensible Foods was planted in Sono ma County, California, by Bob and David, two sensible guys who are committed to healthy living for themselves and their families. Their quest was to create a munchy crunchy snack that was both delicious and nutritious, that everyone would enjoy. The goal was realized when they perfected the unique crunch dried process for fruits and vegetables and the results were extraordinary! It is an intensely flavorful snack that's naturally sweet, crunchy, convenient and so incredibly sensible. Here at Sensible Foods we are pleased to offer delicious and nutritious snacks from our family to yours, a product of the USA. Features Case of twelve 0.75-ounce pouches (total of 9 ounces) Mix of organic sweet corn and sea salt; each pouch equal to 1/2-cup fresh vegetables 100 percent organic and All-natural; No fat; Gluten or GMO; No preservatives Shelf life of more than one year; Unique process removes water and preserves nutritional value and natural flavor Product of California

Annie's Homegrown Sunny Citrus Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, 4-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 4) List Price: $17.96 Sale Price: $16.55 You save: $1.41 (8%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Sunny Citrus fruit snacks offer a burst of all-natural lemon, lime, and orange flavors. Certified organic, these bunny-shaped fruit snacks are made with real fruit juice and packed with 100% daily recommended value of Vitamin C. Features Three delicious, all natural, organic flavors in every pouch: lemon, lime, and orange. Certified organic and made with real fruit juice Vegan, gelatin free, fat free, and naturally gluten free 100% recommended daily value of Vitamin C 5 packets, 0.8oz per box

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 at 12:06 am and is filed under organic snacks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.Both comments and pings are currently closed.