Displaying items by tag: holiday

Monday, 14 February 2011 02:18

Eco-Vegan Valentine's Day: digital simplicity

Two of the keys to being eco-vegan are:

  • simplicity
  • cutting out waste
This even applies to Valentine's Day, and I'm happy to report that this February 14th was in line with my standards. I created a digital card for my boyfriend using Photoshop and posted it on his Facebook wall for him to see when he woke up in the morning. Then we each surprised each-other with video messages via email, since we don't live in the same city. In his video he was planting some vegetables and herbs in his San Fran window-sill garden - talk about a perfect guy for me!

Published in Partners
Monday, 21 December 2009 02:09

"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas"



While it is a little late in the game, there is still time to green your holidays. If you're looking for some inspiration and advice, check out "I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" by Anna Getty. The book shows you how to make "gifts, decorations, and recipes that use less and mean more", and it is a joy to read. It has beautiful pictures and illustrations that remind you why the holidays are so special. It's a very well laid out book: each recipe and set of instructions are easy to follow, and I love that it has flaps on the cover to allow you to bookmark your place. Simple tips, green facts, and notes from Anna are mixed in throughout the book, giving readers more insight into why it's important to make eco-friendly choices.

"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" is mainly composed of instructions for how to make your own decorations and gifts. Some of my favorites are: the newspaper stocking, decorated matchboxes, recycled t-shirt pot holders, and silver leaf wire window ornaments. There are some fantastic tips covering topics like green gift wrapping, shipping, entertaining, and energy efficiency. The book also includes several vegetarian recipes, such as delicious looking soups and salads, and most of them can be modified to be vegan.
 
"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas" has a beautiful message to share with the world and it will bring the joy of green to many families for years to come! Zem Joaquin said it best in the forward: "Amid a sea of consumption, we need Anna's thoughtful perspective on celebrating a green Christmas".
Published in Book Reviews
Wednesday, 09 December 2009 10:39

Rent a Live Christmas Tree!

Last year at Eco Gift 2008, I met Scotty Claus of The Living Christmas Tree Co, and I fell in love with his company, which rents live Christmas Trees in the Los Angeles area. Instead of buying a cut tree and throwing it out, rent a living tree for a few weeks! (I wish there was a company like this in Massachusetts for my family to rent.)

Here's my short video with Scotty from last year.

Published in Home

Happy National Hot Cocoa Day! Yep, that's actually a day (look it up if you don't believe me). To celebrate I finally recorded my new vegan hot chocolate recipe, which I've been perfecting over the last few weeks. I've experimented with different nut milks and flavors and this one is the richest and tastiest yet! Plus, it's free of gluten, soy and sugar and you can use all bulk ingredients. Enjoy!

Published in Recipes
 
I found this recipe while searching for a pasta and butternut squash dish. With a few modifications I made it vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, low in oil, and no added salt. It's a very hardy dish with flavors reminiscent of a dish you'd have for Thanksgiving, due to the thyme and nutmeg. You can play around with the seasonings to give it a taste suitable to your palette, but I think it's fantastic the way it is.
Published in Recipes
Wednesday, 10 December 2008 09:54

Green Wrapping Paper (part 2)


I'm back to searching for eco-friendly wrapping paper. 

  • A few months ago I found some beautiful paper by PapOrganics/Perennial Paper, but they don't have any information about how to buy it on their website.
  • The Green Life now carries paper by Fish Lips, but it's not quite what I'm looking for
  • Whole Foods in Venice carries pretty paper by Soolip but it's not holiday themed
  • Bloomin' is cool because you can plant all their products when you're done with them (but they don't have a huge selection of wrapping paper).
  • Natural Elements has really cool paper, and I've seen it at a few stores (though I don't see any for the holidays)
  • Of The Earth has plant-able paper too, and some for the holidays!
  • Peaceful Valley has a good selection, but not much for the holidays.
  • Seltzer has really fun products, but not much for the holidays.
Green Girl Gift Wrap - small selection, including for the holidays
Paper Mojo - a large selection for the holidays, and it's on sale!
Amy Butler Design - BEAUTIFUL paper, but not for the holidays ; (
ErinRuth - very nice paper, some could work for the holidays
Green Solutions has paper that can pass for the holidays
CrinkleCo has really cute paper, and some for the holidays
 
** GreenYour.com has great advice: Be careful with wrapping paper advertised as "recycled." This could mean it merely employs a mix of virgin wood fiber and pre-consumer waste. Instead, check product labels for a high percentage of post-consumer waste (ideally, 100 percent PCW).
 
Let's not forget the reusable options:
  • Newspaper
  • Cloth
  • Pre-used gift bags
Published in Home
Saturday, 22 November 2008 15:57

Eco holiday decorations

Published in Home
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