Earth Friendly Shopping

Entrepreneur Magazine gives some gift giving advice.  They start with a cautionary tale

Last December, Jennifer Finke, having thoroughly enjoyed working for a client, decided to send her a gift. Finke, 32, who owns JF Communications, a public relations and corporate writing firm in Denver, had a goal similar to any entrepreneur. She wanted to let her client know that it had been wonderful to work with her–and, of course, subtly hint that the door was wide open to work on any future projects.

So Finke mulled over a few traditional ideas before deciding on something new and fresh: a customized bobblehead. She sent an online toy company a photo of her client, and they made a bobblehead with the client’s head on it. The cost; about $100. A few weeks later, well after the gift had arrived, Finke hadn’t heard anything from her client. She e-mailed her to see if she had received the gift. The client replied with a curt, “Yes, thanks.”

And that was it. No gushing about what a creative, thoughtful gift it had been. The e-mail was the virtual equivalent of chirping crickets.

Overall, they give some good advice.   Our advice is to select an organic gourmet gift basket from Kate’s Caring Gifts.   We have a variety of sizes and price points, and a selection that will please almost everyone

This is something we have been waiting for.  We have been big fans of Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel water bottles for years.  To begin with, any reusable bottle cuts down on plastic usage and plastic waste,  and that is a good thing.   But even better, Klean Kanteens are made from the highest quality food grade stainless steel,  they are tested rigorously,  and Klean Kanteen regularly inspects the factories to ensure that workers are treated fairly.

Klean Kanteen water bottles have been great for water, juice,  and other cold drinks.  Combined with a Neogreene bottle tote, Klean Kanteen is  the perfect, earth friendly accessories

But-  what do we do about coffee?  Now there is an answer the Klean Kanteen Insulated wide mouth bottle.  Available in 12, 16 and 20 oz sizes with an optional Cafe Cap, these bootles are great for coffee,  soup,  or any other hot drink.

We think that they are a great way to go Earthfriendly in 2010

Organic chocolate tastes better, is better for you, and better for the planet.

Grinning planet lays out some of the pesticide residues allowed by the EPA and found in conventionally grown chocolate

For chocolate from cocoa beans imported into the US, the EPA allows various levels of pesticide residue to be present in the cocoa powder. Below are just a few of the pesticides that can legally contaminate non-organic chocolate, along with some of their health effects (based on animal studies).

• Methyl Bromide — prostate cancer, kidney and liver effects, neurological effects
• Pyrethrins — carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity
• Hydrogen Cyanide — acute toxicity, thyroid effects, nerve degeneration
• Naled — central nervous system disruption; headaches, nausea and diarrhea
• Glyphosate — effects on digestive system tissue, genetic damage, effects on reproduction, carcinogenicity

Lindane—a pesticide best known for use as a treatment for head lice—is banned in the US for use on food crops but has been found to be a contaminant in some European chocolate.

Now, just because you pop any old chocolate treat in your mouth doesn’t mean you’re getting huge doses of pesticide poison. However, the US FDA’s Total Diet Study has found residues of multiple pesticides in many chocolate products. The Food & Drug Administration works to ensure that the level of pesticide residue is within the US EPA’s established tolerances, but for many of us, the real question is whether we want any pesticide residue at all in the chocolate.

The answer is clear to us.  Organic chocolate is the way to go.

We’re having a sale at Kate’s Caring Gifts.  20% off on a great selection of eco friendly stocking stuffers. Use discount coupon DECEMBER09 at checkout