Those Green Girl Scouts!

A few days before Christmas I got a phone call from a friend who has a small but mighty 7th grade Girl Scout Troop. Seems these young entrepreneurs have been sewing and scraping together re-giftable gift bags hoping to save trees and make some “green” on the side.

They came over and gave me a full presentation showing me the variety of sizes/dimensions and different patterns. I chose the Christmas fabrics and plan to reuse them every year under the tree. Birthday and Hostess fabrics can also be collected from scraps at Goodwill, grandma’s attic, or the remnant section at the fabric store. Such a great idea! You sew up three sides and run a ribbon through the top binding seam. The gift cards attached were hole punched old greeting card fronts.

Great green thinking Caroline, Jenna, and Ally! I know that the spirit of one old tree friend is very proud of you right now.

- e.

Our favorite addictions are becoming fair trade!

I don’t know about you, but right now I am tempted daily by all the chocolate holiday treats and need my latte just to keep up with all this Christmas Spirit!

Starbucks is already the world’s largest purchaser of Fair Trade coffee and now they also switched their European espresso to 100% fair-trade. What started out in UK and Ireland covers all of the Europe. That is an estimated $2,800,000.00 annual payment to small scale coffee farmers around the world. To learn more about Starbucks commitment visit www.starbuck.com/sharedplanet

Now on to Chocolate...

Kraft Foods has come out with a new line of premium dark chocolate called Cote d’ Or which is Rainforest Alliance Certified. Not an easy task. Nestle is also in talks to source and certify the Kit Kat bar as fair-trade. Can you believe that this is the bestselling brand of chocolate bar in Britain? This new bar will initially be rolled out in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Find out more information or to read the press release.

So not only have the scientists proven that coffee and chocolate are actually good for you but now these large companies are making us feel even better about consuming that Mocha Latte!

And just for giggles…check out the award-winning Gamling911.com writer Jenny Woo who was dipped in chocolate at a fundraising event to support the positive benefits of plastic surgery.

She admitted that although Cocoa butter is good for your skin…she had the bugs following her for days after the dip.

- e.

JUST IN: Fabulous New Womens Purses and Totes From Engage Green!

Wow.Wow. And Wow. I absolutely love these new purses and cosmetic totes! I want one of each for myself! Or better yet, I think I'll add these to my holiday wish list.

In order to create the paper fabric, a narrow strip of paper is evenly cut and twisted to create strength. At the same time, yarn is used for weaving the fabric and sometimes organic cotton fibers are added for extra durability. The handles may look and feel like leather, but are made of recycled plastic (PETE). The plastic comes from recycled used soda and water bottles from your curbside recycling programs!

Earth Friendly Woven Purse (pink/brown) - This purse is beautifully lined in a brown cotton lining with a zip pocket and mobile phone holder. Zip closure. The brown with pink highlights is so chic…and the bag is so green!

Earth Friendly Cosmetic Bag (green/brown) - This cute cosmetic bags is made from recycled paper has a zipper closure and green cotton lining. Looks too nice to be recycled paper! It is "green", biodegradable, durable, water resistant, light weight, and the list goes on! Simply wipe it clean with a wet cloth.

Eco Woven Handbag (beige) - This purse is beautifully lined in a brown and beige cotton lining with a zip pocket and mobile phone holder. Zip closure and recycled plastic corners for protection. Not only is thiseco handbag beautiful…you will feel so proud of yourself using it!