Green Cotton

Photo source: Fingers in the Frosting

With our nation’s momentous inauguration earlier this week and the stirring of hope and inspiration across America once again (not to mention the revitalization of the green movement), 2009 is starting off remarkably positive. Would you agree? What better way to begin the new year, than to galvanize our collective energy and begin to conquer our current economic, environmental and other woes, together.

Speaking of the environment, you’ve also probably made a few “go-green” resolutions for the New Year like most of us. Perhaps you want to drive less, bike more, dine-in, use fewer plastic bags, recycle more, buy greener (or not at all). Whatever the case may be, three weeks into 2009, you are probably doing just fine, heading quickly toward short-term success.

Yet, just as we start to “go green” for the New Year, we bump up against yet another holiday– this time filled with longstanding associations with love, romance, gift-giving, jewelry, dining out, flowers, and other such delights, many of which are not the least bit green (.a.k.a.Valentines Day).

Wondering how you can maintain your Go-Green goals for 09 despite the temptations?

At Green Cotton, we dug up an expert list of eco and socially conscious suggestions for you to keep it Green. Here it is:

A Bouquet for your Lover?

You and your boyfriend/husband/lover deserve the best. So, you might be thinking a dozen roses is a sure bet; however, it just so happens that a majority (70%) of flowers (including roses) bought and sold in the US actually come from overseas (mostly Columbia and Ecuador) and are made with significant amounts of pesticides. Not only do these flowers produce a higher carbon footprint than if produced locally, but many are grown in unregulated areas with toxic chemicals and unjust labor conditions.

So instead of rushing to the nearest grocery store and buying the first dozen roses that you see, why not check out your local farmer’s market and see what is in season that is grown locally? Surprise your sweetie with a seasonal bouquet of fresh or dried blooms. Or, if that is not possible or if you’re sending flowers to your loved one in another state, try one of the many online organic flower delivery services. Here is what we found:

Organic Bouquet www.organicbouquet.com. Check out their featured organic certified white calla lillies (above) for something unique. You can even throw in a box of gourmet organic and fair trade chocolate while you are at it http://www.organicbouquet.com/p_2134/Organic-Certified/Gourmet/signature-chocalates.html?subCatId=145

Diamond Organics grown by American farmers in California and Hawaii and organic certified. Their prices include free delivery and if you are feeling even more romantic, try their organic wine and bouquet sampler which includes fresh flowers, organic wine, organic sourdough bread and organic cheese. Even comes with free overnight delivery.

California Organic Flowers For those of you in California, try https://californiaorganicflowers.com/default

Chocolate anyone?
Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a divine box of chocolates. But while these delectable sweets may satisfy the soul, they may not be good for you—or the planet, when produced conventionally. Like roses, chocolate is primarily produced overseas and in settings where high doses of pesticides frequently find themselves into the cocoa growing process.

How about a healthier – and arguably much better tasting – alternative? Certified organic chocolate is made without any harmful pesticides, nor toxic, unnatural ingredients. Organic chocolate is also made with greater sustainability than conventional and many are also Fair Trade certified. Health experts have even demonstrated health benefits associated with dark chocolate. Eating just 6.7 oz. of dark chocolate a week significantly lowers your risk for heart disease due to the flavonoids in cacao which act as antioxidants. So you can feel triple guilt free! Here are a few of our favorites:

ChocoLove: not only does the chocolate taste unbelievably delightful—each wrapper has a love poem printed inside. The new mini bars, in single serving sizes, make a sweet little gift. Find these at your local Whole Foods, Target or online.

Terra Nostra For something a little more decadent, you might try Terra Nostra Organic with a complete online store and specialty chocolate gift baskets. All Terra Nostra’s chocolates are certified organic. Try their Robust Dark Pomegranate Truffle Bar (60% Cacao) or Intense Dark with Goji Berries & Pink Himalayan Mineral Salt Chocolate Bar (73% Cacao)

Equal Exchange is an unparalleled brand with their certified organic and fair trade delightful chocolates…each bar has additional benefits by supporting small-scale farmers and their families. Check out their website for the stories. Try their Organic Dark Chocolate with Pure Cocoa Nibs (68% Cacao)

Dagoba. Dagoba offers a wide range of certified organic chocolates. Try their 4 chocolate tasting sampler for the perfect small gift for co-workers or a thank you to someone special or the Lemon Ginger (featured above).  Check out their statement on full circle sustainability Dagoba is invested in communities and the environment through their chocolate art-making.

Candlelit Dinner
Maybe you’d like to avoid the crowded restaurants and pricey meals for an alternative from the heart? Cook your loved one a memorable, organic and locally harvested meal. Add in some candles and romantic music and you will surely have the night to remember. What easier way to go local and organic through crafting your own innovative menu. Try Organic Authority such as the “Winter Organic Salad with Pears, Pine nuts and Ricotta Salata” (seen below). Or Eden Organic for some savory recipes. Or just make your favorite recipe with organic ingredients from your favorite local stores. Give soy candles a try—the wicks are often made with organic cotton, which burns cleaner and more efficiently than conventional wicks, casting the perfect glow on your romantic dinner.

Cards
Skip the card store and make a personal, homemade card that truly comes from the heart. You can use your own recycled materials – paper, cardboard, lace, old buttons – and craft something that will speak to your Valentine’s heart. A fun tip? Use a relatively blank card and cover it with kisses—try wearing different shades of red and pink lipstick to add fun pops of color, and a very personal touch. Finish by spritzing the card with your signature fragrance. Or if you are finding yourself out of time, and in a crunch, try these eco-paper resources: Tree Free Greetings , Paporganics or Green Field cards where you can actually grow the cards after reading them.

Lingerie
Want something more intimate for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Well, here is our short-list of eco-alternatives:
Perfectly Imperfect Organic ‘Venus’ Lace Nighty in Wild Rose

Viva Terra is offering a red hot set of bamboo pajamas (above) on sale for the very reasonable price of $78 for the pajama set and $98 for the robe.

Green Knickers And for those of you in Europe (or willing to pay the shipping from US), try Green Knickers for some truly fun and delightful green undies. For those of you who added “bike more” to your list of 09 resolutions, you might try the bike padded cycling knickers or for your sweetheart try the “Forget Me Nots” with tie bows on each side. Each order comes with complimentary Divine Fiar Trade chocolates for Valentines Day.

Stella McCartney. And for the slightly higher price but but gorgeous designs and wide selection, try Stella’s lingerie collection (featured above, image source Fabsugar.com) available at select department stores and online.

Gifts
Give your Valentine a present you can feel good about, knowing that your purchase is eco-friendly and fair trade and your sweetheart will surely know that you invested a lot of thought into your present.

All-in-one kit try Global Exchange’s Valentines Day Kit ,which is perfect for teachers and school kids and involves an action-oriented campaign around fair trade.

Jewelry

Smart Glass recycled glass by designer Kathleen Plate offers simple, sophisticated looks through the single circle designs. All pieces are made out of recycled glass hand-cut and polished. Lariat featured above. Available at jute and jackfruit.

Recycled Metal Earrings. If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s earrings that steer clear of diamond and gemstone controversies, we’ve got the perfect pair. Anna Built earrings use recycled tins and sterling silver to make original designs. The best part too is the price; each pair is just $29 including shipping. The vintage painting drop earrings will give your Valentine a touch of Victorian elegance.

Organic and Environmentally-friendly Clothing

Raspberry Tisane dress by Kelly Lane is a romantic look for Valentine’s, or any occasion where you want to be comfortable and look chic. The neutral and red color-blocking is modern and high-fashion, while the cut is classically feminine. Did I mention how soft the organic cotton and soy feels against your skin? Revel in comfort and high style—brighten up your winter wardrobe with this one-of-a-kind piece.

Handbags

Nothing says “I love you” (or I care about you) like a new handbag. Let a red accessory pop your Valentine’s Day spirit and outfit. The Escama Studio Chica Rosa clutch (featured below) is made from recycled aluminum soda pull-tabs. Hand crocheted by Brazilian women and lined with satin, each bag is unique, and also very eco-friendly. A portion of sales are even donated to the women’s community toward education, computers and other needed items.

Tell us about your eco-alternatives for Valentine’s Day! We want to hear about them.

Alternative Consumer shares fashionable, biodegradable booties in natural rubber for your four-legged friend.

Green Grechen helps us learn about and shop some of Portland’s eco-friendly designers.

Victoria Everman presents the newest collection of reusable bags from Envirosax + an EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY!

Green Cotton features Print*Pattern*Paper’s unique and modern eco-totes & art.

Photosource: The Washington Times

The Obama 2009 Green Inaugural Ball took place tonight, January 19th in Washington DC honoring the President Elect and his new administration. A night of celebration and good cheer hosted by Al Gore, the event commemorates a new era of hope and inspiration for a Greener economy. To quote Obama himself, “My presidency will mark a new chapter in America’s leadership on climate change that will strengthen our security and create millions of new jobs in the process.” (Nov 2008). 

A whole host of green organizations, institutions and companies came together with musical guest stars include Melisa Etheridge, Maroon 5 and others. But for those of you who have ever planned a large event, you know how difficult it is to keep it Green. Between masses of people consuming large amounts of food and drink, disposable (or non) cutlery,  waste generated, electricity needed, other disposable goods required, it can quickly become a green “disaster”. So I asked myself, how “green” is the Green Ball going to be?

Here’s the scoop:

• 100% of the carbon footprint of the event is being offset with high quality carbon offsets from Native Energy. The offsets will support a portfolio of renewable energy technologies.
• The event’s menu will include locally-sourced, organic and seasonal food (developed by Grand Cuisine and Chef Bradley Nairne, in consultation with renowned organic Chef Nora Pouillon).
• Waste from the event will be recycled, reused and composted by the Waste Neutral Group. No plastic bottles will be available
• Waste items will be source separated into biodegradable trash bags supplied by Perf Go Green.
• Lighting will incorporate the latest LED technology
• Limited paper and signage was used to produce and publicize the event.
• All printed materials will be printed on recycled paper using soy based ink.
• All bathrooms will use biodegradable soap and energy efficient air dryers.
• All linens are cleaned without the use of chemicals, and in a manner that uses less water and drying time.
• Floral decorations are organic, being kept to a minimum, and arrangements will be donated and reused.
• Attendees were encouraged to use metro, walk, or drive a hybrid to the event to minimize emissions from transportation.
• Trucks will not be permitted to idle while in the loading bays.
• The Green Carpet greeting guests, provided by Bentley Prince Street, is made with 100 percent renewable electrical energy and is made of 10% consumer waste. The carpet will be completely recycled after the event.
• Even the coat check will feature reusable numbers instead of paper tags.
• Guests will be encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing carbon offsets through a partnership with Native Energy
• Many additional greening aspects were explored but were not feasible due to security, infrastructure, and availability of vendors to service.

The coolest part? The Green Carpet is made with 100 percent renewable electrical energy and 10% consumer waste, which will be completely recycled after the event. All told, this event green-ess seems to outdo Green Festivals recycling which we wrote about in October. That’s no surprise however since Green Festivals is on the host committee and likely played a role in the recycling program.

Others taking part include the National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, Earth Policy Institute, Global Exchange, Clean Tech and Green Business for Obama, The Climate Group, the Climate Project, among many others. Where is Green America (formerly Coop America?) Maybe they had another event to attend to?

For more information on the event, visit. While your on the site, check out and sign up for the GEN09 Green Network. Seems to be a burgeoning green community… under the watch of the transition team.