How to make an inexpensive eco-friendly gourmet biodynamic wine basket to give as a gift

Gourmet Gift BasketMaking a gourmet gift basket that is both eco-friendly and flavorful doesn’t need to be an expensive experience. The trick is to do it yourself and choose the right products to make a difference both to the environment and the recipient of the gift.

Gift baskets are a type of present that will never go out of style, and giving one that has personally selected items that are tasty, luxurious, and organic can add even more enjoyment for your friends and family.

The following are some great ideas for assembling these gourmet biodynamic wine baskets, which can be made to fit virtually any budget and can be customized for almost any recipient.

Start with a bottle or two of biodynamic wine. They come in a range of different prices and from many different regions. Have a glance at biodynamic wine sites online to watch for award winners for that extra flair to your present.

Next, shop around for additional eco-friendly gifts such as organic candies and packaged baked goods (such as cookies or fruit cakes) that have been made using organic ingredients.

Don’t forget to make sure that the basket itself is made out of environmentally friendly materials, to top off the greenness of your gift. Look for decorative recycled heavy cardboard boxes, baskets woven from organic straw, or totes made from bamboo or salvaged fabric strips. Use filler products such as crinkled recycled paper strips, organic straw, or even a bamboo towel that can become part of the gift and can be used by the recipient. Forgo the cellophane wrap, if possible.

Also, adding organic fruit gifts make for a nice finishing touch!

Earth Day 2011

The big event is almost here. We are just a little over one month away from a worldwide happening. For over 40 years now, we

Earth Day Flag

Earth Day Flag

 have been bringing attention to our environment by celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd. In honor of Earth Day, here are some statistics, and a few ways to get started going green; without losing your hard earned green.

When people think of “going green”, they also think about how much it’s going to cost them to do it. Some things do initially cost you more to get started, but over time that amount is compensated for in savings. What about right now? There are things you can do now, that won’t cost allot, and will make a big difference.

One thing that will make a big difference is recycling. Recycling just one aluminum can saves an amount of energy equal to watching three hours of television. Do you like chocolate? Hershey Kisses are wrapped with tin foil, and it’s recyclable.

Want to save between 10 and 20 percent on your overall electric usage? Turn off lights when you’re out of the room. Depending on the bulbs you use and their wattage, you could save a lot. Unplug laptop and cell phone chargers, and kitchen appliances, when you’re not using them; this helps save energy also.

Open up your blinds and curtains during the day and let the natural light in. This could also help warm the room on a cool day. Winterizing your home by sealing the drafts around windows and doors can save a bundle on heating and cooling expenses too.

Do you have one of those pesky, leaky faucets? If you can’t afford to fix it right away, try putting a container under it and using that for small clean-ups, or watering flowers. You could lose five to twenty gallons of water a day from a leaking faucet; depending on how bad it is.

Look for products labeled as biodegradable; use less plastic, and buy products you can use more than once. All of these things together will make a huge difference. And lastly, give an organic fruit basket this holiday…the earth enjoys a these pesticide free gifts!

Organic Fruit and Food Trends

Organic Fruits and VegetablesThere has been a shift in where people are buying their produce in recent years, according to a study by the TABS group, a consumer products consultancy firm. Though the number of people buying produce has generally stayed the same, the firm found that 38.6% of consumers bought produce from more traditional markets as opposed to supermarkets like Wal-Mart and Trader Joe’s.

The most popular products are fresh fruits, followed by vegetables, eggs and milk.

Kurt Jetta, president of the TABS group, said that there is no evidence suggesting that those buying organic products are buying a higher volume.

A separate study from the Organic Trade Association suggests that sales for products have grown by 5% in 2009, an increase of $26.6 billion.

“People are looking for chemical-free foods,” said T. Hephner, founder of Healthy U Snacks, a company that has furnished 52 Chicago-area locations with vending machines full of natural snacks.

Natural food companies are also reporting an uptick in sales, especially from vending machines.

Whether people are buying their produce from wending machines or local stores, data suggests that there is an increase in awareness regarding organic produce. The demand for produce may be on the rise, especially as environmentalism becomes more popular.

With green living on the rise, more and more people are looking for ways to join in the effort and increase their eco-friendly impact. The use of organic produce is a great alternative to commercially produced foods.

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