What is Coco-Zen?

Coco-Zen is a state of nirvana achieved by surrendering to the taste and aroma
of luscious, rich chocolate.

It's knowing that you are helping our planet and its people,
because all of our treats are handmade from organic and Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate.

A state of ecstasy, peace and harmony, Coco-Zen is oneness with chocolate.

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FTC Logo Coop America Logo 1% For the Planet Logo Surfrider Logo Oceana: Protecting the World's Oceans Food411.com

Sunday, July 5, 2009

VIDEO: Captain Planet - Two Futures 2

Episode recap:
In Two Futures 2, Wheeler visits Gi, Kwame, Linka and Ma-Ti in their native lands 35 years into the future. He sees how the Earth has changed and the consequences of quitting the Planeteers. Can he rejoin the team and still stop Hoggish Greedly and Dr. Blight before it's too late?


Quote of the Week - 07.05.09

"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."
~Oscar Wilde

"To love Fair Trade chocolate is the beginning of a lifelong romance."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Friday, July 3, 2009

From Joyce's Desk: It's July, it's summer and it's party time!



Happy summer everyone...and Happy 4th of July!!

July is big month in our family, because in addition to the 4th of July festivities, we celebrate 5 birthdays and 2 anniversaries between both my husband's side and my side...yes, it gets a little hectic! And, since this is when the weather starts to really warm up, we love taking the party (er, parties) outside.

Backyard BBQs, park picnics, beach bonfires--cooking and dining al fresco with friends and family is a hallmark of summer. However, with all that celebrating, it's easy to forget about the enormous amount of waste that is often created - think single serving drinks (bottles, cans), paper plates, plastic utensils, disposable decorations, etc. Well, our friends over at Celebrate Green have put together some great ideas on keeping outdoor entertaining planet friendly. Check out their tips below. I'll definitely be using some of these tips this month.

Wishing you all happy summer celebrations!

Peace, Love & Chocolate,

Joyce


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Nothing says summer like red, white and green

For most Americans, July 4th marks the official start of summer and that means family and friends gathering together enjoying each other at picnics and barbecues. But all this celebrating can take a toll on the Earth (and cost a lot of green as well), so why not consider some alternatives to the ways we've traditionally celebrated summer. Here are just a few ideas:

Serve filtered tap water. It's so easy to hit one of the big box stores and pick up cartons of water if you're hosting a picnic or barbecue, but you can save money and the planet when you choose to drink and serve filtered tap water instead.

Knowing that bottled water (even by the case), is 240 to 10,000 times more expensive than tap water and that 40% of bottled water should be labeled tap water because that's what it is, you may decide that the "convenience" is simply not worth the cost. Instead, set out pitchers of iced tap water (print out this tongue-in-cheek label if you like). Ask a willing helper to keep the pitchers full.

Substitute reusables for disposables when possible. Picnics and barbecues have become synonymous with throw aways--plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths and decor. While there are more choices for disposables made from recycled and biodegradable materials, using what you already own and remains a more earth-friendly (and budget-conscions) choice.

If you don't own enough plates and glasses,why not:

  • Borrow. Friends and neighbors are usually happy to contribute
  • Ask everyone to bring their own place settings. That's what people used to do B.P.P. (before paper plates).
  • Hit your local thrift store. You'll likely be able to pick up dozens of plates very inexpensively and when you're done, you can donate them back.

When it comes to napkins, tablecloths and decor, think outside the paper box by decorating with items you already own, like sheets. Supply guests with red, white and blue fabric markers and set them loose. You'll end up with a unique table covering that you can use over and over again.

Washcloths make great napkins and if they're stained with barbecue sauce, use them for rags.

No need to buy paper or plastic decor items when you scour your home (and ask your guests to if you like), for objects in your preferred color scheme and integrate them into the decor. If you've got scrap paper in your colors, wrap it around empty cans and fill them with flowers (cans pictured, while made for the 4th, could be used all summer). Tie napkins with bits of ribbon and stick a flower, feather or leaves under the bow. If you're in crafting mode, make banners from old pairs of blue jeans, or flatware caddies from towels like the one pictured (make extras for guests who might want to take these home--sans your silverware!--so they'll always have their flatware at the ready). Pinwheels are fun, easy-to-make and decorative and here are instructions for making the recycled Christmas bulb candleholder shown above.

Clean up.You're probably shaking your head, "Well, of course we'll clean up, duh!" If you're partying at your home, this is no doubt true, but be sure to provide bins for trash and recyclables as well as for items that can be composted, assuming these services are available in your community. Place signs on each container indicating what should be tossed in which bin and encourage everyone to use them.

And if you're watching the town parade or or enjoying an outdoor movie at a local park where recycling bins are not provided, why not carry a bag so you can bring your trash home and dispose of it properly. This includes packaging from food items, cans and paper goods. While you're at it, how about taking a bag to pick up a bit of trash left by thoughtless individuals? After all, not everyone is as conscientious as you!

Cook it green.When it comes to the environment, barbecues of all kinds are problematic. The best way to cook outside in an eco-friendly way? A solar oven. You can purchase one, but to save money, gather a bunch of kids and make your own. Choose from among dozens of configurations using everything from tires to pizza boxes to a windshielf shade. Yes, cooking with solar takes more time, but hey, it's summer! And if you're only ready for baby steps, start by cooking part of the meal via solar. Pick up some veggies at the local farmer's market and grill them up. Once you see how easy it is and how yummy and fresh everything tastes, you may wave good bye to charcoal altogether.

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Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Press Release: ATTN: Chocoholics--Chocolate Body Treats…From Head to Toe

For Immediate Release
Contact
Leila Belcher
LJB Public Relations
leila@ljbpublicrelations.com
(303) 345-1805

ATTN: Chocoholics
Chocolate Body Treats…From Head to Toe

Coco-Zen, a new company specializing in gourmet, Fair Trade chocolates, also offers a very special treat for the body. Coco-Zen’s Chocolate Body Treats are all natural and made from organic and Fair Trade Certified™ ingredients.

For the true chocoholic, Coco-Zen offers the Chocolate Body Gift Set. For only $40 chocolate lovers will receive:

Chocolate Lotion in Chocolate Milkshake: Go ahead, slather rich chocolate cream on yourself, but make sure it is this non-greasy formula that contains organic jojoba oil and unrefined shea butter to leave your skin silky, smooth and smelling delicious.

Chocolate Soap in Chocolate Mint Bliss: This unique and decadent soap looks and smells like a chunk of rich, dark chocolate. Made with a variety of exotic organic oils, organic/Fair Trade cocoa butter and organic/Fair Trade cocoa powder, this Chocolate Soap has a wonderful, creamy lather and will turn your bath or shower into a truly decadent experience.

Chocolate Salt Scrub in Chocolate Brownie: Mineral-rich Dead Sea Salts help revitalize the skin, remove toxins from the body and relax sore muscles while organic almond oil and organic aloe vera work to soften skin.

Chocolate Lip Balm in Chocolate Mint Bliss: Craving chocolate but not the calories? This chocolate lip balm is flavored with real organic and Fair Trade chocolate and sweetened with a touch of Stevia. While your nose and taste buds dance in chocolate ecstasy, your lips will bathe in moisturizing organic coconut cream and extra virgin olive oil.

Chocolate Edible Lip Scrub in Chocolate Brown Sugar: Rub on and lick off! Made from organic brown sugar, organic oils, organic honey and vitamin E, this edible lip scrub will exfoliate and moisturize your lips while satisfying a chocolate craving.

A full line of truffles and chocolate body products, Coco-Zen, was founded when new mother and chocoholic, Joyce Kushner, decided to take a break from the frenetic pace of retail marketing to stay at home to care for her newborn son. Joyce quickly discovered the magical world of chocolate and soon after experimenting with different recipes in the kitchen she started Coco-Zen and happily left the corporate world behind. The philosophy that Joyce has employed throughout the company is that all of our actions not only affect ourselves but also the world around us and she stays true to that philosophy by using only organic and Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate in all Coco-Zen products.

The Coco-Zen Chocolate Body Gift Set is available for $40 at
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Stuff We Found Today - 07.02.09

The Terrafugia Transition car/plane in Greenwich

Family, Kids & Health Stuff


Food Stuff

Home Stuff

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

Tech & Science Stuff

Work & Business Stuff

Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

Website Stuff
  • Oceana: Creature Corner - Have a kid who loves sea animals (dolphins and sea turtles are soooo cool)? Have you little one check out this site from Oceana.org... "The ocean is home to thousands of species, from the familiar to the bizarre. Now you can learn about the creatures of the deep in Oceana's online encyclopedia."
  • FreshandGreen.com: fresh ideas for green living - One stop shop for all eco products that are good for you, your family and the environment.
  • New EPA Site Lets You Investigate Your Local Environment - (Sierra Club: The Green Life) "The EPA's new MyEnvironment tool provides a great range of information about local environmental conditions, from air quality to cancer-risk levels."
  • www.NubiusOrganics.com - Check out this site for a fabulous selection of innovative products, information & ideas for eco-conscious living.
  • How Your Internet Searches Can Fund Forests - (EcoSalon) A search tool like Google, "Click 4 Carbon is a for-profit business based in the UK that aims to raise money for forestation projects in Asia."

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

Other Random Cool Stuff
  • We Want More from Our S'mores! - (Global Exchange) "This summer, the S’mores are speaking out…for Fair Trade!!!" Check out this fun Fair Trade campaign that you can participate in no matter where you are...and invite friends...s'more to share! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
  • 40 Facts About Water - (GenGreenLife) Did you know... "Less than 1% of the world’s fresh water (or about 0.007% of all water on earth) is readily accessible for direct human use."
  • Study Documents the Many Environmental and Health Effects of Plastics - (TheDailyGreen) "Plastics are everywhere -- literally -- from the most remote oceans to the tissues inside our bodies. A new landmark study documents the pervasive impact of the most common consumer material."
  • Just one word: Plastics - (Mother Nature Network) "It's hard to know what to do with a material that at once makes our modern lives possible while at the same time polluting the bleep out of the environment."