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.

**************************

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

This holiday, "save green while celebrating green"...

Can you believe it's already December? ...and time for all the holiday gift giving! Since most of us are still trying to watch every penny, we really appreciate these great tips and ideas on how to make green gift giving easy on the wallet. Thank you to our friends over at Celebrate Green!

*****************************************

Great green holiday gift buying tips

It's a fact of life--most Americans' wallets (and credit card limits), are slimmer this year. But that doesn't mean we should give up our eco-conscious ways. Why would we when there are so many opportunities to save green while celebrating green?

Kids

If your young children are pining for expensive gifts, it's hard to deny them (not that a bit of denial isn't good for us!). A few solutions--there are others--just say no, find ways for your child to raise some cash toward the dream or see whether you can find a used gift. (You might be surprised that a clean, used toy without the packaging is just fine with most kids.)

To find a previously loved toy:

  • organize a toy swap in your neighborhood, at a school or community center
  • ask in your online or other groups, whether someone has a toy they'd be willing to sell or trade
  • give your child a temporary substitute for the gift and buy it after the holiday when it may be on sale

Help your child contribute toward the purchase by going through his current toys, selecting as many as you like and selling them on your local Craigslist.

Another idea is to discuss the situation with your child and ask, "Would you be happy if you only get this one gift this year?" If the answer is "yes," and you have friends and relatives who normally gift your child, ask for a contribution towards her heart's desire.

Teens

When it comes to teens, think "downloads." What teen doesn't love music or movies? Purchasing music and movies online is inexpensive and eco-friendly.

Ask your teen to give you a list of chores she doesn't like to do. Your gift can be doing one or more for a limited period of time. (We know this won't be a favorite of yours, but it costs nothing but your pride and patience!)

Teenagers also may be much more willing than you anticipate, to help others. Especially when times are tough, learning that there are others worse off than you are can help quell the self-centered longings adolescents experience. You can give teens a real gift by inviting them to participate in one or more volunteer activities during the holiday season. Let them experience the real meaning of giving. We know one teen who, after volunteering at a home for abused kids, told his parents he didn't want anything for Hanukkah except to make a contribution to the organization.

Adults

Of course, if you're crafty, you already know that amazing gifts can cost next to nothing. Short on ideas? Two great sites are Instructables and eHow, though you can google just about any item and find out how to make it.

And if you're "all thumbs," great green gifts are available by the truckload, many for under $25. There are many sites featuring inexpensive gifts. Here are a few. Find more by doing a search for "green gifts under $25."

But the best buys from an eco-perspective, are those made and purchased locally. Check out local eco-friendly stores as well of course, as holiday craft fairs.

Other excellent eco-friendly gift buying habits:

  • Look for companies that give back. Many for instance, are members of 1% for the Planet (an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their annual revenues to environmental organizations.)
  • One of the most eco-friendly things you can do when buying a gift for someone of any age is to be sure the recipient will like and use it. This is especially true when it comes to food that if not eaten, may spoil and end up in the trash.
  • Avoid buying gifts with layers of packaging and/or whose packaging cannot be recycled.
  • When it comes to wrapping, think about whether you really need to wrap the gift at all. How about hiding it? Kids love this, but even adults (at least those with a sense of humor), can get into it as well. A few additional alternatives to buying new gift wrap:
    • Fabric you already own. Scarves are wonderful. And any fabric wrapping can be used again and again. For ways to beautifully wrap any gift: www.bobowrap.com or www.furochic.com
    • Magazine pages
    • Maps
    • Children's drawings
    • Paper bags decorated with drawn or stamped on images
    • Decorated glass jars that can be reused for food storage
    • Decorated cardboard or plastic boxes

Top tips for a green holiday

  • Plan, plan, plan. Avoid driving all over town, especially to pick up just one gift. In fact, getting together with a group of friends and carpooling to shops not only saves money and is better for the Earth, but it's fun too!
  • Commit to saving paper! Gifting a magazine lover? Choose an online subscription.
  • Challenge your family to create a no-waste holiday. Buy less. Decorate with items from nature. Compost, recycle and re-purpose as much as you possibly can.
  • To save money, take advantage of every holiday coupon available. Before buying online or going shopping, google the name of the store plus "coupon."

Top picks for shopping green and saving green with gifts under $10

Not all the gifts in the stores below cost less than $10, but all these online shops carry a number of great gifts at this price point.

*****************************************
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.


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Video: Jimmy Fallon's green night eco-jam



Okay...this is just plain awesome. If you didn't catch this on Late Night a couple weeks back, check out Jimmy Fallon in the clip below where he reinterprets some well known pop songs into eco-songs. He covers Amy Winehouse, Greenday, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and many more. HILARIOUS!!!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Quote of the Week - 11.29.09

"Make finding the good in others a priority."
~Zig Ziglar

"...and in mMake finding the Fair Trade in chocolate a priority."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

From Joyce's Desk: Giving Thanks...

We're already into the craziness known as "the holiday season", but I want to take a moment to say thank you...

To family, friends, fans and followers, I just want to say how much I truly appreciate all the support and encouragement you have offered over the past year and half. This wild journey into chocolate has truly taken a life of its own, and I am grateful for the help from both old friends and new connections. Coco-Zen is growing... and I am thankful to all of you.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

Peace, Love & Chocolate,
Joyce

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Video: Captain Planet - Smog Hog



Episode recap:
In Smog Hog, Hoggish Greedly steals a car factory and takes the owner hostage. The Planeteers must save her and get Greedly to stop producing his smog by creating road hogs before the town can no longer breathe.

Quote of the Week - 11.22.09

"In matters of style, swim with the current; In matters of principle, stand like a rock."
~Thomas Jefferson

"...and in matters of chocolate, choose Fair Trade."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Friday, November 20, 2009

Video: Captain Planet - Whoo Gives a Hoot?



Episode recap:
In Whoo Gives a Hoot?, the Planeteers must prove that endangered species live in a forest to stop Looten Plunder from clear-cutting their home. However, time is of the essence. Can the Planeteers make their case to the judge before it's too late?

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Stuff We Found Today - 11.19.09

Treehouse prep school in UK

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

Food Stuff

Home Stuff

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

Tech & Science Stuff


Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff
  • Eco-Movies: Movies & Shakers - (Ideal Bite) Some great eco-themed movies to check out... and not just little indie films, but some big budget Hollywood ones, too. Personally, we can't wait to see Avatar! (Yeah, we're sci-fi geeks.)
  • Jimmy Fallon's eco-jam session - (Mother Nature Network) "Jimmy Fallon turns pop songs into eco-anthems. Will they inspire Justin Timberlake to start 'bringing bottles back'?" (video in post)

International Stuff

Political, Social & Economy Stuff
  • Everything is OK - (EcoTube) Hiliarious video of protest in the UK... "Thinking is boring! ...sheeple, not people..."
  • Cash for caulking? - (Mother Nature Network) "Bill Clinton is behind a home weatherization variation of the cash for clunkers program that he hopes will give the sagging economy -- and the environment -- a boost."

Other Random Cool Stuff

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Bill Nye "The Science Guy" has some smart things to say about energy independence & climate change...



Bill Nye "The Science Guy" lends his voice to the Repower America Wall. Take a look at his video post... the guy makes some pretty smart and sensible comments on energy independence, climate change and the need for the US to take a lead in alternative energy development.

PS - Have you added your voice to the Repower America Wall yet??

Bill Nye "The Science Guy" has some smart things to say about energy independence & climate change...



Bill Nye "The Science Guy" lends his voice to the Repower America Wall. Take a look at his video post... the guy makes some pretty smart and sensible comments on energy independence, climate change and the need for the US to take a lead in alternative energy development.

PS - Have you added your voice to the Repower America Wall yet??

Monday, November 16, 2009

Stuff We Found Today - 11.16.09

Real Tree houses - literally!

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

Food Stuff

Home Stuff

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

Tech & Science Stuff


Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

International Stuff

Political, Social & Economy Stuff


Other Random Cool Stuff

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Quote of the Week - 11.15.09

"One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure."
~William Feather

"...an adventure in Fair Trade chocolate."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Friday, November 13, 2009

Celebrating a Green Thanksgiving

With Halloween over, it's on to the next holiday of the fall/winter season...Thanksgiving! Of course our friends over at Celebrate Green have easy and wonderful tips to help us all green-up turkey day (or Tofurkey day for some of you!).

******************************************************

Put the meaning in the greening this Thanksgiving

Making every celebration more about people and less about things is a key to celebrating green. When we focus on relationships, we tend to spend less, eat less, have less left over and end up putting less into landfills.

So this Thanksgiving, take a look at your rituals and seek out ways to enhance their meaning. Here are some suggestions.
  • In the weeks before Thanksgiving, gather the family and talk about your traditions. Ask for input about what kinds of things you might do together to increase the joy everyone will take from the celebration. Brainstorm ideas, then choose a few to implement this year. (See below for suggestions, but start by asking your family as they are likely to come up with ideas that fit your group perfectly.)
  • Also prior to the holiday, invite your family on an outdoor decor hunt. Go for a walk whether you live on the plains, near a river, or by the ocean. Gather (legally) items, return home and set them up on a table. They might make a gorgeous centerpiece on their own. Or fill a bowl or clear vase with them. Place a couple of beeswax candles in their midst and you've got natural table decor that cost next to nothing.
  • Encourage your kids to come up with games that the whole family can enjoy following the feast. Seach online or check out library books on non-competitive games that are fun for everyone.
  • Involve the family in crafting decor, place cards, and small takeaway gifts that are either made from recycled materials or edible. As you are working with them, explain why it's important to avoid using virgin trees (i.e. paper), and other unsustainable materials, especially for a holiday that is so tied to the Earth.
  • To add more meaning to your meal, shop locally. If possible, visit a local farm. Talk to the farmer about what is in season and how to best prepare the food for your guests. Be sure to acknowledge the farmer and the work he/she did to ensure you had a flavorful meal when you are giving thanks at the table.
  • Ask each guest to bring a small item representative of something for which they are grateful. Place each item either at the place of each guest or in a bowl that can decorate the table. During the meal go around and ask each person to explain the meaning of the item.
  • If you host a large gathering for which it's difficult to supply enough china, here's a twist on the idea above. Ask each guest to bring their own place setting along with a story about the plates. At the table, ask guests to explain what is special about the setting. Did the china belong to a great grandmother who brought it when she immigrated? Was this place setting a gift from a beloved friend? Are you especially proud that you bought it for pennies? The stories don't matter. Sharing them does.
  • And speaking of sharing, how about asking each guest to bring a contribution to your local food bank?
  • Aim to make a tradition of a no-waste Thanksgiving. This involves a little more planning than usual, for example, offering fewer choices (do we really need mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and rice?), and ensuring that leftovers go to people who will use them. Decorating glass jars that everyone can fill and take home is a great way to share the leftover bounty. If you compost yourself or do it through your community, be sure that leftover food is deposited in a properly marked container.
  • If a member of your family or a close friend has passed away during the year, remember them sometime on Thanksgiving day. You might light a beeswax candle in their memory, relive some memories or offer a prayer.

Whatever you do this Thanksgiving, focus on those you care about and you will make priceless memories. What is more eco-friendly than that?


Top tips for a greener Thanksgiving
  1. Buy less so there is less cost and less waste. Try cutting out one or two dishes (not the absolute favorites) or cutting down on the amount of each you make.
  2. Use the freshest (organic if possible), locally grown, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. To save money, buy in bulk (go in with friends) from your local farmer, use coupons for organic items and start saving for next year's organic turkey (they really do taste better), the day after this year's celebration.
  3. Avoid purchasing anything that cannot be reused, recycled, composted or consumed.

Top picks for a greener Thanksgiving
  1. 100% beeswax candles in holiday shapes as well as tapers etc. from Big Dipper Wax Works
  2. Handmade, hand dyed, organic cotton table cloths and napkins from Fiberactive Organics
  3. If you are grateful for your guests, why not plant a tree in their names in a national forest that has been decimated by wildfire through Trees for a Change.
******************************************************
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, November 12, 2009

Stuff We Found Today - 11.12.09

Recycled Billboard Housing

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

Food Stuff

Home Stuff

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

Tech & Science Stuff


Work & Business Stuff

Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

Other Random Cool Stuff

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Uber Apparatus tells guys to give their girls Coco-Zen this holiday...


Men's blog site Uber Apparatus tells guys how to "score points this holiday season"...by giving their gals Coco-Zen Chocolate Body Treats... score!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

VIDEO: Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification



"This groundbreaking NRDC documentary explores the startling phenomenon of ocean acidification, which may soon challenge marine life on a scale not seen for tens of millions of years. The film, featuring Sigourney Weaver, originally aired on Discovery Planet Green."



Quote of the Week - 11.08.09

"He is able who thinks he is able"
~Buddha

"He can have Fair Trade chocolate who thinks he can have Fair Trade chocolate."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Saturday, November 7, 2009

VIDEO: Green Day + NRDC: Be Part of the Solution



"Billie Joe, Mike, and Tre of Green Day talk about how they got interested in protecting the environment. Join them in taking action by going to GreenDayNRDC.com"

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Stuff We Found Today - 11.05.09

1st Lady Michelle Obama in the White House garden

Family, Kids & Health Stuff
  • MomMaps: Kid spots on the go - iPhone app that helps you find kid friendly locations - parks, playgrounds, restaurants, museums, etc.
  • Wearable Teething Jewelry - (Ideal Bite) Made from non-toxic materials... Moms of babies, what do you think...cool or just more greenwashed junk???

Food Stuff

Beauty & Fashion Stuff
Tech & Science Stuff


Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

International Stuff

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

Other Random Cool Stuff
  • Fun Theory - (YouTube) Getting people to recycle more by making it "fun"...neat idea. Check out this video.
  • What's Beck's Beef? Vegetarians, This Time - (TreeHugger.com) OMG...Glen Beck is a paranoid freakazoid!! Do thinking people really listen to this guy??
  • The Living Christmas Company - If you live in the Los Angeles area, check these guys out...they rent potted Christmas trees! They'll deliver to you, and then pick up on Dec 31st...awesome!!!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

VIDEO: To world leaders regarding climate control..."Cut the bull$#@*!"



What would you say to your world leader?

"Ula from the Pacific tells world leaders exactly what she expects of them at the climate summit in Copenhagen this December."

Sunday, November 1, 2009

VIDEO: Captain Planet - The Big Clam Up



This week's episode recap:
In The Big Clam Up, the Planeteers need to solve a toxic mystery. People in San Francisco are somehow being poisoned by pollution. The Planeteers put their detective skills to the test, but what happens when their sleuthing puts their lives at stake?


Quote of the Week - 11.01.09

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."
~Martin Luther King

"…and sometimes sharing a little Fair Trade chocolate can help too."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Stuff We Found Today - 10.29.09

Michael has an eco message for us all...

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

Food Stuff
  • Take Action!: Is There Life on Mars? - (Center for Environmental Health) Tells Mars Candy to stop using sugar made from untested GM sugar beets in their candy...sign the letter - we did!
  • Organic Sparkling Wine - (Ideal Bite) Korbel now has a sparkling wine made from 100% organic grapes - California Brut!
  • 22 Fish You Mustn't Eat - (EcoWorldly) See the "red fish list" published by Greenpeace. Maybe if the market price of fish reflected the "real" price of the fish, we'd eat accordingly.

Home Stuff
  • Planet Green Announces New Green Material Guide - (Twilight Earth) "...a fabulous source for information on wall coverings, flooring, insulation, windows, heating and cooling, bathrooms, kitchens and general green building techniques."

Beauty & Fashion Stuff
  • Organic Underwear - (Ideal Bite) "...eco-underwear made from organic cotton and recycled polyester..."

Tech & Science Stuff


School, College & Student Stuff

Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff
  • Eco-themed Cartoons - (Ideal Bite) Online and TV shows "for ages 4-12 (and up) cover stuff like wildlife and global warming, and are fun to watch."
  • World Series gets eco-friendly in game 2 - (Mother Nature Network) "The Natural Resources Defense Council adds some green to Philly red and Yankee blue."
  • Without cheap oil, it all will Collapse - (Mother Nature Network) "The new documentary/horror flick Collapse from the director of The Yes Men examines life in a world without cheap oil." Definitely NOT a feel good film!
  • Michael Jackson's 'This is It' movie sends an eco-message - (Mother Nature Network) "Over the next two weeks, millions are expected to flock to theaters to see the King of Pop's final concert. Besides catching a terrific film, they'll also get a glimpse of Jackson's eco-activism."

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

Other Random Cool Stuff

VIDEO: Fair Trade - The Story



"Fair Trade Certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace."

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

From Joyce's Desk: International Day of Climate Action

"On 24 October, people in 181 countries came together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people gathered to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis." ~350.org

The International Day of Climate Action that took place this past Saturday turned out to be quite an event with 5245 actions in 181 countries and 19,000 photos posted. People all over the world brought attention to the very important number of "350". 350 parts per million is the amount of C02 scientists believe we should get back down to in order to avoid runaway climate change.

Photo posted to 350.org's photostream on Flickr

Our little beach community of Pacifica came out to show it's support as well. I brought hubby and son out with me to participate in our "action", which was organized by the Pacifica Climate Committee, Pacifica Beach Coalition and P-Town Classic. Even though it was foggy and chilly that morning, it was great to meet our fellow Pacificans - residents, business owners, surfers, kids, parents, grandparents, dogs... just everyday people (and animals) who care about this planet we live on.

*To learn more about 350 and the International Day of Climate Action, visit www.350.org.

Stuff We Found Today - 10.26.09

The Thinker...

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

Food Stuff
  • Smart Choices Labeling Gets the Axe - (Change.org) "...the Smart Choices labeling scheme, which sought to peddle clearly unhealthy foods as wise eating choices, has been halted, reports MSNBC."

Home Stuff

Tech & Science Stuff

Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

Website Stuff
  • Explore Oceana.org - Check out this great new section of Oceana.org's website. Great fun for kids and adults...explore sea creatures, places and science!

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

Other Random Cool Stuff