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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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

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Last Minute Halloween Treats!

Give Good Chocolate this Halloween!
Treat your neighborhood Trick-Or-Treaters to chocolate Halloween goodies that aren't so scary to planet & people. Made from organic and Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate, Coco-Zen Halloween treats are good chocolate, that's good for planet & good for people.


Need some last minute Halloween Treats? Get 50% off USPS Priority Mail shipping if you order by Tuesday 10.27.09...HURRY!
Place your order by 9pm Tuesday, Octover 27th, and yu can take 50% off USPS Priority Mail shipping. Orderw ill be shipped out on Wednesday, October 28th to arrive by Halloween.

To redeem offer, use promo code HALLOWN09 at checkout.

To to www.Coco-Zen.com to shop now.

Quote of the Week - 10.25.09

"Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace."
~Buddha

"Better than a thousand pieces of chocolate, is one piece that is Fair Trade."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Quote of the Week - 10.25.09

"Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace."
~Buddha

"Better than a thousand pieces of chocolate, is one piece that is Fair Trade."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Stuff We Found Today - 10.23.09


1st Lady Obama at Healthy Kids Fair

Food Stuff

Home Stuff
  • Eco Moving Services - (Ideal Bite) "Go for green movers, who transport your stuff with less pollution and waste."

Beauty & Fashion Stuff
  • Why You Should Replace These 3 Beauty Products Now - (TheDailyGreen.com) "How to choose the best natural deodorant, perfume and face cream."
  • Fashionable Solar Jackets - (GreenMuze) "...new Zegna Sport Ecotech Solar Jacket is made from recycled plastic and features solar panels on the sleeves that power a heating device to keep the jacket warm." Plus, there's a solar battery pack to recharge your iPod or cellphone! (cheesy video in post, as well).

Tech & Science Stuff


Work & Business Stuff

Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

Website Stuff
  • Speak up to save the Internet - (Credo Action) "Who do you want to decide which websites you can visit or what Internet content you can access -- you or a big telecom company?" It's about "net neutrality"...please read and sign the petition!
  • Climate change Interactive Map - (GreenMuze) "The map is a visual representation of what scientists believe the planet may experience in less than 50 years if global warming continues unchecked..."

International Stuff

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

Other Random Cool Stuff

Friday, October 23, 2009

It's Official: We've run out of Reverse Trick-Or-Treat Kits!

As of this afternoon, we've officially run out of Reverse Trick-Or-Treat Kits! Thank you to all you amazing Fair Trade supporters. We're looking forward to a great Halloween... TRICK-OR-TREAT!!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Vegetarian Times Picks Coco-Zen Truffles-To-Give for their holiday gift guide!

We're so excited about our first editorial placement in a major publication! The editor over at Vegetarian Times has hand-picked Coco-Zen's Truffles-To-Give as the perfect gift for "foodies". Check out the spread in their Nov/Dec 2009 issue...

Gift-O-Rama: Fab For Foodies

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

VIDEO: 1958 - Global Warming - It's NOT newly known



"For FIFTY YEARS scientists have known about global warming. This exerpt is from the well known educational documentary Unchained Goddess produced by Frank Capra for Bell Labs for their television program The Bell Telephone Hour. It was so well made, that it went on to live a continued life in middle school science classrooms across the nation for decades.

Nearly half a century before Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth, this film was made. But what does it reveal? That our scientists have known for over two generations about this danger, but our politicians and citizenry have chosen to ignore the dangerous implications of this fact until it really is too late to avoid the preventable consequences."

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Interview: Joyce Kushner uses chocolate to wake people up




Joyce was recently interviewed by the San Francisco Examiner and was asked about Coco-Zen's involvement with the national Reverse Trick-Or-Treating campaign. Check it out!

Joyce Kushner uses chocolate to wake people up

Monday, October 19, 2009

Stuff We Found Today - 010.19.09

"Clean Coal?!"

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

Food Stuff

Tech & Science Stuff

Work & Business Stuff

School, College & Student Stuff


Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff
  • Quote of the day: Matt Damon - (Do Something.org) "When your great-great-grandkids study history, don’t you want them to be proud that you were part of the solution?" EXACTLY!!

International Stuff

Other Random Cool Stuff

Quote of the Week - 10.18.09

"In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present."
~Tao Te Ching

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

Friday, October 16, 2009

VIDEO: Building a Slow Food Nation





Summary:
Moderated by Corby Kummer - Wendell Berry, Vandana Shiva, Michael Pollan, Alice Waters, Eric Schlosser and Carlo Petrini join together in conversation about the local, national and global impact of the philosophy and practice of Slow Food.

Building a Slow Food Nation - Part 1

Check out:
Chapter 7 - Lack of Focus on Human Rights
Chapter 12 - Food as Social Ecological Justice


Building a Slow Food Nation - Part 2

Check out:
Chapter 3 - A Sun Food Agenda (removing fossil fuel from our food system)
Chapter 10 - Becoming Less of a Consumer

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Stuff We Found Today - 10.15.09


Solar powered vehicles

Family, Kids & Health Stuff
  • Costume Makeup for the Kids this Halloween - (Ideal Bite) "...apply safe, planet-friendly face paints. Veggie- and mineral-based ingredients are healthier for your kiddo's skin than regular makeup and won't leave Mama Earth covering the tab."

Tech & Science Stuff

Nature & Environment Stuff

Political, Social & Economy Stuff
  • Obama's Executive Order Enforces Smart Energy - (CleanTechnica) "President Obama has just signed an Executive Order that compels the largest consumer of energy in the US economy to invest in energy efficiency improvements to get to huge reductions in energy use by 2020."
  • Our Three Bombs - (NYTimes.com) Thomas Friedman talks about the nuclear bomb, the climate bomb and the debt bomb.

Other Random Cool Stuff

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

VIDEO: The American Denial of Global Warming







"Polls show that between one-third and one-half of Americans still believe that there is "no solid" evidence of global warming, or that if warming is happening it can be attributed to natural variability. Others believe that scientists are still debating the point. Join scientist and renowned historian Naomi Oreskes as she describes her investigation into the reasons for such widespread mistrust and misunderstanding of scientific consensus and probes the history of organized campaigns designed to create public doubt and confusion about science."



You can still get your Reverse Trick-Or-Treat Kit at Coco-Zen!

The deadline to get Reverse Trick-Or-Treat Kits from Global Exchange has passed. But you can still get them from Coco-Zen!!

As one of the Fair Trade chocolate companies donating to this amazing campaign, we've made extra kits available...and they're FREE!*

You have until Oct 27th to order yours (or until we run out).

*Kits are free, but a $5 flat shipping fee is charged for each kit ordered - shipped via USPS Priority Mail.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Stuff We found Today - 10.12.09

Nice block Mr. President!

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

Food Stuff
  • Farm Vending Machines - (GreenMuze) "...a novel solution to sell fresh produce to the public at a reasonable price by keeping overhead low with the use of vending machines." This is interesting...

Home Stuff

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

Tech & Science Stuff


School, College & Student Stuff
  • Watch and Be Inspired: The Providence Effect - (TakePart Social Action Network) "new documentary profiles Providence St. Mel, a pre-K-through-12 independent school in Garfield Park, Chicago, that has sent 100% of its graduating seniors to college every year for the past 30 years." Because education IS the most important thing!

Nature & Environment Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

Website Stuff

International Stuff

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

Other Random Cool Stuff

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Celebrate a Green Halloween This Year (Part 2)

Our friends over at Celebrate Green have some great and easy suggestions to make this spooky holiday a little less scary for the planet. Last month in "Part 1", costumes and treats/treasure were discussed. This month in "Part 2", decor and activities are covered.

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Get ready for an EEK-O-friendly Halloween
(Part 2)

When it comes to decor, Halloween lines right up after Christmas. Americans spend $1.5 billion decking their homes with the latest in ghosts and goblins, much of it tossed when the holiday is over.

In reality, there is no need to purchase decor. This is a definite area of want. And while we know that most people are short on cash this year, many will still want to make some purchases. If you're one of those, keep these ideas in mind while spending green to celebrate green.
  • Buy less. Whatever your budget, cut it by 25%. Will anyone really miss that life sized witch among all the other yard decor?
  • Buy what will last. Dollar stores do offer great bargains. But poor quality items are likely to end up in the landfill. Better to spend a bit more on fewer items that can become a part of your holiday tradition. Be sure to wrap carefully after October 31, to preserve for the future.
  • Look for local and handmade items, especially those produced from recycled/recyclable or sustainable materials. Check for local artists through www.Etsy.com

A great solution to the decor challenge is to go DIY (do-it-yourself), preferably using materials you already have on hand, can secure via swap or, best of all, select from nature. This is the perfect time of year to pull together items from
nuts to branches to leaves and use them to brighten your home (see activities below). If you feel challenged when coming up with ideas, of course the internet is an incredible resource. Just do a search for "recycled Halloween crafts." Here are a few to get you started:

(Frankenstein as pictured above, is made from a paper towel roll and fabric scraps. The original comes from www.GPurse.com Let it inspire you.)

When it comes to table decor, simply bringing in a selection of natural items and arranging them in containers or even directly on the table, can create a stunning tableau. Best of all, everything can (and should) be returned to where you found it for totally wastefree decor.

If you're itching to purchase new lighting, look for LEDs or solar. (Get rid of the old ones by recycling them through www.HolidayLEDs.com.

Bonus craft: Shadow box picture frame chandelier
Here's a project that's easy to assemble, but packs plenty of punch.

Gather:
  • Shadow box picture frame or any frame that is deep enough for you to place items on the glass without them sliding off.
  • Leaves, moss (if you are taking moss from nature, be sure it is not in an ecologically sensitive area), whole acorns, acorn caps, small pinecones
  • Glue
  • 4 screw eyes
  • Wire, ribbon, rope or whatever you have on hand for hanging

Directions:
  • Remove all backing from picture frame.
  • Turn frame over so glass rests on bottom.
  • Screw one screw eye as close to each corner as possible while avoiding the area where the two sides meet.
  • Randomly glue items like the acorns etc. to the frame. Use as many or few as you like.
  • Glue on moss.
  • Decide how low you want to hang the chandelier, then cut four pieces of wire to that length plus a few inches.
  • Feed each length of wire through a screw eye, then secure it by winding the wire around itself.
  • Bring the four lengths of wire together in the middle so that the chandelier is balanced. If you have a round item like a nut, you can wind the wires through that to secure. Be sure whatever you use has a large enough opening to hang from a hook in the ceiling.
  • Fill with leaves, acorns, candles (in holders), small pumpkins or whatever you like.

Note: If you prefer, make without screw eyes and wire and simply place in the center of your table.

Of course, when it comes to Halloween activities, trick-or-treat can't be beat. But for parents who are green-leaning, this traditional activity presents challenges. They don't want their kids to miss out on the fun, but neither do they want them eating all the candy. If you're facing this conundrum, you might want to consider inviting the Halloween Fairy/Witch to your home.

Eco-friendly activities before and after the holiday can engage your kids and help them learn about green issues as well. For instance:
  • Visit an organic farm/orchard to select a pumpkin or pick apples and talk to the farmer about how veggies and fruits are raised.
  • Spend an hour outside, hunting for decor. Be sure you have permission before taking items from nature, especially from parks or any ecologically sensitive area. Once you bring the items home, have each child make a special item for the table. Rotate the items during the week preceding Halloween.
  • Roll beeswax candles for pumpkins or other displays.
  • Do craft activities as a family each day leading up to Halloween.
  • Try out new recipes for Halloween menus. If you're hosting a Halloween party, making something to eat is can be a central activity and the resulting treat can be taken home as a party favor (if the kids can wait to eat it!).

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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.

Quote of the Week - 10.11.09

"When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky."
~Buddha

"When you realize how perfect Fair Trade chocolate is, you will tilt your head back and enjoy the chocolate."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Friday, October 9, 2009

Last chance for Reverse Trick-Or-Treating and FREE chocolates!

Coco-Zen is donating chocolates to this year's Reverse Trick-Or-Treating. This annual event is headed by Global Exhange, a membership-based international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world.

To view the press release regarding Coco-Zen's participation in Reverse Trick-Or-Treating, click here.

See the "last chance" announcement below, and find out how you and your kids can participate this year...and get your FREE Halloween chocolates!

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October 13: Deadline for individuals (families, college students, etc) to request a kit

It's just a few more days until the deadline to sign up for Reverse Trick-or-Treating for individuals - sorry, deadline for groups has already passed (Oct. 5).

Kits are FREE* and include Fair Trade chocolate minis and informational cards.

Request your kits TODAY at www.reversetrickortreating.org

What is Reverse Trick-or-Treating?
Children (+ high school/college students/adults) on their regular trick-or-treating rounds through their neighborhoods, or at an equivalent community event, give chocolate back to adults at each house they visit on Halloween...Fair Trade chocolate attached to an informational card about the problems in the cocoa industry, (such as child slavery, environmental degradation, and poverty) and how Fair Trade provides a solution.

With your help, we will reach nearly a quarter million households in the US and Canada with this important informational message!

To order trick-or-treating chocolate to distribute from your doorstep, including Global Exchange's fabulous Halloween Fair Trade Action Kit, visit https://www.globalexchangestore.org/SearchResults.asp?Cat=263

October is Fair Trade month! Learn how you can participate at http://www.fairtrademonth.org/

*Thanks to Reverse Trick-or-Treating 2009 Fair Trade chocolate company donors Equal Exchange, Alter Eco, Sweet Earth, Coco-Zen, and La Siembra (& others in Canada).

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

VIDEO: Bill McKibben - Fighting Climate Change in the Obama Era







Bill McKibben talks about the politics of climate change in the new Obama era, both domestically and internationally...

Monday, October 5, 2009

Stuff We Found Today - 10.05.09

Honda's New EV-N Concept

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

Tech & Science Stuff


Work & Business Stuff

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

Website Stuff
  • Eco-themed Video Games - (Ideal Bite) "...online games about the planet. Role playing games (RPGs), where kids take on parts like island natives or explorers, are a fun, interactive way to introduce them to stuff like climate change and endangered animals. Even better: These picks use their virtual worlds to fund eco-causes in the present."

International Stuff

Other Random Cool Stuff

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Quote of the Week - 10.04.09

"Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities."
~Aldous Huxley

"...such as eating Fair Trade chocolate."
~Coco-Zen
Coco-Zen Fair Trade chocolates

Saturday, October 3, 2009

VIDEO: 'No Impact Man' movie trailer



"Follows the Beaven family as they abandon their high consumption Fifth Avenue lifestyle in an attempt to make a no-net environmental impact for the course of one year."


Friday, October 2, 2009

VIDEO: Captain Planet - The Energy Vampire



Episode recap:
In The Energy Vampire, Dr. Blight turns Duke Nukem into a monster. As an energy-sucking vampire, Nukem threatens the electric grid while continuing to grow more powerful. Can the Planeteers and Captain Planet short-circuit Dr. Blight's evil plan and save some Native American land in the process?