Eco Brides and Green Grooms

Whilst researching weddings in an attempt to construct the perfect organic wedding hamper I came across this article in the Sunday Business Post archives. 

There are over 12,000 weddings each year in Ireland, each one creating an average of 14.5 tonnes of carbon emissions. That makes over 174,000 tonnes of carbon in total more that twice the amount that the population of Athy generates in a year. 

If you find these statistics compelling and you are planning a wedding why not make it a green one? Not only will it make a difference to the environment but you will be able to create a day that could truly stand out in the memories of all those who attend.

I found some great sites which can help you with the planning,  this fab site offers a 'challenge us' section for any hard to solve eco problems. The WWF also have a good site devoted to weddings which even includes an eco-friendly gift registry. You can even buy an eco friendly wedding dress. Conscious Elegance  have a great selection including the one pictured above. They tell me that they are planning to launch some party dress designs in May so your guests will be able to find something to wear there too.

Organic Product Review - Booja-Booja Champagne Truffles

I have to declare a bit of an interest in this review. I stock and sell Booja-Booja Champagne truffles and have done for many years. The reason I stock them is because I love them and have done since the very first time I tasted one. I had been searching out the best organic chocolate box for some time but hadn't managed to find one that came up to scratch. It was at a trade show in London that I discovered them, and whilst having a conversation with the sales rep must have eaten my way through a mountain of samples. All of the Booja-Booja truffles are good. As well as the Champagne there are Ginger Wine, Hazelnut Crunch, Around Midnight Espresso and Cognac Flambéed Banana. All of them have been my favourite from time to time but the Champagne always wins out in the end.

When you open a box of Booja-Booja you know you are getting something really special. The truffles are presented in a black box trimmed in gold. When you get inside the cocoa dusted truffles look up at you from gold shiny packaging. Dark chocolate is often quite bitter but as you bite through the shell of these truffles you are greeted with a creamy, very alcoholic flavour. I often tell people that these chocolates are so decadent that you could not possibly eat the whole box at once but I have a sneaking suspicion that if you left me alone in a room with them I might give it a go. All Booja-Booja Truffles are Vegan, wheat, dairy and gluten free.

You can buy Booja-Booja Champagne Truffles from my website.

Booja-Booja Truffles are certified organic by the Soil Association.

5 step guide to a greener Christmas - Step 4 - Presents

This years must have gift, the Nintendo Wii, is flying off the shelves, but what are it's green credentials? According to Green Peace, who have recently launched a new website: Clash of the Consoles, games consoles "contain toxic chemicals and can contribute to the massive growth of electronic waste that's often dumped, causing widespread environmental pollution and health problems for unprotected workers." So I guess to be green we should look else where.

If you live in the Kildare area, there is still a chance to buy one of my organic gift hampers, you can collect or buy at the Naas Farmers Market on Christmas Eve.  For other green gift ideas, you could visit the Eco-shop in glen of the downs which is open until 5pm on Christmas Eve, or the Cultivate centre in Dublin city centre, which although closed on Christmas Eve is open on Sunday the 23rd of December 2007 from 12-5.30pm. 

Online, but sadly too late for this Christmas, have a look at  Nigel's Eco Store. I sent the link out to all my friends in the hope that they would get me something from there. Be warned you could spend the best part of a day browsing through all the great products on offer on his site.

Another lovely idea, is the gift of a tree. Either delivered to your door, sent as a gift certificate so that the recipient can choose their own, or planted on your behalf   this is the ultimate environmental gift. 

For gift wrapping Klee paper do a good range of recycled wrapping paper and cards. For a list of retailers stocking their products check their website. And remember to recycle and reuse your gift wrap.