3 of the Best Green Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Looking for unique gift ideas for Mom? These three Mother's Day gift ideas are definitely for the Mom who likes something different, plus they're planet-friendly too so she'll have something extra to smile about every time she uses them! 

1. For the green thumb mom who loves a farmer's market: Garden Trug/Shopping Basket
This lovely shopping basket is ideal for picking produce at farmers' markets (reducing plastic shopping bag use) or in your own garden as it does double duty as a colourful garden trug. Perfect for transporting seeds, seedlings or homegrown vegetables and flowers, this award-winning basket is made from waterproof nylon and features four rubber feet plus a cushioned handle. Basket $29 Separate cover available $8

2. For the cooking mom who avoids toxins and plastic: Natural Beeswax Food Wraps
A natural alternative to plastic wrap and foil, these biodegradable hemp/cotton reusable food wrap covers are coated with beeswax are used in the same way but are far more safe, effective – and reusable, so they stay out of the landfill.  Ideal for covering cut fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread and all kinds of dish ware. 3-pack of varying sizes $15

3. For moms who like a bath without chemicals: Aloe Jojoba Biodegradable Bubble Bath
This fully biodegradable bubble bath will not harm our waterways but it will leave skin feeling smooth and conditioned. The naturally-derived formula creates what we can only describe as the bubbliest bubble bath ever plus the use of pea protein means it's gluten-free and safe for use those with gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease. Made in Vancouver and available with a light coconut scent or fragrance-free. $13.95

How to Wrap a Gift in an Envirosax Bag

Did you know 4 million tons of gift-wrap and 38,000 miles of ribbon are tossed out each year? And shockingly, in the US, half the paper consumed annually is used to wrap gifts. With a little imagination, wrapping your gifts in designer reusable bags - instead of traditional wrapping paper or paper bags - is a bonus for the recipient who receives two gifts in one and a double bonus for the environment.

 Here are our top 5 reasons for wrapping your gifts in reusable bags this Christmas.

1. The recipient gets 2 gifts in 1. This is a bag you know they'll use, whether for groceries, books, going to the gym, beach, wherever. The bag folds down to the size of a piece of sushi and can hold up to 44lbs. - the equivalent of 2 plastic bags of groceries.
2. You can feel good knowing your gifts won't be filling the bins with rubbish on Christmas morning.
3. All you need is two safety pins and one of our Envirosax reusable bags. They come in a range of funky designs, including brightly coloured Envirosax pirate and cupcake bags for kids' gifts. Sometimes you don't even need the safety pins!
4. These designer bags are only $9.95 each or pick up our Envirosax Festive 3-Pack Pouch for just $29.85 and get the handy pouch for free - reasonably priced, top quality.
5. They're officially the new 'it' bag. Celebs are using these bags all over the place - Jessica Alba was snapped with our Retro Orange Envirosax.

Watch the video below for a how-to on wrapping your gift in a reusable Envirosax bag. It's easy - and your gift looks great!



Wrapping gifts in paper was created by Hallmark in early Victorian times. It was a process of the wealthy as the poor could not afford the lavish decorated paper. It originated when a prominent store ran out of the usual tissue paper and patterned paper was put out on the shelf in replacement. Before this time, gifts were wrapped much more sustainably in material, and even perfected to an art form by the Japanese.

5 Must-Try Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Recipes

Leftovers were always a mainstay in our family fridge, especially at Thanksgiving. Lattice turkey pie and turkey on toast dowsed in gravy were meals enjoyed almost religiously the week following the big turkey blowout. Food waste was simply not an option in our household of six reared by parents of The Depression. Nor should it be in this era of waste-free living. With a little planning, Thanksgiving leftovers can be a godsend – take them out of their food storage containers and put them to work for a quick answer to a weekday meal or something a little more involved. Here are some of our favourite recipe picks to help you enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey post-holiday.

Turkey croquettes and slow cooker soup are great ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers.

Hot Turkey on Toast
(Serves 2)

1 cup chopped turkey
1 cup gravy
2 slices whole wheat bread
Cranberry sauce (optional)

Place turkey and gravy in a saucepan and simmer until heated through. Toast bread. Place toast on plate and top with turkey/gravy mixture. Spoon cranberry sauce on side or top, as desired. Serve immediately, steaming hot.

Here's a traditional turkey soup recipe adapted for the must-have slow cooker from Canada's trusted cooking authority, Canadian Living: Slow Cooker Smoked Turkey and Noodle Soup.

For something different, try a taste from the South with these Turkey and Mashed Potato Croquettes. Great as a meal or make them slightly smaller to serve as appetizers.

Great for filling wraps, rolls or spreading on crackers is this Festive Fall Turkey Salad recipe.

From Epicurious.com here's a tried and true classic casserole recipe with a curry twist all the way from 1965: Casserole of Turkey with Rice.

Do you have any favourite leftover turkey recipes to share?

Top 3 Eco-Friendly Ways to Store Thanksgiving Leftovers

Cranberries and pumpkin filling are front and centre in the grocery stores which means Thanksgiving isn't far off. Much time is spent planning and cooking our spectacular turkey meals, but what about post-feast? Historically, we've not given this aspect of Thanksgiving dinner too much thought until lately, when we've started considering the downside of storing food in potentially toxic plastic containers, using oodles of disposable plastic wrap and far-from-eco-friendly tin foil. This year, why not try a few reusable eco-friendly food storage alternatives? Instead of covering bowls with plastic wrap or foil during food prep, try these flat wrap covers for food. Made of beeswax, tree resin and jojoba oil infused in a washable hemp/cotton fabric, these innovative compostable covers are ideal for wrapping vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, bowls and platters. Glass containers are one of our favourites for leftovers. Not only is glass 100% recyclable, non-leaching and easy to clean, but you can actually see what's inside - and the state it's in. These smaller glass cube containers with leak proof locking lids are a great option for small quantities. Finally, for durability you can't beat stainless steel food storage containers. These too are non-leaching, recyclable and they'll probably outlast you!

Natural Flat Wrap Covers for Food are a great alternative to disposable plastic wrap.

5 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Off-Season Whistler, BC

Whistler, BC may have established itself as a world class ski destination during the 2010 Winter Olympics, but it's still a great place to visit during the off-season. A two-night stay over Labour Day Weekend provided a relaxing last kick at the summer can before the school rush began. Always open to green ideas, we discovered a few ways to make a short stay in the village as eco as possible.

Picturesque Whistler village is a pedestrian haven.

Here are five eco-friendly travel tips to help keep Whistler, BC as beautiful as Mother Nature intended.

1. Park your car and leave it parked. Whistler village offers everything you need for an enjoyable weekend stay, from restaurants and shops to grocery stores, spas, cinemas and playgrounds. The great thing is they're all within walking distance of the major hotels, resorts, condo complexes and other accommodations.

2. Bike it. To go further afar, travel sustainably by bike. If you don't bring your own, there are loads of bike rental outlets located in the village. The gorgeous walking/jogging/biking/rollerblading - friendly networked Valley Trail links 40km of paved pathways from the village to picturesque lakes and parks. For the more adventurous, there's the Whistler Bike Park with trails to suit a variety of tastes and abilities.

3. BYOB. Be sure to bring your own bottle. Cut down on landfill waste and carry your own reusable water bottles. Of course you can buy filled plastic water bottles at the hotels and stores to keep you hydrated when you're walking, hiking or biking but use your own bottle and not only will you be guaranteed a non-leaching, BPA-free drink but you'll be able to enjoy some safe, clean and great tasting Whistler water.

4. Enjoy local events. From the busy Whistler Farmers Market in the Upper Village where you'll find an endless assortment locally-produced fresh, organic goodies to runs, races, sales and fundraising dinners, check out the schedule of local Whistler events. Many of these support local farmers, artisans, environmental or animal-focused organizations.

5. Take out what you pack in. Whether you go on a hike up the mountain or take lunch to the lakeside, the golden eco rule - take your garbage with you - applies here, especially with the co-existence of bears in and around the village. Bear-proof garbage bins are generally available at the more popular venues and bear safety is always something to keep in mind while at Whistler, as well as the environment. Reusable food and snack containers are a smart option to throw in your suitcase, just in case.

5 Natural Musts for any Travel First Aid Kit

Guest Post: Dr. Cameron McIntyre ND, Naturopathic Doctor

The car is packed and the kids are bouncing off the walls to get away.  Before you leave home, have a look at your travel first aid kit to make sure it has all the essentials.  In addition to bandaids, natural mineral sunscreen and deet-free bug repellent, here are a few natural additions that you really shouldn't leave home without. Safe travels everyone!

1. Traumeel Cream - a homeopathic for bumps and bruises, sore muscles and inflammation. Apply liberally to skin, as long as the surface has not been scratched or cut. A must-have for toddlers to avoid those “goose egg” bruises!
2. Tea Tree Oil - a natural anti-bacterial for cuts, scrapes, insect bites and athlete’s foot.  Just put a little on a cotton swab and apply to affected area.  Also makes a great natural disinfectant for cleaning when diluted with a little water.
3. Oil of Oregano - a great natural immune booster; also helpful for upset tummies and food poisoning.  Try to find pure oil of oregano with no other additives for best result. Take orally (1 to 2 drops) as needed.
4. Aloe gel - for sunburn relief and healing.  Again, look for the purest form you can find.  This is lovely and soothing on a burn; keep it cool in the fridge or cooler if you can.
5. Probiotic - a wonderful immune booster; also helpful for upset tummies and food poisoning.  I like to mix some into yogurt or applesauce for kids - they will never know it’s there!  Look for 6 billion active strain minimum - best kept in your cooler/fridge or purchase the travel form which does not require refrigeration.

3 Ways to Keep your Family Healthy for Summer Travel

Guest Post: Dr. Cameron McIntyre ND, Naturopathic Doctor

Believe it or not, the end of the school year is a really common time for kids to get sick. Everyone is tired after all the year-end activities, and ready for the lazy days of summer.  This is exactly when immune systems can be run down and easy targets for a virus. Most families have made plans to get away somewhere this summer - be it camping locally, a trip to your family cabin, or hopping on a plane to a bigger adventure. To help make sure everyone in your family enjoys your summer plans, here are a few tips to boost your immune systems and stay healthy. Find out more during our Boost your Summer Immunity Facebook Q&A with Dr. McIntyre this Thursday, June 14th, 10am to 8pm PST. You'll be able to ask any questions you like and receive answers from an expert!

1. Stay Hydrated: Forget the pop, juice and energy drinks - make sure to take water in the car.  Pack your own, ice-filled fresh water bottles - even pop in a lemon wedge or cucumber slices to help you stay cool and refreshed.  By the time we are thirsty we’re already dehydrated, and even if it means taking a few extra bathroom breaks along the way, this is much better than grumpy travellers with headaches.
2. Pack Healthy Snacks: Take a few minutes to put throw together some portable, healthy snacks. Take advantage of the amazing local summer fruits coming our way - like nectarines, blueberries, raspberries & cherries. These sweet treats provide all kinds of vitamins and anti-oxidants. There are so many innovative portable snack containers that make it easy to keep fruit intact without going squishy, there's no reason now not to take them along.
3. Don’t Forget your Vitamins: Did you know that we can still be Vitamin D “deficient” in summer if the weather is poor or if we are constantly slathered with sunscreen? When sunscreen is on the skin, you do not get as much vitamin D conversion, so it’s a good idea to still stay on this supplement over the summer. While it’s true that we typically need fewer supplements when we are exposed to more sunlight and eating a rainbow of colours (ie seasonal fruits & veggies), it’s still worth reviewing the list below to see what supplements you should consider.

Supplement Suggestions for Kids:
• Vitamin C - 500 - 1000mg. Children's Emergen-C is a great option that tastes good. Packages are easy to travel with and mix well with water.
• Vitamin D - 400-1000 IU per day depending on age. This is an immune booster extraordinare for kids.
• Probiotics - Take before breakfast and bed with a children’s formula probiotic or approx. 6 billion strain. Tummy health and immune health go hand in hand, especially for kids.
• Fish oils - Healthy brain and skin but also a natural anti-inflammatory for respiratory infections and allergies. It now comes in flavored chewables to make it more appetizing! 1 teaspoon a day should do the trick.

Supplement Suggestions for Adults:
• B complex - 100 mg in morning after food. For energy, stress, brain health and detox. When stress is high, immune function is low. This will help keep you going.
• Vitamin C - a classic - 1000 mg 2-3x/day. Immune and adrenal (stress) support.
• Vitamin D - 1000-3000 IU per day depending on sun exposure. If poor weather or using a lot of sunscreen, keep the dose higher. Great for immune systems all year.
• Probiotics - 1 capsule before breakfast and bed (6 billion active strain minimum). Should be kept in a fridge or cooler but can last 7-14 days outside of fridge if needed.

3 Ways to Celebrate World Oceans Day in Vancouver

Happy World Oceans Day! Did you know this internationally celebrated sister day to Earth Day came from Canada? The Government of Canada proposed the concept of World Ocean Day in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and the day has been celebrated internationally ever since. As of 2009, June 8 has been officially declared by the United Nations as "World Oceans Day." It's a day to remember the life-giving role of our oceans. Did you know 80% of the oxygen we breathe comes from oceans? From consuming sustainable seafood and cleaning up garbage on the beach to wearing biodegradable sunscreen and choosing reusable water bottles, shopping bags and food containers to keep plastic out of our seas, there's plenty of ways we can all help conserve this vital resource. This is the time to celebrate our sea and here are three ways to do it in Vancouver this weekend.

World Oceans Day Aquarium Celebration - Friday, June 8th, 11am-4pm, Vancouver Aquarium, Presentations & hands-on activities plus cake at 2:15pm!

World Oceans Day Dinner - Friday, June 8th, Yew Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver, Menu inspired by the oceans of the world, cocktail reception starts at 6:30pm.

World Oceans Day 2012 Vancouver Event - Sunday, June 10th 11am-3pm, Whytecliffe Park, West Vancouver. Celebration, Connection, Conservation.

Learn from the Experts: Summer Series

Have questions about Sunscreen? Food Allergies? Nail Products? Bring them to our 'Learn from the Experts' Summer Series and get answers about Safe Sun Care, Naturopathic Remedies and Smart Nail Care. During the month of June, we're featuring a different expert each week with informative guest posts on our blog. We'll be making that same expert available to answer your questions via email and Facebook. The Facebook Q&A will take place on Thursdays. Post your comments and questions about the day's topic on our Lavish & Lime Facebook Page when you have a moment and our expert will check in periodically throughout the day to provide answers and commentary. At 8pm PST that Thursday night, we'll draw for a prize. The winner will be chosen from among those who posted a comment or asked a question. If you are not on Facebook, feel free to email your question to us at customerservice(at)lavishandlime(dot)com and we'll put it to the expert so you too receive a direct answer. By putting you in direct contact with those who know, we hope our expert series helps you get the information you're looking for so you can have a safe and happy summer!

Learn from the Experts Summer Series Schedule

June 4-8: Safer Sun Care with Tyler Porteous of Coola Suncare

June 11-15: Naturopathy & Summer Food Allergies/Travel Tips with Dr. Cameron McIntyre, ND of Lonsdale Naturopathic Clinic

June 18-22: Smart Nail Care & Tips with Ginny Carderas of Scotch Naturals and Hopscotch Kids

How to Make a Bamboo Trellis for Your Garden or Pot

Once it starts, bamboo can grow like a weed. When pruning, why not keep the trimmings and make a trellis for your garden or patio pots? Instead of buying a new metal or wood trellis for your clematis, sweetpeas or other climbers, reuse your bamboo cuttings to create one of the most eco-friendly garden trellis panels around. Bamboo is strong, durable and perfect for this kind of project. It doesn't take long to build and is something the kids will love to help with! We've pulled together the how-to in four easy steps.

Step 1: Start by choosing and stripping your bamboo branches of leaves. Step 2: Plan your trellis and lay it out as you'd like to build it. Step 3: Fasten the branches together at cross points with sisal garden twine. Step 4: Bury the lower branch ends of your trellis into the dirt in your pot or your garden. Ours ended up being quite tall for the pot we put it in so we leaned it against the wall for some extra support. If you have anything to add, please leave a comment – we'd love to hear from you!

5 Ways to Care for Our Planet

Thinking about our impact on the planet this Earth Day, means rethinking activities we do every day and doing our best to minimize any negative effects they might have. Here are five simple ways to make a difference and show the planet you care.

A blue heron dining out on the sunny Sunshine Coast at Sechelt, BC.

1. Choose biodegradable sunscreen that, unlike many traditional chemical sunscreens, does not harm coral reefs and other marine plants and animals. According to National Geographic News, 4,000 to 6,000 metric tons of chemical sunscreens wash off swimmers' bodies annually, significantly contributing to the growing worldwide coral bleaching problem.
2. Refuse excessive packaging and choose recycled packaging whenever possible. With increasing consumer demand, more and more companies are coming up with consumer packaging alternatives made with recycled and recyclable materials. Companies are also rethinking the direct impact of their packaging on our health, as seen with Campbell's recent announcement to introduce BPA-free soup cans.
3. Opt for reusable straws over disposable plastic straws that often end up as potential choking hazards for wildlife. Plastics do not biodegrade, they photo degrade, breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil, oceans and entering the food chain when eaten by animals. Scientists estimate each plastic item could last in the environment anywhere between 400 to 1000 years. A non-toxic option for reusables are stainless steel straws.
4. Reduce plastic bag use. You may have mastered the art of remembering your reusable shopping bags on grocery runs, but what about all those plastic produce bags? Reusable produce and bulk bags are the next step we can take to help reduce the profileration of plastic bags in our landfills and oceans - bags that never go away. In the ocean, many marine animals mistake plastic bags for food and swallow them, with painful and often fatal consequences.
5. Commit to doing something for the earth on Earth Day. Pick up a piece of litter, or 20. Make a meal with wholly organic and local foods or these all natural, organic Earth Day cookies. Walk instead of drive. Join an organized event or group dedicated to the environment like the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. It's a great way to do your bit, teach your kids by example -- and recognize the importance of keeping in mind the impact of your actions on the planet on Earth Day and every day beyond.
   

Wordless Wednesday: Never Too Many Spring Flowers

We love spring flowers not just because they mean warmer weather is on its way, but because they add a splash of colour to a landscape that's been otherwise dreary for some time. This colourful window box filled with happy little daffodils sits atop the entrance to Pike Place Market in Seattle, brightening up a very rainy day. We took this photo during our Lavish & Lime spring break tour of the Pacific Northwest.

Campbell's Soup to Phase Out BPA Cans

Campbell's Soup has announced it will phase out the use of the potentially harmful chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) in the lining of its cans. There's been so much talk about the potential risks around BPA in everything from water and baby bottles to cash register receipts, it's welcome news that the world's largest soup maker is finally committing to change. Recent reports from the Breast Cancer Fund which found BPA in some of Campbell's most popular products marketed to children together with the Cans not Cancer Campaign created significant pressure on Campbell's to rid their products of BPA. In an interview with the Milkwaukee Journal Sentinel, Campbell's Soup Company spokesman Anthony Sanzio said Monday the company has been working on alternatives for five years and will make the transition as soon as "feasible alternatives are available." Interestingly, the US Food and Drug Administration is due to decide by the end of March whether to ban BPA in all food packaging. We know BPA-free food cans are out there, Eden Organic already offers them. While anything that reduces risk is a step in the right direction, we hope that Campbell's will step up their research and produce a timeline to prove themselves a true industry leader, living up to the strong iconic brand they've created with their red and white cans.

The Power of Nature: a Potent Reminder

A recent walk in Vancouver's Lighthouse Park provided a potent reminder about the power of nature when we came across the fallen tree pictured below. It was two days after a windstorm ripped through the city and while we'd seen a few branches left in its wake here and there on the roads, we hadn't realized the wind's truly devastating effect until we were inside the park. A Cedar tree had been blown down, taking with it this magnificent Douglas Fir that ended up splitting down the middle. When we arrived at the scene, all was quiet except for the eerie call of an eagle circling above. Eerie and, once again, incredibly powerful. Getting outside in the fresh air and enjoying nature is not only good for our health but also for our spirit -- and can be a humbling reminder that there are forces of nature at work all around us, often bigger and stronger than we are.

5 Ways to Green Robert Burns Day

Robert Burns Day is tomorrow. Time to celebrate the life of Scotland's most famous poet, and 'the greatest Scot of all time', according to a recent public vote by Scottish Television. If you're hosting a Burns Supper or attending one tomorrow or even this weekend, here are five suggestions to keep in mind that can help make yours a more eco-friendly Robert Burns Day.

1. Eat the Haggis. If you're off offal, Haggis may not be for you, but Haggis contains sheep parts that are often thrown out so if you think about eating it as helping reduce waste, you might just get past the fact it contains sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs). Dowsing Haggis with whisky can help too.
2. Wear tartan. If your kilt is at the cleaners, be sure to reuse a piece of tartan ribbon you already have and pin it on your lapel, wear it in your hair or incorporate it in your outfit somehow. Dressing to impress with a plaid shirt from your closet can work too.
3. Light candles. In keeping with Burns' reputation as a pioneer of the Romantic Movement, shun electric lights in favour of candlelight. Adorn your table with candles - not only will you be setting a softer, more intimate mood for your guests, but you'll be saving electricity too.
4. Read poetry. Open that old copy of Robert Burns poetry or borrow one from a friend, even the library and offer some good ol' fashioned live entertainment, without the electric gadgets. Aside from his famous Address to a Haggis, A Red, Red Rose and To a Mouse always do well.
5. Use Scotch on your nails. Don't go to dinner without fantastic nails and for this, go natural with the aptly named Scotch Naturals nail polish. With names like 'Kiltlifter' and 'Flying Scotsman', polish can easily transform your nails into your best accessory, especially at dinner where everyone sees them up close, in action.

Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper Pledges More Eco Friendly Living in 2012

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper took a step towards more eco friendly living Friday when he made a pledge to use reusable bottles more frequently. While in discussion with small business owners at a January 13th roundtable event in Vancouver hosted by eco boutique Lavish & Lime, the Prime Minister of Canada agreed using more reusable containers is the way to. "My green new year's resolution is to use fewer disposable cups at the rink," he said. Lavish & Lime presented the Stephen Harper with an insulated stainless steel S'well bottle to help keep his favourite Tim Hortons coffee warm at the hockey games and curling matches he loves to watch. The Prime Minister was also given a Lunchbots Uno Stainless Steel food container for his son Ben, a Peace Sign Rume Reusable Baggie for his daughter Rachel and a reusable Grover Envirosax bag to transport it all back to Ottawa. For more, click here.

Our daughter presented Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper with an eco-friendly S'well bottle.
















The Prime Minister said he would use his new reusable S'well bottle at the rink to reduce use of disposable cups.

Give a Gorgeous Gift of Empowerment

We've just received our first shipment of gorgeous eco necklaces and bracelets from socially minded company 31 Bits - and we're thrilled! We love this jewellery for three reasons. First, it looks phenomenal. If it didn't look good it wouldn't be worn. Personal faves include the Tally Berry Blue bracelet and the extra long Bella necklace -- the compliments are endless. Second, it's made from recycled bits of posters, fliers and textbooks and sealed with a non-toxic, water-based varnish so it's eco-friendly. Third, it helps empower individual women in Uganda to rise above poverty. The concept behind 31 Bits is to help individual women with a holistic approach to development, meaning not only do the creators of this jewellery receive a sustainable monthly income, but they also receive finance training, English lessons, health education, business training and spiritual support. It's just as much about the consumer as it is about the creator. To be frank, we love this concept. Give a lovely bracelet or necklace this Christmas -- or treat yourself! -- and you'll be giving the gift of empowerment to woman who needs it. For more, click here.

10 Easy Going Green Tips to Save You $2429

We were thrilled to have our waste-free lunch gear featured in a recent episode of CTV's popular The Marilyn Denis Show as part of eco expert Candice Baptista's 10 easy going green tips to save you $2429.25. Baptista provides some great information throughout the segment that we're certain you'll find helpful. Plus she shows off our Kids Konserve nesting trio of stainless steel food containers and clear velcro snack packs. Click to view the video here.

Kudos to Coke for Helping Polar Bears

According to the folks at Coca-Cola, white is the new red. This Christmas, Coke cans will turn from their iconic red colour to white in honour of the polar bear. Feel better about indulging in that odd can of sugar-laden Coke over the holidays, knowing that each sip helps raise awareness of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) efforts to protect the polar bear's habitat. With nearly two-thirds of the world's polar bears living here in Canada, they are clearly an important part of our ecosystem and culture. Through the "Arctic Home" campaign, Coca-Cola will match consumer donations made until March 15, 2012, up to $1 million USD. Canadians can visit iCoke.ca to make their donation. Funds will go towards the WWF's polar bear conservation work. Our generation is witnessing million-year-old glaciers melting and sea-ice disappearing. Whole communities of people and wildlife could lose their homes. According to the WWF, this is a critical time for us to work together to ensure thriving lives and livelihoods in our beautiful North. Help raise awareness of the plight of the polar bear this Christmas... just be sure to recycle that can. For more, click here.

A Fruity Farewell

One of our favourite upsides of summer is the lovely local fruit. The downside? Fruit flies - seemingly everywhere. We've found an easy way to rid yourself of these pesky (and potentially harmful) creatures without resorting to a nasty chemical-laden store bought concoction. Try white wine. Simply pour some into a small jar and cover it with a bit of plastic wrap. Poke holes in the wrap with a pencil. The flies go in, but can't get out. For a more eco-friendly option, use a tall, narrow necked bottle and you can eliminate use of the plastic wrap. (This was figured out post-pic.) We tried balsamic vinegar too but wine won hands down 19-3. Do you have a tried and true homemade fruit fly remedy to share?

For more green living ideas, visit our eco boutique Lavish & Lime where you'll find hundreds of everyday eco finds and unusual gift ideas that are good for you, your family and the planet too.