2013
ethicalHoliday Gift Guide
Discover GREENER Choices at ethicalDeal.com
Welcome Message from ethicalDeal Dear ethicalShoppers, We encourage you to take the opportunity to vote with your dollar this holiday. You can spend your money on gifts that most likely involve child labour overseas, cheap chocolates full of preservatives, and over packaged gift sets that use more material in the packaging than the product itself. Or you can do a bit of research and find quality goods produced with ethical standards that are sure to impress. We’ve made it easy by doing the research for you. Our 2013 Holiday Ethical Gift Guide showcases vendors and gift ideas that have a positive impact on the people who make them and do no harm to the planet. Think outside the box with gifts that keep on giving or stick to the classics that everyone loves …. You’ll find promo codes and special offers from featured vendors sprinkled throughout the guide and even a little gift from us! Don’t miss our ethicalRecipes section featuring some yummy vegan and gluten-free treats! Here’s to a happy, healthy and ethical holiday! ~
Annalea Krebs
Founder & Chief Ambassador
Search for the code that gets you $5 off your first purchase on ethicaldeal.com.
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Contents Bath & Body Food & Drink Eco-Lifestyle Baby & Kids Stocking Stuffers Gifts that do good Recipes
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Bath & Body Pamper someone special with these 100% natural bodycare products. Handcrafted soaps, aromatherapy creams, certified organic skincare, botanical lotions and much more. Here’s our top picks:
Pangea Organics Certified organic skincare products from Pangea Organics make a great gift for anyone, anytime! Highly concentrated, pure formulas with nourishing raw ingredients help to restore moisture and increase long-term skin health.
Save 20% with promo code 3ETHIDEAL at pangeaorganicscanada.com. Valid until Dec 24, 2013.
Michèle Organics Lovingly handcrafted, Michèle’s essential oil formulas are 100% natural & organic, beautifully free of toxins and chemicals. Only the best hand-selected ingredients from Mother Nature go into Michèle’s sensual aromatherapy products. Soul-soothing Aromatherapy Skincare, for healthy radiant skin! Get 15% off with promo code ethi1125 at michelesorganics.com. Min order of $50 required. Valid until Dec 15, 2013.
Find GREENER gifts at 70% off at ethicaldeal.com
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Kalina Naturals Kalina Naturals offers a wide range of 100% natural handcrafted soap & body products for all skin types. All our products are made with botanical ingredients and have aromatherapy benefits. They are nourishing, moisturizing and have skin conditioning properties.
Get 25% off with promo code EDEAL13 at kalinanaturals.com. Valid until Dec 31, 2013.
Saavani Saavani’s use of Ayurveda, a centuries old medical tradition from India, allows us to utilize herbs such as Turmeric, Neem, and Gotu Kola in combinations that help enhance your skin. We hand make every batch with utmost care so what you get is pure, balanced, and effective. Get 25% off with promo code ethicaldeal at saavani.ca. Min order of $50 required. Valid until Dec 31, 2013.
Druide - KaritĂŠ Shea Butter Gift Box Shea butter is renowned for its protective, reparative and hydrating properties. Not only does it help to preserve skin elasticity, but it also soothes cracking and irritation caused by dry skin. The Holiday Gift Box contains Lip Balm, Pure Shea Butter 50g, Vivifying soap, Body Lotion 200ml for a total value of $51 at $39.95.
Get $10 off sitewide with promo code EthicalGift at druide.ca. Valid until Jan 31, 2014.
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Food & Drink Indulge the sweet tooth, java lover or tea artisan in your life with these organic and fair trade chocolates, coffees and teas. Here’s our top picks:
Level Ground Trading Level Ground Trading trades fairly and directly with small-scale farmers in developing countries. We import coffee, tea, dried fruit, cane sugar, vanilla beans and coconut oil. At home in Victoria BC, we send nothing to landfill, pay staff to bike, bus or carpool to work and reclaim empty packaging for local upcycling projects. Shop online or view store locations at levelground.com.
Republica Roasters Republica Coffee Roasters Inc. is founded on the traditions of a coffee oriented community, beginning with the family owned coffee farms from seed to tree, to cherry, and eventually to the cup of coffee. Original blends and many single estate coffees roasted to your liking. All fair trade and organic beans. Shop online at republicaroasters.com.
Find GREENER gifts at 70% off at ethicaldeal.com
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Camino Camino’s fair trade and organic certified fine chocolate box is both unique and indulgent – 12 individual chocolates in four delightful flavours: Sea salt & caramel, Espresso, Mint Cream, Orange & caramel – this gift item is a perfect way to celebrate the holidays and share the joy of fair trade. Get it at http://www.lasiembra.com/camino/
Stark Natural Artisan Teas At Stark Natural Herbs & Artisan Teas all our herbal and non-herbal teas are grown organically and ethically. Our teas are all original hand blended recipes, made in small batches with the finest quality black, green, white, oolong, pu-reh, and medicinal quality herbal ingredients. Special offer: Buy 3 tea pouches or tins, and receive a 4th Tea blend 75g pouch, of your choice FREE! Shop online at starknaturalartisanteas.com
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Eco-Lifestyle Living an eco-lifestyle isn’t about sacrifice. Here’s our top picks:
Essentia Think natural, but better! Essentia makes the world’s only natural memory foam, outrageously comfortable without any of the gunk. Essentia natural memory foam mattresses, pillows and even pet beds make a perfect addition to any healthy home!
Save 15% sitewide with promo code ethicalholiday at myessentia.com. Valid until Dec 24, 2013. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Galiano Island Soapworks At Galiano Island Soapworks we create natural top quality products that feel heavenly, do what we claim they will do, are cruelty free and are good for you and the environment. Because beauty should not cost the earth. Save 10% on purchases of $30 or more with promo code ethical1 at galianoislandsoapswork.com. Valid until Dec 31, 2013.
Find GREENER gifts at 70% off at ethicaldeal.com
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Holidays for Humanity Holidays for Humanity is a travel community built around wellness & sustainability.
Special Offer: Mention H4H09 to save $150/couple on all-inclusive EcoResorts, Yoga Retreats, or Sailing Journeys. Min. value of $1800/couple. Expires Jan 3, 2014. Contact: 1-888-988-7897; www.holidaysforhumanity.com.
Stillness Room The Stillness Room inspires people to create a sanctuary in their home with their eco-friendly line of meditation furniture including chairs, cushions, tables, screens and more. The road to true transformation takes courage and commitment -Stillness Room makes it just a little more comfortable. Visit http://stillnessroom.com.
Eaurganic Our Certified Organic beauty and personal care products use the finest natural ingredients to harness the best that the Earth has to offer. So pamper yourself with our world-class Certified Organic personal care products, or give them as a gift. Enjoy 20% off your order, no promo code necessary at eaurganic.com. Valid until Dec 31, 2013.
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Baby & Kids Moms are busy. Surprise them with these all-natural ecoessentials for their home and family. Here’s our top picks:
Thera Wise Award winning plant based natural bio-active medicinal ointments. A must have for every eco-parent’s medicine cabinet replacing petrochemical based ointments. Find us at Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Rexall, Wal-mart and Natural Health Stores. Save 30% with promo code ethicaldeal on therawise.com Valid until Dec 22, 2013.
Shoo-Foo Shoo-Foo is a line of Bamboo Bath, Bed & Baby Linens made from organically grown bamboo for people who love to surround themselves with luxurious fabric while aiming at a more eco-sustainable lifestyle.
Enjoy 25% off your purchase with code EDEALNOEL2013 at shoo-foo.com. Valid until Dec 31, 2013.
Find GREENER gifts at 70% off at ethicaldeal.com
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Eko-Bear Have little ones on your list? Check out Eko Bear for a selection of natural, organic and eco-friendly toys!
Special Offer: Take advantage of FREE shipping within Canada on orders over $75 until Dec 31, 2013. Shop online at ekobear.ca
Green Please Give & Get “Green� this holiday season! Stuff the stockings with eco-friendly wooden toys. Wrap up a bundle of litterless lunch containers. Decorate with sustainable snowflakes.
Get $10 OFF orders over $50 before tax with promo code GoGreenGrabHealthy at greenpleaseforyou.com. Valid until Dec 12, 2013.
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Stocking Stuffers Stuff a stocking with these earth friendly delights! Here’s our top picks:
Pela Case The Clever Little Pela Case. Well, we think the Pela Case is smarter than a conventional plastic case because it’s made from plants instead of crude oil, so it’s compostable, biodegradable and sustainable. Kind of clever, eh?
Save 20% with promo code ethicalpela on pelacase.com. Valid until Dec 24, 2013.
Selsi Sea Rocks Selsi curates and manufactures a holistic selection of beautiful body, gourmet and home products. We research each raw material and curate from local suppliers as much as possible. From hand carved pepper-mills to award winning Canadian skin care lines, Selsi does the research for you. Special Offer: Get a FREE gift of Therapeutic Facial Oil valued at $24.80 + tax with $20 min purchase and promo code EthicRose01 at selsi.ca
Find GREENER gifts at 70% off at ethicaldeal.com
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Santevia The Santevia Alkaline Water Stick hydrates you with pH 9+ water wherever you go. Natural compounds release essential minerals like calcium and magnesium into the water helping to balance your body, combat disease and boost energy. Lasts 1,000 uses (approximately 1 year). Save 10% with promo code ethicalDeal on santevia.com. Valid until Dec 31, 2013.
Libre Tea The Libre Collection - Libre tea glasses - the stylish, convenient solution to loose tea ‘on the go’ with a glass interior, durable poly exterior and twist off filter an inspired gift for tea lovin’ friends and family - Large. Original or easy hold Mug.
Save 15% with promo code EthicalDeal15OFF on libretea.com. Valid until Dec 15, 2013.
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ethicalGifts that keep giving Looking for gift ideas for the person who has everything—or too much? Consider a gift for charity in their name and to an organization that supports their values. Here’s our top picks:
Plan Canada Plan Canada’s Gifts of Hope are ethical gifts that give twice: here and abroad. Choose from over 40 meaningful gifts starting at $10. Some gifts are matched for even greater impact. Think outside the gift box with Gifts of Hope! View Gifts of Hope at plancanada.ca/GiftsOfHope
Union Gospel Mission Union Gospel Mission is an urban relief organization based in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM is determined to transform communities by overcoming poverty, homelessness and addiction - one life at a time. Donate today >>
Find GREENER gifts at 70% off at ethicaldeal.com
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World Wildlife Fund Give the gift of a cuddly, free spirit and support WWF’s conservation efforts. Choose from 27 species to give a truly memorable gift to everyone on your holiday list. Gift includes an adorable plush, a certificate and a stunning poster. Adopt a Species at Risk >>
Shanti Uganda When you give a Shanti Uganda Gift of Action this season you will improve the lives of birthing mothers, adolescent girls, and women living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. A card and one-of-a-kind handmade gift will be sent to your loved one. Give a gift of action >>
Hope in Shadows The 2014 Hope in Shadows calendar makes a great gift with local social justice benefits. When you purchase the $20 calendar from a street vendor, that vendor earns $10. Compelling photos by Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside residents feature in this beautifully produced calendar. Get your calendar at HopeinShadows.com
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Recipes 3 Spiced Apple Ciders
By Jenn Chic
It’s cider season – easy to make and tailor to suit your taste! Apple cider is a wonderful fall beverage that the whole family can enjoy! Recipes designed to make one cup. To make more, simply multiply ingredients by the number of cups desired. Recipe can be made in larger batches, kept in the fridge and reheated as desired once strained. Just make sure not to boil again!
Traditional Spicy
Hot Chai
Kentucky Hot
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients
1 cup apple cider
1 cup apple cider
1 cup apple cider
3 whole allspice
2 cinnamon sticks
1 ounce bourbon
3 whole cloves
2 green cardamom pods
Dash of cinnamon
1 stick cinnamon
2-3 whole black peppercorns
Dash of nutmeg
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
Dash nutmeg
2-3 thin slices of fresh ginger
Dash salt
Instructions Put ingredients in a pot and slowly bring to boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 20 mins. Strain and discard spices.
Instructions Put all ingredients in a pot and heat until just under boiling.
Instructions Heat apple cider with spices in a pot until hot. Take off heat and add bourbon. Serve in a sugar-rimmed glass.
Let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Sweeten with honey, if needed.
Serve with a fresh cinnamon stick and dried apple ring.
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Gluten-Free Pie Crust
By Alex Prier
Gluten-free pie - so good no one will know the difference! A slice of homemade pie is the epitome of coziness. With a gluten-free diet you may assume this is wishful thinking! But with a little trial and error, we have discovered the ultimate gluten-free pie and tart crust. Bake this gluten-free pie crust once and your gluten-free baking fears will vanish – just in time for the holidays! So yummy it will have you, your family, and friends coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
Ingredients
Create the Dough
1 cup white rice flour
• Mix dry ingredients together and cut in shortening.
3/4 cup tapioca flour
• In separate bowl, mix together egg and vinegar.
3/4 cup corn starch
• Add this to the flour, shortening mixture until combined.
3/4 tsp salt
• Add ice water to the mixture 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is smooth
1 tbsp sugar
(should not be crumbling apart, but not slippery either).
3/4 cup shortening
• Roll the dough into a firm ball, cover in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge
1 egg
(at least 30 min.).
1 tbsp vinegar
• Once chilled, roll the dough into smooth sheets and assemble your pie.
Ice water
If the dough is too damp, add more flour until it is easy to knead without sticking to the counter. Try rolling the dough between two pieces of parchment or wax paper – a great cheat for getting dough into the pie plate!
Bake the Pie Bake pie at very high heat at first, so the pastry can “burst” (or reach that desired flaky texture) and crust turns golden (450 degrees for 10-15 mins.). After that, reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for another 40 min. If the crust starts to burn or get too dark (particularly around the edges), form a tinfoil tent on top of the pie so it can continue baking safely.
Fill with Seasonal Fruit or Nuts of your Choice Once dough is formed, fill crust with any manner of deliciousness: our favourite is the classic french apple tart. Cover one thin sheet of dough in apple slices and pieces of butter. Garnish with ice cream, cinnamon, apple butter, or any jam/rum mixture of your choice – perfect for entertaining!
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Enjoy!
Vegan & Gluten-Free Truffles
By Jenn Chic
This vegan truffle recipe makes for an ideal snack or dessert that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free, oh my!
Whether you have dietary restrictions to deal with or not, these goodies are delicious. They take just a few minutes to make and will dazzle as a dessert at your next dinner party. You will be a hero to friends and family who are avoiding wheat, sugar and dairy and everyone else, too.
They’re just that good. Cacao Truffle Balls 1 cup raw organic almonds, ground 18 Persian* dates, pits and stems removed 3 tablespoons raw cacao 2 teaspoons vanilla For coating: cacao, matcha powder or coconut • In a Vita-Mix blender, or a food processor fitted with a metal blade, grind the almonds to a fine powder. Add the dates, cacao and vanilla. Blend until smooth. • Roll, with a light touch, into one-inch balls. The batter is quite sticky and will roll easier when hands are clean and a little bit wet. Balls can be left as is or rolled in coating (sifted cacao, matcha powder, coconut, to name a few). Place each coating in a small bowl and lightly toss the ball until it’s covered. • Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. If you can resist eating them they will last for quite some time. Make plenty and have them on hand for your next potluck or to take hiking, biking or paddling. *Persian dates are very moist and blend very smooth. Medjool, or other similar dates, can be used but because they are larger and drier, use only 15 dates and add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the mix.
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Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Drops Too busy shopping to tackle your holiday baking? These quick and easy vegan no-bake cookies will impress everyone from kids By Eschelle Westwood to co-workers.
The holidays are finally here and with them come lots of baking. These amazing Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Drops are my main go-to recipe during the busy holidays because everyone in my family will munch on them – no need for me to make different recipes! This recipe is quick and easy (no oven time required!) and cost effective too.
Ingredients
Method
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
• In a medium bowl, mix rolled oats, coconut and cocoa. Set aside.
1 cup shredded coconut
• Combine sugar, margarine, milk and vanilla in a medium sauce-
1/2 cup cocoa
pan and bring to a boil. Let boil three minutes.
2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup vegan margarine 1/2 cup soy or coconut milk 1 tsp. vanilla
• Add dry ingredients to liquid, mix and drop with a teaspoon onto wax paper. • Let cool in the refrigerator for at least one hour. • Makes approximately 30 cookies.
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Eco-friendly Gift Wrapping By Joy from Greenmunch
With the holiday season upon us, we all try to find the perfect gift then wrap it in the perfect wrapping that usually ends up in the garbage or fireplace where breathing in fumes from the ink! By staying away from plastic wrappers that only ends up in the landfill, we can all make a small difference. Here are some eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas:
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Using a reusable shopping bag is ingenious. They come
If you’re a sewing whiz, you could whip up your own
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With everyone in the technology age GPS is a must,
in many styles, from green to
cloth bags from cotton,
so I’m certain (at least in
glam. The gift recipient will
hemp or jute using a
our own vehicle) you have
be reminded of you each time
drawstring to close them,
a surplus maps. Tie it up
they use it too!
or tie it shut with some
with some festive twine or
Baker’s Twine.
cotton string and you have
Making the container part of the gift is a nice way to “complete” your gift. A watering can could
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an educational gift too!
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If you’re really stuck on using paper make it the
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Some of the best
be paired up with gardening
unbleached “brown paper
gloves, or a set of mixing bowls
bag” type. This is generally
be found in your own back-
and spoons tied together with
made from recycled paper
yard. Sprigs of branches
biodegradable twine or ribbon.
and can easily biodegrade.
or berries can adorn a gift
Try dressing it up with
and give it that “festive”
Japanese Washi Tape
look. Pinecones are also
(available in a variety of
nice, tied up on a gift with
colours), or Baker’s Twine.
twine or raffia.
Try opting out of tape by making tightly creased folds as you wrap, securing it by tying up the package tightly (in two directions) with natural twine or
decorations for a gift can
Perfect for the DIY newby!
wool yarn that can be reused.
>
Whether you’re ready to go completely eco-friendly or just want to start moving away from plastics, there’s an eco-friendly wrapping option for everyone!
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Beat the malls
Deck
the halls!
Kick-start your holiday shopping with $5 off your first purchase on ethicalDeal.com.
Find ethicalGifts at half price at ethicalDeal.com.
Use promo code ETHICALGIFTS. Valid until Dec 25, 2013. New users only.
Happy ethicalHolidays! 21