Sun Crystals are Sprinkling Weddings with Sweetness!

What could be better for a busy bride than to have every last detail of her wedding planned for her? Sun Crystals all natural sweetener wondered the same thing and tomorrow, October 22, 2009, these folks are going to help a whole bunch of “sweet couples” tie the knot or renew their marriage vows at Foley Square in NYC.

The campaign is a simple concept -- “To celebrate the introduction of the SUN CRYSTALS® Brand, the first all-natural, low-calorie sweetener that marries stevia and sugar cane, two plants nourished by the sun. The event also highlights the brand's commitment to environmental sustainability. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, with its SUN CRYSTALS® Sweetener Product is a member of 1% For The Planet®, donating 1% of its sales this year to the American Solar Energy Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency and other sustainable technologies in the U.S."

Get it? Marry, celebrate, commitment…it was an easy leap for Sun Crystals to bring the idea to light but the best part of all is the word “sun”.

The entire day’s events will be fully powered by rolling solar panels. Very cool!

Sun Crystals sent me the information on this event and I was thrilled to do a little write up on it but when I also received a sample of the product, well, I thought that was really sweet of them.

Get it? Sweet? Okay, okay, I know.

The sweetener is created by blending stevia and pure cane sugar, is 100% natural, low in calories (only 5 per packet as opposed to 15 in sugar) and boasts that only half as much is needed to do the job of sugar. On the back of the bag there is even a recipe for oatmeal raisin cookies and a claim that this is suitable for people with diabetes.

I am impressed that they are involved with 1% for the planet and that this year they are going with donation to solar energy as alternative energy sources will greatly assist with reducing climate change worldwide, allowing the sun to continue to help grow the very plants used to create this product.

The only information I could not find is if this product is sifted with bone char (so I am unsure as to its Vegan-ness) and whether or not the cane sugar is unbleached.

Overall I think what they are doing is sweet and I am granting a Four Leaf Rating to Sun Crystals!

Good luck with the nuptials tomorrow couples in NYC and thanks for keeping your eye on the Earth and its resources Sun Crystals! ♥love♥

Greening Up a Summer Camping Trip

A couple days ago over on my personal blog I discussed the likelihood that I would be taking at least one camping trip in my lifetime and it was very possible that trip would take place this summer. When considering all of the things that could be enjoyable while camping, I wondered how I could do so and still be kind to the Earth.

Our trip will involve some friends with babies and a dog as well as Matt and myself, and activities will include hiking, cooking, showering, sleeping, hanging out and reading, making ‘smores, drinking and of course eating campfire cooked food. What I found is there are ways to be kind to the Earth, still be somewhat light on our feet and have an enjoyable time while doing it.

One of the things that nerves me about camping is the pitch black of outdoors when walking to the bathroom at night. Well with the crank flashlight we have that should not be a problem! There is a handle on one side that pulls out and can be cranked repeatedly to juice the light. No batteries and no electricity required. The one we have is residing in my car trunk emergency kit right now. The light lasts for a few minutes and when it goes out simply crank it up again. It is a powerful light for illuminating a trail.

Perhaps however I want to do something a little lengthier that involves light at night. No problem! Countless companies sell lanterns with led lights but the K-Light from PiSAT Solar enjoys up to twenty hours of run time and takes nothing more than the sun to power it. The K-Light is water resistant (Both the unit and the solar panel) and the website boasts that it weighs about the same as a can of soda.

As the sun begins to set the bugs are drawn into the wondrous lantern light and because I am not one for bugs I will definitely be picking up some Badger Anti-Bug balm from my local REI. It is made from all Earth friendly ingredients and contains no DEET. With lemongrass and rosemary it will even smell nice, but don’t worry guys, it is not girly.

Sitting around the campfire is probably the activity I look most forward to while camping because of two things -- drinking beers and ‘smores.

By going for organic beer and wine it will be a nice way to thank the dirt beneath me as well as enjoy some yummy libations. Doing a quick Google search provided me with links to all kinds of local, organic beers.

Then it was on to the components of a great ‘smore -- chocolate, graham cracker and marshmallow. Sweet and Sara carries a vegan marshmallow (found in a bunch of Whole Food’s locations across the United States) and New Morning makes an organic honey graham but the most important topper of all, a bar of chocolate can be beneficial in a few ways. We received for the holidays last year Endangered Species Chocolate bars. The ones we got are dark (certified Vegan and Kosher!) but this innovative company (who donates 10% of all net profits to endangered species and their habitats) also carries a milk chocolate version of their 1.4 oz and 3 oz. bars as well.

This summer we campers will be well fed, safe and relaxed knowing we can keep the bugs away and the laughs over beers coming all while having little to no negative impact.

Next up, to find environmentally responsible tents, sleeping bags and athletic equipment to further enhance our eco-camping experience!