Raw Organic Chocolate for Easter

This Easter why not go for organic chocolate or even better raw organic chocolate. Most major supermarkets now stock organic chocolate and you may be able to find ready-made raw organic chocolate at some health food shops, but why not try making your own.

 

Raw Organic Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup Organic Cacao Butter

1 cup Organic Cacao Powder

1 cup Organic Sweetener (Agave syrup, Raw honey, dried fruits)

any other additions to taste

 

Method

• Melt cacao butter in a bowl (by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of boiling water).
• Mix in cacao powder and stir well
• Add sweetener and mix well
• Add any other ingredients.
• Pour into moulds, allow to set in fridge overnight, ENJOY!!!

 

Notes

Quantities of the ingredients can be altered to suit the amount you wish to make, you just need roughly equal parts of each main ingredient.

This recipe is vegan, dairy free, organic and nut free.

 

The ingredients are available from most health food shops and online. Although you can also buy the finished product online and from some local produce markets.

 

WildRaw

WildRaw makes beautiful raw chocolate in a variety of flavours and styles. Available at the Margaret River Farmers Market and online at www.wildraw.com.au

 

Loving Earth

Loving Earth sells a wide range of Organic Raw chocolate bars online at www.lovingearth.net

 

Andersen Cacao Creations

Sell a great range of organic raw chocolate products online and at the Fremantle and Subiaco markets http://www.andersencacaocreations.bigcartel.com

Soap Nuts – Natures Eco Cleaner

When I first heard about Soap Nuts, I must admit that I was sceptical, to say the least. Could the shell of a berry really be used to clean my clothes? The answer is yes!

I have just started using soap nuts for my clothing and I was very pleasantly surprised at how good they are. Not only are they eco-friendly and super cheap compared to other laundry detergents, but they work really, really well!

Soap Nuts are a berry (not a nut) which is produced by the Sapindus Mukorossi tree. The shell of the ‘fruit’ is dried to produce soap nuts. They are totally natural and unprocessed which means that they are great for allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin.

After using soap nuts in my laundry, and seeing the great results, I decided to try some of the other cleaning products that soap nuts can be used to make…

Soap Nut Liquid Concentrate

Place 10-12 whole nuts (or equivalent in pieces) into a saucepan with 6 cups of water. Boil for approximately 30 minutes. This should result in approx. 4 cups of liquid soap.  Strain the liquid through a cloth and then discard the nuts (they are great in the compost). Because there are no preservatives, it is best to only make in these small batches otherwise it may spoil.

The concentrate can be used as is or diluted for a range of cleaning:

All Purpose Cleaner – simply place soap liquid in a spray bottle and use around the house. You can add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil (or another essential oil) to act as a disinfectant and leave a lovely smell.

Window Cleaner – place 1 cups of water, 1 Tbsp vinegar and 1 Tbsp soap nut liquid into a spray bottle.

Pet shampoo – leaves hair soft and silky, will also repel fleas, mites, ticks and mosquitos, but make sure you keep it out of their eyes!

Carpet cleaner – spray or sponge onto stain and blot clean

Bug spray – use a spray bottle to spray bugs on plants (great organic and eco-friendly way to get rid of unwanted bugs in the garden).

I have also read about some people using soap nut liquid to clean rust off prams!

To find a stockist near you visit: www.kussen.com.au  (Kussen sell and distribute Nutcases Soap Nuts which are organic and Fair Trade).

Valentine’s Day

Yes, Valentine’s Day is almost here and it is time to start planning. While the shops are filled with the usual red balloons, streamers and hearts, why not try the green approach this year. There is a range of eco-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas right here.

 

Jewellery

If you want new eco-friendly jewellery you can go past the beautiful range by Polli. For a full list of stockists visit www.polli.com.au .

Alternatively why not visit a local second hand shop to find a beautiful pre-loved piece for that someone special.

 

Flowers

It can be difficult to find flowers that are grown organically in Australia. The best option is to pick your own from your garden, or if you know someone who has a beautiful range you can always ask to pick some from their garden. If you do want to purchase flowers from a florist, why not ask them if they have any that have been grown without using chemicals.

 

Chocolates

While many supermarkets and specialty stores now stock organic chocolate, you can’t go past raw, organic chocolate. I found the ultimate raw chocolate at the Margaret River Farmers Market in the South West of WA. This rich and delicious chocolate is made by Wild-Raw and can be ordered online from www.wildraw.com.au

 

Growing Gift

Why not purchase a living gift. If your loved one is the gardening type, why not buy them a rose bush or a beautiful plant in full flower, not only will it look great on the day, it will last for years to come. Even if they are not into gardening you can still purchase a living gift. Why not help to protect a rainforest by purchasing a gift from www.rainforestrescue.org.au

 

Unique Gifts

I love shopping at local markets and little handicraft stores because you never know what beautiful and unique gifts you might find. Travelling to find these shops can be a little time consuming, so why not look online for the same things. Two of my favourite websites for handmade gifts are www.bluecaravan.com.au and www.etsy.com , both of these sites allow you to search by category (including handmade and eco-friendly).

 

General Gifts

If you want to get that someone special something useful, rather than traditional, you options are endless for eco-friendly presents. You may choose stainless steel water bottles, organic skincare, bamboo tableware, a gorgeous bag or something handmade from your local markets. There are many online stores which specialise in organic and eco-friendly products (www.ecoeffect.com.au) and most health food shops and speciality gift shops also stock small ranges of products.

Top 10 Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts 2011

It can be hard to find the right gift for that someone special and even harder to go eco-friendly. We have made it easy with our top 10 eco-friendly gifts for 2011.

• We just can’t go past the great range of organic cotton cushions, purses and baskets from Ourlieu.

• For people on the go and who love to travel we love 321 water bottles. These bottles feature an inbuilt plunger style filter to ensure great tasting water without all the nasties (and they look great too!).

• For kids and babies (although we do know a few adults who use them) we suggest eco-friendly lunch boxes and cooler bags by So Young Mother. Available in a range of colours, with each featuring a funky design, they are lead free and BPA free.

• Still looking for the baby? Perhaps some cute clothes by Babysoy USA. This range of baby clothes is made from soybean fibre and organic cotton making them cool in summer and warm in winter.

• Olive & Joy make a beautiful range of linen tea towels that are a great gift.

• For stainless steel water bottles and lunch boxes, Naturally Sustainable has beautiful designs and a great range of sizes to suit the whole family.

• BYO Coffee Cups are a great way to reduce waste. These cups are made from food grade silicon and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Available in a wide range of colours and sizes.

• Reusable bags just got stylish with a great range from Apple Green Duck. From shopping bags though to bags that are great for the beach (little holes let all the sand fall out, while keeping your valuables secure inside).

• Finding organic skincare for babies and children is easy with this great range by Babies Only. With products with names like ‘Kiss it better balm’ and ‘don’t bug me’ insect repellent, they are the perfect gift.

• Keeping with the skincare we love the Myrtle & Moss range of hand blended natural body lotions.  

 

All of these great products are also available through the eco effect.

Welcome to the eco effect

Welcome to the eco effect!!!

At the eco effect, we understand that while it would be great to be able to live a totally organic and eco friendly life, it is unrealistic for most people. Thats why we believe that by making small changes we can create great change and continue the eco effect….

Join us for weekly blogs about great eco friendly and organic products, sustainable living solutions, recycling/upcycling and green design.

To start your eco friendly and organic lifestyle check out our retail site http://www.ecoeffect.com.au