Spotlight On: Green Apple Active athletic apparel

     Now that my first cold of the New Year is done with, I can get back to my (non) resolutions.  Getting more active, making better food choices, and making more sustainable choices are on my list of (many) things to do this year.  I've figured out that cute work-out clothes motivate me to get moving so gone are my old basketball shorts and ratty t-shirts.  I've incorporated cute shorts, dri-fit tanks, and fun colored sports bras to my work-out wardrobe.  

     Thanks to credit at Ideeli*, I shopped one of their athletic apparel blowout sales and ended up with a Green Apple Active sports bra.  Green Apple Active is a California based athletic apparel brand encouraging an "eco active lifestyle for free souls". 

     The bra is made of mostly bamboo fabric and comes with removable molded cups.  Most of my current sports bras do not have molded cups, but I do like the extra protection from friction or frigid weather. 

     The thick, cross-backed straps give great support and shock absorption to keep me comfortable throughout my whole work out.  I love that they use bamboo fabric because, in my experience, it is very soft and comfortable.  

     I am disappointed that the item is "designed in Manhattan Beach, CA" yet also "Made in China".  Because of this, I requested further information from Green Apple Active.  Cristofer, CEO/VP and Creative Director of the company let me know that they used to be produced in California but the factory was forced to close due to lack of workers.  There are still garments produced in the Arizona and some in Mexico, however production of certain garments has moved to a facility in China.

     The other day, they tweeted about an upcoming sale and I am pleased to have more information.  From now until January 18, 2013, you can get 25% off your order with promo code "BAMBOOLOVE".  Other than their website and Ideeli/other flash sale sites, Green Apple Active can be found at various yoga studios or retailers.  Check their retail locator for more information.  

     Does anyone have any eco-friendly athletic apparel suggestions?

*This link contains a referral invite.  If you sign up with this invite and make a purchase, I will receive a $25 Ideeli credit.

Visiting the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden

     The Ethel M chocolate factory has been located in Henderson, Nevada since the brand's start in 1981.  I remember being in elementary school and taking a field trip to check out their factory tour and bringing home some delicious goodies.  The current factory tour is self guided - giving the opportunity to read information and look inside the factory at a comfortable pace - complete with chocolate tasting at the end.

They even use some of the original equipment!

     The property that houses the factory and retail store also contains a cactus garden and solar power garden.  For the winter season, the cactus garden was decorated with LED holiday lights.  The solar power harvested during the day can support factory production.  

This looks crazier than it was.

     I was able to take the factory tour and visit the holiday cactus garden last month.  I was even able to meet Santa Claus!  

     While not certified Fair Trade, Ethel M chocolates place an importance on fair principles.  Ethel M is owned by Mars Inc. but remains committed to producing in small batches, not using preservatives, and using quality ingredients.  They also place importance on the source of those ingredients: 

     The store also sells "myCocoaPaper" items - paper products made partially from cocoa tree bark.  The myCocoaPaper brand closed it's doors but has been re-branded and can be found at the CocoaVia (also owned by Mars Inc.) website.

     I left with a custom picked box of some of my favorite treats. 

     The holiday light display has ended for the season but the cactus garden and factory tour are available daily.  For more information, check the Ethel M website.