fair-trade

Have you ever caught yourself, mid-bite into a juicy burger (veggie, beef or buffalo) loaded with all the fixings, and stopped to consider where it all came from?  Like, how did your home-grown tomato end up nestled next to an avocado from California, topped upon a patty of ground beef processed in Kansas?

I had an interesting realization last month when I joined my sisters-in-laws on their annual pilgrimage to the mall for some Black Friday consumerism. We all left the mall pretty much empty-handed, and I realized that I just don’t really shop at malls and chain stores anymore, particularly for gifts. Instead, I am trolling the cute indie boutiques for the perfect, unique gift, and searching online for interesting options from fun online retailers. Luckily, when it comes to foodies on my list, there are plenty of options, so shopping’s a breeze. Here are some places to look online for some wonderful cooking-related gifts that have an environmentally friendly focus.

Born into an Akha hill tribe village in Northern Thailand, Ging started out with nothing. She was left with no home, no education, no work — no opportunity to live a decent life.

Yellowstone National Park, of which I’m a huge fan, recently launched a really exciting venture. Its Mammoth Hot Springs General Store has been re-created as an interpretive center to educate the public about climate change and the implications of consumer purchases, recycling, conservation and more. The store’s products are identified accordingly as fair trade, organic, renewable, locally-made and so on. Consumers can then make their choice based on a true understanding of the product’s value.

Does fair trade work? See how in the words of these five artisans — a few of the many shared with us from artisans and fair trade partners whose creations we offer through our One World by Gaiam Marketplace.

“Before I didn’t have enough money for three meals a day.

Hagar in Cambodia

Looking for a holiday gift for that eco-conscious globetrotter — or a traveler you’d like to help “green up”?  Check out these creative yet practical gifts that won’t add too much excess weight to your credit card. And when you shop online, you lighten the burden on the earth by avoiding extra car trips.

Every week we highlight the best articles, blogs, news, videos and interesting Web tidbits to help you live green, be healthy, and connect with your sense of spirituality. Read our roundup for info that just helps you live better.

Yoga May Help After Breast Cancer

A recent study suggests yoga may ease hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors. (CBS News)