Sugar is Sugar. The body processes most sugars in the same way. But what is paired with said sugar makes the difference. Let’s make a commitment to provide some treats that also give back to our kids. Here are some recommendations you can find at your local health food store and online!

Gluten Free Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
10-Pack :: $14.90 ::

Home Free Treats
I love Home Free Cookie Treats. They not only are allergy-free, but they are vegan meaning dairy and egg free, and they also have a delicious gluten-free line. Perfect for all the kiddies and grown ups with food allergies. I’ve had the vanilla, chocolate chip, and chocolate chocolate chip. I can’t tell the difference!

Gluten free mini chocolate chip single serve cookie packs (0.95 oz), box of 10 snack packs. Every pack contains 1/2 serving of whole grain, of the 3 daily recommended servings. And they come it other new flavors.

Gluten Free Mini Vanilla Cookies 10-Pack :: $12.49 ::	Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookie 12 Individually Wrapped :: $14.90 ::

Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies (NOT the gluten free ones)
8 pack :: $9.99 ::

To view the full line of cookies available, including large packs, visit Home Free Treats.

100% Organic Apple Chips, Caramel flavor :: special price below ::

Yogavive
I reviewed Yogavive Apple Chips last year ::click here for the full review:: There is an awesome offer below.that expires 10/31/2011 for a case of yogavive for all of their flavors which include original, cinnamon, caramel, peach, and strawberry.

Use Coupon Code 111001 to get 45% off retail price at $81.95 and free shipping. You get a case of 100 .35 ounce bags – each bag equivalent to one apple. They are only 35-Calories per Serving, 100% Organic, Certified Kosher, Halal, Vegan, Fat Free, no added sugar and Gluten Free. And the most important detail is that they are delicious. The Cinnamon flavor reminds me of apple pie.
Read more…

There are always great deals online for eco-friendly and sustainable wares, from food to furniture. I choose to highlight some here from high end to eco-nomically friendly.

Lotus End Table :: $699 :: $1,295 Retail

Laurel Wall Bed :: $1,499-$1,999 :: $2,895-$3,795 Retail

These beauties of an end table and head board comes from Environment. The materials are from reclaimed peroba rosa wood and certified mahogany, collaborating with organizations such as the Tropical Rainforest Trust. Both are available at One Kings Lane for the next 2 days until the sale ends.

Dancing Penguin :: $14.99 :: $24.00 Retail

The original article was published via OneGreenPlanet.org

From freshman fifteen to late night study sessions, college is a Mecca of poor food choices, overindulging, and eating at all hours of the day. I recently volunteered for the computer department at my alma mater for the freshman computer handout. We were stationed in the lower level of the cafeteria. I was curious, have food options progressed in over 5 years to accommodate the multitude of dietary scenarios? While there were a few options such as a gluten-free station and granary, which offers one vegan dish and vegetables, comparatively, still slim pickings.

We will now teleport over to the state of Texas, known for big hair, big cowboy hats, and big meat eaters. Yet, one university has set a standard that many should surely follow. The University of North Texas introduced an all vegan cafeteria, Mean Greens. Finally, here is a school that listened to the numerous requests of all to have more vegan and vegetarian options. The dining services of the university realized with five dining halls, that they had the option to diversify.

“We feature a mix of over 20 different entrees and sides daily along with a Vegan sushi bar, Panini Station, Pizza/Pasta station, Fresh grilled veggies, Rotisserie Corn and an assortment of Vegan Desserts,” said Ken Botts, Special Projects Manager of Dining Services. “What we have done by design is create menu options that focus on fresh whole ingredients that contain plenty of; plant protein, calcium, vitamin d, iron and vitamin b-12. You will find that a meal at Mean Greens is more nutritionally complete then the typical burger, fries and a soda type of meal.”

The changes at UNT are a true reflection of a national movement and advocacy to offer healthier foods in cafeterias. The collective feedback through their UNT Dining Services Facebook page, monthly student run food advisory committee, and student secret shoppers, supported the creation of the new dining hall. “Just want to say that I have really enjoyed the new Mean Greens. I have been a (lacto-ovo) vegetarian since 2002 and really enjoy the exclusively vegan selection at Mean Greens. I typically eat lunch at Mean Greens several times per week and really look forward to the all-vegan fare,” said Alyssa Ferrer, student.

Sustainability practices including recycling are extended throughout the dining experience. Sourcing local foods, having a tray-less cafeteria, which cuts down on pre and post-consumer waste by 40%. They have cut daily deliveries from 18 trucks every other day to one. According to the university, the ingredients are more costly but because of the increase in business from off campus visitors and increased sales of meal plans, it balances out. There is also less food waste as a result of the tray-less dining because diners only take what they can eat which results in additional savings.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 12.5 million children and teens are obese. The food lessons learned in conventional cafeterias transition over to the university level. UNT is creating a new custom that more universities and educational institutions should follow. Here is a shining example that parents, faculty/staff, and students can use to petition their own educational institutions for living in the realm of vegan food possibilities.

“The food is GREAT,” said Nicole Cocco, a UNT employee. “I couldn’t even tell nor did I care that there was no animal anything in my lunch, and the apple cobbler was TO DIE FOR. (They) did an amazing job, and I still haven’t found another college or university that has gone that extra mile.”

Pure Citizen has some awesome books on sale for grown up and kiddies alike. Save up to 35% off on some of these resources.

Great for the Kiddies:

That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals $11.53 | $16.95
Author: Ruby Roth
Available at Pure Citizen

How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? $8.99 | $12.99
Author: Chris Butterworth
Available at Pure Citizen

Great for the Everyone:

The Sustainable Vegetable Garden $8.99 | $12.99
Author: John Jeavons
Available at Pure Citizen

Edible: An Illustrated Guide to the World’s Food Plants $24.99 | $40.00
Author: National Geographic
Available at Pure Citizen

View Entire Book Sale

Kiddies

Organic “Leaves” Dress $25.90 | $37.00
100% GOTS certified baby rib organic cotton and dyed with a low-impact dye.
Available at Pure Citizen

Organic “Dandelion” Baby Onesie $18.90 | $27.00
100% GOTS certified baby rib organic cotton and dyed with a low-impact dye.
Available at Pure Citizen

View Entire Tomat Organic Baby Clothing Sale

Floor Decor

Amelia Hand-Woven Rug, Amethyst $32-$189 | $63-$380
Made of: Jute
Dimensions: 2′ x 3′; 5′ x 7’6″
Available at One Kings Lane

Arsana Hand-Woven Rug, Chestnut Multi $32-$649 | $63-$1,353
Made of: Jute
Dimensions: 2′ x 3′; 5′ x 7’6″
Available at One Kings Lane

View Entire Bombay Plush Rug Collection

Containers

Vintage Stainless Steel Tiffin $38 | $75
Dimensions Size: 12″ H x 7″ diameter
Materials: Stainless steel
Available at HauteLook

Salad Bowl, Low Edge with Lid, Medium $22 | $35
Dimensions Size: 9 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Materials: Glass/Melamine
Available at One Kings Lane

How gorgeous are these Dessert Bowls. They are made of 100% hand-blown glass.

Salad Bowl, Low Edge with Lid, Medium $29 | $40
Dimensions Size: 3 1/8″ height; 10 oz capacity
Materials: Hand-blown glass
Available at One Kings Lane

¹ Source: Wikipedia