Vegan and Gluten Free...Chocolate!

Yes, its true! It does exist! A wonderful partner of ours, Missionary Chocolates, creates the most decadent, delicious chocolates. I've been a lucky taste-tester a few times already, and let me tell you, this is the best chocolate I've ever tasted. And I don't consider myself a chocolate-lover, only occasionally craving a small piece but even as I write this up, my mouth waters at the thought.

Missionary Chocolates was gracious enough to donate a couple boxes to bid at our 501c3 celebration as well as come set up shop to give out tastes of peppermint, chipotle-cinnamon, ginger, lemon, and salted caramel chocolate! Good for the whole family.

Melissa Berry started making chocolates for her vegan mother during her last year of medical school while becoming a Naturopathic doctor; it's popularity quickly turned it into a business! Their mission is to raise enough funds to build a inpatient, integrative health center. Now you really never have to feel guilty for that extra piece of chocolate again. :)

Cook fresh food - fast!

We wanted to spotlight a great donor partner who is working to open her own amazing new shop. Introducing..."Chop!" Portland's home cookin' store!

One day Karen Page had a great idea. She entered a contest on a whim and was selected as a top 5 finalist in the Food Innovators contest for Bon Appetit Magazine! She has a chance to win a $10,000 grant to open her own shop!

“The idea is a simple one - a store that sells home cooked recipes plus all the ingredients - 100% chopped, prepped, measured and complete with all the necessary spices, cooking oils and even an "advice line" you can call from your kitchen!”

She is targeting people who much like herself, want to eat fresh cooked foods, but have trouble finding the time to make a great meal at home. This will give people who have some experience cooking, a great way to ramp up their meals and taste like a top chef contestant.  

So, the next step in the contest RocketHub, it is like kickstarter for businesses. Whomever raises the most funds on RocketHub wins an additional $10,000 toward their business!

We are so excited for Karen and hope that she reaches her goal.  You can support her too, at her Rockethub account: http://www.rockethub.com/projects/partner/foodhub

Pure Simple Juice

Trash for Peace is excited to announce another sustainable supporter - Pure Simple Juice! Mmm mmm, we can't wait to gulp this juice up! Unfortunately it's not for us . . . but we are offering you a chance to win a juice or nut milk at our upcoming event!

Dulcinea Ward began Pure Simple Juice "as a way to empower  people to take control of their health and create balance in their lives through fresh juices and cleanses served with a dose of education and encouragement." We honestly couldn't have said it better. And the drinks are comprised of locally-sourced fruits and veggies and all-organic ingredients.

Take a look at her website, puresimplejuice.com for more juicy details! The cleanse looks powerfully and intensely purifying. Still looking for the right New Year's resolution? This could be a great way to kick-start your 2013.

car2go, and go! and go!

Trash for Peace's fundraiser is just days away and the donations that will help make your life more sustainable just keep rolling in. We're excited to announce a partnership with car2go! You've seen those blue and white two-seaters cruising around town and always finding the best parking spaces. Now you have a chance to be in the drivers' seat.

car2go has donated two free membership passes, each with an additional 60 minutes of free drive time. Need to run some errands but a bike or bus just won't get you there fast enough? car2go is the perfect, eco-friendly option. It allows access to a car so you don't have to own one, reducing your carbon footprint and is a pay-as-you-go system. And there are several pick-up/drop-off spots around the city so there is always one not too far away!

So get yourself in gear and try one out today! Or better yet, come to our fundraiser for a chance to win a free membership!

Check out their website for more info at car2go.com.

Sugar Wheel Works . . . working sweetly!

Long-time TfP supporter, Sugar Wheel Works has been there since the beginning, donating unusable bike parts and bike tire tubes to help the Trash for Peace team create our prototypes. It was only natural that Sugar Wheel Works is teaming up with TfP for our upcoming fundraiser! Sugar Wheel Works has donated two bike packages, complete with tires, t-shirt, a biking book and more! Pictures to come, I promise.

Founded by Jude Kirstein, Sugar Wheel Works focuses on hand-built bicycle wheels. Just hearing Jude describe how hand-built wheels can revolutionize the cycling experience as well as lives and community, it's hard not to hear how much love goes into her products.

Jude focuses on sustainability and making a positive impact throughout the whole production from how the wheels are built to how the parts are ordered and picked up. Check out her website, www.sugarwheelworks.com for more info.

BottleChange - Yes they can!

Trash for Peace is super excited to be teaming up with BottleChange for our upcoming fundraiser! Based out of Eastern Washington, BottleChange collects wine, beer, and liquor bottles from local bars, tasting rooms and restaurants, and - get this! - upcycles them into functional, artistic glassware. Oh my, you had me at upcycle. :)

Giving these bottles new purpose reduces glass waste and landfill accumulation, helping both the creators and the buyers have a positive impact on the environment. Not to mention that they look quite stylish in your hand while sipping on your preferred drink. Perfect conversation starter? I think so!

Find more products including glass tumblers, juice glasses, vases, bowls, candy dishes, candle-holders and even wind-chimes at their website, bottlechange.com. So pour a glass and cheers to inspiring sustainability!