Launched in 2009 by Eco-Libris, this campaign is aiming to promote “green” books by reviewing 200 books printed on recycled paper or FSC-certified paper. By turning a spotlight on books printed using environmental paper, we want to raise the awareness of book buyers to this issue and encourage them to take it into consideration when purchasing books. 

This year the campaign is supported by Indigo Books & Music, the largest book retailer in Canada, as part of its efforts to draw attention to the need for more environmental paper in book publishing. This is a core goal of Indigo's environmental program and is reinforced by Indigo's industry leading environmental paper policy. 

As part of this campaign I am reviewing the following eco-friendly product, which incorporates the use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly inks.


COFFEE, The World's Great Recipes, Stories and Histories
Published by Ghigo Press
boxed reference deck  $15.95
Boxed set of Coffee Cards
6" x 2.5"


Product Description:

COFFEE, The World's Great Recipes, Stories and Histories by Ghigo Press offers delightful coffee recipes as well as fascinating lore and history of one of man's favorite drinks.  Each card is illustrated with beautiful color photographs as well as the informative and lively text.


My Opinion:

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love coffee, so I couldn't resist requesting these cards when I saw them on the Eco-Libris Green Books Campaign.  I was even more excited when I cracked the box open and saw the amazing variety of coffee facts and recipes that were included.

In the past I haven't been very adventurous with ordering new coffees, in part because I lack the knowledge of what goes into each kind of coffee.  I think these cards will go a long way toward remedying that, and in addition will provoke me to be more adventurous in my own coffee creations at home.

The forty cards in this collection feature historical information about different types of coffee, and cultural information about coffees from all over the world.  Recipes featured on the cards include both the traditional and modern.  There are recipes for many coffees some of which I've heard of, and some of which are unfamiliar to me. For example, there are seasonal coffees (like Valentine coffee or Christmas coffee) and coffees by country (Turkish coffee, Irish coffee, Swedish coffee, etc.).

What I like most about the cards is that each gives some historical background about either the coffee, the country, or the holiday tradition that is celebrated. The photos on the flip-side of each card are also lovely to look at.

These cards would make the perfect gift for the coffee-lover in your life.  Ghigo Press also has a line of calendars, including a companion coffee calendar.


Giveaway:

"This review is part of the Green Books campaign.Today 200 bloggers take a stand to support books printed in an eco-friendly manner by simultaneously publishing reviews of 200 books printed on recycled or FSC-certified paper. By turning a spotlight on books printed using eco- friendly paper, we hope to raise the awareness of book buyers and encourage everyone to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books.

The campaign is organized for the second time by Eco-Libris, a green company working to make reading more sustainable. We invite you to join the discussion on "green" books and support books printed in an eco-friendly manner! A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on the Eco-Libris website." --Text suggested by Eco-Libris campaign.

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I received the Spice deck from Ghigo Press. The deck is made with 20% recycled paper and printed with soy ink.



While the deck is beautiful: glossy box and cards, sharp color photographs of the various spices on the front, the real gem was the witty and informative writing on the back of the cards.

As I perused the cards, I found myself quietly laughing from such statements as:

"BAY LEAF Indigenous to the Mediterranean region, bay leaves come from the branches of the tall laurel tree. In the ancient Greek world the highest honor for a champion athlete was to be crowned with a laurel wreath. In Rome, Caesar was said to have found the ritual appealing as it concealed his creeping baldness..."

and

COCOA
"... The Aztec King Montezuma first introduced the glories of the cold cacao drink to Cortes and the Spanish Conquistadors. After destroying his empire, they returned to Europe with the wonderful spice in tow..."

The Spice cards also inspired me to add Cinnamon to my morning smoothie, and I look forward to learning more about and experimenting with the spices described in the deck.

The Spice deck would make a great gift for anyone interested in food (so, pretty much everyone) and it's only $15.95.

Ghigo Press also makes beautiful decks for Wine and Coffee lovers. (All 3 decks also come in a full size calendar version.)



Everything Ghigo Press sent is beautiful and I'm grateful to have been part of this campaign.