As a small and independent family owned business, Glee Gum is a great representative of the types of exhibitors we target for our Green Products Expo. They are passionate about their company, the environment, and sustainable development and it is evident in the products they produce.

 The company was founded after a trip to an economically depressed region of Northern Guatemala. The region produced chicle, which is the sap of the Sapodilla tree that grows in the rainforests of Central America. Chicle once was the main ingredient in chewing gum, but has been replaced by cheaper synthetic resins. Having never thought of the production of chewing gum, and wanting to help support this area of chicle-producing communities, the concept of Glee was born.

 The mission statement on their website best describes what they believe in.

 “We at Verve, inc. believe that consumers can make a big difference in determining the fate of the earth. We hope that everyone takes an active interest in learning where their products come from and how they get to other parts of the world. We cannot exploit the earth’s natural resources indefinitely without facing disastrous consequences.”

 It is exhibitors like Verve Inc. who make us proud to do what we do. We love helping small companies who believe in themselves, their products and the environment. Verve is committed to producing environmentally sustainable products that help shape our world.

Glee gum is available in several flavors including Triple Berry, Bubblegum, Tangerine, Spearmint, Peppermint and Cinnamon.

 Verve also produces Make Your Own Candy kits that come in chewing gum,chocolate and gummies. These are designed to create something fun exciting and delicious while connecting kids to the global community while captivating their interest.

 For more information of Glee Gum or Verve Inc., please visit www.gleegum.com or email them at info@gleegum.com.

Thanksgiving is the time to celebrate over a great meal with friends and family. We are starting to make our travel arrangements, plan our menus and decide what will be for dessert. This is a great time of the year to focus on the environment and make this a Green Thanksgiving. There are easy steps that you can follow to ensure that you are doing your part.

• –Try organic turkey. The North American turkeys we typically buy can’t reproduce on their own and have been bred to produce the most meat at the lowest cost. Organic turkeys grow slower and naturally reproduce. They taste better, too.
• –Use reusable grocery bags. Almost 1 trillion plastic bags are used every year and most end up in our landfills. Reusable bags are environmentally friendly, convenient to use and are handy and versatile.
• –Shop local. Grocery stores have locally grown produce sections for fresh area produce. Also try farmer’s markets and flea markets.
• –Be creative. Decorations can be home made and provide good activities for the kids. Also, use baking soda and water instead of harsh bathroom cleaners and try vinegar for streak free windows.
• –Use traditional dinnerware. Avoid using paper plates and plastic silverware that create additional and unnecessary waste.
• –Recycle. Make sure that your guests are still recycling all cans and bottles plus paper, packaging or other items.
• –Be conscious. It is easier for everyone to participate in making Thanksgiving green if people understand what you are trying to do. Tell your guests your feelings and make it easy for them to help.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday this season, but remember to do all you can to help the environment. After all, we should be most thankful for our planet and all of the sustainable resources that it offers us.

Join the staff of the Green Products Expo as we celebrate on November 15^th,the 11^th annual America Recycles Day. America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized program that encourages increased recycling habits at home, in the office and promotes the purchasing of recycled products.

America has made great strides in our recycling habits over the last two decades:

-The recycling initiative is one of our country’s most successful environmental campaigns ever.

-20 years ago, only one curbside program existed in our country.

-Today there are more than 10,000 such programs serving nearly half the population.

-One-third of our solid waste stream is kept out of landfills thanks to recycling programs and the conscious effort of our citizens to recycle.

-The amount of waste recycled has doubled in the last 15 years and has continued to increase every year since.

Our exhibitors for the 2010 Green Products Expo that manufacture recycled products or use eco friendly ingredients include: Pentel, Red Apple School Supply, Earth Friendly Products, Perf Go Green, Juiced Hybrid, Save Your World, Organic Style and many more.

We are dedicated to doing all we can at home and at the office to recycle and be as environmentally conscious as we can. The National Recycling Coalition asks you to join them in promoting November 15^th as America Recycles Day. Join us as we take the recycling pledge or participate in other ways in you local community such as:

–Recycle Electronics

–Recycle your cell phone

–Find events in your area

–Contact a Representative in your state