The Catalina Island Conservancy has organized a special Earth Day event coinciding with the grand opening of the new Nature Center at Avalon Canyon. Enjoy an afternoon full of activities, music, organic food and Biota's innovative water.

Can't make it to an Earth Day event but you still want to learn more? Get your daily dose with Heather and Jen's Ideal Bite green living tips and a weekly dose of the finest in conscious style and living with Exquisite's email updates.

Photo - In March of 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the native Catalina Island Fox as “Endangered.” To learn more about how you can help save this unique species, found only on Catalina Island, please visit: The Catalina Island Conservancy.

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One of my favorite discoveries is Choice Organic Tea, a tough one to beat not only in taste and variety, but also for responsible business practices. A pioneer in Fair Trade Tea, more than half of Choice Organic Teas' offerings are Fair Trade Certified supporting fair wages, respectable living and working conditions, and a worker-managed premium that supports community development. If you are thinking all of this compassion drives the price up, you may be surprised that Choice compares very well at $3.25 - $4.70 a box and is available online and nationwide at grocers like Wholefoods and Wild Oats.

Not sure which variety to try? Pick your old favorite or try something new, sipping tea can easily be compared to tasting fine wines, both have incredible variety and nuance. For a head start, here are a few words to add to your tea tasting vocabulary (Courtesy of Choice Organic Teas):

Astringent - A puckering, almost sour feeling in the mouth.

Brothy - A comforting, savory quality.

Busy - Too much going on. Specific flavors overpower or dominate the tea.

Citrusy - A fruity quality, like lemons or oranges. This is just how the tea tastes; no flavoring has been added.

Complex - Multiple flavors that come across at once. Like a well-crafted symphony, they are balanced and don't clash with one another.

Floral - Smells and tastes strikingly like flowers. Might include orchids, lilacs, or roses. This is just how the tea tastes; no flavoring has been added.

Malty - Combination of flavor and body similar to malt syrup or chocolate malt.

Toothy - We use it for teas that have a more assertive body or strength.

As spring is finally showing itself here in Southern California I will be sipping my iced oolong tea on the porch, looking out over the beach and smiling knowing I am helping to create positive change. Which of the varieties will you try?

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