Lake Champlain Chocolate’s Organic Line of chocolate bars, squares and truffles recently won Platinum in the Food & Beverage Packaging Category at the 39th Annual Creativity Awards this year. With only one Platinum award per category, this is a significant achievement for the Burlington, Vt.-based chocolate company »

The following is a snapshot of manufacturers and retailers in the "Green Movement" who are making an effort to reduce their environmental impact on the earth and/or contribute with socially responsible efforts. By no means does this represent a complete list of every effort in our community. Is your workplace doing something really different in the world of sustainability? E-mail us at mmoran@gourmetretailer.com, and we'll post the most interesting practices we didn't know about online.  »

This month, we've rounded up some terrific eco- and earth-friendly kitchenware products, as well as natural and organic gourmet goodies, for healthy (and tasty) green living. After all, a proper green kitchen should be stocked full of organic, sustainable, energy-efficient, non-toxic items that are not only healthier for you, but sustain resources and the environment, too. Going green has never been easier. »

Editor's Note: We taste-test and judge each product based on seven criteria. Products that receive an 85 or above will be considered a hit and those that receive a 95 and above will be "rising stars." »

Portland, Ore.-based Elephants Delicatessen has also been leading the way in the Pacific Northwest to establish a commitment to the environment in all aspects of this 30-year-old food and catering business.  »

Every quarter we ask members of our Retailer Advisory Board to lend us a hand identifying top selling products from around the country. This quarter, we asked them to provide those great sellers that have an environmentally friendly story to them if available. So here are their selections; perhaps these products will inspire sales in your store as well. »

The world is getting smaller all the time, and no, I'm not just talking about the polar ice caps melting. Not only are people all over the world increasingly linked electronically via the Internet and television, and not only are trade barriers and language barriers becoming less of a factor in both travel and international relations, but people are starting to realize that their actions actually have an impact on the health and well-being of the planet.  »