Who can resist a college project turned sustainable business offering intoxicatingly good tea and a negative carbon footprint? Certainly not Guayaki founders Alex Pryor and David Karr, whose award-winning eco-biz now stands as a role model to other companies striving for sustainability and success.

And did I mention they make great mate? Their newest offering, San Mateo Mate, is shade-grown, sustainably-forested and air-dried in the Brazilian sun. Its bright, clean, vegetal taste lacks that characteristic mate smokiness, giving you a yummy, organic, fair trade buzz.

It’s easy to get down on your bank account these days, so sip some San Mateo mate and feel confident that your $12/lb expenditure actually protects South American rainforests, takes carbon out of the atmosphere, and bathes your insides with antioxidants. For Guayaki, money DOES grow on trees! Packaging is biodegradable, too. Pick some Guayaki mate up at your local Whole Foods or go online at www.guayaki.com for better deals.