ecoCentricGuide Feed

4-16 2013, Local love day turns three

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 23:56:16 -0500

Torontonians, show some Local Love on 4-16!

ah, Local Love Day... comin' up on its third year, and we are feeling just as shiny, happy, about the notion that our wee-little not-for-profit initiative shall- for the third year in a row, shine its ever-brightening light on the dark corners of the ethical-business sphere. Shedding a spotlight upon the moms and pops and quaint little corner-shops that pepper our urban-scape with the character, depth and culture that weaves the quilt of conscious-commerce that warms us all 'cross the reaches of the expanding-GTA.

The reality, we agree, is that every day ought to be Local Love Day, ( we profess our undying love all 365 ) but still it brings a smile to our hearts knowing that on 4-16 we are setting a collective intention, to sustain and transform the future of our economy by collectively generating a massive, deliberate & focused amount of energy and love; and it is with that love- that we strive to sustain small business beyond this single day.

4-16 is about fostering connections within our communities that will endure, empower and evolve into new-and more beautiful economies.

Let's just put it out there: Supporting your neighbourhood shop is no longer really an 'option' but more-so an obligation; if globalization continually manifests, small business faces inevitable eradication, and thus disintegration of the backbones upon which our communities are built. So while we are thrilled to have pioneered this day of celebration, we remain fully aware of the big picture reality that observing100 mile mindfulness, is but a small perspective in a big picture vision- with roots in the truth that what we're ~~fighting~~ loving for, is indeed that much larger shift.

After 3 years, we have noticed there are now- big corporations who have made big PR efforts to coin similar Local Love programs- that in April, petition you to shop small, and while we celebrate the idea that more money means more messaging and ideally would see to the thriving of the small biz entrepreneur, we know in our hearts- ( the very same hearts that birthed this concept) that integrity is in action. We support any and all efforts to bring more love to local business, ( indeed big biz, please give more! )...
and as ethical entrepreneurs, Ecocentric Guide- stands strong alongside you, on this journey to lessen the miles between you and your local love.

On 4-16 we'll be exercising our consumer buying power- connecting in 'hoods across the 416 ( & 647, & 289... & soon to be 867 ) Once again advocating the growth, promotion (and all around celebration) of our small local enterprise. Let your intuition guide you as you discover your hood for the hundredth time as if it were the first, or the first time of many hundred more.
The Local Love Day campaign encourages everyone to enthusiastically empower their communities - both macro and micro by ensuring that any purchase made on April 16th (4-16) is a sustainable one. Consider it setting your intention for a thriving neighbourhood. ( both within and without )

Fellow Torontonians, make the conscious choice to visit your local independent shops, support healthy hoods and buy ethical goods. Make 4-16 a day you exhibit 100-mile-mindfulness.

Spending for the shift.

Shop your hood on 4-16.

big up our backyard revolutionaries!

Plug into the eco-indie goodness collective,
Show your support:

1- like it.

2- attend it.

3- share your local business with our network of local lovers.

4- offer Local Lovers an incentive to visit your biz on 4-16

5- hold a guerilla shop-hopping-by- hood-adventure and share it with us

6- tell as many peeps as possible to spend for the shift and make an even bigger impact.

7- hold your own mini-event by-hood shop-athons to put the positive vibes out all across our fair city; cultivating mad-love for the ethical entrepreneur

8- exercise your consumer buying power: your dollars are hollas for the new economy. spend em for the shift.

9- write about #Local Love Day, share with another local news source or blog your eco-heart out giving shout outs to your fav Moms, Pops and Local Shops.

10- don't stop come 4-17, sustaining healthy hoods year round is what it's all about.

11. feeling inspired? suggest a fundraising initiative to help Local Love Day grow grassroots style to be bigger, better and of the highest level service to our collective communities.

Click here and show your support on Local Love's Facebook page.
Like it. Attend it. Share your local business with our network of local lovers. Set your intention for an economy that sees our collective small-businesses thrive.

Swappi Sabi

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:16:26 -0500

A fresh new season is here and with it comes an opportunity for rebirth. Itâ€™s a chance to cleanse, renew and clear out the chi in the dusty corners of our lives, creating space to breathe in the blessings that too often become buried under â€˜stuffâ€™.

In the spirit of Wabi Sabi, weâ€™ve reached out to our friends at Swapsity to share their expert insights on how swapping can help one achieve simplicity.

Stuff, stuff and more stuff!

A whopping 72 per cent of Ontarians confess they are too emotionally attached to their stuff to let it go yet data shows that getting rid of clutter would eliminate 40 per cent of housework for the average home. Do we really need all this stuff?

Less is more so why not turn your space into an uncluttered sanctuary instead.

Exposing the clutter:

Look in your closet. Do you have neglected clothing you havenâ€™t worn in the last six months? Check your bookshelf. How many of your books stand untouched? What about your storage space? Is it crammed with cobwebbed boxes with stuff that has never seen the light of day? How many extra TVs, cell phones or other abandoned devices do you own?

Look the truth in the eye:

Itâ€™s high time you lookedâ€”I mean really lookedâ€”at your belongings to determine what no longer fits your lifestyle.

Decluttering is about creating spaceâ€”space to move, space to breathe, space for a new perspective and, most importantly, space for new opportunities!

Tackling Techniques:

There are two essential steps to staying clutter-free:

Step 1: Pare down your stuff to essentials. For some resources, you can refer to www.swapsity.ca/decluttering

Step 2: Once you de-clutter, commit to maintaining a clutter-free lifestyle by embracing sharing and continually letting go of stuff that loses appeal.

Time to spring into action:

#1 Swap or Sell It!

To get de-cluttering, start off by categorizing your stuff into two piles: â€˜sell/donateâ€™ and â€˜swapâ€™.

One girlâ€™s unwanted dress is another girlâ€™s treasure! Donâ€™t let perfectly good items end up in a landfill. Instead recycle stuff in your â€˜swapâ€™ category by hosting a swap party. Swap parties are a fantastic way to let go of your not-so-loved items. Use the â€œone in, two outâ€ rule to keep yourself clutter-free and only fill your space only with items that fit your lifestyle. For more tips on throwing your own swap, take a look at the swap party guide.

Throughout the year, swapping communities like Swapsity and social enterprises such as The S.W.A.P Team host a variety of swap events in Toronto, Montreal and other Canadian cities. Come on out and participate! For example, on July 16 you can de-clutter your books at an Art Book Swap and on July 21st you can refresh your library at the Live Green Toronto Festival on Yonge-Dundas Square.

What about the stuff in your â€˜sell/donateâ€™ category? Why not get together with a few neighbours and host a garage sale. If you still have boxes of items left over, give them away to charity.

#2 Join a Swapping/Sharing Community

Swapping collectivesâ€™ rock! They are an inclusive, fun and fabulous resource.

Tap into the large swapping economy by joining a local swapping site. Itâ€™s a wonderful way to connect with eco-minded folks and an easy way to de-clutter and share stuff instead of always buying new.

Itâ€™s much easier to embrace a lifestyle of mindful consumption if youâ€™re plugged into a kindred community. How can a swapping community like Swapsity help you unleash some of that baggage? Host an online garage sale! Pick up your video camera and give a tour of all the stuff youâ€™re getting rid off of. Add brief on-camera commentary or demo some of the items. Or snap pictures of your pre-loved items and list it on Swapsity. Stuff can be swapped for services or given away for free. If you feel too overwhelmed by spring cleaning, hop over to Swapsity and barter for the services of a professional organizer. Another great habit is lending someone else your rarely used items (e.g. books, tents, tools) to help keep their lives clutter-free. Making swapping part of your lifestyle is great way to recycle and refresh your stuff. Just ask the Barter Babe and she will tell you enthusiastically how much goodness barter can â€˜buyâ€™!

# 3 Create a Sharing Group for Your Community

Would you buy all that new stuff y (i.e. potentially future clutter) if someone you knew already owned it? Bring sharing to YOUR neighbourhood!

Gather your friends, colleagues or neighbours and get them sharing stuff. As a community you can share ladders, tools, books, movies, magazines and even carpooling to the grocery store. It prevents you from having to always buy stuff and puts pre-loved items back into circulation. Plus, you'll grow a tight-knit community and make new friends. Think of the impact it will make on your budget and the environment! To get the ball rolling, you can set up a free sharing group through Swapsity Swap Groups or create a Facebook group.

With all that clutter gone, youâ€™ll welcome new energy, clarity and space.

Now, thatâ€™s a true Swappi Sabi lifestyle.

Marta Nowinska is a social entrepreneur and the President and Founder of Swapsity, Canadaâ€™s leading swapping community. She traded in her Bay Street finance job to live her passion, driving the swapping movement in Canada. Visit her website at http://www.martanowinska.com/

How to Face the Mess We're in Without Going Crazy

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:47:16 -0500

WARNING: this might be a long read; but we're passionate about this one :)

The ecolution, the renaissance in human consciousness, the shift, the seventh generation mind, a world becoming blue. Or ubiquitously: 'the green movement', (which although a significant thread woven into the quilt of American philosophist thought with roots way back to the 1800's...) really became prevalent in the late 70â€™s with the rise of green politics and advocates for awareness branding the ever-industrializing societal landscape with theories for healing our relationship with the world (Mercy, mercy me - sing it Marvin). With roots in eco-awareness, peace and social justice- at the crux of this movement is environmentalism, at the crux of environmentalism, is the attempt to achieve balance.

Itâ€™s what so many of us have been living for years, something that we have been striving for and evolving with, since our inception; And (this year) it's all culminating in a powerful moment in time... the great turning. ( Eco-philosopher Joanna Macy explains three dimensions of the Great Turning: slowing down, creation of sustainable structures, and a shift in consciousness. http://www.globalonenessproject.org/videos/joannamacyclip3 )

Revolutions are indeed beautifully in motion - quiet and not so quiet revolutions, bursting forth from the darkness, led by agents of change with visions for the world that can help to inspire us out of our complacency. Mindful warriors wielding creative solutions to serve the movement for a better, bluer, and more balanced world.

Ecolution to ethicalution to the third revolution

This ecolution that we've been ambassadors for, has exemplified micro action on a macro level, grassroots movements to empower global wellness, and the revolutions hatching within our big hearts and our own backyards. But the original 'green' movement, at its core; is really about honoring the sacredness of nature, it's awe for the majesty of our natural world... it's an active celebration of its art, and it's working for the preservation of the impeccable perfection of the earth's magical prowess to provide precisely what we need, to wake up and thrive.

Among so many passionate thinkers and motivators and change-makers moving this movement, is eco-philosopher and author, Joanna Macy, Ph.D.,

who has been on the forefront for 5 decades. A scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology; she is a revered and respected voice in movements for peace, justice, and the environment.

From her lifelong scholarship and tireless activism, a ground-breaking theoretical framework for personal and social change has emerged to support this â€˜third revolutionâ€™ in human kind- 'the great turning'. What she calls 'the essential adventure of our time', shifting from an industrial growth society to a life sustaining civilization.

2012 needs no subtext, pre-text or context. This is the year where centuries of energetic momentum reach orgasm. The ability to consciously turn a critical time in the history of humankind into a life-enriching interrelationship with all, is upon us. (and if the whiff of remarkable changes in our consciousness thus far- are but a glimpse, it doesnâ€™t seem an option to opt out of this adventure)

Since we started documenting and celebrating this incredible shift- it has been a whirlwind journey of ever-increasing proportions: 4 short years alone have seen what often times seems warp-speed progress- in terms of the worldâ€™s awakening. Reinvention abounds and energetic momentum approaches its axis swiftly- the outpouring, outcrying and occupying <---- this is great: http://www.whatthefuckhasoccupydone.com ) has shed light on the blossoming awareness of the (overwhelming and) profound planetary crisis that we face...

...yet any crisis is a turning point. Tweet

Change is made through choiceâ€¦ where to shop, what to buy, and we how choose to live, shapes the development of this exciting new economy.

But with so much choice, complication and indecision, seems what we could really use in seeing this movement to fruition is an empowerment process; one that strengthens our capacity to make a difference...

Enter Active Hope.

Nourishment for our courage and inspiration of our creativity. For removing the limiting beliefs that keep peeps back from wholehearted social action.
An adamant invitation to participate in the greatest adventure of your lifetime. Simply stated, Active Hope is just that- a choice to participate.
As crisis unfolds, the shift from human centredness ( ego ) evolves with adoption of ecocentric ethics, and powerful ecophilosophies that activate possibility. Active Hope imbues the ability to face the mess we're in, without going crazy, it gives us the goods on making good â€“ (without succumbing to the madness.)
No-nonsense and directly accessible, Active Hope is a practice that can be adopted as a method to move the movement.
A set of insights and practices that enhance our capacity to face disturbing information and rise to the occasion. The unfolding of the process reflects the activist's inner journey, in 4 stages that feed into one another.

The first stage is:
1. Opening to gratitude:

{ spontaneous love letter: }

Dear agents for change that have been leading revolutions within and without, dear brave souls unifying, weaving that web of reconnection, your passion inspires. gratitude to you for the bountiful possibility you weave into our world.

" It is a privilege to be alive in this time when we can choose to take part in the self-healing of our world." Tweet

How blessed we are to be breathing during such an amazing awakening...navigating the inner frontier of change,
harnessing our unique power within these unique times; to be stewards for a now that fuels a better tomorrow.
But being an agent for change is no easy feat, daunting times in which we live, when pre-emptive war is the order of the day.*

We face a steep-ening (un)learning curve on the quest, while riding the crest of the wave for a better world,
and in that...

It's Uncertainty that unbinds usâ€¦

â€œThe essence of an adventure is not to know the outcome. The essence of a joyous adventure is not to need to know the outcome.â€ Tweet

In a world where the notion that the only move to improve is in by buying more, vs. doing more and being more and loving moreâ€¦ the answer lays in the heart.

â€œThe heart that breaks open can contain the whole universe.â€

Tweet

The core of 'ecoâ€™ is green, the colour of the heart - and the energy of the heart is a vibrant and insurmountable weapon with which to fight for freedom. Freedom from a world in which we are threatened with becoming byproducts of a misguided history, a politically driven minority disengaged from itself.

The convergence of spiritual and political, is the field where change is planted; and change roots in compassion. Thus the only road to freedom is the active opening of the heart, possibly the most important instigator of that opening to compassion- is gratitude, the first stage in activating active hope.

Get inspired to gratitude:

"gratitude is a practice that activates, and animates positive action for the world."

Tweet

"By focusing our attention on those aspects of our life and world that we appreciate, we take in psychological nourishment."

Focusing on nourishment starts with the ( first noble truth in buddhism ) the recognition and acceptance that suffering exists- it is not in the denial of pain but the befriending of pain- which is key to the second stage of active hope:

stage 2:

2. Owning our pain for the world

â€œIf the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.â€

The scope of this planetary emergency often evokes so much suffering that we are rendered immobile and thus divert our energy to trivialities as a means to escape... enter a consumer society carefully crafted to impel/mirror our feelings of insufficiency- exploit our uncertainty and invoke our fear, the antidote is: honoring our pain.

In the late 70's Joanna Macy began the work that reconnects, initially called â€˜"despair and empowerment work", (an umbrella term for the range of emotional reactions to distressing world events. ) it offered a radical reframing of pain for the world â€“ Rather than seeing grief, fear, despair, anger and guilt as negative feelings that should be kept out of view, they're welcomed, as honoured messengers carrying important information. Creating a supportive space for people to hear their own distress and allow their feelings, to serve as a wake-up call to action.

" If we feel despair or overwhelm, this signifies we have stepped beyond what we can easily cope with alone. it draws attention to something so much bigger, something that calls for new ways of thinking. "

stage 3
3. Seeing with new eyes

"The most remarkable feature of this historical moment on Earth is not that we are on the way to destroying the world-we've actually been on the way for quite a while. It is that we are beginning to wake up, as from a millennia-long sleep, to a whole new relationship to our world, to ourselves and each other."

At age 83 Joanna Macy could be seen as- a pioneering general in an army of mindful warriors, fighting to empower freedom in the time of the great turning... Her work demonstrates our interconnectedness with the web of life and empowers our authority to take action on its behalf. Soldiering forth, in integrity and with passion towards that which we know is fundamentally right, natural, organic... connection.

" the work that reconnects is helping people uncover and experience their innate connections with each other and with the systemic, self-healing powers in the web of life, so that they may be enlivened and motivated to play their part in creating a sustainable civilization. " ( www.joannamacy.net )

Through embracing connection, we gain individual opportunity to revitalize that authentic collective consciousness that the past 200 years has seen disspiated, and given the industrialization of society, and most recently the techno-lo-iz-ation of society, it has truly been a sensational albeit suffersome journey to now, but we are ever-still but at the starting point in the journey back to ourselves...

& regardless of the breadth of the battle, the mindful warrior moves forward.

stage 4:
4. Going forth.

â€œIt's that knife edge of uncertainty where we discover our truest power â€œ Tweet

In 2012, All of the values and actions we have been cultivating will be called upon as artillery arming us at the front lines of transformation. Seems simple when you boil it down: we will either integrate or dissipate. Face fear and triumph or fall prey to hopelessness.

â€œSocial enterprises, micro-energy projects, community teach-ins, sustainable agriculture, and ethical financial systems all contribute to the rich patchwork quilt of a life-sustaining society. But by themselves they are not enough. These new structures wonâ€™t take root and survive without deeply ingrained values to sustain them. â€œ

"The mess weâ€™re in becomes easier to face when we know our response to it contributes the healing of our world.â€™

The call to action is in a removal of limiting beliefs and a fostering of the perspectives that promote positive action...a rebirth of values born from the heart and an invocation of that 7th generation mind: envisioning the world we wish to leave our children and grandchildren.

So let us be motivated by possibility, empowered by the idea that unity will give us limitless ability to do anything we set our ~~minds~~ hearts to.

Summer solstice 2012:

Drawing from her book, Active Hope, co-authored with (resilience, happiness, and positive change expert) Dr. Chris Johnstone of the UK.

Joanna Macy joins us in Toronto to share stories and practices that will make us glad to be alive right now in this amazing and perilous world.

Active Hope:

Is an opportunity to nourish our courage and creativity for the great turning, the epochal transition to a life-sustaining society and the essential adventure of our time.

An exploration on how to face this mess we're in without going crazy,
activation of our collective hope for facing this amazing & perilous time.
A powerful and unified community experience focused on empowering our future.

June 21st 2012, 7:30pm @ OISE Auditorium 252 Bloor St W.
presented in part by the inner garden and snowlion bookstore

Tickets: $20 advance / $25 @ the door children & students under 21 = free

tickets available @ Snowlion Bookstore, Wonderworks or online @ www.theinnergarden.ca

** " excerpts from active hope & marked quotes, copyright joanna macy & chris johnstone" ( www.activehope.info )

Turning Inspiration into Action

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:11:27 -0500

Toronto, something big is brewing this spring and its going to be beautiful, momentous, poetic, musical, and empowering on a whole other level.

are you ready to stop asking:
â€œCan I as just one person make a difference?â€
and begin to ask:
â€œWhat kind of difference do I want to make in my own life?â€

April 17th you can explore sacred solutions for Leading Lives of Passion Purpose and Power.
The Inner Garden & Snow Lion Books present a remarkable event that is igniting a community of wellness, empowerment and global impact.

Ready to turn inspiration into action?
Dig poetics, grassroots musical talent and inspired thinking around creating positive change?
Join a vast community of inspired entrepreneurs, artists, thinkers, activists, and grassroots revolutionaries who are coming together to create a unified network for positive change,

" The idea behind the event is to create community and awareness about the amazing good- ( often under the radar things ) that various groups and organizations are doing in our city." Says, Rob Helmer the Founder of the Inner Garden. ( Toronto's sacred gathering space)

The event will be headlined by one of the most internationally recognizable figures in environmental activism, Julia Butterfly Hill- a celebrated author, poet and activist- most notorious for the near 3 years she spent living in the arms of a 1000ft redwood tree, that she climbed up ( & refused to come down from ) in historic protest to the environmental destruction caused by the clear-cutting of northern Californiaâ€™s ancient redwoods.
This action Ignited a spark that brought international attention to the plight of the worldâ€™s last remaining ancient forests ( and subsequent permanent protection for these sacred beauties. )
Juliaâ€™s courage, conviction and profound clarity in articulating a message of hope, self-empowerment, love and respect for all life has inspired millions of people worldwide.

also gracing us for this event will be some awesome indie-local talent

the insightful, poetic & musical inspiration of:

Chris Assaad - Straight from his soul to yours, passion-fueled, inspired live performances, sincere, thought-provoking songs combined with his eclectic blend of folk, rock, roots and reggae will leave any music-lover wanting more- discover his heart-opening narrative and thought-provoking perspectives on life, love and the spiritual path.

Brian Macmillan - warmth and presence on stage that makes you laugh, listen, and sing along. Lyrics that imprint your busy brain and have you singing them for days. An artist who generously invites you inside his music. Brian MacMillan is the breath of fresh air that music has been waiting for. half of his songs make you want to dance, and the other half â€“ bare your soul.

Theodore Tsaousidis - "As our human condition has it, everyone must participate to a lesser or larger degree in the â€œheroâ€™s journeyâ€. Understanding this Theodore lectures and facilitates workshops/retreats in mindfulness and in healing traditional practices and also runs the Snow Lion Bookstore & Meditation Shop. His work is offering everyday tools to help with lifeâ€™s inevitable valleys.

Evalyn Parry - Award-winning songwriter, poet and ironic social commentator evalyn parry is gifted with a sharp pen, a quirky musical sensibility and a wicked sense of humour. Evalynâ€™s outspoken creations hold out a powerful vision of social and personal change, while her irreverent wit holds nothing sacred.

The first event of unique naturein our fair-city, and a foundation for a future focused on furthering, inspiring and unifying our ever-growing community of Change Agents.

The event is unfolding @ OISE ( Ontario Institute for Studies in Education ) at the University of Toronto, with an overall focus on exploring ( & celebrating ) sacred solutions for activating the consciousness of oneness, creativity and social change;

It will also offer a vendor / educational area with opportunity to explore and discover a plethora of local organzations who are committed to being the change and promoting positive action in our city and beyond.

creating a unified network: a little taste of the local goodness you can expect to discover:

Real food for real kids : Changing the way children eat and understand food + Supporting local farmers

toronto vegetarian association Toronto's go-to resource for all things veg.

sustain ontario - working towards a food system that is healthy, ecological, equitable and financially viable.

zeitgeist toronto - the original movement for truth & social change

the pine project: who's mission is to build healthy communities, deeply connected to the natural environment.

LEAF - an organization championing urban forests

centre of gravity: a community of Buddhist practitioners integrating committed formal practice & modern urban life.

So get inspired Torontonians- be a part of something bigger and discover solutions & strategies for action as we come together to share stories, insights, artistry & inspiration from experience taking action on behalf of the Earth and all the life it sustains.

don't miss this exclusive engagement -

join in creating a unified network
April 17, 2012 7-9pm
OISE @University of Toronto 252 Bloor Street W.

Tickets are $10.

available online

@ theinnergarden.ca

or in person @ the Snow Lion Bookstore on the Danforth

Show Some Local Love - Parkdale

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:32:34 -0500

Just when you thought the goodness on Queen Street West couldnâ€™t spread any further west, it did. But it was a slow stealth operation, and this quiet revolution is called Parkdale.

Once an area rife with substandard rental apartment buildings and divey bars, itâ€™s seen a slow gentrification as local artists and urbanites seek refuge from the fashion vibe farther east. The gritty-kitsch art-mosphere of Parkdale is what gives it itâ€™s authenticity and arty flavour. We love itâ€™s unpretentiousness, and want to give props to the genesis of goodness thatâ€™s popping up west of Dufferin.

A veritable superhub of eclectic indie flavour, crafty kitsch, local yum, and vintage hipster haven. Start your trek westward at Made You Look, a hub for contemporary, innovative, unique, creative, one-of-a-kind, local, handcrafted jewellery. You may not be in the market for wedding or engagment rings, but with 100 local indie designers featured (many make the jewelry on site) you could find a bauble or two that might suit your fancy.

For more local artisan fun make your next stop Public Butter, a mixed retail emporium, art gallery, and silk-screen print shop in the heart of Parkdale. From â€œfresh baked printsâ€ emerging from their conveyor belt screen dryer, to their fresh local artists shown on their 50ft gallery wall, youâ€™ll dig up everything from cool vintage clothing scores to funky past era furniture and housewares.

You probably need to stop and refresh by nowâ€¦ is there a better way than with artisan gelato and iced cream? The Boreal Gelato Companyâ€™s treats are home made with all natural, local ingredients, made in small batches with loads of love. They even dish up desserts and brunch too.

A must stop on the parkdaleshoppingtour; the classic: Shop Girls to find some of the best up-and-coming Canadian designers. Shop Girls also prides itself as serving up the most figure complimentary jeans in the world â€“ with over 5000 happy bums served to date in Second Denimâ€™s uber-flattering Yoga Jeans.

Coffee time! Make your next stop Ground Level CafÃ© and support a great cause while you enjoy a great cup. Ground Levelâ€™s mentoring program seeks to empower youth with limited education, skills and experience towards long-term, meaningful employment.

Caffeinated and ready for the last stretch of your tour, step into Coriander Girlâ€™s new home at 1604 Queen and poke around their awesome offerings, from antique furniture to home accessories and even locally grown flowers (also available in very sweet small bouquets).

Good luck walking by eco-style haven Chartreuse Style without slinking in just for a wee-peek. Their sustainable stylings include everything from clothing, shoes and accessories that are both ethical and affordable. Leaving you a few extra bucks for that second glass of wine at Local Kitchen ;)

Your last well deserved spot on your tour, Local Kitchen & Wine Bar is a tiny in space but big in taste. The wine list includes options from Canadian wineries and well as some southern Italian, which is reflected in their food options as well. The food is fresh and the pastaâ€™s homemade. Yum. Sit back and savour your â€˜hood Parkdale!

LEAF's Janine Bolton Talks Tips on Choosing Green Restaurants

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:33:07 -0500

Top 10 Things to Look for in a â€œGreenâ€ Restaurant:

The restaurant industry has a substantial impact on the environment. Food waste, excess packaging, imported goods, chemical usage and carbon emissions impact the earth every time we eat out. As we become more aware of the impact our purchasing choices have on the environment, that includes where we choose to dine. How do you know if a restaurant is truly green? After all, a sustainable restaurant is a lot more than local food. Here are 10 things to look for when looking for a â€œgreenâ€ restaurant:

1 -Vegetarian menu items. Raising animals for meat that ends up on our plates is much more energy intensive than producing grains, legumes and other vegetarian staples. A restaurant that is committed to the environment will reflect this in their menu options. Look for restaurants that feature a variety of vegetarian and/or vegan main dishes, or offer meat as an add-on, rather than the focus of the meal.

2 -Change is good. Restaurants that use seasonal produce are reducing their environmental impact by limiting the amount of food miles their menu items have to travel. In order to do this, menus will have to change at least a few times each year, sometimes as often as every couple of weeks.

3 -The focus is local. The distance our food travels has a huge impact on carbon emissions. Restaurants that incorporate as much local food into their menu as possible, significantly reduces their environmental impact while also supporting the local economy. Adding the names of local farms and producers is a nice touch, and makes it easy for customers to verify these claims.

4 -Organic items. Items that are produced using organic farming methods have a lower environmental impact. Organic production is good, but not as meaningful if the food has to travel 1500 miles to get to your plate. If available, items that are local and organically produced, or without pesticides and chemicals, provide the most environmental benefit.

5 -Offer reduced or half portions for small appetites. The greatest environmental impact from a restaurant comes from food and energy use. Between 8 - 20% of food purchased by restaurants is wasted, which means the energy to produce, transport, cook and dispose of that food is also wasted. Restaurants are known for serving large portion sizes, and those that offer reduced portion sizes can dramatically reduce the amount of food waste created.

6 -Sustainable seafood. Our oceans are being depleted, and we need to do what we can to enjoy seafood responsibly, but how can you know whether the seafood on the menu was caught using sustainable fishing methods? Programs such as Ocean Wise, from the Vancouver Aquarium, are helping chefs all over the country select seafood that has the least environmental impact, and works towards maintaining our oceans. Look for the Ocean Wise logo beside seafood dishes listed on a menu.

7 -Take out containers. Styrofoam is on its way out. A no styrofoam policy is a key component of any sustainable restaurant. Take out containers made from recycled materials are a better option. Compostable containers are good too, but can be resource intensive to produce, and require appropriate composting facilities. Restaurants can do even better by offering discounts to customers who bring their own containers, or starting a container return program.

8 -Wise with supplies. Restaurants can dramatically reduce their waste by being smarter with their supplies. Purchasing recycled or reusable napkins and hand towels, giving out straws by request only, and using bulk packaging for things like cream and sugar will result in less â€œstuffâ€ in the land fill.

9 -Certification. A restaurant may be purchasing locally and creating seasonal menus, but no one knows whatâ€™s going on behind the scenes. How energy efficient is their kitchen? Are they using harsh cleaning products or doing what they can to reduce food waste? LEAF provides a third-party certification for restaurants that meet and adhere to strict environmental criteria. A LEAF certified restaurant lets you know theyâ€™re doing their part in all areas of sustainability, on the menu and behind the scenes. Be wary of â€œgreenwashingâ€ with certification programs that offer online certification.

10 -Innovation. There are many things a restaurant can do to increase the health and wellness of the planet, their employees, and the community. Maybe they grow produce and herbs on site, have a returnable take out container program, or have a â€œlights outâ€ policy that reduces energy use during the day. Look for unique things that restaurants are doing, or make a suggestion for something they can do, for the good of the planet.

Stop Makin' Mama Earth Yer Doormat

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:35:00 -0500

(Sustainable) carpets are not really something peeps put much focus on. We wipe our feet, cover our floors, appoint our homes with 'em, cosy up on them... But really they're like the cherry on the sundae. The Dude in The Big Lebowski put it best: â€˜That rug really tied the room togetherâ€™.

I guess its an under-considered conceptâ€¦ but for something we spend our lives walking all over (kinda like Mama Earth), we do owe it the notion of treading on lighter and take a moment to explore.

Homebodies, nesters and design aficionados alike can walk a little lighter on these unique beauties: COUPER CROISER a Quebec studio born in 2006 out of necessity, practicality and whimsy... shocked by the coldhardcarpet anti-recycling reality, the now award winning Montreal design duo, Francois Palmer and Jean Francois Rosseau, are blending their eco-conscious mandate with cool cinematic-esque retro concepts to create a more sustainable step in every square foot.

Their first highly successful environmental collection, the AJUSTÃ‰â„¢ modular carpet, was a Mondrian meets postmodern series formed of a number of squares that can make different configurations when laid side by side. (THE first transformable carpet with a low environmental footprint.) Now you can check out DÃ©coupÃ©, their latest collection in planet-friendly-floor-fun:

http://www.coupercroiser.com

Food for Thought

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:16:00 -0500

Mmmm, the universe is tasty. Especially so when it's wisdom comes wrapped in organic goodness. Awakenings enveloped in a tasty cookie...

This fresh artisan twist on a tasty Asian tradition is delivering a sumptuous serving of affirmation.

Kukkii Organic Wisdom Cookies are taking the ubiquitous fortune cookie to a, yes, higher level. Inspired by the philosophy of Zen, the name brings forth from ancient wisdom: the awareness of our inner kingdom Ku: the emptiness of the elusive presence, and Ki: the vital energy that lies within us.

Crack open one of these gems and take in quotations that inspire ("You don't have to be an angel to be a saint.") But wait! Unlike your everyday stale fortune cookie, ya donâ€™t chuck the outside of these â€“ you savour. All natural exotic ingredients cunningly combined with audacious flavours like Lemon-Lavender and Orange-Spice make you wanting another, and another... ahhh addictive enlightenment!

Theyâ€™d make a perfect conversation starter at dinner parties - witty and wise, its eco-gourmet goodness that pleases any philosopherâ€™s palate.

www.kukkii.com

Smell the Bouquet... and the BS a Mile Away

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:22:24 -0500

Just when you've done enough yawning over the slew of same-ol' same-ol' events and fundraising galas... along comes Environmental Defence, with a fresh kick in the pants for the tired old benefit tactics. You gotta check out their entertaining and super-innovative concept: Wine Bluff on Thursday June 23rd, where you can raise a glass, along with some funds for Environmental Defence. Join host / comedian Sean Cullen for a full-bodied night of local wining and dining, silent auctions, bluffing and satire as you sip locally grown wines and test your palate, and yer skillz to spot a bluffer!

What the heck is a wine bluff?
For each wine you taste, an onstage panel of witty tasters, like celebrity chef Brad Long, wine comedian Sandi Marques, and chef Geoffrey Johnson, will either truthfully describe the wine, or bluff their way through it. Each table will then vote as a team as to which taster is telling the truth! Fun ya?

All guests will be seated at a table of 8 (which will become your tasting team for the evening). Tickets can be purchased individually ($125) or as a table ($1200).

When: Thursday, June 23rd, 7pm
Where: The Fermenting Cellar, 55 Mill St., Toronto

So? Do I need to be a wine expert?

Nopes, all you need is a healthy appreciation for wine, a sense of humour, and sincerity in the bonus element of supporting a most worthy cause. Bold faced lying, guessing on a whim, and pretending to know a lot more about wine than you actually do is highly encouraged! Buy your tickets here: www.winebluff.ca

Environmental Defence is a charitable organization dedicated to inspiring change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all.

The Happiness Movement

Tue, 24 May 2011 13:57:03 -0500

We recently uncovered a little UK revolution called Action for Happiness. Mission: to create more happiness in the world. Lofty? Yes. Attainable - we think so. Providing practical ideas to promote positive social change, and offering inspiration for folks to take action in different areas of their lives - whether at home, work or in the community, peeps all 'round the globe are rising up to create microcosms that are making a collective impact. It's inspired us to start our own goodness movement right here in the T-dot that we're calling:

Be Happy Toronto.

Check it: The idea is pretty simple, we want more happiness for our society - therefore we make it our mission to create more happytime in the world around us. If each of us would just dig on this concept it would radically improve humanity. We can make it happen. There's a plethora of actions to be taken in boosting happiness, both for ourselves and for others. We know that happiness is a choice... one significantly affected by every conscious choice we make, coupled with the way we choose to react to what happens to us. Happiness is also contagious, so when we feel good we help make others around us happier too. It's a domino affect...

Helping others is a happiness accelerator. Studies tell us it also makes us happier and healthier too. Giving connects us together, provides us with a sense of meaning and makes us more accepting of ourselves and others. It creates stronger communities and helps to build a happier society for all. Doing good is one of the best ways to feel good (that's why we loves us some Goodspotting). People who care more about others are happier than those who don't. When people do good, their brain becomes active in the same reward centre as where they experience other rewards - surprised?

Happy is viral: Our happiness influences the people we know and the people they know. Research shows that the happiness of a close contact increases the chance of being happy by 15%. The happiness of a 2nd-degree contact (e.g. friend's spouse) increases it by 10% and the happiness of a 3rd-degree contact (e.g. friend of a friend of a friend) by 6%. Having said that, what's a more perfect venue to start this revolution than on Facebook.

So letâ€™s do this T.O. Check out our Facebook page where weâ€™ll be posting regular updates on happier living. Become a fan and join this happiness revolution by sharing and contributing your own happy talk.

Behappy :)

Unique Upcycled Chic

Fri, 13 May 2011 01:36:00 -0500

As with many of our truly homegrown grassroots greenspotsâ€¦ necessity is the mother of invention and to that end the mompreneur of Rabbit Green set out on her mission after confronting the lack of chic, unique options in ethical kidswear. And their clothes are def not your (run of the mill) typical pink frill.

Rabbit Green puts a cool and fresh new spin on kidswear, with its reclaimed and restyled one of a kind wears that are fashioned locally. (High Park to be exact). Refusing to settle for mass-produced, unimaginative optionsâ€¦teacher, designer and mother Zoe Lucas has set out to shift the perspective on eco-girls style. When she's not teaching, Zoe is reworking garments (read: wicked old school mens dress shirts from the buy by-the-pound Goodwill in Scarb. Love!) into awesome eco-conscious, upcycled creations. Carefully and simply crafted exclusively for mini-fashionistas aged 1-5, Rabbit Greenâ€™s fashion-forward, footprint-friendly frocks are ready to wear â€“ and weâ€™re vibing on their super-unique, urban eco-chic collections. The Rabbit Green jacket lines are awesome and - an all season musthave for girls (and boys too! ..why not?!. Peep the adorable dresses made from reclaimed mens shirtsâ€¦ throw it on and the lil' one is ready to play in style.

And while of course you can't put a price on originality â€“ most of these original items fall around the $50 mark.

www.rabbitgreen.com

On Fertile Ground with One of Toronto Most-Trusted Sisters

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:51:36 -0500

"I can't imagine a better possible career than serving as a travel companion to other women on their paths to healing.â€

Uterus lover Amy Sedgwick is a registered Occupational Therapist providing services to women in Toronto who wish to heal their reproductive health issues. Check out the blog-action here: www.amyandkim.com

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When you think about being environmentally-friendly, green contraception isnâ€™t usually the first thing to come to mind. Few people consider that the popularity of hormonal birth control means that millions of women are literally peeing estrogen into our water systems and research indicates this has had a feminizing effect on our aquatic ecosystem. Condoms arenâ€™t much better. Not only are they not biodegradable but theyâ€™re often flushed down the toilet rather than being placed in the garbage. As a result, condoms also end up in our water system. Until a better form of STI protection is created condoms will remain a necessary and effective approach to sexual health promotion, but for those for whom STI protection is not the primary concern, condoms present a rather wasteful approach to birth control.

For most women and men, effective alternatives to hormonal birth control and condoms appear non-existent or riddled with their own inadequacies or inconveniences. Fortunately, a more healthful and environmentally-friendly approach is available â€“ fertility awareness. Like many people, these words may evoke associations with outdated and ineffective forms of birth control like the rhythm method, standard days method or calendar method. Overcoming the unfortunate misunderstandings around fertility awareness is the first major obstacle in embracing this natural and effective approach to contraceptive management.

The most recent research conducted on the efficacy of fertility awareness followed 900 women for over a year and reported efficacy rates of 99.4% (thatâ€™s higher than the pill!) Fertility awareness works best when abstinence is employed during a womanâ€™s fertile days, however fertility awareness can be combined with other methods of contraception â€“ primarily barrier methods such as condoms, cervical caps and diaphragms.

Fertility awareness involves tracking oneâ€™s physiological signs of fertility on a daily basis in order to determine with accuracy a womanâ€™s days of fertility. Although fertility can be determined by tracking a womanâ€™s cervical mucus alone, greater accuracy and confidence can be obtained by also charting oneâ€™s basal body temperature (BBT) and cervical position/texture.

Because fertility awareness is the only form of birth control condoned by the Catholic Church, numerous Catholic-based organizations teach the skills involved to women and couples. However, for a more secular, feminist, and pro-choice perspective on the skills it is best to refer to Taking Charge of Your Fertility or to the resources and practitioners available through the Justisse Healthworks for Women website.

The beauty of fertility awareness is that in addition to being used as a contraceptive method, it can be used to empower a woman about a spectrum of issues related to her reproductive and sexual health. This has been my own experience, as well as the experience of many of the clients Iâ€™ve seen as a practitioner. Hormone disorders, cervical health issues, nutritional deficiencies, allergies and menstrual disorders are just a few of the issues that can be identified and tracked through a fertility awareness menstrual chart. And best of all, once you learn the method, youâ€™ve learned it for life â€“ thereâ€™s nothing to buy, ingest or throw away. It doesnâ€™t get much more eco-friendly than that!

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Amy draws on her training as a regulated health professional, certified Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner, and practitioner of the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapyâ„¢ to provide women with holistic, empowering and comprehensive treatment of reproductive health issues. Amy has helped hundreds of women to embrace non-hormonal forms of contraception, conceive naturally and prevent surgical treatment of conditions like fibroids and endometriosis. She is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and holds a position on the board of the Women's Healthy Environments Network (WHEN). She has appeared as a guest speaker at various colleges and universities throughout southern Ontario and has appeared in media broadcasts on both CBC radio and CTV television.

Funk-tional Style

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:59:00 -0500

Humble roots make for great stories and there have been no shortcuts or easy roads for Nomads Hemp Wear founders Louis and Anik. Nomads creates clothes for everday people who want to make a difference in the world- and theyâ€™ve developed a devoted and diverse following. â€œPeople from 15 to 60 years of age wear our funky gear through their daily lives. You can go to work, do yoga, go out or whatever blows your hair back wearing Nomads." says Louis.

The dream to create forward-thinking, sustainable style began out of the back of a small VW van (it couldnâ€™t possibly get much cooler than that) with just a couple of sewing machines and rolls of fabric. (Plus the kindness of others, read: sewing at friends places, taking over their living rooms and bathrooms with fabric, sewing machine and dye bathsâ€¦..). Gotta love your own tribe. We love when our eco-peeps are making it happen true grassroots stylee. Louis and Anik spent the first 4 years working 16 hour days (which is typical of any labour of love) weaving their eco-magic, transforming raw, undyed hemp into their Nomad-sterpieces.

The couple travelled from festival to festival selling their homemade threads- yetgiven the ever-growing appeal for eco-style, the demand quickly became too high for the two man sweatshop and Nomads expanded its operations to accommodate production and provides its lines to now over 90 retail stores in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Nomads have traveled from the back of the bus to the front of the line in homegrownhempwear - truly an ecocentric success story. (Check out their headquarters! A remote eco-haven in the mountains...)

â€œWe like to design earth-friendly, comfortable but sexy clothes with a twist of funk. Just like the people who wear them. We call our style, â€œfunk-tionalâ€.â€œ
Like so many creative minds, inspiration comes from an open spaceâ€¦ Partner Anik says â€œIt seems I was never able to find the clothes I wanted, and started making them myself instead. I am constantly on the search for new design inspirations. I even sometimes dream of new designs at night. I always make sure I have a sketch book beside my bed, to make sure I draw the designs before falling back asleep.â€. Madlove to the creative beast that fuels the ecolution.

Nomad designs two highly-sought-after lines per year - (we've fallen in love with a few piecesâ€¦ demand is high so you gotta get 'em early). Their style really speaks to us: peep the groovy Grunge pants and the sexy Diva sweater. We dig the crazy detail in the cut of the clothing, and the body conscious styles are straight-up hot! (yet... extremely versatile).

â€œby creating more sustainablility we are moving in the right direction. Hemp is the fiber of the future, and weâ€™ll keep pushing its quality forward with innovative and modern designs that perfectly reflect our place and time on this wonderful planet.â€

Louis says: "I think a lot of people feel like they are nomads. After all, arenâ€™t we all nomads to this planet, here for the journey and then off to somewhere else againâ€¦

...We couldnâ€™t agree more.

Suit up for your own journey at:

www.nomadshempwear.com

A Heart On For Queen West

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:42:01 -0500

Last stop on our Local Love Day Tour is Queen St. W, courtesy of our fav Queenista Daphne Gordon who makes it her mission to <3 her some Queen Street on the daily. Check out her bloggoodness here.

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Queen Street West is arguably the coolest city in Canada. Itâ€™s the centre of the countryâ€™s film, music, art and fashion subcultures. People with big ideas hang out on Queen St., so it makes perfect sense that there are so many progressive â€œblueâ€ stops on the strip:

I suggest starting your Local Love Day at Queen & Bathurst. And donâ€™t forget your sunglasses â€“ theyâ€™re key for late-afternoon strolls westward.

First stop, Modrobes to try on locally produced active-wear made of fabric created from reclaimed plastic bottles. Then, hit the home-grown indie shoe chain Balisi to spy high-heeled highlights from the luxurious-on-a-budget Canadian shoe brand Bos. & Co.

Take a ride on the Magic Pony. Itâ€™s a store, and itâ€™s also a thriving hub for the local art and design scene. The shop sells such gorgeously good gems as Sonja Ahlerâ€™s reclaimed cashmere bunnies.

For indie coffee, and an experience of contemporary cafÃ© design â€“ itâ€™s all about communal seating â€“ hit Dark Horse Espresso Bar. Then, check out Fresh Collective, a group of mini-boutiques within a store, each dedicated to a local fashion and jewelry designer. Across the street, thereâ€™s Mini Mioche, a local label dedicated to organic basics for kids.

Take a detour into Trinity-Bellwoods Park to lounge in the sun, then push further west to visit Style Garage and its cousin Gus Studio, homegrown headquarters for a cutting-edge group of Canadian furniture designers.

Now you need a glass of wine, you say? Rest at Fresh, where the wine is organic. Sip while you wait for your vegan takeout â€“ in biodegradable packaging, of course. Then, go home. Feast. And feel good.

- Â®copyright I Heart Queen St. 2011

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Don't forget to show your support for the local love movement. Click Like. Click Attend.

Share the local Love.

Adventures in Kensington

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 21:33:51 -0500

Next up on our 4-16 tour is our beloved Kensington Market. The most vibrant fivesquareblocks in the city - it's a street-fair affair every day of the week. True to its original roots as an open-air bazaar, the market never loses its appeal as a legend-esque wonderland in which to feast both eyes and ears as you stroll through the streets and indulge in the wares (and wears), eats and beats. There's oh-so-muchgoodness to be unearthed in this renegadeindie-progressive portal to multicultural discovery.

First stop Wanda's Pie In the Sky on Augusta. Hit their primo patio and soak up the vibes from the best corner in Kensington with a cup o' joe and some of their hand crafted baked yumminess. (tip: if you linger around end of day they've been known to give away iced cream)

Next take a stroll down to Bungalow to browse funky, fantastic midcentury kitschiness. From shag to sputniks, tutu's to teakwood (no, really, we did try a tutu on in there last year), there's plenty to dig on. You then swing down to Kensington Ave to revel in the motherload of vintage goodness Flashback, to Exile, Asylum, to the pioneer purveyor of retro attire: Courage My Love. Plan to spend good time there treasure hunting through the racks or chatting with Stewart about his adventures in the jungles of the Dominican Republic and the highlands of Burma.

You're probably feeling hungry now... mosey on back over to Augusta and visit the Hibiscus Cafe for their vegan friendly fare (the crepes are outstanding!). Well-fueled, head on over to Kid Icarus to check out their prolific indie artisan goods (all created locally). Time to hit the streets and take in the music while you shop the local fruit and veg stands (go ahead, squeeze those lemons) and make sure you hit Miss Cora's Kitchen for a shot of sugar before you go!

A cold beer on the patio of Embassy isn't a bad idea either ;) Enjoy!
Don't forget to show your support for the local love movement. Click Like. Click Attend.
Share the local Love.

ecoLOVE - Torontokiosk.ca

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:19:53 -0500

Local Leslieville Love

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 01:16:57 -0500

Showin' our own LocalLove... we're gonna make our way through your hoods and goodspot a few places you might like to swagger into on 4-16.

First stop:

Leslieville

Brimming with local artisan flavour, its indie-eclectic, community focused vibe is a delicious blend of ethicalinnovations and whimsical vintage treasuries. Oh so much goodness to be found across the stretch of Queen East!

Breakfast please! Lady Marmalade never disappoints with their original and organic kitchen creations.

Then off to Lil Bean and Green to drop the kidlets in for some local love of their own.

Next up is some mid-century furniture musing @ Ethel & MachineAgeModern, followed by a visit to Natalie-Roze & Co. to explore a bounty of indie wardrobe splendours.

Time to recharge with a steaming cup of Te aro Roasted goodness.

Stroll into Baby on the Hip for some wee non-toxic style; and succumb to their requests for maple bacon iced cream at Ed's Real Scoop. You, on the other hand can choose to indulge your sweet tooth with LPK's organic pastries and chocolate instead yum!

It's been a long day. Pick up some natural goodies for grillin' at Rowe Farms and call it a Local Love Day!

don't forget to show your support for the local love movement. Click Like. Click Attend.

Share the local Love.

416 - Show Some Local Love!

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:09:41 -0500

Torontonians, show some Local Love on 4-16!

Ahem, did you know that April 16th is Local Love Day? Well, this is the second year we've deemed it so! We're once again running our successful not-for-profit initiative in support of the growth, promotion (and all around celebration) of small local enterprise. The campaign is encouraging everyone to support their communities by asking that any purchase made on April 16th (4-16) be a sustainable one. We're asking our fellow Torontonians to make the conscious choice to visit their local independent shops, even if it is just for your morning coffee, and make 4-16 a day you exhibit 100-mile-mindfulness.

Be a change agent!
Shop your hood on 4-16.

Make that consumer shift to local.
Impact the economy, impact mama earth, and big up our backyard revolutionaries!

Click here and show your support on Local Love's Facebook page.

Like it. Attend it. Plug into the eco-indie goodness collective.

Juicy Dirt

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:50:19 -0600

Weâ€™re not ones to promote skipping a face washing (although we're def. guilty of a few). We dig how important it is to wash the grime of the day away, giving your skin the chance to be reborn again while you dream. Then admittedly there are those late nights when work, or, ahem, stumbling in after a night of "fun and adventure" has you skipping the sink and hitting your bed instead.

For the next time, let Kaia naturals juicy bamboo facial cleansing cloths come to the rescue with a chemical-free convenient clean up. Good for your face cause theyâ€™re pre-soaked in pure essential oils and natural vitamins (love!). Good for mama earth cause theyâ€™re 100% biodegradable. Theyâ€™re super soft and do a great job on waterproof mascara too.

Plus theyâ€™re travel-friendly - Forget packing a cleanser, toner, and makeup remover to run off for the weekend. Throw a few of these wallet-sized beauties in your bag and youâ€™re good to go!

kaia naturals is certified cruelty-free and packaged in recyclable plastic. Available for $17.99 for a package of 30 cloths or sold individually wrapped. Find 'em at a store near you: www.kaianaturals.com/where.html

Ecosexy

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:34:04 -0600

There's nothing sexy about phthalates, a chemical found in a lot of sex toys thatâ€™s both bad for our bodies as well as our earth. With that in mind (and heart) Red Tent Sisters was born: An independent, pro-woman, pro-sex Toronto-based boutique and wellness centre founded by two sisters, Amy and Kim Sedgwick. Passionate about passion, they're whole-heartedly committed to the very noble cause of environmentally-friendly orgasms.

In love with the idea of bringing really good, really healthy, really green sex to the masses, their location on the Danforth stocks their shelves with lovely, luxurious lubes, toys and oils (alongside other things like birthing pools, fertility products, and contraceptives) - anything a girl could want along her reproductive and sexual journey. They provide a space where women can come together to share wisdom, support and compassion for one another.

Featuring products like the Lelo line â€“ clever high tech designs with the most beautiful of aesthetics (youâ€™d think that Karim Rashid designed them!). We especially love that they're rechargeable as they mean fewer landfill-bound batteries. Or if youâ€™re looking for something different, check out their toys made from glass, stainless steel, silicone, or sustainably farmed exotic hardwoods which are natural and have been used as options for centuries. Bringing back the old school stylee for our modern lifestyles, today's natural toys are made from medical grade finishes that are both silky to the touch, as well as healthy and eco-conscious.

Next time you're waxing romantic, go out and buy those flowers (fair trade of course) but skip the box of chocolates - give an Edible Chocolate Massage Bar instead (sharing takes on a whole new meaning). It comes in yummy orange and other edible essential oils. Not into chocolate? Their Capotainâ€™s Strawberry lubricant is made from real fruit extracts, and the Hathor Coconut Orange is Canadian made tropical yumminess made of pure botanical emollients and organically cultivated essential oils (it also comes in Hazelnut Caramel).

Organic massage oils, soy candles, and fair-trade organic chocolate all make deliciously fun ecosexy gifts that both you (and mama earth) can reap the benefits of. Pair any of these with the offer of a massage and you're pretty much guaranteed a perfect romantic night-in ;)

Visit their store at 810 Danforth Avenue (just east of Pape) or you can discretely place your order online at: www.ecosex.ca.

Weâ€™ve Held our Breath Long Enough - and Weâ€™re Finally Turning Blue

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:25:40 -0600

Big hug to you Canada â€“ according to a recent Stats Can study, more of us are now making blue, ethical choices - from choosing fair trade and sweatshop-free, to buying more planet friendly, organic and local. We are so proud we're taking our own ecoGURU spot to tell y'all about it!

We do care

According to the study released last week, 27% of Canadian consumers surveyed are steering clear of some products and moving towards others based on ethical concerns. It's a significant movement that's marking the last decade - Canadians have a greater awareness around the impact their daily lives have on mama earth. We've been seeing this eco consciousness manifest in the mainstream through ethusiastic participation in recycling programs, using reusable bags, buying organic and local foods, and using eco friendly products at home. But now we know thereâ€™s moreâ€¦ weâ€™re finally consuming with a conscience - By our condemnation of the working conditions and wages of garment and food industry workers, the treatment of lab animals, and dodgy marketing practices.

Like good change agents, weâ€™re taking control and harnessing our buying power by choosing to support ethical businesses, and making that difference in our world through our consumption choices. According to the study, people who had the greatest feeling of personal control were also more likely to participate in ethical consumption (43%) compared to those who felt they had less control (18%). People with a greater feeling of personal control generally believe that they can influence what happens to them (The Secret people), that they have the resources to hurdle problems, and that their future depends mostly on their actions. Well, in fact, all our futures do.

Another recent study by BrandSpark further supports by telling us that 3 in 4 Canadians are paying more attention to food labels and trying to eat healthier. About 25% of Canadians feel it's important for a new food product they're purchasing to be organic, and when asked about organic health and beauty and household products, this number climbs to 32%. Most interestingly, 84% of those surveyed also feel that companies are exploiting environmentally friendly claims for marketing purposes (gasp! really?).

Testament that we're not just sitting back compliantly anymore. We're educating ourselves (have you seen Plastic Island?!), we know what Monsanto is up to, and we want to know what they put in the stuff we put on us. We want to nourish our communities and support our local economies. And like a loving tribe we're working together to make it happen.

Keep it up Canada. Support our homegrown heroes and backyard revolutionaries! Get blue. Get good.

Forgiveness for Festive Frivolity

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:02:59 -0600

Yep. So we've incurred a pound, kilo, or 5 as result of the festive indulgence(s). And although we have every faith that you've set your mindful intentions for the new annum and no doubt are hittin' the yoga mat, mayhaps in addition to your recommittal to resolute routine, some new wears'll make you feel mo' betta. Lucky for us Econica offers (frilly, ruffled and deliciously ethical) forgiveness for our holiday frivolousness- with their line's awesome stretchy organic cotton and hemp that blessedly delivers their style in brilliant custom-dyed colors. (Extra props for originiality - orange is the new black says we.)

All their clothing? Custom-tailored. Handcrafted avec amour in beautiful eastern Ontario. We feel special.

Yummy natural, organic and eco-friendly goodness in beautiful colours and sexy cuts. Slinky ruffled wrap skirt made with a stretchy blend of organic cotton/bamboo and lycra? Luxe organic cotton bamboo kimono wrap top shirt? Yes please.

January chill calls for their sexy warm peepfinga pure organic wool n' silk ribbon arm warmers, handmade and dyed a precious hue of dusty rose. And for those of you out gown shopping for a June wedding, you gotta check out their sinewy and feminine bamboo velour gown in ivory.

Econica's creator, Natallia, is obsessed with everything organic and pure (we feel her). Striving to use as many natural and organic materials in her creations as possible, she makes everything from scratch to deliver creativity and comfort in pieces you can wear (and love) for a long long time

Feel the love at www.etsy.com/shop/econica?ref=pr_shop

Nix the Resolutions. Empower your Intentions.

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:56:26 -0600

Nix the resolutions. Empower your intentions.

And so weâ€™ve arrived.. into a year so built-up and auspicious its reputation need not be articulated.

There are powerful energies on the horizon of 2012, and with that comes powerful changes to be made.
Although, we hope that at this moment, you are thoughtfully situated in coziness, reveling in the newness thatâ€™s upon us.. (or recovering from the mildly-cliche-celebratory-chaos). Either way we trust this finds you as it finds us, striving to navigate your own personal tipping point.

Did you make those ubiquitous â€˜resolutions'?... we hope the answer is no, and that instead you chose to set yourself some affirming, empowering, resolutely real intentions.

Certainly you are no strangers to the understated and underrated power of intention.. set at the soul level, from a place of deep truth, and a profound sense of being. They embody our wants, will fulfill our needs and can change the world as we know itâ€¦ And when mindfully managed, integrously executed, empowered in the spirit of truth & positivity, their tremendous power is indeed world changing.

Intentions are set with optimism + awareness. Once stated they will take on their own lifeforce so visualize it: What is it that you truly want for yourself, for your communuity, for the world?

One of our core-intentions at EcocentricGuide, is to inspire a community of change agents, empowered advocates of a more ecocentric perspective, conscious-contributors to a better world. In the name of manifesting our own intent, may we offer a few words of humble advice to guide and inspire...

Attention becomes intention. Focus on the positive.

â€œI want to make a difference in the world in a way that is important to me.â€ First define whatâ€™s important. How are you already making a difference? Be that change, and you will become that candidate for bigger change.

Be clear. Intention setting is beckoning those unseen forces of the universe to conspire on your behalf. Be mindful of your ask and deliberate in your desire.

"I want to become something that I long to be." Believe. Align yourself with the energy of possibility. Get in touch with that inner capability and desire. Clearly, undeniably be that something.

Be your intention. Intentions draw power towards manifesting when we are in harmony with them. â€œI want to be loved for who I am â€œ â€¦ first love yourself.

So while you You might want to achieve a new sense of wholeness, express yourself in some manner perhaps previously neglected, or achieve any measure of personal success; whatever said intent might be- the intentions themselves contain the energy of action. Set them resolutely, reconfirm your worthiness of them; And make a conscious effort to be consistently compassionate.

Intentions can begin with self-awareness but can end with the payforward goodness of humanistic action. What can you give to receive personal abundance in return? Focus on it, and yourself, on the daily. Mindfulness is at the core of manifesting.

Allow yourself to dream, explore and reflect. Take the time to come back to yourself, reengage your purpose, and thus spark the action.

May your 2012 be filled with peace and abundance that can only be discovered inside.

Namaste,

ECG.

Our gift to you:

The Intention Activator.

In The Spirit of Grassroots Giving...

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:05:22 -0600

Save Culinarium.

â€˜Tis the season for our holiday featureâ€¦ and we here at ECG have spent much time mulling; and pontificating... collecting lists; reviewing product; inspiring around seasonal delivery of the typical: what oughta be in the festive spotlight this yearâ€¦? The last minute gift giving guide, holiday wishlists, a round-up of our favs, mayhaps some holiday events to dig onâ€¦. What was appropriate as we watched the same ol' roll in by the hour via e-news? What did we give a shit about reading?

The true spirit of what it means to give and to receive in return... the abundance of the local land. And thus in mindful pursuit, what we landed on what could not be more reflective of this season of giving.

Culinarium, one of our very first goodspots needs our help. Kathleen Mackintosh runs the only locavore grocery store in Toronto, and sheâ€™s looking to the community to keep this gem alive by purchasing it's grocery shares so that she doesnâ€™t have to let her lease expire in February. So we want to spread the word, and ask you, our eco warriors to be that change agent, give to support our grassroots ecolutionaries.

Sharing the belief that a meal truly is more enjoyable when you know and trust your food sources, there is no better meal than the one where you can name all the hands that have touched your food on its journey from the field to your fork. Culinarium opened its midtown doors in 2008 with a mission to bring us all local, mindfully and sustainably produced Ontario goodness. From fresh cheeses and dairy, to dried goods, grains, fruits, vegetables, syrups and preserves. ( Mackintoshâ€™s father himself makes regular drives around the province to pick up goods from 100 suppliers to deliver local goodness to our plates.)

We ask you to invest in itâ€™s Ontario Artisan Share Program â€“ Their food box program where Locavores can buy shares to receive a share of local bounty that every season brings. A $500 share is worth $600 in groceries spread over three years. A $1,000 share offers a $1,300 return. The folks at Culinarium also host a series of 'Edible Events'. These events encompass a variety of cooking classes and tastings such as: Ontario beer & cheese tasting featuring 4 Ontario craft brews and Ontario artisan cheeses, or the â€˜100-Mile Mealâ€™ cooking class where you can expect an organic-gourmet experience preparing a three course meal using all-local in-season ingredients.

Culinarium also donates 1% of their annual gross sales to food-based charitable organizations within Toronto or to the communities they work with.

Give during this season of giving. Check our their Facebook page and their site here: http://www.culinarium.ca/

Get good.

The Spirit of Giving, and Giving

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:17:53 -0600

This little independent art project caught our eye while in search of some kiddie gift options for the holidays: Montreal graphic artist and designer MarlÃ¨ne-b.â€™s Urban Kimono â€“ baby clothes with a social conscience.

The je suis un bÃ©bÃ© vert (I am a green baby) project has been guided by ethical choices: From the locally made kimono made from 100% organic cotton, to the silkscreen inks certified biodegradable according to GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), to the charitable donation made with every purchase.

As a graphic designer by profession who works for several non-profit organizations, MarlÃ¨ne-b wanted to give this project a true social conscience. To this end, 2% of profits will be going toward two organizations, Oxfam-QuÃ©bec and the Monique-Fitz-Back Foundation. A funky little gift that keeps on giving.

Check out her project at: http://jesuisunbebevert.com/

Pull Up a Chair and Save the World

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:09:48 -0600

Artistry for Life.

Its about that time of year where we gather the collective together to celebrate the spirit of the season. Central to feasting, fun and formidable memorymaking is the ritual of coming together around a majestic tablesetting. Wethinks the breaking of bread ought remain that enduring symbol of benevolence and civility in our culture. Mindfully making time to slow down in our maniacallymultitasking driven culture of faces shoved in bberryâ€™s, DS's and laptops, and invite pleasure into our lives. Can a dining room table save the world?

We think so.

A remarkable piece of furniture starts with remarkable raw materialâ€¦ Case in point: century old pioneer barns. Its been a while since we swooned over wood furnishings and this goodspot is well worth the wait â€“ Of all the methods in which peeps are delivering innovation in the world of dÃ©cor and furnishings, our most beloved is reclaiming and salvage. The peeps at southern Ontario based HD Threshing are bringin' it.

Locally sourced, built and finished, HD Threshing partners with demolitionists to acquire the worn and distressed threshing floor boards, grainery boards and softwood from those ubiquitous dilapitated barns that so often pointillate the hillsides of our fair province, all in heroic effort to create some of the grandest, richly timeless pieces youâ€™ve ever laid eyes on.

The unique boards are rich in colour, pattern and character, and they maintain and enhance all the original character marks which add authenticity (nail holes, weathering, bug holes, axe marks, colouring, staining from organics, and other imperfections). Every hint of organic defect and original distressing is preserved and enhanced to create the full â€“bodied character of the pieces. ( eat that notion ikea )

The clean and authentic beauty is stunning and not only do we wanna break bread (we love bread) around one of these bad boys (check out their benches tooâ€¦ total stunners), but they look like particulary beautiful office dÃ©cor options as well... a full selection of boardroom tables, chairs and custom options are also available.

http://www.hdthreshing.com/
They are a low-production company focusing on making heavy-duty, & timeless furniture made from the aged wood found in southern Ontario barns.

Lisa Borden's 5 Great Tips for Changing the Present

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 19:04:52 -0600

Instead of careening madly around stores desperately purchasing gifts this holiday season (translation: possibly useless stuff that is not needed or wanted), make the getting and giving of gifts smart and easy â€“ change the present this year!

The â€œnewâ€ present is one that inspires people to live healthier lives, makes the world a better place, supports good people and companies, doesnâ€™t contribute excess litter and wasteâ€¦and of course, makes your getters really, truly, very happy! Remember that your money is your power and every penny you spend is a vote for something. Buying made-in-china, lead laced toys or buying an organic piece of clothing made in Canada tells the maker to make moreâ€¦what do you want more of in our world? So, spend wisely, buy from our own local businesses that support good values.

Take your â€œreceiverâ€ into account. Obviously, your eco-freak friend will appreciate that you adopted a snowman (who lost their family at sea due to global warming) in her honour, but your colleague who takes a plastic bottle to the gym everyday and upgrades his cellphone and computers perpetually will probably appreciate concert tickets more.

Aside from the many wonderful online stores that ship within Canada, there are so many local stores featuring smarter products these days. To help you in your quest to give the perfect happy + healthy gifts, here are 5 great ideas for this holiday season!

HOLIDAY GIVING TAKING CARE OF OUR FUTURE

1. SHARE YOUR OWN GIFTS

If you have great taste and talent (or are just creative), you can have a good time putting these gifts together and they will be truly appreciated.

make something (cookies? bread?) and deliver it once a month
knit mitts (scarves sound much easier though)
offer up what youâ€™re good at (babysitting? handiwork?) and put it on a gift certificate
put together a photo album or make a video
collect your favourite recipes and put them into books or boxes
create a masterpiece â€“ photography or art

2. GIVE A GIFT THAT ISNâ€™T A THING

These are my favourite to receiveâ€¦and if you are a really good friend, tag along too! You can really use your creativity with this category and itâ€™s also a great way to support the businesses you already appreciate.

a membership â€“ art gallery, zoo, gym
a night out at the movies
cooking classes
a home detox or green cleaning service
a tree to plant
an experience (a weekend away, spa services, day trip)
tickets to a show or concert
a certificate for an â€œeco coachâ€ session
a donation to a favourite charity
downloadable music certificates
cook a meal or go out to dinner [local and organic of course!]

3. GIVE GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING

I know these do not seem as indulgent or as romantic as some other gifts may be, but they are useful and will save time, money, health and the planet, so consider it!

reusable safe, water bottles and mugs (safe stainless steel inside and out)
stuff to make a home really clean â€“ chemical-free
safe toys â€“ no plastic!
non-petroleum crayons â€“ beeswax or organic soy
tree-free paper goods
local weekly fruit and vegetable boxes
books for inspiration + enjoyment - go to your bookstore and browse!
reusable bags (foldable AND washable)
litterless lunch kits
solar or crank powered gadgets

4. GIVE GIFTS THAT ARE INDULGENT [BUT NOT REALLY!]

Items in this category can soothe the soul and be luxurious yet not take a huge toll on our world.

fair-trade chocolate, coffee or tea
organic, toxin-free cosmetics and personal care products
organic hot/cold therapy pillow
paperless painting set
local, organic wine

5. BE CREATIVE!

The last time I checked, wrapping gifts was not on peopleâ€™s fun things to-do list (I personally use unwrapped gifts as an opportunity to be both lazy and eco-responsibleâ€¦see how it all works out?)

use reusable containers or bags to package
use old newspapers, magazines or comics to wrap â€“ did you know that newspaper strips curl like ribbon?
use tea towels, microfibre cloths or clothing to envelop
use scarves, bandanas, belts or shoelaces to tie
use fresh herbs, old buttons or cut up textiles to adorn
use tree-free cards or make your own (from other cards or your kids crafts)

Yes, you have made it! Now what? Here are some hints for the day afterâ€¦

Wrapping paper and ribbon from others : Re-use.
The big pile of holiday cards from everyone : Re-create (make them into note cards).
Unneeded and unwanted stuff : Re-gift.
Family and Friends : Re-mindâ€¦that next year they can do what youâ€™ve done so well this year

And, most importantly, may your every wish come true this holiday season.

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, engaging and inspiring ways. Lisa consults, writes, engages the media, runs private workshops, and enjoys speaking to large and small groups. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas. Learn more about Lisa at www.lisabordenworks.com

Check out their Gift Guide at:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/38789299/Borden-s-Good-Gift-Guide?in_collection=2621120

Butter Me Up

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:46:24 -0600

With the change of season comes the necessary swap of skin care regimesâ€¦ Our summer sun-kissed skin is now more like pale, pasty and parched, desperately crying out for thirst like the Hoff hankering for his next hit. Dudes, if youâ€™re looking for dry skin deliverance, nothing does it better than a good body butter, and these primo products know how to bring it:

Dry skin deliverance

Indulge with Sigridâ€™s Natural Ylang Ylang Body Butter, locally wildcrafted goodness which not only nurtures skin with sweet almond oil and myrrh, but the yummy ylang ylang also releases an aroma that is said to be both an aphrodisiac and a euphoric (ya might wanna buy two jarsâ€¦). This sexy salve absorbed quickly and left our skin supplesoft. (125 ml@$20)

Our friends at Organic4Nature have just launched a new Ultra-Rich Exotic Body Butter made from certified organic shea butter. Supremely rich, this oneâ€™s your champ if youâ€™re in need of supercharged moisture power. Itâ€™s got staying game too, leaving you luxuriously luscious longer. (100mL@$26.50)

Amaravati our summertime shine busters come to our rescue this winter with their Cocoa Calendula Body Butter Infusion. Made from a mÃ©lange of velvety butters (shea, cocoa, kokum and mango) it literally melts into your skin. This crÃ¨me is certified vegan and contains no essential oils, making it safe for babies, nursing moms and mommies-to-be alike. (110mL @30.99)

Lusting After Community's Ethic

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:07:44 -0600

Yep, it's not often youâ€™ll find us writing about a store that youâ€™d actually find in a mall (yes we used that 4-letter-word). Don't judge yet, hear us out... On the hunt for planet friendly coat-age to cozy us into colderclime, we realized that the ask was big and the options, well, discouragingly small. You can def swap! Go sexysecondhand vintage stylee, layer a load yummy'organic wool sweaters to reign victorious against the deep-freeze, but you can also peep a local Aritzia storeâ€¦(gasp?)

Nous superexcitee to have uncovered Community, Aritiziaâ€™s own ethical line featuring only organic and sustainable materials. A pretty good selection too! Scope out this seasonâ€™s essential Pea Coat: the Crombie or Cadet coat (both $325) made from recycled wool and lined with organic cotton and recycled polyester for extra warmth.

Looking for something a little less structured? Their Twill coat is also made from recycled wool but with a laminate backing to make this parka romp-worthily water-resistant ($355). Check their cozy Hemp Knee-Length Parka as well which comes in 3 kick-ass colours ($325).

Out of VAN, Aritziaâ€™s been rocking stylee since 1984 (and famous for them TNAbootypants). Theyâ€™re also all about local culture and connecting it to their customers â€“ you'll find DJâ€™s spinning in their stores, and the monthly artist showcase featured on their shopping bags rocks. (We also dig that the bags are wood-free.)

Check their Community line of clothing here: www.communityclothing.com.

Cozy Up to The Cup

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:34:10 -0500

Even us ecowarriors forget to bring our reusable cups with us sometimes (yeah, but we're brave enough to admit it!). With shame we sheepishly we walk out of our favourite coffee shop with paper cup in hand... but practice forgiveness, and ease that guilt a smidge by saying No to the cardboard sleeve and reaching into your bag and adorning your cup with some vintage inspired ecosexiness instead.

Kitchy clever cozies

These kitschy and clever re-usable cup cozies are printed with ecofriendly, water-based pigment inks on repurposed fabrics. Lovingly handmade by Laura Bucci, they're inspired from her love of culture, language and imagery to create compositions that transport us to distant times and places. This series was inspired by a vintage book of the 1930â€™s, with the aim to revive the wonderful illustrations of a time gone by (her add of the vocab just tells us a more complete story about the era).

Recently introduced are â€˜An Aeroplane', 'A Portable Typewriter' and 'A Sewing Machine,' for a total of nine designs to choose from. â€œI find the illustrations charming and think itâ€™s a shame that these brilliant illustrators are buried in books in thrift stores here and there. I love looking back at this bygone era.â€ says Laura Bucci.

Weâ€™ve been rocking the 'Exhausted Laundress' - which may feature a vintage illustration but dudes, the sentiment is one we can still relate to today. Use them for cups 12 oz to 20 oz, and they can even be used for glasses or mugs with no handles, 9.5â€ around. Now free shipping to Canada & USA. Reduced shipping for everywhere else.

http://laurabucci.bigcartel.com/category/eco-cup-cozies-vintage-love

The Art of Blissology

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:20:30 -0500

Our serene and sublime summers of fun are a distant & delicious memory now, the inevitability of becoming tightly wound up by the shift of the season has become reality to many: back to work, back to school, back to stressâ€¦ but lest we forget- happiness is a choice. The option to connect, tune into something powerful becomes more accessible as the crisp fall air turns our focus inward.

Discover Blissology... an inititative with its heart rooted in the very notion of connecting. The body, mind, heart connection; the connection of our personal relationships; our communities, and the environment.

Happiness is an upward spiral...

Blissology is the art of consciously finding the balance between oneâ€™s personal desires and our impact on the web of life. It is a path of interconnectedness and love. The art of slowing down, switching off the autopilot, and mindfully observing the path youâ€™re on in life.

Not unlike being â€œpresentâ€, Blissology's a philosophy guided by love & happiness- setting time for reflection and taking opportunity to dialogue with others. (REconnection) Yeah, we all get pulled in million different directions on the daily that can lull us into a state of uninspired complacency, but itâ€™s about creating that time to become aware of the impact of our choices and really checking ourselves: Blissology is the balance of actions motivated by love and actions motivated by selfishness. (ie: is it about the love or about the love of our own selvesâ€¦jah hear?)

While they're def. promoting some blissed-out me-time, the Blissology path is not just pure hedonism and personal pleasure (although there is a time and place for that good stuff, for sure), but as quoted from Jack Krakhauerâ€™s book, Into the Wild, â€œHappiness is best when shared.â€

The Blissology formula goes a little something like this:

6 Big Easy Bliss Commitments over 30 days to Open Your Inner Blissologist:

1) Yoga
2) Meditation
3) Food Awareness
4) Nature Appreciation
5) Gratitude
6) The Wild Card (get linked up with the Bliss Committments- every day for the month. More bliss than one body can handle.)

Blissology was developed by Eoin Finn: Yogi, Surfer, believer in yoga environmentalism and social change. A

disciple of both Eastern and Western philosophy, martial arts and meditation since 1987 , he has been teaching Yoga for well over a decade to thousands of students around the world. Eoinn's personal mission is "to get in touch with the forces of Love, Joy, Happiness, as well as sorrows and grief in order to open up to the Heartâ€™s Message. I want to radiate this out as positive energy.". That is the inspiration for the Blissology Project.

Summer outdoor classes with Eoin Finn and the Blissology yoga collective are a must do for Vancouverites. (If youâ€™re in Van drop in at the Masonic Centre @ Granville St and 8th Ave - sched here) Eoin also leads the Bliss Army. You may have spotted them in downtown TO this summer advocating their Hammock Enlightenment Society by putting up random hammocks in the heart of the financial district where peeps could just sit back, take 10, chill and enjoy the wonders of being alive again. (geniusssss - The Bliss Army has been creating spontaneous relaxation sites across Canada this summer, hanging hammocks from electricity poles, trees, or even parking metres in business districts.)

And people, love is indeed free! Check out their site for free yoga podcasts available on iTunes and free streaming yoga videos to assist you in your journey to find the perfect balance in life and love. But if you insist on paying for it, find out more about The Blissology Project's 6 disc DVD set at: http://www.vimeo.com/15518864 or look for it in lululemon stores later on next month.

http://www.blissology.com/

The Blissology Project from blissology on Vimeo.

Good Mama Karma

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:57:51 -0500

Damn dudes we collect a lot of stuff for the munchkins: clothes, toys, car seats, shoes, trinkets and treasures, oddities and various items of irresistible youthful novelty. From birth to the now, they growing ridiculously fast - inadvertently leaving (potentially) wasteful trails of outgrown stuff. Yeah we feel you on all that paraphernalia jammed away, in sentimentality - collecting dust in the trenches of your overcrowded abode. Freecycling-repurposing posse, the concept of swapping ain't fresh news, but what is? The growing goodkarmic social network of SwapMamas that'll help you put the guilt away, and put all that stuff to good use! (decluttering with a conscience )

Swap Mamas is all about giving

The more you give, the more you get - whether that be actual goods, or the simple feelgoodfuzzy satisfaction that comes from helping someone out. Thereâ€™s no points system and thereâ€™s no money exchanged, but there IS a whole lotta good karma to go around. Swap Mamas was born to give back to other Mamas in needâ€¦and most belovedly - our Mama Earth :)

New mom Darcy Cruwys created Swap Mamas after reaping her own goodkarmalove from friends who had much needed baby stuff to pass her way. (madlove for handmedowns) Fortunate to have an incredible support network as a single parent on a very limited budget, Darcy always felt for those not so lucky (cut to the ah-ha moment: What about a network for parents to create that very fortune?). And so the concept was born.

It's an Eco-mmunity consigning its clutter

Swap Mamas hooks you up with other parents to make new-school connections, and do a little old-school trading. Swap, barter, donate, even-steven (or just clean out your garage and gift your goods to another of the 3000-ish Swap Mamas makin deals and dealing out goodness). Its your karma to deliver as you see fit. Not quite hot on swappin'? Check in and check it out - you'll be hooked in no time.

Sign up and check out the local swaps in your area or if you feel like being orchestrating some good in your hood, add your own area and start building your own SwapMama group.
http://www.swapmamascanada.com/page/local-swaps

Get a Hearton for Ecobeauty

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:44:42 -0500

Its no secret that we get off on killer eco beauty innovations... We've given nuff props to the peeps developing luxurious eco-alts to the toxic-traditional drugstore finds- but sometimes its nice to just DIY. Summer's gone (yep, time to stop weeping about it), and with colder climates on the horizon its imperative that you treat your skin to some eco-bliss. The peeps at SwapSity have teamed up with Ms. Bella Agronik (active leader in the green, holistic and positive living community) to deliver a workshop welltimed with the seasonal shift.

The insightful DIY Eco-Beauty Workshop is happening this Thursday evening @ GreenInstead (200 Spadina @ Queen). Discover the delight of crafting easily-executable, wallet, planet and skin-friendly kitchen cupboard savvy beauty regiments. (dig on recipes for facials, scrubs, hair treatments, fragrances & teeth whitening...). Even cooler is the on-hand samples that will be graciously doled out to all (so you get a chance to sniff, touch, taste and sample these ingenious, affordable creations.)

As if you need another reason to swap your expensive, chemical-laden store-bought products for greener, safer and more affordable alternatives. The workshop is being offered on a supersexy shoestringstarvingartist budget.
$15 or $10 if you bring a friend (wee!)

Greenification of your pampering rituals starts at 7:30pm.

check it.

SeducinglySustainableSleepAbodes

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:33:59 -0500

Who doesn't love to digon some eye-pleasing good for the globe design? (yes we're about to answer our own question...). Well, perhaps our four-footed friends may not know the difference between a Knoll and a Le Corbusier, but that doesn't stop us from oogling the aesthetics of this divine little doggy divan. (and quite prossibly trying to squeeze our selves into one.) Exclusively designed by Vurv Design Studio.

Their dog pod is like an Eames chair for your best friend.

More of a recliner than a pet bed, we expect it'd encourage more than a showdown or two between any resident pooch or meow meow. (multipetlovers... best get one for each)

A small design studio out of BC, Vurv is producing some seriously sexy modern n' minimal furniture and accessories for peeps 'n their pets. All their eco pieces are seducinglysustainable, superiorly designed and meticulously handcrafted from high end materials in Canada.

Supporting the disappearing middle class
The Vurv crew feels passionately that skilled craftspeople and designers living in the western world should be able to earn a middle class income while practicing their trade. (big up the grassroots revolutionaries! "They just want to make a modest living doing what they love..." And what we're loving is their oh-so-ecocentric bluethink: "Every time we make a purchase, we are making a political choice. What do you know about who actually produces your material possessions and under what sort of conditions were they produced? Is a single minded quest for lower and lower prices justifiable in the face of profound social inequality between the maker and consumer."

Oogle at: www.vurv.ca

Rock Your Life

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:22:22 -0500

So it goes without saying, (but of course we're wordwhores so weâ€™s gonna say it anywayâ€¦) we all need a swift kick in the ass sometimes - not necessarily a mean-spirited, patronizing asskicking either - but a goodwilled, gracious, lovesoaked gentle bootâ€¦

Our favourite new love affair is with the peeps at leading edge spirit and style blog- Spirit Sentient, whoâ€™ve been spreading the love, the genius, and the goodintentioned inspiration since circa â€˜08.

Embrace a new renaissanceâ€¦

SpiritSentient.com is all about supporting â€œa new world of conscious, aware individuals in community; a new renaissance, a new evolution for humanity as individuals as well as a collectiveâ€¦ a new way of â€˜commerceâ€™ where people engage in activities theyâ€™re joyous about, in a time + manner they love. A new way of sexuality which focuses on acceptance and non-judgment. Eco-friendly living that works in co-operation with nature, not in opposition with itâ€¦. The vision goes on here.

â€¦But nuff said. This is our kinda thinkingâ€¦ total blue-volution.

Mastermind and co-founder Jason Fonceca is an artist, a visionary and an all around effin cool guy. (Like the kind of cool you can only be, when yer startin' an under the radar revolutionâ€¦). A few months back we had the pleasure of reviewing the recently launched book of gloriousgenius â€“ Idealutions & Thoughtsperity- An inspirational (down the rabbit-hole) guide- harnessing the greatness of some of the world's leading edge thinkers. The book serves up "visionary ideas on a silver platter, with a pint of thought management to chase."

Recently blessed, yet again, by my boy Fonceca- the newest obsession is the RockYourLife Tools. More goodness to fuel the evolution of thought management. Uber-cool. â€œStunningly simple, yet-oh-so-powerful exercises which help you quickly and easily apply universal principles.â€

Read: Sexified versions of tried and true productivity tools by peeps such as Anthony Robbins, Abraham Hicks, Mark Joyner, and Fonceca himself.

Beautifully elegant, concise & creative tools to help you:

Ditch your issues and love yourself.

Do what you love, rock your life.

Be open to miracles.

Ask the question: What reasons do I have to feel happy and uplifted in this moment and throughout my life?

Get yer hands on other world shaping tools like:

Feel Better Book of Positive Aspects

The full catalogue of Feel Better Focus Wheels

The Habit Changer Worksheet and more...

http://spiritsentient.com/rock-your-life-tools

Loverocks. Rock Life. Git sum.

Timely Fashion

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:51:11 -0500

Quite honestly, aside from the impending fresh air musing strolls, what we love most about the impending crispiness September breeds is that oh-so-delicious 'obligatory' wardrobe renewal. Wethinks the fall of 2010 calls for a little steampunkstylee. At A Second Time, repurposed watch movements are salvaged to create some of the most avantgarde anachronistic sustainablesexy wears we've seen in a while.

The Steampunk Collection is hott.

Vintage timepieces are lovingly crafted into one-of-a-kind artisan gems that beat any cheapasstrendy purchase out there. Check out their ever-evolving collection of timely craft.

The creative force behind A Second Time has an extensive background in the jewelry trade - decades of training and experience go into each creation... Striving to be entirely eco by their commitment to using only watch parts that can no longer serve their original purpose (they fix found beauties too), as well as using reclaimed sterling silver. "Our great respect for the craftsmanship of vintage watches ensures that we will repair and restore those that can still be enjoyed as timepieces, saving them from the garbage and giving new life to these old, oftentimes forgotten pieces."

Watch parts for Steampunk designs are professionally cleaned, but not to the point of removing all of the beautiful patina that only time can produce. Yep. its def. timelyfashion. Second Time steampunk style weaves neo-victorian dreamworlds adorned by Canadian artisan style. Allot for some moments of wander...

15% OFF All Amaravati Purchases

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:10:32 -0500

Ecocentric readers can enjoy 15% OFF all Amaravati purchases by entering the coupon code "ecocentric" in the online checkout.

Amaravati is a collection of botanically based and environmentally benevolent aromatherapy bath and body products offering over 70% organic content. Each one is specially designed by founder Lise Lapierre, a homeopathic practitioner and certified Aromatherapist. She carefully selects exotic essences and botanical ingredients from around the world, each hosting a unique blend of natureâ€™s best beauty enhancers.

Discover the beauty of divine wellness at: http://amaravati.ca/

Toxiphobes Take Note

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:28:06 -0500

Necessity is said to be the mother of invention, but in the case of Jean-AndrÃ© ParÃ©, it was more like "toxicity". After years of struggling with reactions from body care products, it was with horror that he realized he was bathing in a sea of chemicals every morning.

Organic4Natureâ„¢ is an eco-indie gem: locally produced with lusciously primo natural organics - the line is a toxin-free treasure chest of grassroots-op made bliss.

Toxiphobes take note: lip balms brewed from organic hempseed oil ...chunky hand-made body soaps that lather you with rich organic oils & natural grains and herbs. Eco crew is hooked on the Fair-Trade Shea Butter Lotion â€“ dude, we canâ€™t keep our hands off ourselves. Baby bumm skin. The African Black Soap is a real stand out too - healing for both body as well as communityâ€¦ A local specialty, ParÃ© sources the ingredients from a small village in Ghana.

Soon to debut is their Lavender Hair Conditioner (the shampoo doubled as a wicked-yummy bodywash) and both a Tea Tree and a Lavender Deodorant â€“ we dig it for the cross-gender appeal.

Look for Organic4Natureâ„¢ products online, and soon to be available in very select stores in the T-dot. Currently only at www.pacepharmacy.com. (it doesnt get more local grassroots stylee than that)

www.organic4nature.com

FREE Product Offer from Exuberance Beauty

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:21:00 -0500

Ecocentric readers can enjoy a free Evening Primrose Eye Contour Cream with any online purchase of 2 or more Exuberance products by naming their order "ecoguide" when entering billing information at check out.

Exuberance is eco-friendly, animal-friendly and people-friendly. More than fabulous, natural skin care, Exuberance is a movement. A movement to celebrate and remind every individual of their unique beauty. A movement to connect women to one another across the globe. A movement to remind us to live our most exuberant life! Part of the Exuberance movement includes supporting charities that they believe in, which is why a percentage of all Exuberance product sold goes to their chosen charities, Kiva and To Write Love on Her Arms.
Every Exuberance Beauty product is made with 70% to 98% certified organic ingredients and is created with natural plant extracts, bioactive botanicals and pure essential oils. Each one is completely free of parabens, petroleum by-products, sulfates and synthetic colours or fragrances. Exuberance products do not undergo animal testing and do not contain any animal derived ingredients. They are pure, effective, powerful skin care treatments designed to help your skin look its absolute best.

Go ahead, be Exuberant!

http://www.exuberancebeauty.com/

Get Good.

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:46:00 -0500

Sustainability has moved beyond green. It's evolving- and peopleâ€™s consciousness along with it. Itâ€™s more than just about the fate of our planet - a new movement is upon us. One that encompasses a broad range of human aspirations and fosters a natural planetary balance, and that balance is Blue.

If Blue is the new Green - then "Good" is our new spot-worthy mission.

Green is about the environment, but Blue is bigger - it's about the planet and the happiness of the people that live upon it. Blue is about good.

Weâ€™re obsessed with the thrill of the ethical find.

Good is about consuming with a conscience...You can make a difference in our world through the people and products that touch your life - the axis of the blue movement. And we at Ecocentric Guide are obsessed with the thrill of that ethical find. Let us be your discovery guide for everything innovative-eco-fresh, indie-local, uber-sexy sustainable, and grassroots-genius good. Weâ€™re uncovering the obscure and the brilliant, bringing light to the good-ness genesis and exposing the dark corners of the consciouslifestyle universe. We're promoting the positive purchase and encouraging you to be a change agent... Harness your buying power by choosing to support ethical business.

Be ethically-inspired.

Support the homegrown heroes.

Big up the backyardrevolutionaries.

Dig on a toxin-free perspective.

Plug into the ecoindiegoodnesscollective.

Get good.

about EcocentricGudie

a 'voice for the little (green)guy'. ECG hatched way back before the verge of the eco-explosion. Consistently striving to serveup the best in deeply original, ethically-minded goodness from our often underappreciated, independent homegrown heroes.

sharing the thrill of the ethical find - since '08

a wordy- celebration of conscious & mindful innovators in the Canadian eco-sphere, ECG's been surfing the wave from the green ecolution, to the blue ethicalution, & our advocacy for conscious consumerism stands strong.

"a voice for the good-guy" ECG continues to evolve as a prime appreciator, instigator & supporter of the grassroots movements that are fueling social change.

Happy instigators of grassrootsgoodness movements such as; 416- Show some Local Love and Be Happy Toronto; We're the Pioneer supporters of Canadian Ethical Indie culture, we remain stoked on delivering the mindful, the conscious, the real local love.

DISCLAIMER: all featured content on Ecocentric Guide is not sponsored or paid for by advertisers and directly reflects only the opinions and perceptions the of the EcocentricGuide crew.

natural organic products eco friendly living ethical products ethical clothing eco friendly shopping sustainable clothing environmentally friendly business sustainable businesses environment environmentally friendly product environmentally safe products natural and organic products eco friendly clothing earth friendly products buy organic ecofriendly environmental products recycled products buy green green clothing eco clothing green goods eco friendly furniture green businesses eco friendly baby

Consonant's Bill Baker Speaks on Green Beauty

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:42:00 -0500

When it comes to green beauty products two things are important: 1) what is in the bottle, and 2) what the label says is in the bottle...

Natural and organic skin care are part of the fastest growing segments of the beauty industry globally. As more and more information on the health issues associated with ingredients in cosmetics and skin care becomes available, more and more consumers are choosing their products carefully.

Everyone knows skin is our body's largest organ, but we often forget it is also a vital organ. In fact, healthy skin is as vital to our overall health and well being as healthy lungs and a healthy heart. If we exercise regularly and watch what we eat, why do we routinely ignore the health of our skin by using products that contain ingredients that are harsh and irritating at best, dangerous at worst?

Ingredients like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, found in virtually every liquid cleanser on the market (and not just the inexpensive ones), can physically damage our skin causing uneven skin tones, rashes, acne and contact dermatitis. In addition to the obvious cosmetic concerns, damaged skin is vulnerable skin, providing a gateway for even more toxic chemicals to enter our body.

Other ingredients, like synthetic fragrance and parabens preservatives have been found to be even worse; recent studies have linked them to allergic reactions, hormone imbalances and even cancer.

Although many manufacturers will tell you their products contain these toxic ingredients at concentrations that are well below the maximum permitted by Health Canada, they are not taking two important factors into consideration: First, these ingredients are persistent bioaccumulative, which means we absorb into our bodies more than we process out, so they build up over time. Second, use of these ingredients is so pervasive and widespread we encounter them time and again throughout the course of a typical day. Phthalates for example, increasingly seen to be one of the most toxic skin care ingredients, can be found in face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, face cream, serums, and scrubs. And that is just in personal care products; they are also present in dish detergent, laundry detergent, candles, pet products and room deodorizers.

So how do you avoid these nasty ingredients?

Choosing natural and organic products is a good start, but it is just a start, because many of these products still contain synthetic perfume, petroleum-based ingredients and even parabens. Which is why it is important to understand what the label says is in the bottle.

Your best defense is really a good offence. Educate yourself. Learn how to read the labels of your skin care products. Understand what manufacturersâ€™ claims really mean. Finally, understand the most commonly used ingredients, which ones are most beneficial, and which ones you should avoid.

In the end, as consumers, we have choices. Choosing healthier products will not only make us look and feel better, it will actually make us healthier.

$10 OFF Any Ecocessories Purchase

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:22:00 -0500

Ecocentric readers can enjoy $10 OFF any online purchase with ecocessories by entering the coupon code "ecocentric" in Step 2 of the online checkout.

ecocessories sells hand crafted sterling silver & recycled bead jewelry. One of a kind and limited edition pieces are all designed in the ecocessories studio, where non-toxic solutions are chosen over the use of chemicals throughout the silversmithing process. Beads are all sourced from ecocessories' jewelry recycling service which takes in broken, unwanted jewelry from women across Canada, as an alternative to taking these items to the thrift store or throwing them out.

Check out their sustainable sexiness at: www.ecocessories.ca

$25 - $50 OFF Mona Cleaning

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:22:00 -0500

EcocentricGuide readers can enjoy

$25 OFF a Routine Eco-Cleaning or

$50 OFF a Superior / Move Clean from Mona.

Mona Cleaning (short for MOther NAture, of course) is redefining green+clean with a stellar new professional service thatâ€™s an eco-cut above the rest. Mona focuses on ultimate and superior satisfaction each and every time by extending a fully customized offering for her clients, including a walk through of your home for a totally personalized consultation and Monaâ€™s own tips and tricks for eco-minded individuals are provided to better maintain a fresh non toxic environmentâ€¦ while juggling the busy lifestyle weâ€™re all accustomed to nowadays - (learning experience free of charge).

Life is messy. Mona cleans up!

Book Mona now: www.monacleaning.com

It's a Bag, Yah?

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:36:26 -0500

"March 3rd 2009 was the day I left my job as a preschool teacher to embark on the greatest adventure of my life... motherhood. My son was 21 months old and had just gone through a heart procedure for a condition called "Pulmonary Valve and Artery Stenosis"...It occurred to me that life was too short and precious to spend it at job where I was under valued and under paid, and not spend it with my beautiful, vivacious child."

(We love these discoveries... revelation, creation, and personal evolution). So thus were spoken the words that sparked the conception of these wonderous reclaimed beauts.

"To fund my adventure, I planned to create bags, totes, and clutches out of antique and vintage materials. After all... there are so many beautiful things already in the world to create with, why not give them a new life." Says the artisan behind Yah Bags.

Yah Bags are crafted from natural, vintage, upcycled, recycled, or reclaimed fabrics. All stuffing is "ecofill" and made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Love! Best part about these gorgeous reclaimed and vintage gems are the inconsistencies: the earned weather-marks and discolourations that create their uniquity and charm. And these babies are all beautiful, each carrying its own authentic story of their remarkable journey to your arm.

"I get absolutely giddy over worn, dirty canvas, discolored ticking, bark cloth, and wood crates who's label's you can barely make out. If it looks like a disaster... I'll probably love it."

And that's the shit that makes these discoveries so entirely ecocentric. That 'tude. That commitment. That passion.

www.etsy.com/shop/Yaheesplace

Open Your Mind

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:32:21 -0500

Open Your Mind

Escapism runs high in the sweltering days of summer's summitâ€¦.we long to load up the ipod with a killer playlist and bust the fark outta the concrete jungleâ€¦ off the grid to middle of nowhere. Thank you universe for answering our idealistic fantasies...

Follow the froliclust to the middle of a real enchanted forest - on an amazing, peaceful siteâ€¦ scattered with multicoloured fireflies, elves, floating spheres, gnomes, unicorns, strange characters, weird glowing plants and shining trees, unexpected treasures, stars in motion, shimmers, sparks and magic.

â€¦and an ancient tribal beach of magical white sand?

ummm, yes please.

In its first year, the OpenMind is a unique, visionary and enchanted festival. A blue-movement break in time to celebrate the ecstasy of life in natureâ€¦ A place where there's no boundaries, where we are all one.

OpenMind is a celebration of life in perfect balance. A gathering to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with ourselves. Itâ€™s organizers Philippe Bergeron, Steve Breton, Nathalie Champagne & Adam Taschereau, (who have been organizing musical, artistic, environmental and spiritual events for 10 years) have the goal of creating an innovating space.

A space to explore our deep rooted connection with nature.

A place to push boundaries and be in harmony with traditions.

A moment of pure expression and giving, without limits or judgment.

A gathering of peace, unconditional love and ecstasy; of Pure Life...

...A moment of lucid universal connection.

OpenMind's Eco-Festival vision is not only to create a unique and conscious gathering, but also to create a positive environmental imprint. The impact of the festival on the environment, community and the world will be positive and concrete. Translation:

* The site will be at least as clean after the festival then it was before
* The local community will benefit from the festival
* The knowledge and consciousness of the participants will be cultivated
* The situation of the land and global environment will be improved

It's a festival where visionary art, transcendent music and spirituality are united to give us the opportunity to seize the moment, live fully, and break the cycleâ€¦

Renew. Transcend. Unify.

Still not itching to escapeâ€¦?

Frolic down the forest trail:
...Map your journey:

â€¢ Enchanted Forest; Conscious workshops, ambient music, instrumental and live performances

â€¢ Crystal Lagoon; A gathering place, a place to dance and enjoy happy instrumental, electronic music and live performances.

â€¢ Sweat Lodge; Traditional native american sweat lodge. A place to heal by powerful ancestral medicine.

â€¢ Spirit Area; A place of well-being, a place to heal and relax. A village of healers and therapists.

â€¢ Sacred circle; Space of ceremonies, positivity and joy.

â€¢ VisionART; Visionary art exhibition, body art, henna, artists, creativity workshops and activities.

â€¢ Conscious cinema; Lucid documentaries, films, visionary projections.

â€¢ Performances; and magical, enchanted and wicked animations.

â€¢ Meditation space; Places to relax, meditate, connect.

â€¢ Little Fantastic; An entire village specially created to welcome our happy kids.

â€¢ Stands; Village of artisans and conscious stands... and some awesome food.

OpenMind 2010; August 6 â€“ 10.

The Whispering Pines

681 Concession 10, Curran Ontario, K0B 1C0

Free Camping

Bring your musical instruments!

onelove.â˜º<3

Optimistically Subverting the Often Neglected...

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:32:10 -0500

These gems stem from The Orphans street art series - wherein artist AWTW actively promotes 'urban play' with his DIY mass-produced series of artwork which uses ubiquitous methods of flyposting as a means to proliferate throughout the urban landscape - The Orphansâ€™ comfortably sit between an alternative and unique art statement and the more blatant accessibility of a consumable mass produced product. (digging deep at the intentions of mass production and their effect on the built environment.)

The Orphans series is "an exercise in infinite pattern making, massive DIY production, narratives in the modern city and just plain old crazy OCD fun, says the artist.

"Through the medium of street art, we optimistically subvert the often neglected, mediocre and complacent urban condition." (now we can dig on this.)

Check these plush statements out: www.at-aw.com/orphans.html

What could be cooler?....Making the notion accessible by plush-ifying the movement and artistic statement.

The medium is the message here- so love em up- squish em up... Unique one-of-a-kind upcycled, handprinted, handpainted, art toy/soft sculptures. Each Orphan is a unique original illustration in plush form.

These are ridiculously cute and suitable across the board: art snobs to babies to design geeks to die hard toy collectors.

Each piece is numbered and signed by the Artist & each a unique bundle of craftycrazyawesomeness.

Putting a price on art:

Meander down to the uber-hip part of town at the C1 Artspace ...Grab em up @ KID ICARUS in the heart of Kensington or pick 'em fresh at Wychwood Craft Market.

And take note of soon to launch etsy shop- www.etsy.com/shop/ATAW

Chaotic Salvation

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:28:34 -0500

We love us us some reclaimed genius... and have been long admirers of Toronto-based Artist Matt Durant who combining the chaotic lines of urban culture with distressed organic materials is arousing a new perspective on the environment around us.

His dynamic, interdisciplinary style draws from music, sculpture and action painting. Years of work as a horticulturalist influences his choice of materials, which favour salvaged wood and found objects that would have otherwise been discarded - in utilizing so-called 'refuse', Durant probes ecological themes while drawing inspiration from the timeworn character of a derelict picnic table or a second-hand film gels book.

- " I like to honor whats already there, to glorify it." says the Artist.

An OCAD '01 graduate, Durant studied an array of medium, his later years focusing woodworking, video, and audio sculpture. This training would later come to inform his painting; his energetic op-art patterns resemble a tangle of furiously oscillating sinusoidal waves.

Starting from the natural grain, knots and crags of wood, Durant builds a richly textured surface. He applies his own stains and diluted paintsâ€”both oil and acrylicâ€”to fibrous wood slabs in energetic, gestural strokes. Hands, brushes, palette knives and found objects are the vehicles in the drip-and-splatter technique, which relies on both conscious direction and happy accident. This Abstract Expressionist foundation is punctuated with a hard, graphic line, applied with a unique squirting technique. The resulting silhouettes, often reminiscent of urban skylines, resemble stylized graffiti. The contrast between this bold stencil and the underlying wood grain suggests themes of urban sprawl and deforestation, decay and nostalgia.

Recently a part of the Riverdale art walk. Matt's artwork can currently be spotted at the Rouge Concept Gallery, various fitting locales across the city including our first taste of him- at Lady Marmalade- his installation there (from series 2 of his collection of works) was a colourful revelation. Also check him out @ BLVD on Queen west.

madlovetoourlocaltalent.

www.mattdurant.com
Â®copyright 2010 Ecocentric Guide all rights reserved

Can I Lick It?

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:28:00 -0500

It's 3pm, in the sunsaturatedswelteringcitysummerbliss and yep, we just binge ate at least half a pint of organic chai ice cream - sexytime. Which inevitably leads us to thinking: time for an ecocentric iced cream roundup...

Churning out that which is sugary sublime sustainable & worthy of our lusty licks :

1.First fix - Ed's Real Scoop
10 years running - THE go-to place for ice cream in the Beach. All natural hand-crafted heaven... Inspired by Ed's mom's homemade candy, its simple, honest and delicious. Now with a second shop in Leslieville ...we're in yummybliss.

lemme lick it:

Mojito with fresh mint -->(hugely in demand right now- so get in line quick)
Strawberry Rhubarb (drool)
Ginger (seasonal bliss)

920 and 2224 Queen Street East

www.edsrealscoop.ca

2. Artisanal Delight - rumour has it, in the Junction peeps are delighting over that namesake's newest offering. Jennifer Rashleigh and Jeff Brown (organic, fair-trade chocolatiers) are now scoopin' up some of the most elite tonguepleasing creams this summer is seeing.

lemme lick it:
Niagara cherry with an organic Niagara Cabernet (lick that sophistication)

3040 Dundas Street West & 805 Queen Street West

www.delightchocolate.ca/

3. if you wanna rock your cream like we just did - chill in the yard and binge-eat free of judgmental public-eyes - bring home the fun...

Mapletonâ€™s Organic Dairy - family owned and operated farm - gluten, nut, GMO, and antibiotic free.

lemme lick it:
chai - -->(THE Ecocentric binge-inducing long time afternoon fav)

pumpkin pie (yum.)

Far as ice cream goes, seasonally-speaking your options are virtually limitless. We even heard-tell of some peeps pounding out blue cheese flavoured iced cream. We do not condone per-se, but it goes to show: experimentation and creativity is never-ceasing in the eco-sphere ...everyone digs on the cream. Keep it crafty. Churn your own if you're feeling like waxing-artisianal. Donvier makes a pretty sweet eco-friendly iced cream maker.. peep it here

La Cosmic Visage

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:09:30 -0500

There's no shame in adding some colour and glam to our already beauty-filled visages.... but what IS most shameful are the ridiculous amounts of chemicals cosmetic companies throw into our playful palettes of whimsy. Luckily, for those of us who don't want yucky fillers and harsh chemicals in our cosmetics, there's LaLaBloom.

LaLa Bloom is crafting all natural skin-friendly cosmetics... their minerals and pigments, oils and waxes, natural preservatives and essential oils are all free of irritants and toxins, but packed with a load of fun (Cosmic Goddess is already an ecocentric fav - 100% all natural loose mica metallic facial glitter. Can be added to lip gloss, nailpolish, body cream or on its own ....the options are endless - love!)

Their mineral powders are created using only natural cosmetic grade titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which also provide sun protection (cool). Eyeshadows come in a nice range of happy hues and are 100% natural-- just pure crushed minerals. Check their Super Glam Lip Jam - ultra-high shine lip glaze that rocks you some full and shiny summertime lips.They even sell 100% synthetic bristle brushes that are Vegan approved with eco friendly birch handles.

LaLaBloom Pure & Natural Cosmetics is located in Victoria, and make their products in small batches with love for all of us looking for natural, skin-friendly options for make-up. Their mineral powders are vegan-friendly, and all of their natural cosmetics are tested only on humans, and never on animals.

They even encourage you to email and ask for color advice, they love to help!
Much love back at them :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaLaBloom
http://www.lalabloom.com

Terms And Conditions

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:29:29 -0500

Terms And Conditions

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A Special Briefing

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:20:33 -0500

Discovering this Canadian made, sustainable, sweatshop free men's line made us... downright sweaty.

WES MiSENER manufactures all it's sexiness in an ethical, sweatshop free environment, using only the highest quality eco-friendly textiles.

A self-taught designer, Wes' work is masculine, clean and sophisticated (we like). Precision tailoring, attention to detail and quality is what he digs on. Born in the town of Smithers, BC, most of his early life was spent immersing himself in skateboarding and playing ice hockey. He got into fashion via modeling not only in Canada, but all over the world where he got the inside scoop on men's fashion from some of the most prestigious brands and designers in the fashion world.

"I feel a sense of purpose to bring positive change to the fashion industry and promote the Canadian economy. I feel there is no better time to take action then now, we need to take care of our earth and our follow humans, we are all connected and an expression of life"-Wes

...and what a beautiful expression this is....

Score some deals on his eco-friendly menswear line this Friday July 2nd at 4pm at Queen & Soho Ave

(Contact: info@wesmisener.com for store name).

Look for:
100% ORGANIC COTTON Tee's $45
100% ORGANIC COTTON Tanks $41
50%Bamboo/45%ORG.COT/5% Span. Tee's $59
50%Bamboo/45%ORG.COT/5% Span. Underwear SALE$25
http://eco-friendlymenswear.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html

www.wesmisener.com/

Beautiful Junk

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:05:00 -0500

Thereâ€™s so much beauty in found objects and Alex and Courtney from Organelle are manifesting it for us all to groove on. Organelle is a small, indie design studio based in Vancouver, BC that designs and re-purposes off-the-shelf and found objects - with supercool innovative methodology.

Their pieces are totally unique (and both cost and environmentally savvy). Their work starts with a simple premise: waste is the most abundant local resource our cities have to offer. Often free or inexpensive, waste is a seemingly endless supply, always providing new and exciting design possibilities, which keeps 'em pretty busy: They are on a perpetual treasure-hunt - continuously harvesting available waste materials as the genesis to their concepts. The ability to adapt to material flows renders their style neither mass-produced nor one-off custom design, but forges a genius little nook somewhere in between.

We dig their Hangelierâ€¦ In the vein of traditional chandeliers, they wanted to use a transparent palette of materials and had a breakthrough one day when they were shopping at a Salvation Army. They saw the racks of clothing hanging on resin hangers and instantly knew that this was the perfect material to use. Hangers are arranged between a bike rim and chain ring, playing with the beauty of the form and light. (These beauties are available in both resin and wooden hanger styles).

Another example of eco-harvesting is the 150 Litre Chandelier, where plastic water bottles are reclaimed from a recycling depot. This case speaks to the power of multiples: one discarded plastic bottle doesnâ€™t really translate easily to something else, but put 200 plasticbottles together in a certain way and suddenly youâ€™ve invented a wicked chandelier.

The duo met while they were working at an architecture firm and were instantly drawn together by frustrations over normative design practices and individual passions for the environment. One of the initial turning points in the partnership coincided with the 2007 garbage strike in Vancouver. During the time there was no garbage pick up for about six weeks, so whatever people threw into the alley sat around waiting to be picked up. (goldmine!) This strike allowed them to document the volume of consumer waste that was taking place in the city, and (to their amazement and horror) saw high-quality materials being tossed out at an alarming rate. It became glaringly obvious that we are all losing the common sense to make simple repairs to the things that we own, and sadly would rather buy new than repair or repurpose something to our needs.

Big on collaborations and connecting mixed talents and skill sets, Alex and Courtney also hook up BYO sessions (thatâ€™s 'bring your own' in case you werenâ€™t sure). Held over two days, skilled craftspeople wielding power tools get access to some great junk that in turn = a ton of creativity. The last one was wildly successful, and folks who had no idea how to hold a hammer when the event started ended up walking away with their own coffee table or light fixture.

You can even commission pieces if youâ€™re not feeling that, um, creative.

Find their junk of art here: www.etsy.com/shop/organelle

and here: supermarkethq.com/designer/17589/products

Pure Fun

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:52:00 -0500

Admittedly we had a massive 3pm sugar crash whilst discovering this - Pure Fun comin at ya with pure yumminess of the likes of nature's Go Goji Berry, Ginger Spice, Raging Raspberry, Giddy Green Apple, Pure Pomegranate, Canadian Maple, and Root Beer...

Yes please. Gimmie gimmie gimmie.

Pure Funâ„¢ candies are manufactured from the finest ingredients-certified organic evaporated cane juice, organic brown rice syrup, and organic citric acid. Colour is derived from holistic goods like red beet, Alfalfa, Red Cabbage, Annatto, and other yummy fruits and veggies. They're certified organic and Kosher, vegan & fair trade, but Pure Funâ„¢ has garnered notoriety for the ingredients they don't use: GMO'S, FD&C Colours, Titanium Dioxide, Gluten, Dairy, artificial flavors, dyes, preservatives, chemicals, or pesticides...

Kids are almost out of school and no doubt they'll be a whole mess of candy-lust happening over the summer. It's the mission of these pureveyors of fun to give peeps "a lipsmackingly wholesome way to indulge your sweet tooth". Bring it on....nothing but Pure Fun

Fueling the Ecolution

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 13:02:26 -0500

p u b l i s h e r

Mary generates the power of unrivalled passion, pioneering strategy and fervent momentum into EcocentricGuide. Armed with an eagle-eye for trends, distilled from a diverse background in marketing - both from agency and client side; This wind harnesses the swell of a movement before its wave crashes the shores of general popularity. Not only is she the guiding force in our mission, sheâ€™s also undeniably a force unto herself. Vortex of eco-energy and channeler of innovation - sheâ€™s farsighted, incisive and is consistently inspiring us with a passion for unearthing the niche and the esoteric. Lucky for us a touch of diva evens out the intensity of this breeze.

Some Ecocentric Favs: Dressler Bros, Hempen Stuff, Read My Hips, Consonant, Fabricawakuwaku

Random tidbit: Georgio is the irie-guru of all things marketing, THE encyclopedia for reggae musicology, instigator of 3pm sugar-feasts, and also handcrafts some of the lovliest artisan chandeliers ever to be hung from a ceiling... check em here:

get at her: mary-at-ecocentricguide.ca

c r e a t i v e d i r e c t o r

Rachelle brings the creative heat to all that is EcocentricGuide. A free-spirited, unabashed truth seeker and an ever-evolving enigma... Inspired by diverse, multi-disciplined experience & fueled by an ardent spirit- organically grown and artistically honed - fire bred the harvest of our fresh eco-image. Innovation drives the eco-stylings of our creative touchstone; With the heart of a philosopher and the mind of a scientist, everything is an intricate artistic discovery. She creates with consciousness and conviction and refuses to settle for mediocrity. Hey go ahead, call her a snob. She likes that.

Some Ecocentric Favs: Hempen Stuff, Durant, The Orphans, Treehouses by Greenwood

R.andom tidbit: Often Fondly refferred to as the 'paradigm busting vixen' R. is a multi-faceted a.rt in motion tangent-taker.. she enjoys daily headstands, barefoot grassy frolics and also crafts some seriously-supercharged charged artisan energy jewlery- peep it here:

get at her: rachelle-at-ecocentricguide.ca

The Sound of Change Echoes in Silence

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:51:38 -0500

Hit the beaches this weekend...The Human Summit is taking on a momentum all its own... as Canada, and cities around the globe, will join in a Mass Meditation coinciding with the G20 Summit.

On Sunday, June 27, 2010, from 11:00 am to 2:00pm at Woodbine Park in Toronto, participants in the Human Summit Project will join in consciousness with tens of thousands of people simultaneously around the world as they sit in silent meditation from 12:30pm until 1:30 pm EST.

Come together...

The purpose of the Human Summit is to raise awareness to remind the people of the world that they have a voice, even in silence, to affect change in our world; and to remind our world leaders to account for the value of Human Existence as they make plans to affect the global economy.

According to Barbara Schreiner-Trudel, founder of the Centre for Spiritual Living, Toronto, â€œI know that there is an abundance of peace, prosperity and happiness available to every person in this world. I know that we are all connected on a subconscious level and that when we come together in unity with a singleness of purpose, we begin to affect change in ourselves that ripples out across the world."

Enjoy the fresh air, wander through the human labyrinth, frolic, relish in the music, and join in sending good vibes throughout our city, to the people in our governments, to our beloved planet. If you are not in TO, create your own hometown group or meditate on your own.

Ghandi said, â€˜Be the change you want to seeâ€™. The Human Summit Project is delivering that shot - connect with the collective consciousness - together we have the power to fuel the ecolution.

June 27, 2010 â€¢ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Woodbine Park, Toronto
Corner of Lakeshore Drive and Coxwell Ave.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106143489426562&ref=ts

Sweet Summer Goodness

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:55:58 -0500

Looking for something sweet to do in T.O. this weekend? Regenesis and Sweet Hair and Spa are teaming up to throw the most artistically dynamic Art Gala party of the year.(weeee!)

For those not in-the-know, Regenesis is a grassroots environmental, social justice, and humanitarian organization that's dedicated to bridging the gap between individual and planet. The folks at Regenesis make it their mission to foster a sense of community, leadership and accountability. Sweet Hair and Spa is a holistic spa providing the space (and will be also providing free mini hair-dos, mini mannies, pedi-fixers and mini-facials - how could you say no?!)

Art and music from local Toronto artists and musicians with be featured including dAeve Fellows were his impressions of dark urban conduits and timeless landscapes are impregnated by demonic entities, whimsical machinery, and cryptical masses of dripping viscera, (created partly as a vehicle to explore the artist's confusion and frustration with modern life) and Dani Crosby who generously donated her print illustrations at the Regenesis Art and Eco Fashion Show back in September to help raise funds for the Urban EcoVillage project.

Look out for lots of different recycled and environmentally positive art such as Mark Lapinski who tackles subjects from nature to human sexuality. Mark uses his photographic work as a method to examine and dissect to world around him.

Featured Performers include:

Troy Jackson is a Queer Pop Funk Punk who's worked with producer Nicholas Murray and Vocalist Rosina Kazi to come up with this Gospel, Pop, Spoken Word, Electro-ride..."The Cd of Troy".

Cathy Elliott diggin on acoustic guitar and breathtaking native roots.

Complimentary vegan hors d'oeuvres will be provided as well as a cash bar with creative cocktails, local wines and organic beer!

Check it out!

Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 8:00pm

Location: 1555 Dupont St. (Dupont St and Perth Ave)

The Love-Child of Willy Wonka & Mary Poppins

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:31:21 -0500

Tucked up amidst lush forest in the banks of a pristine private lake in Haliburton reside two of natureâ€™s most seeming interesting creations. Raw foodists Ron and Nadine who infuse everything they create with pure love. â€˜Ron and Nadine embody a bliss that is caught rather than sought, the alchemy of their cosmic communion pours the levity of life into the sacred and the secular. Out of this play with pure-plant wonders their luxurious skin care, restorative essences, and pure source chocolate are made, tuning peopleâ€™s senses to the adventure of living.â€™

Born of this (super) natural union is Living Libations, creating renegade skincare, divine botanical elixirs and blissful pure source chocolate... What has enraptured our attention for the moment, is the pure source 'beauty bars': (pure source meaning ethically harvested, organic, forest-shade grown, and fair trade). The chocolate has been dubbed by rawfood legend David Wolfe as â€˜bust through all confectionary mythsâ€™. Not surprising, as the bars are packed with uber-nutrition. (abundant in amazingly potent superfoods such as maca, camu, seabuckthorn berries, hemp seeds, goji andâ€¦ the list goes on).

Pure source chocolate is the love-child of Willy Wonka and Mary Poppins dancing in the rain forest, singing â€œa spoonful of chocolate helps the plant-medicine go down in the most delightful wayâ€. It's created and ground by hand so that all abundant vitality and rich minerals remain present. The forest grown, heirloom seed, whole cacao, artisan chocolate is liberated from dairy, roasting, soy, nuts, refined butter and sugar so thereâ€™s nothing to inhibit the gifts of this primordial chocolate â€“ itâ€™s packed with nutrient botanical super-foods.â€

Raw chocolate itself activates neurotransmitters - it releases the anandamide (bliss) and phenylethylamine (love) molecules. Makes perfect sense that it feels like an indulgence. Yet this is one that you can feel good about. We're totally digging on the awesome names too- Purple Chocolate Jesus, Bliss Like This, More Than a Feeling...

Each elegant artisan chocolate bar is crafted with the love-drenched hands of these modern-day sensual adventurers.

Get em here:

http://www.livinglibations.com/

An Oasis of Whimsy

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:17:39 -0500

As parents we've all been saturated with the abundance of primary colours, rigid surfaces, and loud noises associated with most kids toys nowadays. So we made it our mission to find an oasis In the midst of all this cacophony, and we did.

Pi'lo's kids collection is a veritable reflection of the work space they are lovingly crafted in... each one carefully made by hand in a coach house studio behind Heather Shaw's Victorian house in the heart of downtown Toronto. The space is calm and soothing, with natural light and plenty of inspiration, and you can see it in every whimsical and tasteful piece they create.

Everything in the collection is hand made by Heather (and a few other awesome women who sometimes help out). The focus of her responsibly made eco-creations is on quality... in hopes that her handiwork will be passed down to future generations as family heirlooms.

We fell in love with their magically organic mobiles (we want one for the office!). Look out for their ingenious toothfairy pillow, the smooshy alphabet cubes, and their brilliant party costumes (you're never too old to put on a crown and romp around in a cape!).

Visit Pi'lo's oasis of whimsy at: http://www.pilo.ca/

It's in the Effin Bag Kids

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:10:27 -0500

Like most girls (and some boys) we love a good bag. Give us a glorious menagerie of wearable carryables-No doubt weâ€™ll find mad-miscellany to fill â€˜em with. Why ought our wee ones be any exception to rocking that coveted one-of-a-kind-ecoindie-stylee?

Comin' at you out of Ottawa is the mother daughter team behind Sewn Naturalâ€¦ Lovers of clean simple, modern lines, sustainable design and a rainbow of palettes that make us all smile (now thatâ€™s definitely OUR bag!).

Sewn Natural strives to help families pair sustainable eco design with mod, offbeat styling... Everything is designed and handmade with their own 2 and sometimes 4 (collaborative) hands. Jane and Jen seek to infuse each piece with an ethical, positive impact and thus have a pretty impressive lineup of goods from dresses to dolls to blankets and toys. Everything is lovingly handcrafted exclusively from natural, organic, reclaimed vintage fibres, and/or repurposed or recycled materials.

What weâ€™re really digging are these innovative, original super-cute kids messenger bags... Perfect for foraging & collecting important things while little mister or miss is out on their daily expedition.

TAKE NOTE: (these adorables can be custom made with an adult-length strap)

www.etsy.com/shop/SewnNatural

Just Give 'em Some Truth.

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:14:51 -0500

Father's Day is around the corner and we can't think of a better gift to give dad then some Sublime Truth. Or maybe a whiff of a Forest Garden, or just let them know that they're your Hero...

Dudes, Hempen Stuff is stuff you'll get hooked on - it's the stuff cult-grade obsessions are built on...we've been fostering more that a mild-obsession with this collection for a few years now- they are like deliciously scented collectors items- all lovingly made by hand by one Della Thompson (and no two batches are the same). Using pure essential oils and Saskatchewan and Manitoba ground hemp (Della is all about supporting the hemp farmers and buys it directly from the field), these soaps smell like heaven. She mixes and pours each batch and cuts them herself by hand.

Ground control is in Big River Saskatchewan nestled on the edge of the boreal forest, completely off the grid. Della even designs and prints her own packaging (it's a toss up for the best part! - dig on the old movie images - one of her passions). You can find them at plenty of festivals over the summer, but we just head over to the Danforth - @Carrot Common -where you'll find an entire wall of her fragrant selections - plenty there for the girls too...

Salvage Saints

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:26:06 -0500

Ever wonder what happens to discarded electronic components? Are you puzzled by the fate of old typewriters? Perhaps you wonder where all those lost Scrabble tiles end up? One place might be adorning the neck of an eco-goddess (or two)... 'cause Montreal-based salvage artists DanaMarie Dal Bo and MaryAnne Petrella have made it their mission to save the world's miscellany.

Their MISSOKA line is a chic bit of whimsy, which they call â€œre-purposeful design". With their uncanny ability to transform thrift store treasures and roadside relics into stunning, sustainable designs, these self-proclaimed â€œsalvage saintsâ€ create earrings, cufflinks and pendants made from electronic switches, vintage typewriter keys, scrabble tiles, and even dominos.

Find their stunning secondhandmade gems online at: www.misssoka.com

I Am Love

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:43:00 -0500

Impossible not to adore a clothing line with the mantra â€˜I am loveâ€™ hand-stitched in to every piece... This positive affirmation stems from the philosophy of the award winning Nicole Bridger brand - to take care of the earthâ€™s people and contribute to positive change in our modern world (so blue. we so love!). Bridger recently won the inaugural Design Forward Award from Fashion Takes Action. She beat out nearly 40 of her peers as top ecofashion designer in Canada.

Bridger studied at Ryerson and scored an internship in the UK with fashion bad dame -Vivienne Westwood. Upon returning home she began her good earth journey by pairing up with the owner of Lululemon Athletica to co-create Oqoqo, an eco clothing line before she went out and launched her own.

Bridgerâ€™s practices are socially conscious and so are the fabrics she uses â€“ all from natural and renewable resources: cottons, hemp, bamboo, modal (from sustainably harvested trees) as well as organic sheep and alpaca wool. Everything is made local in Vancouver.

Her signature style is feminine and flowy, and her summer line is built around modern blends of jerseys and linens. The pieces are staples- versatile soft neutral colours that are so wearable youâ€™ll get lots of mileage from each and every piece. The collection is also maternity friendly, which speaks to both comfort and flexibility â€“ definitely worth the investment considering youâ€™ll get to wear â€˜em way past your due date.

Cute element: They use Tagua nut buttons that have their mantra "I Am Love" engraved on them.

Check out Nicole Bridgerâ€™s online store: http://nicolebridger.com/ where not only will you find her 2010 Spring-Summer Collection, but you can score some awesome deals on previous seasons beauties like this Faith Tunic for $19.40! Or this wicked Integrity Dress for a meager $23.80. While supplies last!

Summertime Shine Buster

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:07:00 -0500

Get ready peeps, the exploding green out there only serves to remind us that it's almost time to put away those heavy winter skin quenchers, and start looking to some summertime shine busters.

We all know that as our weather gets warmer our skin likes to get its glow onâ€¦ A dewy sheen can be downright foxy, but for us with oily or combination skin, that sheen can be a challenge to manage - to say the leastâ€¦ so we've dug deep this time to uncover a brand-spanking new hidden gem in the eco-skincare universe.

Amaravatiâ€™s Organic Tea Infusion Serum for Oily Skin is our summer skin rescue remedy! This delicious tea infused serum was specially designed for oily and combination skin types â€“ itâ€™s awesome solo, under make-up, and as a nightly moisturizer. The astringent and antioxidant properties of Rooibos tea are excellent for oily skins, while the green tea suppresses inflammation and reduces any irritation. White tea does itâ€™s magic against the ravages of free radicals, and the essential oils of pink grapefruit and cypress enhance the oil reduction process. (all around detox-deliciousness)

Other fab ingredients include MSM (which originates from the ocean where plankton releases sulfur compounds into the seawater). The sulfur in MSM is also used in the skin for collagen synthesis â€“ more skin firming for us!

The serum works by soothing and calming skin while feeding it with antioxidants and natural acids that stimulate and also reduce fine lines and wrinkles (woo hoo!). Donâ€™t let the idea of using a serum scare you, it was super light and absorbed instantly into the skin. We noticed a difference in just a couple of days! Less shine, more sexy glow.

Each product is specially designed by founder Lise Lapierre, a homeopathic practitioner and certified Aromatherapist. She carefully selects exotic essences and botanical ingredients from around the world, each hosting a unique blend of natureâ€™s best beauty enhancers. Lise Lapierre contends, â€œOur aromatherapy-based products promote health and well-being, without the unknown, and sometimes long-term risks or side effects many chemically-based products pose.â€

Free of chemically driven ingredients such as: petroleum, phthalates, parabens, artificial colours and fragrances, Amaravatiâ€™s product line focuses on anti-aging and enhancing the skinâ€™s vitality and longevity. We love the personal wellbeing element with its aromatherapy-based scents. Over 70% organic in content, and fragranced with 100% therapeutic grade essential oils, Amaravati is a product for the mind, body and soul.

Discover the beauty of divine wellness at: http://amaravati.ca/

Indie Foot Fetish

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:39:00 -0500

Long and fettered by adoration has been our relationship with shoes... even longer seems the road we've walked in search of stellar, sustainable, homespun eco-treats for the feet. Finally! The Generation has danced it's sexy eco-style into our lives. Inspired by beauty and simplicity, the generation is handcrafting some seriously inspired eco-chic foot-candy. 100% vegan. 100% cotton and sustainable fabrics. 100% Canadian. = 100% Ecocentric-style.
Traditional shoe making techniques and low-impact production methods are employed in the creation of these adorable, one-of-a-kind, indie-licious gems.

The men's line looks shockingly un-granola and startlingly GQ (for a hand-stitched vegan shoe made of organic cotton canvas & hemp threads). The adhesive-free soles are formed with 30 layers of sustainable cotton fabrics. Quel-innovationne :)

WANT!
Eco-chic Handmade Vegan Ballet Flat

Like all of our beloved featured craftspeople; motivation to share her craft combined with desire to spread the love for mama earth - eco-creator Christy aspires to inspire the masses to the beauty of living a cruelty-free & conscious-lifestyle.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGeneration

(big blue eco-love girl. <3

peace

ECG

A Hibachi Haven

Thu, 27 May 2010 12:03:00 -0500

What's more symbolic of summertime than the wafting scent of barbeque blowing through the breeze. Well, sometimes it's just easier (and yummier) to go out and pick up your bbq fare than go through the hassle of sparkin 'er up...

Answering our call is whatâ€™s fondly referred to by owners Ted, Mary and Jim as The Great Burger Kitchen. And great it is. Committed to supporting a healthy, ethical and sustainable local food culture â€“ GBK was born of the conundrum (and our collective proverbial ponderance) â€œif you were stranded on a desert island and could only have one meal, every day, for the rest of your life, what would it be? Turned out for the trio (who between them have been in the restaurant industry for about a hundred years) theanswer was burgers and fries all round. A hop skip from Leslieville- the Great Burger Kitchenâ€™s had it's doors open for just over a month- perfect timing as the weather warms and we begin to crave those summer-staple foods.

The feature burgers are made with naturally raised beef grown in Ontario. But there's more than just beef on the menu: look out for lamb, pulled-pork, and chicken to veggie-friendly portobello. Their organic buns come from the Brick St. Bakery down the street (or choose their low carb lettuce wraps), and there's an impressive menagerie of poutines to melt over:

The hood-centric burgers are a hit.

Eco-fav: The Portobello burger was delish!

In their own words: Theyâ€™re here so you don't have to go to a hypothetical desert island to get your own great burger. Lucky for us!

Get your burger on. Find 'em at: 1056 Gerrard Street East (at Jones Ave)
www.greatburger.ca

A Sensory Revolution

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:08:00 -0500

Everyone loves to be pampered- who doesnâ€™t dig on the notion of a decadent day of bliss at the spa? Eco-facials, sustainable-salt scrubs, and mindful-massage is the stuff our eco-dreams are made ofâ€¦ yet unfortunately an illustrious spa day is not something that is typically economically feasible for most peeps nowadays.

Eureka. Score. Halleu-jah. Praise. Gratitude. Yum.
Weâ€™ve discovered Annares. A natural health clinic in the heart of downtown TO that caters to eco- conscious peeps on a plethora of levels. It is Anarres' policy that each person who requires natural health care will be treated regardless of ability to pay the standard rate. Owner Tracey (who is a fountain of health care knowledge), strives to make services affordable all through Pay-What-You-Want days, fair pricing, barter and negotiation. (LOVE!!!)

Aroma facial, and Thai massage to qi stone therapy... chakra balancing bodywork to fully customized wholistic detox packages. The Anarres Natural Health Clinic also offers DIY workshops on a variety of subjects: health and beauty product making, hands-on bodywork and holistic-healthy eating.

The establishment itself is powered by wind and solar, 10% of all Anarres monthly earnings go to an NFP org, and all ingredients are sourced locally from small ethical enterprise.

Green and blue love all over the place. What else is there to say?
Check em out.

www.anarreshealth.ca

Global Love on a Local Level

Sat, 22 May 2010 12:16:00 -0500

It all started in summer 2008...with a little wine, some celebratory rooftop dancing and the frolicking artistry of The Peace Series creators Emily Krouse and Samara Shuter. Two years later the 'happy you've finished your LSAT's party' has culminated into the inspiration to truly make a difference in the world. The Peace Series is a fledgling humanitarian effort, set in motion by Em and Samâ€™s motivation and commitment. "It's all about awareness" says Sam, "even if all people take away is a shift in perspective and a greater appreciation for all the things we often take for granted," (read: our mostly-cozy, safe, government funded public education filled lives) â€œwe will have made a difference.â€ But their dreams, are of course much bigger than that.

Em & Samâ€™s rooftop painting session encapsulated a moment in time where they decided to take matters into their own hands, by not only painting the first of what is now â€œThe Peace Seriesâ€, but laying the groundwork for a grassroots initiative that is culminating on June 9th at the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto.

Inspired by the story of close friend Ruby- whoâ€™d ventured to Uganda as part of a literacy team (led by Judy Labow and Howard Shapiro), their work led to the creation of The Namuwongo Project (NP), which aims to provide literacy opportunities for children (that have been orphaned by war, familial violence and disease) in the slum of Namuwongo, who would otherwise receive no formal schooling whatsoever.

The NP has, as its ultimate goal, the establishment of a â€˜free-of-chargeâ€™, government recognized, full-time, co-educational, day school. The immediate goal is the increase in the number of pupils, school hours and Ugandan teachers (since the inception of the NP, over 60 children have received some education through the program, and 18 children have been sponsored by NP volunteers to attend formal school. At the present time the NP services 15 children aged 5 years to 8 years).

"As individuals we feel that the benefits from education comes a more peaceful world for everyone. And the more children we help to become educated, the more peace will spread throughout our world." Sam and Emily were so moved by the initiative that they have since spent tireless hours (doing the work of an entire committee themselves ...mad props ladies) rallying the support of the community and local artists to create a fundraising event not to be missed.

The Peace Series has received so much viral buzz from friends telling friends that theyâ€™ve created a huge network of collaborators. 30 artists (Matt Durant, Ross Etherington and Elizabeth Dyer to name a few) have contributed pieces for the event so far. Each artist will donate a painting that will be auctioned in support of the Namuwongo project - all focusing on one main theme: peace.

Tix are $45, and for a meager $285 a kid an entire 3 year program of education is provided including school materials, shoes, and meals. The goal of the event is to raise enough dough to send 33 kids to the program (and we are hoping for more!). Ticket and auction sales will go directly to the program (zero admin fees are being taken â€“ speaks to the commitment of these girls who have absorbed the costs of setting this whole thing up). Attendees can also purchase raffle tickets at the event for lots of awesome stuff as another way to contribute, and direct donation into the program is also encouraged.

Come out on June 9th and spread some global love and Blue-centric vibes.

For more info check out: www.thepeaceseries.com or visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Peace-Series/111131572236485?v=info

peace <3

Play it Safe and Get Smart

Thu, 13 May 2010 12:09:00 -0500

With the recent changes proposed by our government around toy safety regulation, hand-me-down toys, although good for our earth, may not be as good for our kids (essentially repurposing the ick). To top it off, this legislation hasnâ€™t been updated since 1991 - so imagine for a moment what manner of toxicity has been played with, chewed on, and spit out by our kids since then!

With mad respect to the importance of mindful consumption, this might be one of the few scenarios where we shamelessly have to give props to purchasing the new stuff. Enter The Toy Maker of Lunenburg â€“ nope, not a old world German toy shop across the globe, but a homegrown artisan studio comin' out of a historic small town on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. The Toy Maker of Lunenburg designs super safe eco toys that challenge a kidâ€™s imagination. All products are personally handcrafted with much care under the watchful eye of Kevin Vickers (The Toy Maker himself). From their well-rounded corners (no nasty splinters or rough spots) to the vibrant non-toxic paints and finishes, Kevin Vickers has been delivering quality to kids and assurance to parents since the '80â€™s.

The wood they use for their toys is harvested from within 30 km of their facilities from companies using sustainable wood practices. Plus they recycle their waste by giving away their shavings to local hobby farms (the sawdust is even recycled for compost).

The Toy Maker of Lunenburg is all about â€œsmart toysâ€: unique games, puzzles, and brainteasers, and you can see why: both Kevin and his wife Peggy were educators in a previous incarnation. The toys are not only brilliant, theyâ€™re built to last - now these are the kind of toys you can feel good about handing down!

Find them at:

www.littlefootprintstoys.com

http://www.whatajewel.com/store/

http://www.liveco.ca/

Badass Buckle Up

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:46:00 -0500

Nothing renders an outfit more badass than a killer belt buckle.

Plenty of us are making style statements with a little bit of hip bling, but with Billy Would Designs you make more than just a fashion statement, you make one for mama earth. Their artsy one of a kind belt buckles are made from broken skateboards. Edgy and eco, every one is upcycled from boards well loved by their sk8rs â€“ each having spent plenty of time ollie-ing on the halfpipe. Each piece's individual wear and blemishes reflect their own unique story... Designer Adea Chung grew up in rural BC with artist parents (her father was a master woodcarver), so its evident where she developed her passion for art and design. Craving sustainable chic designs not found anywhere else, she created Billy Would designs in 2007. Working from her shop in lush North Van, Adea digs on being covered in sawdust, a good cup of tea, and sneaking away for an afternoon of snowboarding.Send your old broken skate decks to Adea and youâ€™ll receive $5 off any Billy Would buy.

Hereâ€™s where you can get â€˜em: www.billywould.com/contact.html

Bartering For a Greener Future

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:56:17 -0500

Excuse the clichÃ©, but one manâ€™s trash really is another manâ€™s treasureâ€¦ and a welcome alternative to modern consumerism - especially in times of economic and environmental challenge.

Given that mindful consumption is gaining momentum, and peeps are looking for ways to green their lives while saving a buck, the rise of SwapSity is timely to say the least.

After enjoying success as an exclusive, by invite only membership community, SwapSity just opened up it's bartering community to the public on March 22nd. Offering a refreshing take on the barter system- SwapSity is a modernized concept with roots in age-old tradition.

The philosophy is eco-simple: SwapSity founder, Marta Nowinska: "Bartering helps to reduce the impact of consumerism on the environment. Instead of sending perfectly good items to landfills, why not trade them and let someone else enjoy your castoffs." SwapSity also extends the barter experience by organizing face-to-face swap meets that bring together local eco-enthusiasts under one roof. (Mad locallove.)

SwapSity is kind of a green eco-hub - an open-trade venue for eco-friendly and budget-conscious Canadiansâ€¦ and itâ€™s public launch is just in time for spring cleaning!

Feng shui your universe

Look at repurposing those pre-loved items as a jumpstart to your own personal ecolution. The one stop bartering destination not only gives unwanted items a new lease on life, but its also a chance for us all to start fresh - declutter and start anew.

SwapSity is a repurposing, upcycling, freecycling, virtual swap meet and an ecovoreâ€™s haven. Virtually anything can be exchanged (within reason peeps, donâ€™t let your mind go crazy now) from yoga lessons to cottage rental swaps to kids clothing to home renos to art supplies..... to a simple exchange of good karma. :)

The premise is simple and time honored, users create a list of their swappable goods and services and another (wishlist) of items they'd wish to receive in return. (listing is super-userfriendly too which is awesome). Then as a kickstart, SwapSity instantly generates local matches that fit your profile. Also available are proximity tools, trade groups and e-lerts to ramp up the fun. Biggest diggable element: membership, listing, transaction = totally free. (Premium options on site include: ability to enhance listings with YouTube vids, pics and web links.)

Turning clutter into currency and putting your talents up for trade keeps it local and helps us to tread lighter.

Clear out your attic, garage, basement and start taking stock of swappable skills. Get what you need and stay green, one swap at a time!

Start swappin'

www.swapsity.ca

Fellow Lip Balm Junkies Rejoice

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:44:46 -0500

Fellow lip balm junkies... what's more to say about something we slather on our lips to create that lusty/yummy/deliciously kissable eco-pout except maybe can we get something less toxic and more tasteful please?

BellaBalm delivers! Born during the long-assed lipchapping Canadian winter months - and from the ponderance: Why was it that the lip balms that were â€˜naturalâ€™ looked like they came from a health food store (or from the bottom of your boyfriendâ€™s hockey bag), while the ones with the lovely packaging didn't contain such, um, lovely ingredients? Why wasn't there a perfect lip balm?... and that was the question that led Megan MacMillan and Zameret Kleiman to create BellaBalm.

Crafted and manufactured in Toronto, BellaBalm is pure organic luxury! Free of petrochemicals and synthetic additives, it's formulated with the highest quality antioxidant-rich plant oils and butters - super nourishing with a nice glide (and a fresh minty tingle too).

Megan, a registered nutritionist, offered the benefit of ensuring that only the most effective and therapeutic ingredients went into the formulation. Zameret, with 12 years experience in the film industry, solicited the expertise of make-up artists and actors - without doubt a most discerning group of beauty insiders. After countless batches and much determination, their labour of love is now ours to share.

organic.
eco-minded.
cruelty-free.

...and pull outta your purse worthy sexy

give us a kiss.
:)

www.bellabalm.com

One of a Kind Green

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:09:37 -0500

Ahh spring... one of the key elements in celebrating seasonal rebirth is the refashioning of our (life)style - and no better way to craft that brand new vibe than with the help of those local indie craftspeeps that we so adore. Lucky for us they congregate twice a year in our fair city- to showcase their original goods, rescuing us from winter drab with fresh new finds.

The One of a Kind Show is just in time... starts on Wednesday at the Direct Energy Centre (and runs to April 4th) featuring a bunch of 'hoods to wander through and discover... Of course we're heading straight to their "Green" district (which has recently doubled its size to host the plethora of eco options comin' outta the great true north) where we'll happily score our own authentic eco-gems. Not only will you find a wonderland of exclusive goodies but, due to popular demand, the folks at OOAKS are bringing back their OneofaKind Hands-On Workshop. DIY'ers can sign up for two 1hr sessions, one of them being instruction on creating your own organic skin care products. (sexy)

In celebration and support of our of our beloved 'little guy' - our homegrown artisans- we're callin out some must-make stops while you're touring the greelove hood.

One of a Kind Green... shop local and shop with a conscience!

Greenspot Goodies:

Artech Glassblowing Studios - Booth K-38
Creating usable vessels born from the functional craft of glassblowing, and drawing on historical pieces to create contemporary, funky work from recycled beer glass to high-end sculptural pieces.

Billy Would Designs - Booth K-37
Look for fresh jewelry and accessories made from reclaimed and recycled hardwood.

Dahlia Drive - Booth K-25
Resurrecting the fashion wasteland, DD salvages discarded slips, men's shirts, fabric and rebirths them to create one of a kind wearable art for the unique individual.

Mariclaro - Booth K-39
They collect tough industrial materials from tarp companies, bike shops, and car scrap yards, and fashion them into unique and stunning bags.

Susan Harris Design - Booth K-32
Susan's work reflects the natural world and the mood of the environment with her use of nature imagery.

Truth Belts - Booth K-33
Funky vegan belts that channel industrial funk.

Plus check out the other peeps weâ€™ve already given props to on-site
Fluf, Out of Ruins and Urban Tree Salvage.

www.oneofakindshow.com

Celebrate World Fair Trade Day

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:18:00 -0500

Fair Trade may not yet be embraced by all, but as a sustainable model for change, it provides us with a viable way for being part of the positive change we want to see in the world.

That said, the impact we as individual consumers have on the issues that fair trade encompasses (poverty, social justice, climate change, a blue economy) is immense. From the time we order our (fair trade?) morning coffee we have the ability to foster a better world for us all. (Interestingly ecocentric: The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) asserts that poverty and climate change are inextricably linked, thus fair trade has the potential to significantly impact both for the betterâ€¦yep. Blue is the new green.

On Saturday May 8th, organizations around the globe will celebrate World Fair Trade Day by drawing attention to the peeps who have helped make fair trade what it is today - events are taking place in over 70 countries, as well as across Canada. â€œFrom the moment we wake up we can contribute to the betterment of life for people across the globe simply through the products we use and the businesses we choose to supportâ€, says Bob Berg, CEO for Ten Thousand Villages Canada, in honour of WFTD - all Ten Thousand Villages stores will welcome customers with live entertainment, product samplings, special discounts and more.

Here in TO on Markham St. check out the peeps at Beit Zatoun whoâ€™re hosting their own World Fair Trade Day festival. Organized by Faces of Fair Trade, (a group of socially-concerned individuals who support low-income artisans around the world by purchasing and selling their crafts. Each works as an independent entrepreneur supporting fair trade values and maintains a direct trading relationship with the artisans). Faces of Fair Trade makes it easy for consumers to make ethical purchases by creating "caravans" or small fair trade marketplaces in and around the city. Celebrate the day and check out the collection of small, independent vendors bringing you delightful fairly traded crafts from around the world.

Get in on these goods:

Silk purses from Cambodia
Finger puppet sets from Bolivia
African jewelry and artifacts
Mexican dresses
Baskets from Rwanda
Silver jewelry from Thailand
Crafts from India and Columbia
Olive oil and other items from Palestine
also participating:
Ten Thousand Villages
The YWCA International Boutique

Or visit www.worldfairtradeday10.org for a complete listing of all World Fair Trade events happening across Canada (and around the globe).

However you choose to mark the day- be it the choice of simply indulging on some fair trade chocolate or supporting any number of organizations dedicated to fostering this blue model of living, take a moment to express your gratitude for the fact that we live in a society that allows us the freedom to do so.

A Toxin-Free Bouquet

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:11:58 -0500

There is no better hallmark of natureâ€™s rebirth than a harvest of fresh flowers. Truth is, most fragrant bouquets bought here in Canada donâ€™t make the eco-cut. Itâ€™s a rare occasion that we stop to consider the imprint of how we mark our occasions- traditional florist and (gasp) grocery-store bought, overseas-grown florals are cut by peeps working overtime, exposed to toxins on the daily while making less than a living wage. Cut-flower industries in these foreign countries still use hundreds of toxic chemicals, many that have been banned in North America, chemicals that leech off the flowers and into our homes... Not such a sweet-sentiment after all.

This was founder, Joseph Delarge's very inspiration and motivation when launching eco | stems, offering a plethora of local, organic and fair trade florals - because they know the truth about the cut-flower industry. Nevermind making the cut, eco | stems is a cut above... Located at Queen East and Sherbourne, eco|stems has blossomed as TOâ€™s first environmentally and socially sustainable flower shop.

Unique award-winning floral arrangements are available for delivery (by bicycle!) throughout Toronto and the GTA. Not only are they supplying a range of stunning eco-florals, plants and accessories, the entire op is as eco as they come: bullfrog powered, recycled-biopackaging and repurposing all make for a garden of greenlove. Old flowers are lovingly donated, and the love is even passed along to you - with their reuse and repurposing of materials. Currently you can bring in any old vase or pot youâ€™ve got hanging around collecting dust and trade it in for a free flower!

Check them out at: www.ecostems.ca or wander down the garden path to 267 Queen St E - and while you're there make sure to pick up a Blossom Pendant â€“ a beautiful local artisan creation and stylish way to carry spring with you... at any time of the year.

Taking Back the Tap

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:41:54 -0500

"About that fancy bottled water that came from France... itâ€™s pretty much the same thing that comes out of your tap when you wash your hands after peeing, only with less minerals. Minerals your body needs. The major difference? That French stuff came here on a boat. A boat that didnâ€™t need to travel thousands of miles to bring you French tap water in a plastic bottle that will end up in a landfill that does need any more plastic bottles. Not so fancy."

That Tap Water Bottle message has captured our hearts - itâ€™s an official Ecocentric love-affair! Weâ€™ve been faithfully toting these stylish beauties everywhere since they hit the market about 3 months ago; Not only are they veritable stunners with their crisp stylish aesthetic appeal and superbly cool retrostyle flip cap (our fav part - a no-spill carry) but they're a welcome porto-aqua-alternative - esp. after that Sigg fiasco last year and the mass of potential BPA filled alum bottles that have flooded the marketâ€¦ plus itâ€™s kinda nice to see what you're drinking for a change.

In honor of World Water Day today which is all about clean water for a healthy world, it's only appropriate that we give props to the homegrown indie-innovators who are changing the H20-scene.

Wisened peeps know the stats:

Bottled water costs about 10,000 times as much as tap water
Fewer than 20% of plastic bottles are recycled. Yep. Check out The Story of Bottled Water: http://storyofstuff.org/bottledwater/
Bottled water accounts for like 2.5% of the worldâ€™s oil consumption (about 1.5 million barrels per year ie: enough to power 10,000 cars for a yearâ€¦WTF?)
Not to mention the carbon impact of transporting not only the filled plastic bottles (AND the trashed plastic bottles) around the globe.
With 1 in 6 people on earth without access to safe drinking water how can we rationalize the billions spent on pretty labels and marketing tactics? We can't. Consumer society that we are, we like pretty things, we like novelty, but peeps need a happy medium - and these happy Tap Water Bottles are even available in 2 sizes (250ml & 500ml - each with their own clever message).
Although the Tap Water Bottle is a cheeky innovation on the premise of bottled water itself - using glass to bottle beverages is one of the oldest and most trusted methods for packaging liquids. It's made from naturally occurring minerals, and doesnâ€™t carry the health risks related to toxic chemicals leaching from plastic and metal containers. (Yep. Eat it fancy $5 H20 plastique.)

http://www.tapwater-bottle.com/

10 In Honour of Earth Day

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:17:00 -0500

A little out of the ordinary for us (who wants to be ordinary anyway?), in honour of our beloved mama earth we thought we'd spin some tips at y'all... ecocentric stylee.

For all of us looking for a way to do their part, change the world, and make that impact while taking that lighter step... Of course there's also the typical wealth of celebratory events happening in & around the city - If you're feelin' like pounding the pavement with a purpose: get in on the Earth Run at Downsview Park's annual Earth Day Celebration. Or, if you're feeling eco-social, join the other enviro-conscious minded peeps at CN tower for the latest edition of Green Drinks.

For those who want to take a more individual initiative, here are 10 simple stylish ideas, sans-preach!

@work

Take Note: Collect misprints or old print outs and distribute 'em to be used for eco note paper.
Don't Be Lazy: Skip the elevator and take the stairs dude.
Break Bread: Organize a lunch for the office tribe where everyone brings something organic/fair trade/local (including brewing up some fair trade organic coffee for the office that day).
Trash Talk: Ask people to bring in any old cell phones, batteries, etc, to be sent for recycling.
One Man's Junk: Swap! Bring in the stuff you don't use or want anymore and have fun trading amongst yourselves.

@home

Create a Luscious Backyard: Get moving on that organic garden - what's sexier than growing your own fresh eco goodness? Yep. We don't know either. Need some hints? Check out what the peeps @ Young Urban Farmers are up to: www.youngurbanfarmers.com/news/young-urban-farmers-csa-info
Unleash Your Locavore: Sit down for a 100 mile dinner party (complimented by a bottle of local organic wine of course). Southbrook & Frogpond are yummy options- scope 'em here
Low-impact Filmfest: Consciously celebrate by screening (any of a gazillion) earth movies in the backyard for the neighbourhood to watch (psst: save some of that organic vino for the backyard party).
It Takes a Village - Pitch In!: Gather your tribe and clean up the neighbourhood/school yard/local park - after all, collective efforts make the biggest difference, and foster that 'all about the love' blue movement 'tude - and that's the stuff that's gonna change the world.
Hug a tree - :) nuff said.

Sharin' the love: From us to you to mama earth.

Wee-Rockstar Gear

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:44:17 -0500

Back in the day daddy was a punkrocker and mama was a radical feminist-yogini... who was backstage the night The Beatles first played Suillivan. (Whoa. Legendary.) Growing up in a house filled with music, read: amps, guitars, vinyl and bootleg tapes (sounds familiar), the founder of Indiekidz, Lara, rocked a pretty colorful and diverse childhood - from sitting lotus, singing bajans at yoga community ceremonies to family jams and original recordings basement-stylee, its no shocker that Lara has developed just the right tone- to deliver a spin on the always-traditional, often boring world of children's clothing.

The brainchild of Lara, (who's always been a tomboy rocker-chick with a deep interest in organic processes), the BC-based Indiekidz is an under-the-radar eco-T line for kids (and some for adults too! Which is cool 'cause we really dig the octopus bassist).

Featuring all original, all organic, limited edition screen prints with a rock 'n roll-indie edge that is seldom seen in the wee-fashion world. Indiekidz is the go-to place if you're hunting for that perfect staple-black t-shirt; But obviously what's really cool are the funky designs ... bold color with a mix of joyful characters and a unique rockstar flair.

Of course it ought to go without saying- but props where props are due: all wears are PVC, lead, Phthalate free and anti-macrobial 100% organic cotton and bamboo.

In her own words: "I might have thought IndieKidz began when I couldn't find a cool enough gift for my friend's new baby, or when I found out just how much better organic cotton is for the environment, but the roots, the inspiration, stretch way back...I started IndieKidz because I was one. I'm proud to say I still am."

Madlove to the eco-rockstar revolution. Suit up your own lil' rocker at: www.indiekidz.com - bonus: Lara digs on personalizing every order with a little something extra - a free hit of rock-memorabilia.

Birth of the Eco Musician

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:15:46 -0500

"What do you feel emotionally when youâ€™re in the darkness? Do you feel a moment of clarity, with no visual distractions, that allows you to think about deeper issues in your life?" These are questions that Toronto-based award-winning, critically acclaimed composer, pianist, and music educator, Frank Horvat is exploring through the sound of music; and that is the heart behind Horvatâ€™s nation-wide promotional Green Keys Tour for A Little Dark Music - his new CD that's putting the planet in the light. The Green Keys Tour is a yearlong, 50+ city, piano concert tour opening on the day of Earth Hour this month.

Like many artists, his craft has become the way of giving back to the earth. Horvat's original music is influenced by the post-modern idea of eclecticism. His portfolio of compositions demonstrates a variety of musical styles: wildly original, often chaotic, and his influences run the range from Bach to Beethoven to BartÃ³k to Bjork. (check it)

Featuring four introspective tracks with an ambient tone, A Little Dark Music explores real world themes like the environment, poverty, Sept 11th, and also features an hour-long composition entitled Earth Hour which explores the introspective side of darkness. The 60-minute continuous composition was not only inspired by, but will also be performed in, the dark (awesome). â€œMy goal was to create a soundscape that would bring peace, joy and contentment for listeners through sombre themes.â€ says Horvat. Dedicated to Earth Hour, 25% of the proceeds from the sales of A Little Dark Music will be donated to WWF-Canada. â€œThe Green Keys Tour will deliver a unique musical presentation featuring a mix of musical styles and original piano music that tell deeply personal stories."

Horvat has worked to make sure no admission fee is charged for any of the concerts. How can it get any better than free? The tour will be as environmentally low-impact as possible, in hopes of setting an example for other musicians. â€œI want everything Iâ€™m doing in the tour to act as an example of how people can still pursue their dreams and ambitions without hurting Mother Nature in the process.â€ explains Horvat. The tour is both sponsored and entirely powered by Bullfrog. You won't find any printed programs at the concerts, and A Little Dark Musicâ€™s CD case is printed on 100% recycled stock using vegetable inks. Also forget dirty, polluting tour buses (sorry groupies), Frank's committed to traveling only using public transit for the entirety of the tour. Big up man. Bring on the birth of eco-concerts!

The Green Keys Tour launches on March 27, 2010

at The Assembly Hall in Toronto

Find a tour date near you: http://frankhorvat.com/performance/tour.html

Natural Chromaticity

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:34:10 -0600

When Canadian research chemist Ying Liuâ€™s seven-year old first showed interest in nail polish she stopped and took a long, hard look at the ingredients. Whoa.

Horrified to find a veritable brew of crazy toxic chemicals, she knew she had to do somethingâ€¦

Although cosmetics companies nowadays are starting to remove the chemical solvent Toluene from their formulations, many still contain another brutal chemical, namely, Phthalate... and phthalate has been proven to interfere with normal hormone balance and can cause severe health problems (itâ€™s scary dude).

Enter Suncoat: Ying Liuâ€™s nail polishes are not only toluene and formaldehyde free, but theyâ€™re also phthalate-free (as well as alcohol and acetone/acetate-free!). Theyâ€™re natural. And thatâ€™s exactly where they get their colour from: natural earth pigments. No yucky chemical dyes, and although theyâ€™re water based, these arenâ€™t your rinky-dink kind of kiddie cosmetics â€“ theyâ€™re serious polishes: long lasting and they dry fast. Their colour assortment rocks too: youâ€™ll find everything from earthy golds and bronzes to the latest electric 80â€™s got-to-have chromaticity.

Suncoat also offers up a natural nail polish remover, as well as an organic cosmetic line that includes eye shadows, mascara, blush and lip shimmers. Their girlâ€™s line features an array of fun nail colours that any seven year old would OMG totally dig: www.suncoatgirl.com

Hereâ€™s where to find â€˜em: www.suncoatproducts.com/image/StoreList.pdf

A Taste of Amore

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:06:42 -0600

A few months back we encountered Robyn Kay sampling her ridiculously delicious shortbread cookies at our local store. Wow, her melt-in-your-mouth gourmet shortbread cookies just blew us away (and of course we bought some). As with most successful start-ups, necessity is the mother of invention, and when Robyn, product developer for a global consumer packaged goods company was told 8 months into her mat leave that she had no job to go back to, she decided to take her fate into her own baking hands.

An avid baker who was out to change the typical shortbread experience one dinner party at a time, she had already developed a loyal following of her scrumptious cookies. What started as an opportunity to create a special dessert for dinner guests spun out of control when word of mouth got around - requests for the mouthwatering gems started pouring in from her social circle. Taking an opportunists perspective, she transformed her llayoff into a chance to give back to the world...and became a mompreneur extraordinaire, packaging her goodies to share with the masses. With the support of a loving mother and business guidance of a sage father, she went on to meticulously develop her brand. From it's transparent box (to visually experience the product's beauty!) to the well-designed packaging (also made locally from recycled material), she was insistent on perfection from top to bottom. When a product drop at Pusateri's head office turned into an immediate listing she knew she was onto something big.

The Shortbread Bakery's cookies are made with the most kick-ass natural ingredients that seriously change the â€˜shortbread experienceâ€™. ( It's all about simplicity. ) Mixing natural rice flour and berry sugar into the recipe creates an airy, truly melt-in-your mouth cookie that is filled with buttery sweetness. (serious Yum! ) What's coolest is that Robyn's grassroots sampling approach not only gives her the opportunity to serve up the love alongside her cookies, but also a chance to reap the rewards of her customers' gratitude. During a recent sampling stint a happy savorer confided: "tasting your cookies is like drinking a fine wine - it's a bouquet of flavours!â€. Robyn believes the best info you can get is feedback directly from the peeps who are out enjoying the product - which then in turn gives her fuel for innovation. The Shortbread Bakery's lineup features Cocoa Amore (for the love of cocoa) and Original Gourmet, and to our delight a new customer-inspired cookie is on its way... Caramel Crunch Toffee shortbread (ummm, can we pre-order boxes?!). Bonus: They're freezer friendly so you can def stock 'em up!

Her grandfather's philosophy was "as soon as you give, you get back tenfold in happinessâ€ and Robyn lives that every day. What she's producing is with her heart and soul - giving back the love with something we all love - can it get any better than that?!

Here's where to get 'em: www.theshortbreadbakery.com/where-to-find-us.html

Adhesif in Wonderland

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:50:53 -0600

Tim Burton's latest blockbuster film is influencing more than just movie goers... Vancouver's Adhesif Clothing is going down the rabbit hole to capture the magic of Alice in Wonderland with their Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Made of reworked vintage fabric, each of their one-of-a-kind pieces can truly qualify as other-worldly...

Influenced by her mother who worked in garment production, Melissa Ferreira, the designer behind Adhesif Clothing Co. taught herself how to sew at a young age and has experimented with textiles most of her life. Working as a buyer in the vintage clothing industry inspired her to create her garments with retro fabrics.

â€œEverything about this collection is girly and whimsical,â€ says Melissa. â€œThink high-cut, empire waists and hourglass silhouettes that really accentuate a womanâ€™s figure.â€ The collection is both flirty and feminine with its Whirl Bubble Blouse and Ballet Bubble Dress.

Totally dig that they used funky 1950's â€˜bark clothâ€™ (originally used from the 1930's to 60's for drapery... yep drapes.) the texture of the fabric gives the pieces another dimension. The palette of violet, mauve and cobalt are complimented by sweet n' soft pieces of creamy neutrals in retro patterns like floral, polka-dot and paisley.

Check out their Suspend Shorts - Made from recycled tees and soft corduroy, this high-waisted number is a must-have for any fantasy adventure. Conversation piece: the detailing along the front are very rare â€˜cat-eyeâ€™ shell buttons from the 1950s. Not only does Adhesif use sustainable materials to reduce waste, but the fabrics add distinctive personality to all their gear. All their designs are locally produced in Vancouver, BC.

Find your favourite Adhesif adventure online at www.etsy.com. Prices range from $88 for the Pause Blouse to $162 for the Ballet Bubble Dress.

Organic Transformations

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:07:04 -0600

If you're looking for a unique piece of furniture with a great story, you need venture no further than Snake Island. Snake Island Furniture, a local upstart is reclaiming, reusing, and re-envisioning distinctive pieces of wood rescued from Toronto's wind and deadfall. (save the trees!) With the lowest possible environmental impact in mind, no new wood is ever cut for their artful creations. They begin with the natural material at hand and channel a clean, modern aesthetic to produce one-of-a-kind funky furniture that shows respect to the tree's original form.

Unique materials, innovative design and old world craftsmanship transform the once 'waste' trees into organic contemporary beauties. Their arborist claims the wood as local trees are cut down for removal. These imperfect slabs of blight-stricken butternut, majestic black walnut, burley cherry, Russian olive as well as Toronto Island's distinctive weeping willow are carefully rescued, then formed and finished by their master cabinetmaker with exacting standards of quality and finish.

Snake Island is a collaboration of Tyler Ganton, an eco passionate arborist, Patrick Loubert, designer and creative entrepreneur (also co-founder of Canadian film production company Nelvana), and the skilled craftsmanship of cabinetmaker Angelo Travernaut. "Usually these 'waste' trees are chopped into chunks and end up in landfill," says Tyler. "I realized that if we cut them bigger and lowered the pieces gently, we could save some to use. We mill and dry them ourselves; the gas we use to transport them is the same as if we were going to the dump." Patrick says: "One thing that separates us at Snake Island is that our natural wood is local and reclaimed rather than virgin forest shipped from Indonesia"

Look for unique coffee tables, sideboards, media units, stools, and dining room tables. They even produce bowls, which are really pieces of functional art - distinctive as the natural growth tress they come from, their bowls are hand formed and polished to organic perfection. Sealed with hemp, walnut, or tung oil, they are perfect for fruit, salad or simply bringing the outside in.

To further our adoration:

For every piece they sell they plant a tree! Check them out at: www.snakeislandfurniture.ca

On Tap: Carbon-Free Fragrance

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:56:12 -0600

The world's first beer-based carbon neutral fragrance

Take note (top note and middle note too!) - out on the west coast in a little place called Seattle (unique enough that we're going outside our borders to give out props) an 'a-scent' is happeningâ€¦ the dawn of a footprint-free fragrance.

Rising like the subject of its name- EOS (the Greek goddess of the dawn), is the worldâ€™s first entirely carbon neutral fragrance. (Of course you wisensed peeps know that perfume is one of the most toxic things you can put on your bodyâ€¦not to mention riddled with petros! Regular perfume contains between 5% and 15% of actual fragrance, with the rest made up of petroleum-derived solvents...yeah thatâ€™s gross.)

The peeps at Blue Marble Energy (on a mission to displace oil! Love.), have team up with local artisan perfumery Sweet Anthem in almost a social statement to replace mass-produced, petroleum-based fragrance oils with local, carbon neutral, and petroleum-free bioesters. EOS is crafted using renewable biochemicals, in this case bio-esters made from leftover organic brewery grain (otherwise known as brewery sludge) and locally sourced organic, sustainable and wild harvested materials.

The EOS fragrance line demonstrates the immediate, high value application of alternative energy. "The potential outlets for our biochemicals are vast," says BME's Chief Science Officer, James Stephens. "Fragrance is just one of many examples in which carbon neutral, renewable biochemicals can directly replace polluting petrochemicals in high value products."

The line's two unique scents feature a special selection of Blue Marble Energy's carbon neutral bioester top notes, carefully blended with Sweet Anthem's custom fragrance heart and low notes. The feminine version of EOS is a modern, bright, floral, tea-based scent, while the masculine/unisex version is characterized by citrus and cognac, with hints of powdery apricot.

Get a whiffâ€¦for a limited time @ www.bluemarbleenergy.net/eos

Â®copyright2010 EcocentricGuide all rights reserved.

Colour a Scents-ational & Sustainable World

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:46:16 -0600

We're guessing lots of arts and crafts were afoot on Family Day...

Which got us thinking about the ubiquitous pencil crayons we all grew up with... Well the peeps at Smencils, out of Delta, BC are taking this old school colouring utensil to the next level. Smencils are the only pencil crayons made out of rolled sheets of newspaper instead of wood (you can even see the layers of newspaper when you sharpen them). And these pencils smell like fun - each colour is scrumptiously scented making for your own sketch and sniff creation.

Smencils take sheets of newspaper and roll them tightly around a #2 graphite writing core until pencils of typical thickness are formed (172,000 Smencils can be made from 430 newspapers). They're then hardened allowing them to be sharpened just like wood pencils. Then they soak 'em in gourmet liquid scents that are both environmentally friendly and non-toxic - and once they're dry, biodegradable erasers are attached and placed into their own corn-based biodegradable freshness tube. They guarantee Smencils will maintain their scent for 2 years!

Smencils come in Bubble Gum, Cinnamon, Tropical Blast, Grape, Cotton Candy, Very Berry, Black Cherry, Orange, Watermelon, and Rootbeer. Note our product tester has created a delight to the senses: a seahorse with a very berry head and a tropical scented body, and its aromatic accents are floating in a bed of watermelon seaweed!

Smencils are also available for school fundraising. A better for us option to the typical chocolate bars: No sugar and no calories! Useful, unique, and good for the planet. A good example for the kids as they're not only good for the environment, but a great way to show the benefits of recycling. And they can be customized too (a cool idea for birthday party loot bags!)

Sniff 'em out at Chapters Indigo stores

or order them online @ www.smencils.ca/order.html

Saving trees... one pencil at a time.

Great Skin. No BS.

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:20:31 -0600

After years of working on beauty brands in the broken world of consumer packaged goods, Brian Lau finally decided he had enough of the bullshit. So with that in mind he launched a line of BS-free products made specifically for dudes: no bs ingredients, no bs packaging, and no bs advertising. Just the basics: Bread&Butter.

Bread&Butter provides an innovative alternative to the department store shopping experience: subscription based skincare. A simple premise: One order, two deliveries; high quality, chemical-free, no shopping = a no-BS happy man complexion.

The unique formulas contain no irritating ingredients like fragrance and alcohols and they're available in goof-proof Kits: one regime for Winter and one for Summer. And to make it even simpler (and avoid any possible confusion), the bottles are even marked "moist" and "clean" . Since the last thing you guys want to do is walk down a cosmetics aisle, you'll really appreciate the online ordering system - $84.99 will hook you up for a year's subscription - Each season is stocked with 180 days worth of product and delivered straight to your door. They're shipping Winter right now, but when June rolls around your Summer Kit will promptly arrive (contains an SPF formulated moisturizer) ready for your fresh face to tackle the new season. Can it get any easier? Those with cold feet can be assured by the fact that Bread&Butter has a 60 day return policy. If you don't like the stuff, just send it back and they'll give you full credit.

Props to Bread&Butter for taking their environmental commitment seriously: they've created a cradle-to-cradle program (available only in Torontoâ€¦for now) where customers who buy The Kit can email or call their customer service team to have their used eco-packaging picked up and sent for proper recycling (plastic tubes used for soaps and moisturizers are not recycled in municipal North American recycling facilities). Plus, they're in the midst of a pilot program to use non-carbon emitting bike couriers to deliver their products in Toronto.

Not only does Bread&Butter create products where nothing unnecessary is added, said, or done without purpose, but they admirably take a stand against an industry with clear questionable ethics... you won't see them spending dough on ridiculous claims and advertising - they'll just let the product speak for itself.

Get back to basics: www.breadandbutterskincare.com/user/action/register

Calling All Bag-onistas!

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:57:00 -0600

Once upon a time you were a pioneerâ€¦ a veritable trailblazer toting your reusable bags to the weekly shop or farmerâ€™s market. Today, stylin' shoppers are as ubiquitous as iPods, and as prepared as we are to transport our goodies home, we are still faced the dilemma of throwing our produce and bulk items loosely in the shopper or be forced to use those flimsy (unrecyclable) plastic produce bags. Well, Carebags has a solution for us in their transparent, strong, and stretchy reusable produce bags. (read: TOTAL PLASTIC FREEDOM!)

Whatâ€™s awesome about Carebags is that theyâ€™re constructed from an exclusive textile blend that lets you buy, wash, and store â€“ right in the bag. The bags are breathable and hold just enough moisture to actually preserve your produce (no more soggy lettuce!). Throw them in your crisper drawer to create the optimal storage conditions.

The bags are crazy versatile â€“ you can use them for storing rice, lentils, beans and nuts, (theyâ€™ll hold up to10lbs of stuff), but there are so many other ways to use them: from growing sprouts, to drying herbs, rinsing dry goods, to carrying baby toys and your daily stash of supplement bottles.<--(true story) Because theyâ€™re designed with no drawstrings you can tie them up according to fill. Plus they resist mold, are machine washable and dry in no time, ready for the next use.

Carebags were first developed in the early 1990s by two young mothers seeking an alternative to disposable plastic. The original designs are still in use today. Carebags, locally made in Vancouver, B.C., are committed to supporting the local community and to providing food storage education. They pride themselves in operating ethically and morally.

Recently introduced are Carebags with drawstrings (sets available in pouches) plus you can even buy them as "singles". There are two more products brewing to launch soon - so make sure to check back later this month.

Get 'em online at: www.CarebagsOnline.com

Representin' at The GreenShows

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:48:00 -0600

You know when the fashionati of NYC incorporate an entire series of shows dedicated to Green fashion that weâ€™re finally seeing a real shift in the industry. After a successful debut during New York Fashion Week in September 2009, The GreenShows announced a second Eco Fashion Week taking place on February 14â€“17th. Typically we're solely about the local-love...we donâ€™t look outside our borders for content, but we must take the opportunity to big up our own down in the big apple... who're representinâ€™ at the shows this season.

The GreenShows will be showcasing the Fall/Winter 2010 collections from 10 eco-minded and global designers, two of which are homegrown talent: Thieves by Torontoâ€™s Sonja den Elzen and Deux fm by Halifaxâ€™s Anna Gilkerson.

Thieves' collection puts its focus on eco-fabrics: organic wool, cotton, peace silk, bamboo, tencel (and vegetable tanned leather). It's a line made for the woman thatâ€™s demure yet strong... sensual and independent- youâ€™ll find pieces that incorporate everything from fine tailoring to draping and asymmetry. Designer den Elzen conceptualizes her creations through unifying sustainable fabrics, organic textures, collaborative graphics, and the sculpting of these elements around the form of the body. (gotta love the artistic process.

Thieves launched in 2006 and back then it was one of the few labels leading the green fashion charge. If you haven't already- scope their Thieves Boutique: 1156 Queen Street West (Tdot). Not only do they showcase the house line Thieves by Sonja den Elzen, but support other designers working in the realms of sustainable design. Currently theyâ€™re carrying Heartfelt, League of Lovers, Carga, Ashley Watson and more...

Deux fm is for the woman who rocks both style and ethics. She is sexy-ecology in action - love, think, eco chicâ€¦ and she wears her heart on her sleeve. Deux fm collections are innovative and full of sass and style. All eco-ethically manufactured locally - even their 100% organic hemp hangtags are made by hand, printed and finished locally (the tag string is even 100% organic alpaca yarn).

Since 2006 Nova Scotian native and designer Anna Gilkerson, has had us wearing her heart on our sleevesâ€“ yet another pioneer in the Canadian eco-fashion world. Anna produces her entire line in Canada and guarantees fair labor practices. Check their site for national retailers: www.deuxfm.com.

Fitting that we should have two of our eco fashion pioneers showing at this premiere fashion event exclusively committed to eco-friendly, ethically sound, fair-trade fashion.

Find out more at: www.thegreenshows.com
Â®copyright 2010 EcocentricGuide all rights reserved.

For Kids 1 to 101

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:22:53 -0600

We wrote about the Sweet Pea peeps and their ingenious and innovative organic baby food last year ...and the creative minds behind the growing success story have just launched their newest drool-worthy product: Cookies! Mmmmhmmm. And not just your typical organic-cardboard-ish or arrowroot variety either.

Designed specifically for your own sweet-pea's growing needs (but more than suitable for big-kid munching),100% wholegrain organic and containing no dairy, eggs, salt, preservatives or additives. They're available in 3 flavours: Banana Pear, Pumpkin Spice and Sweet Apple and packaged in a resealable bag, but trust us, it won't stay sealed for long.

Chocked full of goodness, we literally almost polished off the entire bag of Pumpkin Spice in one office-sitting! At just a measly 30 calories per- it was hard not to keep shoving them into our mouths. Purely addictive... On the nutritional front: the goodness of pumpkin (mad potassium!) kept us driven all afternoon, and whole grain spelt is packed with protein, fibre, B's and E's. A sweet deal indeed. After first taste, if you're feeling generous, why not share em with your little ones?! (pop 'em in the freezer too - they make delicious teething biscuits).

Get 'em @ retailers across Canada.

Locavores: an extra reason to love them- their goods are made right here in TO.

Dig it online:
www.sweetpeababyfood.com

or follow their twitter action

http://twitter.com/SweetpeaGirls

Eco-Goodness By The Pound

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:49:44 -0600

It's been a lifelong love affair for Ezra Braves... exposed to the bean at the tender young age of 3, he's always known there was coffee brewing in his future. First cutting his teeth roasting beans at Torontoâ€™s first on-site coffee roastery, The Coffee Tree, he's now passionately roasting his own organic, fair trade bean-blends for both his Toronto Ezraâ€™s Pound locations.

Having visited some the farms he buys his beans from, Bravesâ€™ standards are beyond fair trade â€“ his involvement is deep... from personally speaking to the coffee workers, to scoping out working conditions and farming techniques to ensure environmental and ethical practices. His passion is thorough which means you can feel good about the coffee - and it's frothy delish. Theyâ€™re known for what Braves calls â€˜the single malt scotch of coffeeâ€™ espresso. Thereâ€™s plenty to choose from though, whether itâ€™s their brew coffee (ground and dripped to order) or iced coffee lovingly served with ice-cubes made of coffee (because you do not want to dilute the yumminess of this blend with H20). At Ezra's thereâ€™s something for every coffee (and tea) lover.

Braves may be serious about coffee, but the standards are just as high for the food they serve. Everything on the menu is organic and, quote: â€œI wouldnâ€™t feed my customers anything I wouldnâ€™t feed my own kidsâ€. Braves bakes up some killer croissants, plus their organic desserts and sandwiches are all made from scratch and truly divine.

They buy local every opportunity they can, and all packaging is eco (either recyclable or compostable). We kid you not, these folks only throw out 1 bag of garbage a day â€“ 1 bag! ...needless to say, a huge feat for a restaurant). All take-out cups are non-toxic and biodegradable of course. Even the cafÃ©â€™s themselves are designed using salvaged and reused materials. The funky front counter of the Dundas location is constructed out of repurposed doors. Also notable- catch some local artist-talent now showing at both locations.

Get a shot at: 238 Dupont Street or 913 Dundas Street West.

www.ezraspound.com/

Order-In Some Organic Love

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:27:45 -0600

Ok its truth time - we can't stand all the hype around Valentine's Day. We have no issues with love - It's all about the love man! But this overstated commercially driven â€˜holidayâ€™ is mega waste-producing to say the least - with all the Valentine's Day cards and heart shaped cardboard boxes (don't even get us on the over-caloric chemically stuffed sweets!). Seriously, we know where all that excess red and pink paper goes after the fact (and the chocolate too). So instead weâ€™re proposing a new spin on gifting for this holidayâ€¦ (and it doesnâ€™t require stepping a foot out of your door.

Founded in 2006 by Carmel Lundin, Naturally Carmel Mobile Spa is the first 'luxury organic mobile spa' that delivers the goods right to your door (home or office). â€œ I wanted to make it easy for busy women to experience the relaxation and pleasure of a professional spa treatment without having to leave home." This ingenius concept of bringing the complete spa experience direct to your door has finally become eco-fabulous: Sit back and relax and choose from a range of yummy organic treatments from lemongrass manicures to decadent chocolate facials (no cardboard box required).

For those out there that may not be a part of a â€˜couple', no need to shrug off Valentine's altogether, nor should you feel left out... as a sort of non-traditional, anti-Valentine's, pro-love celebration we propose: why not host a Spalicious Party, a night in for a group of friends (and celebrate some BF-centric love with some fun-time pampering). Even better, treat your yourself to some well deserved indulgence and check out Carmelâ€™s cheeky Valentine's special: â€œSingle Bitter and Twisted, Party of Oneâ€.

In the throes of romance and want to add to the already swoon-worthy romantic evening you have planned? Why not design a custom-home spa package for your sweetheart: Cupid's Couple is a good lovin' dose of organic luxury.

Reduce the stress while reducing your footprint - talk about spreading the love this Valentine's Day!

Change Comes From Without

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:16:02 -0600

Hey, we're all busy peeps; we're all on the run on the regular, and as much as we try to the right thing by coming home and whippin' up some good healthy home cookin', there are those days (ok let's be honest, there's plenty of 'em) when take-out will have to do instead, or ordering in is the only feasible option.

JUST SAY NO (To all that packaging)

For many, that on the run meal is often a godsend for (time)starved bellies, but like any conscious individual, along with the yummy-timesavers come the post-meal guilt. That apres-meal guilt encompasses alot more than simply excess caloric-intake... tossing out all those containers, lids, forks spoons... (the list goes on) is a tough thing to swallow.

When Calgary-based entrepreneur K.B. Lee got fed up eating Chinese take-out from foam containers he took action, (and with the help of Lisa Borden of Borden Communications), TakeOutWithOut was brought to life. TOWO is a fast-food trash reduction initiative, launched in Toronto last week - their mission is to spread the mantra: "Fill your stomach. Not the landfill." Raising awareness around the outrageous amount of unnecessary waste we create everyday.

Reality is, we'll probably still keep our favourite take-out joint in business, but we can make a big difference just by saying NO to unnecessary packaging, and perhaps even toting along our own reusables. (brilliant)

The 3R's of TOWO

ReFuse (Unnecessary Stuff)

Who needs all those spoons, forks, straws, and napkins they automatically chuck in your bag? You're taking it home, use your own cutlery - it always tastes better that way anyways.

ReTake (Your Own Reusables)

Bring your own reusables (BYOR) with you - plenty of places are happy to dish up your dinner in your personal containers, plus discounts are often offered for bringing your own mug at your fav coffee spot.

ReConsider (Your Habits)

Change it up - making dinner at home is definitely healthier, but can also be fun bonding time to share with your home-tribe. (as long as you don't go all Ramsey in the kitchen)

TOWO is asking for restaurants to sign up and fill peeps in on the incentives in place for people bringing their own reusables (and what action they take to minimize waste on a daily basis). Fill out the online form and they'll list your establishment and also let the TOWO tribe know what goodness you're up to. (free PR eco people!)

Join the campaign: say NO! Spread the word! Packaging can linger in our landfills forever, plus if you consider the impact of making, transporting, and then recycling the stuff, it only makes sense for us to use less and give more - back to our mother earth.

takeoutwithout.com

A Pillow Revolution

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:01:02 -0600

Who doesnâ€™t dig on cozying up in a mountain of yummy pillows? We can't think of anything finerâ€¦except a mountain of uber chic sustainably created, dreamy, eco-pillows. Mmmm. As the saying goes, the devil is in the details, and the peeps at FLUF say it is especially true for style, originality and great design. We couldn't agree more and that's why FLUF is our latest greenspot. They've got the style, the freshness and the attitude.

In the summer of 2005, the shared vision to "elevate one of the unsung details of the home, the lowly pillow" led founders Nathalie and Terra to create FLUF. They started making pillows and only pillows. Lots and lots of pillows. People thought they were slightly nuts... pillows for every type of interior- from Ã¼ber-modern, stark minimalism to retro 80's post-punk angst, to lush velvety Oscar Wilde interiors, to relaxed country livinâ€™, to shabby urban chic. But inevitably, and before long, people totally got it and joined the pillow revolution.
Pillows began to assert themselvesâ€¦ they stood up to ottomans, couches and chairs; They started their own roomsâ€¦ It was then that the people behind FLUF began seeking out fresh and orginal fabrics from which to fashion their creations. With searches coming up largely empty, Nathalie and Terra, created their own fabric line- FLY which has since expanded to a growing product line, (handprinted locally in small runs on chemical-free hemp and organic cotton with bio-dyes of course), and their fearless pillows are leading the charge.

Pillows and fabric are all hand sewn by teams of locals and the 'tude is what makes them entirely greenspot-worthy: shipments are not boxed, they're not mass-produced, they answer their own phones, send their own faxes and drink their own coffee. FLUF said.

www.fluf-design.com

Read My Hips

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:34:31 -0600

For all those who dig on rockin' those statement belt buckles, there's only one thing we've got to say: Read My Hips.

Add (retro, kitsch, supercool) funk to any outfit with these one-of-a-kind repurposed, upcycled beauties. More than just about keeping those pants off the ground... and beyond functional fashion, Read My Hips recycled media accessories are straight up conversation pieces. How many can say they've worn a couple of vintage Playboy ads 'round their hips? Or wrappered up their waists with bubblegum? How about a vintage 80's album cover? Imagination is the only barrier.

Isabella Campbell, a true tomboy-lina, began designing as Canadiana gifts for friends off to Australia (travel wallets born from Tim's coffee cups and Canadian Tire money) and went on to create belts with anything from hockey cards to raisin boxes to comic books. Often found with scissors in one hand and her brothers' hand me downs jeans and tee's in the other, her creative destructive streak (the dynamic between destruction and creation is a beautiful thing) provided an outlet to compliment Isabella's background in fashion design.

The belts are truly unique finds just as they are, but if you want to get hooked up with a custom piece all the better... For a truly personal touch you are encouraged to collect the raw materials yourself and in turn Read My Hips will astonish you with your very own authentic recy-collage wearable art-piece.

And seriously, peeps will def. be reading your hips when you're wearing one of these...

(Natalie Roze on Queen St. in Leslieville has a cool selection...) or scope the old-school site on where else to find 'em: http://iisa.biz/

Brew Up Some Bliss

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:39:45 -0600

Yep, it finally happenedâ€¦ winter has arrived. We knew it was comingâ€¦ the -20 wind-chills, the frozen eyelashes and frostbitten digits. And given the deep January chills, coupled with the hazy-holiday hangovers, it was only appropriate that we brew up some eco-warmth for the soul. Theres nothing that equates with comfort quite like a good hot cup of tea. And not only that, but as an epilogue to the festive feeding frenzy, let's give ourselves a little detox-bliss while weâ€™re at it. (Tea is one of the best antioxidants on the planetâ€¦ talk about drinking in the goodness.)

Good teas are akin to fine wines for connoisseurs, and nourishtea does not disappoint with its impressive lineup. From familiar breakfast teas to the most amazing and hard-to-find varieties (like matcha), theyâ€™ve gotâ€™em. Nourishtea, the brainchild of Chris Draper (much like any brilliant greenspot has the genuine, humble roots that make this story truly â€˜ecocentricâ€™) â€¦the fledgling company finds its beginnings in the basement of Draperâ€™s mother's home in Toronto (lovin' the local). Born out of a genuine love of tea and a quest to live a healthier lifestyle, Draper, (along with partner Avi Markus) like all passionate innovative, entrepreneurial spirits - are on a mission to change the concept of what tea can be.

Each spring Chris travels (to Asia) to hand-source the leaves that make their way into the cups of some of the yummiest, authentic looseleaf tea you'll find on the organic market. (What could be a better questlove than traveling around the world to ensure only the finest ingredients make it into your cup?)

What we adore about these teas (other than the sexy packaging and that 5% of nourishteaâ€™s proceeds go to Action Against Hunger and other local charities) is that almost all make an equally delicious iced-blend. Perfect for the more fiery palette and year-round yum.

Have a little peek at the lineup:

Blue (wu-long, oo-long) tea - iron goddess of mercy

Named after the Buddhist saint Guan Yin, who is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Blue teas are between green and black tea. Oolongs are very complicated and sophisticated, with a large spectrum of tastes, aftertastes and smells.

Hite bai mu dan (whole leaf white tea)

White bai mu dan contains 5-15 mg of caffeine ( the lowest caffeine of all real tea.) It is also the highest in anti-oxidants of all loose leaf teas and therefore another great choice from those looking to stock up on goodness.

Jasmine dragon phoenix pearls - A famous Chinese tea and has quickly become one of nourishteaâ€™s own fan favorite. (We love the jasmine too) Legend describes the image of tea bushes rising up the mountainside resembling a dragonâ€™s long slender body, with tea pickers scattered around dancing like phoenixes. This is a must try.â€¨â€¨

Matcha
A personal fav for the nourish-team, matcha has an awesome history not to mention outstanding health benefits.
â€¢ 13X the antioxidants of pomegranates (without the calories!)
â€¢ Reputed to increase metabolism and help control body weight
â€¢ Boosts energy levels with a calm mental awareness
â€¢ 6X the antioxidants of green tea: 137X the antioxidants of green tea bags
Japanese Zen Buddhist monks used their amazing skills as master herbalists over 800 (1161A.D.) years ago to create matcha. It was originally drunk before meditation to help with mental awareness and clarity. Nuff said.

Minty igloo (loose leaf peppermint)
â€œMinty iglooâ€ is the jewel in the crown of the nourishtea herbals. Weâ€™ll let the nourishtea folks speak for themselves on this gem:
â€œNothing beats a warm cup of peppermint to calm your nerves at the end of the day, or settle your stomach at the end of a great mealâ€¦â€. "The fact is, we were being WAY too calm and tempered when the copy was being written for this baby. This delicious tea is so minty fresh, its like â€œfirst kissâ€ minty fresh. Hereâ€™s a tip: pour yourself a cup, add a half teaspoon of sugar and sip. This baby will BLOW YOUR MIND. Youâ€™ll see your breath. (clause: last sentence not true)."

Have a sipâ€¦ youll be an instant convertâ€¦ then get live and join the teatribe for tea-tip exchanges and inside tea-sharing goodness..

Thinking outside the bagâ€¦peep tips on brewing the perfect cup:

Tips to brew the perfect cup

Get some goodness @ www.nourishtea.ca

Happy Blue Year!

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:56:42 -0600

Coming to the close of our first year here at EcocentricGuide, it only seems appropriate that we seize the opportunity to pause and reflect back on the wealth of inspiration we've received from the homegrown heroes that have touched us on our ecojourney. Enjoy a taste of the sentiments that make our love worth its labour. After all, its all about the love.

...Merlin of TheLOFTfitnessstudio

gives back by simply â€œDoing what I feel is a duty to all the wonderful blessings we've been given on this earthâ€. Namaste Merlin.

...And Jodi fromExuberance reminds us that â€œIt's all elements of who we are as women that makes us beautiful, not just those that fit into a single narrow definition of beauty." You rock Jodi.

...YogaGurl teaches us to foster a creative, playful, and balanced outlook on life with "Whine Less, Breathe More".

...Buddhanature, in true blue fashion, offers Light Harmony and Gratitude in their every creative deliberation.

.... and ECHOage inspires us to teach children about the joys of giving.

... It is within our tribe that we blossom, and as April of Lil Bean and Green

shared with us: "It takes a community to nurture a healthy family,â€

We're looking back in gratitude. Ain't it all the truth. Its all about the love... its all about the tribe.

So as we take what we've experienced in 2009 and look forward to 2010, we can follow the lead of The Living Centre who encourages us all "to promote a renaissance in human thought, values and conscience based on healing, eco-sustainability and openness.â€ Their wish (and ours) is to grow together as global citizens; and to contribute towards the creation of a culture based in peace.

As the guide to your resplendently ecocentric self and online destination of eco-discovery, let's all walk that greener path together towards a happier, healthier - Bluer way of life. In the words of Louis of Nomads Hemp Wear: "I think a lot of people feel like they are nomads. After all, arenâ€™t we all nomads to this planet, here for the journey and then off to somewhere else againâ€¦"

Let that journey lead us towards the sustainability revolution.

Happy Blue Year ecolutionaries!

onelove.

ECG. <3

Make a Clean Start

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:34:19 -0600

New years are always symbolic of clean startsâ€¦ fresh chi, detox-bliss... sometimes the smallest things can be life changing and at Simply, they believe that the greatest changes come from making the smallest choices.

Simply, a local Toronto operation, runs a family-friendly workplace that values equality, trust and communication. Creating yummy rich body bars, organic nourishing body polishes and moisturizing hand-blended body butters - all made with fairly traded, organic and natural ingredients. Simply, simple!

Simply soaps are made with a traditional cold-process method - handmade in wooden log moulds in small batches on a per order basis. Talk about fresh! (They use Vitamin E to help preserve their products, as well as Coconut Oil, which is also very high in antioxidant properties.) Their line of all natural plant-based products have been created with the intention of helping to heal and restore skin that has been damaged by our harsh environment and they do it by the blending of pure essential oils with the finest ingredients.

Simply began in 2001 as an opportunity for Amanda to stay home with her newborn son (she saw the need to create healing products that would be gentle enough to even be used on newborn skin). Drawing on her background in Herbalism and Aromatherapy, she apprenticed with an experienced soaper and developed a line of 10 soaps, including formulations such as Anise, Cinnamon, Tangerine, and Lemongrass. Their funky packaging is just as fresh as the fragrances. Mmmm. Simplicity.

Check them out at: www.simplybyamanda.com/shop.html and get yourself a fresh clean start for 2010.

Here's to Holiday Humanity

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:50:48 -0600

The holidays - what better a time to pause in retrospect and in gratitude for our blessingsâ€¦ to celebrate being present, alive and in the moment. Reveling in life with our loved ones.

A new decade is upon usâ€¦ an opportunity to be mindful of our perspective as we look around the corner at 2010. We say: bring on the Blue renaissance! Letâ€™s channel our positive energies into action, towards a collective consciousness. Pushing forward with those humanistic aspirations: social, cultural, economic and environmental, that together foster a natural planetary balanceâ€¦

Together lets make this the decade that human culture harmonizes our relationships with the living world. The Blue Revolution: building a culture of happy people consciously contributing to a healthier planet.

Lennon said it best: "A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream togetherâ€¦ is reality."

Thank you for being a part of our Tribe. Mad eco-love to you and Happy Holidays.

Together let's make 2010 the birth of the Blue.

onelove.

Reclaimed Glass Genius

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:24:49 -0600

Holiday entertaining is upon us, and with its indulgence, bluebox real-estate is inevitably at a premium. Sure we are all getting better at the green thing, becoming more conscious of our waste and our consumption...we all do our part by putting our empties curb-side, but the cold-faced truth is that Canada only recycles 20% of all glass bottles. (That's mildly horrifying) Be that as it may, there truly is art in everything; and to that notion - the alternate methods to keep that glass out of landfills have become something beautiful.

Enter: Out of Ruins... a homegrown artisan glass-works studio who is taking a chunk out of that 80%. Out of Ruins is a family run business devoted to pioneering new techniques and creating new forms of expression with its recycled glass art pieces. Inspired by Diane Proulx's love of gardening, and her eclectic flair for creating visual appeal in her yard, Out of Ruins is the vessel for her innovative new art form - combining creativity with eco-wise activism. Diane and son, Tyler, are the original inventors of this new art form: salvaging items destined for landfill sites is recycling at its best. Art knows no landfill.

From commissioned pieces, to their own innovative designs, Out of Ruins creates a vertiable glass-garden of recycled art. Their Glass Art Windows are the coolest notable... created with their unique "fired glass" technique, each is a "one of a kind" looking glass gem.

Also vibe on out their Flattened Bottles collection (made from wine bottles that are fired and flattened in a special glass kiln.) *perfect gift pieces to accompany an original bottle. Reclaimed glass genius.

These amazing spheres and bowls are produced using the 'Warm Glass Fusion technique' make for stunning statement pieces, in the kitchen or the garden.

If you're in the Ottawa area dig on an Out of Ruins workshop special. Register early for a recycled-art adventure...all materials are included and you'll finish the day with a completed Glass Art Window ready to be hung in your home or garden. Check it out:

www.outofruins.com

Gifts of Light, Harmony, and Gratitude

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:34:51 -0600

No one looks forward to the holidays more than kids doâ€¦. Weâ€™ll spare you the diatribes around crossing off wishlists (and the encouragement of excess and mini-materialism...). Kids deserve to be kidsâ€¦Complete with nights spent dreaming of unwrapping mountains of gifts. So Instead weâ€™ll give you the lowdown on some homegrown holiday gifts. All natural and organic - complete with love and infused with positive intention. (no extra charge)

Whitney and Jeremy are a couple of artists happily loving life together and craft each Buddhanature item they sell by hand. They strive to make local, organic, sustainable and ecological choices every day - and express their love of nature and abundance by sharing their creations with us.

Check out their cheeky Earth Monkeys made with all natural coloured yarnâ€¦ Whitney has made a pledge to donate one of these monkeys for every ten that they sell, to children who might not otherwise be able to have a natural toy hand made for them with love. (we dig)

Their Baby Rattle Owls and Elephants are made from 100% organic cotton fabric and all natural cotton stuffing. Perfect for little ones to hold, rattle and chew on, and for bigger kids to animate in creative play.

The most precious thing in their collection though, has got to be... the Gnome and Toadstool Set. The gnome uses Gnome Magic to transport his favourite toadstool with him wherever he goes, and is waiting to set up in your favourite nature scene at home.

All items are gift wrapped in handmade, vegetable stamped, reusable and recyclable paper with a matching blank tag. Ready to be given, right out of your mailbox! (Great for last minute shoppers.) â€¨â€¨Buddhanature, out of Kelowna, B.C., offers Light Harmony and Gratitude in their every creative deliberation. If you are local to the Kelowna/Vernon area, contact them so that your shipping can be refunded. (They also offer local delivery and pick up.) Check out their new blog!: http://lightharmonygratitude.blogspot.com/ featuring new topics each day all themed with living in light, love and harmony with the natural abundance surrounding usâ€¦

www.etsy.com/shop/buddhanature

'Paw'print-Friendly Eats

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:05:04 -0600

We pet people know that when it comes to our furry four-legged friends they are viewed as much a part of our family as the rest. And just as much as we want to live cleaner and greener life, we want the very same for them. Inevitable then that with the veritable plethora of options in a market devoted to fostering the adoration we shower upon our beloved pets, that the eco-love would eventually extend to them as well. So we're taking a moment to pay an eco-wise tribute to those loyal and organically-steadfast companions in our lives...

Our favourite neighbourhood (yes, Leslieville) has made the greenspot again with Queen Eastâ€™s newest hound haunt- The Bone House. Open for a little over 6 months now, and a pioneer in its niche, this greenspot is a planet-friendly puppy palace devoted entirely to supporting and facilitating the growth of a more sustainable lifestyle for our canine companions. Check out their store and peep the diverse offering of puppy-gear: beds, stairs, collars, bath robes, car seats (whoa)â€¦ blankets, leashes (with matching jewelry), mad toys, dental hygiene needs and of course biodegradable 'business bags' ...the eco-list is endless. Also check out the in-demand selection of (hot-selling) locally-made artisan dog-sweaters (supercute).

With their impressive menu of organic, human grade, or raw diet plans, The Bone House is committed to offering almost entirely local and regionally produced fare for dogs (100% eco-friendly cuisine and sustainable snack options). And they have meal (and nutritional supplement) options to meet every wellness need. Also notable: The Bone House extends a footprint-friendly full delivery service (another genius innovation and perfect for you crack of dawn early morning walkers who cant make the 11am open time). They even offer a â€˜doggie concierge serviceâ€™.

For those of you fully-committed pet owners, The Bone House also puts on some pretty cool seminars and canine-cultural events. The last was a local artist showcase of Toronto-based â€˜Paul Boddum (whoâ€™s pets have been the subject of his contemporary art for the past 20yrs).

Take your afternoon stroll down to 946 Queen and join The Bone House's growing community of like minded and eco-minded dog owners, hooking you up with all the tools to enjoy a long, healthy, happy life with your bow-wow buddy.

The Bone House
946 Queen Street East

Toronto
www.thebonehouse.ca

Â®copyright 2009 Ecocentric Guide all rights reserved.

Whine Less Breathe More

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:02:10 -0600

Saying that life is hectic nowadays has become a near trite notion... We all hit the ground running at 150kms an hour every day: wielding the crackberry, chai-lattes in hand, juggling our kids and careers as the mindfully progressive warriors that we are... uniquely mastering our own (uniquely) vivacious lives.

PRANA ("breath"): The life force sustaining the body and the universe
Breathing is the most underrated, underused and invaluable indulgence. Its free. Uncomplicated, and better than any other high. With that in mind- breathing is life, and itâ€™s something that we just canâ€™t afford not to do. So namaste to those of us who make it to yoga class on the regular, but it can't be denied â€“ there are times when the sheer velocity of life harnesses our momentum and we miss the opportunity to be mindful. (Unfortunately only after noticing that weâ€™ve actually stopped breathing... and this is true for a shocking number of us!)

Waiting to Exhale
With the mission of fostering a creative, playful, and balanced outlook on life, Yogagurlâ„¢ has gifted us a tool to aid in our decompression... 'Whine less breathe more' is a line that perfectly encapsulates Yogagurlâ„¢ founder Alexandra Leikermoser - for over 8 years she's sought to bring her lighthearted approach to demystifying yoga for the masses. "I kept hearing excuses from people who couldn't make it to class for their daily dose of relaxation, so this CD is my answer to that" says Alex. Whine Less Breathe More, is about giving us a shot to recharge and re-focusâ€¦ while making (mindful) breathing a part of our everyday life-journey. Inciting us to stop and smell the roses, (excuse the clichÃ©, but it works here). Yogagurlâ€™s Guided Musical Meditation CD guides us on that mindful journey to connect with our breathing, with gratefulness, and with intention.

Let it Go
For those on shallow-breathing autopilot, or even our admired yoga devotees that may skip a class (or ten), or for an extra dose of relaxation, energy, or focus, Yogagurlâ€™s â€˜relaxation CD for busy peopleâ€™ helps us take a time-out while weâ€™re on the go. Whether you choose to listen at home, in the car, or oss it on your iPod, Alexandra's relaxing voice and music (by TO local Michael Moon) is a refreshing pause amidst the chaos.

With three main tracks respectively suitable for morning awakening, mid-day stress relief, and unwinding into a deep sleep (we donâ€™t reco that one behind the wheel), each track expands the listener's awareness of the powerful health benefits of full breath. Knowing that we are short on time, Leikermoser has intuitively included â€œBreathersâ€ that are short and sweet. (we LOVE the laughing break -its contagious, and painfully true: people dont laugh enough). We have no more excuses people! Who doesnâ€™t have 1 minute to stop and breathe?

Yogagurlâ„¢ is a Toronto based yoga lifestyle company started in 1996 by eco-preneur Alexandra Leikermoser. Born out of one woman's desire to inspire herself and others, sheâ€™s renowned for her funky yoga fashions and lunch time corporate classes (that she delivers onsite). Taking it to the people. Thatâ€™s love. You can even book a licensed Yogagurlâ„¢ for private classes (trained by Alex herself).

Dig on the online store where local artists contribute artwork to hand-printed (sustainable) t-shirts with cheeky mantras "Whine less, Breathe more", "Kiss my asana" & "I'd rather be in Savasana" ( ...wouldn't we all?).

The CD has barely hit the streets and has been meeting with rave reviews. Listen to it anywhere, anytimeâ€¦ no experience required. The packaging is recycled and hand sewn (very cool). Suggested retail price: $22.00. Available online at www.cdbaby.com and coming soon to iTunes. In Toronto at Tula Spas (tulahotyoga.com) and at The Drake Hotel.

Warning: this CD may cause extreme relaxation.

www.yogagurl.com
Get a shot of life. <3ECG

Diggin the Eco-DIY

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:42:14 -0600

From design shows, to home style books, and decor magazines... it's pretty evident that we all want ourselves some stylin' digs... and we want 'em our way. Today, that means style plus sustainability. But the whole Do it Yourself approach can be a daunting one... There are a plethora of DIY options available to us out there, but they do not come with a guarantee that your mission will in-turn translate into your vision. Enter Bettine Roynon, founder of eco chic shack - a green interior decorating company whoâ€™s mission is to transform and upcycle your environment into a beautiful and healthy space. Integrating your discerning design aesthetic with your eco-wise investment.

Armed with a breadth of experience in the interior design world, Bettine has developed an innovation on the premise of interior design altogether: The dEco Pack. Itâ€™s ecoDECO incarnate. Sustainable, footprint friendly, and entirely tailored to suit every shade of green in your lifestyle.

Taking the blank stares and aimless wandering out of the home-makeover process, each dEco Pack begins with a consultation where a â€œresponsible interior designâ€ team assesses your space as well as your design taste (discerning your own personal shade of green), and constructs a custom-solutions package based on your individual lifestyle needs.

The purpose of the dEco Pack is to give you both the tools and the confidence to pull off great green home design for yourself. The team at eco chic shack believes in wielding creativity and imagination as tools of the trade (rather than big budgets).

Packed with all you need, this ecoDECO gem has a custom colour plan (moodboard), full-on layout design (with full scale renderings and dimensions of your home... making for painless Ikea visits and flawless style execution), and sourcing guide (greenwash-free: everything is environmentally sound, sourced locally, and/or repurposed and recycled.

What's supercool about it is it's purse-sized (read: portable and beautifully bound on fine ecostock). Slip it into your bag and let it live there for when the shopping moment strikes. (You never know when It might). â€œItâ€™s really hard to keep a project on track from a design standpoint." says Bettine, "There are an overwhelming amount of choices, but if you have a guide to follow you can keep your project on target- the dEco Pack is really about taking the stress out of it all.â€

What clients dig most (aside from the great advice and stylish tips), is the education they receive as a part of their investment. Part of the dEco Pack offering includes tips on achieving a more sustainable lifestyle within your own personal realm of feasibility. And while usually a pricey proposition, Bettine is making this traditionally elite and expensive service accessible to all.

By putting the client in the driverâ€™s seat of their own home-eco-nomics, the dEco Pack is the missing link to high-end DIY interior eco-design. And for those of you without the luxury of time to execute your own personalized eco-vision, eco chick shack also provides full design services to bring your eco-haven to life.

With only 3 precious month left to claim that green tax credit before pushing into another, tighter fiscal year â€“ get ecolutionary â€“ beautify, eco-fy, and redefine your space. dEco Packs start at $500 and act as the springboard to your homeâ€™s ecolution. Make your home a happy, healthy place to live... at absolutely no cost to our planet.

www.ecochicshack.com

A Unique Proposition

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:14:26 -0600

When it comes to style, its important to be an individual... a true original. A unique star. Unfortunately given demand and economies of scale, retail giants out there are mass-producing style for the masses and its not always a simple quest to stylize your most distinctive brilliance - save for one time of the year...

The One of a Kind Show has always been an annual touchstone for shoppers on the hunt for rare genius finds and a genuine touch to their lives. Whether it's for eco-chic homestyle or that statement jewelry piece, for over three decades now peeps from all walks have life have made the trek for surefire style-finds that are exclusive to the show.

What's awesome about The One of a Kind Show is their longstanding continuous support (and celebration) of our beloved 'little guy' - the local artisans, homegrown craftspeople and diversely original market that weaves a wonderful world of discovery... happening now at the Direct Energy Centre.

We also give big props to them for forwarding the ecolution by showcasing an entire neighbourhood devoted to greenlove ! <3

One of a Kind Green... shop local and shop with a conscience!

Greenspotted Goodies:

Check out Jennifer Neal AKA Judy Black ! Booth Q-58

Her hand-printed pillows made from recycled fabric are stunning - ...vibrant coloured handprinted artisan goodness.

Also on deck is petit flaneurwith their chic_ECO dollhouse art @ booth H-43

Supercute Toronto-made reclaimed wool animals from Cate and Levi @ booth S-29

Another Ecocentric fav (our most recent Wear feature!) the Soliders of Style @ Jack and Marjorie... scope em here and get 'em there @ booth: V-52

Our green-eye has also landed on earth to body - a lineup of fair-trade, pure, handmade skin nutrition that looks deliciously luxurious. Stop in @ booth V-44 and grab one of their spray-on hand sanitizers. It'll be useful on your journey through the show.

Load up your fav eco-tote and hitch a ride to the Direct Energy centre to scope out whats fresh in sustainable style. Shop for the holidays, shop for a style-refresh, shop for local-love.

www.oneofakindshow.com

Soldier of Style

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:03:37 -0600

We just love upcycled creations â€“ new incarnations that come to us with a story, a narrative, and a history. And it was history itself that inspired Jack & Marjorie to create a line of bags crafted from recycled military surplus materials. In 2004 the couple discovered an old box of family photos from the 1940's, and embarked on bringing to life a range of women's bags that reflected the look and feel of that era. Rich with nostalgia, and infused with chic modernity.

The bags are uniquely constructed from an array of materials inclusive of: military tents and cotton tent fabric, wool blankets, duffle bags, parachutes, rifle sling straps, webbing, ammunition pouches, suspenders, zippers, buttons, and parachute cord. All cultivated to create some of the coolest bags weâ€™ve greenspotted yet.

Making love not warâ€¦ we dig the fact that these materials may have been originally developed for combat but are now engaging in action on the shoulders and in the hands of fashionistas instead. Talk about multi-purposing materials.

It is not unusual for Jack & Marjorie to work with fabrics that are 30 to 40 years old (some of the materials show signs of their previous life and even include things like handwritten name tags). When sourcing fabrics they ensure to carefully select in effort to minimize impact on the environment. (All bag linings are organic cotton twill and the majority of the leather they use is either vegetable tanned or reclaimed from upholstery salesmen samples.) Some of the materials may naturally show the effects of time which lends unique air and character to each piece. As with any feat in upcycling, sourcing their materials can be a challenging process, thus the design of each bag is very dependent on the materials theyâ€™ve uncoveredâ€¦ Making each piece a true original.

Everything is cut by hand in-house and sewn locally in Toronto. As an ode to their home-roots, theyâ€™ve even developed a series of bags named after our fair cityâ€™s streets. Look for their funky Ossington, their urban Wellesley, or their arty Augusta - each piece is true to the feel of the area. Discover the range of the historically inspired, refreshingly original creations at: www.jackandmarjorie.com/online_shop.htm

New Beans on the Block

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:29:08 -0600

Like many of the newly gentrified neighbourhoods in TO, Leslieville has become a booming area for young (hip) families. Brimming with local artisan flavour, it's indie-eclectic, community focused (hey, they took on the big box and won!) and eco-minded. A perfect environment for parents to raise their little ones in a creative, green-conscious environment.

"It takes a community to nurture a healthy family,â€ says April, co-founder of Lil Bean and Green - The new bean on the eco-block thatâ€™s providing the Leslieville community with a place to relax, play and enjoy their organic/fair trade refreshments in a comfortable, connected and nurturing environment.

Lil Bean and Green put down its roots on the Queen east strip less than 6 weeks ago and those (bullfrog powered) roots have branched out to create a network of like-minded local-minded tribesparents â€“ it was an immediate viral success.

Growing together with the community

The founders of Lil Bean and Green bring a rich blend of talent to the table (from Early Childhood Education to Art & Design to Family Therapy). This complement of flavours is reflected throughout the cafÃ©â€™s offerings. What makes Lil Bean and Green a unique proposition is that it truly is a hybrid: part (non-toxic) play place, part upscale-trendy-art cafÃ© (with local artists using the walls as gallery space and locavore-delights to please every age palate)... and it doesnâ€™t stop there: Its also part learning centre (regular sessions are held on everything from movement labs and music, to parenting and naturopathic medicine) and part open-resource library (offering the latest lit on â€˜raising your little bean). These elements are seeing Lil Bean and Green grow into a hub for mommy/daddy mind-meets over healthy eats and brews while chatting the latest in Leslieville livin ;)

Pull up a vintage chair

Thereâ€™s plenty of parking too - stroller parking that is. Everything inside the quaint cafÃ© is non-toxic â€“ from the fair trade coffee, to the organic eats (they even have organic baby food on the menu!), to the kids play-land (including a sweet artisan-crafted castle we really wanted to play in ourselves). Even the furniture is reclaimed and an eclectic mix of trendy, vintage, and homegrown artisan. It's a great vibe.

Their workshops and seminars are geared towards specific age groups. Morning is when youâ€™ll find the 0 to 3 crowd - parents strolling down with the wee-ones to share an organic breakfast, (or perhaps dropping the lil bean to play awhile they take time to tour the trendy strip). The afternoons belong to the pre-schoolers who stop by with mom in tow to refresh.

Bonus!: Lil Green is also available for birthday parties â€“ and they provide a range of eco-activities for the lil partiers (complete with organic eats and non-toxic loot bags.) - Bringing together the love of a natural life, natural eats, and natural play â€“ it canâ€™t get any better than that...

Fueling organic growth

Lil Bean and Green provides a (well-used) suggestion book at the coffee bar (fishing for tips on what YOU would like to see, do, hear, foster, etc). These contributions are the inspiration that is shaping the evolution of the Lil Green and Bean tribe. From the workshops they offer to flavours they add to the homemade menuâ€¦ they truly are creating an inclusive and supportive outlet for the people of their community. It takes a village to raise a child and a community to raise a healthy family and these peeps are doing it right. Grassroots. Homegrown. Leslieville style.

You can get up to the minute on the Lil Bean and Green happenings on the Leslieviller, www.leslieviller.com/profile/lilbeanngreencafe. Watch their website for a coming-soon events section, or just pop by 1133 Queen east, park that stroller, pull up a vintage chair and get in on a community vibe thatâ€™s spreading a new brand of lil green-goodness all throughout Leslieville.

Organic Opulence

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:42:47 -0600

Yep. The hectic entertaining season is quickly sneaking up on usâ€¦ (seriously, what happened to summer???) rather than stress over the upcoming (and inevitable) indulging, just go with itâ€¦.enjoy :) ! One cannot fathom a better way than with some seriously decadent (and seriously beautiful) organic goodies.

Every piece of luxury that Schelle Sweets dreams up is made to orderâ€¦ just for you. This boutique catering company creates in small batches from the finest premium ingredients - all products are free from chemicals and bursting with organic-goodness.

Attending a dinner party? Why not take a Black Pearl with you? (Just as opulent as the bauble) Schelleâ€™s espresso flavoured chocolate cake is filled and iced with cocoa truffle buttercream and beautifully topped with meringue kisses. (yikes) Or maybe a Pink Diamond is more in order? This sexy little chocolate cupcake is topped with smooth pink buttercream. (OMG we feel guilty just writing thisâ€¦)

Handmade cookies also make a perfect gift - with a variety of scrumptious flavours to choose from, they come beautifully presented in Schelle Sweetsâ€™ signature ribboned espresso-coloured box. No wrapping required â€“ and their all glam, no-guilt packaging is made from recycled paper and completely biodegradable.

Whether youâ€™re doing some holiday entertaining, taking a hostess gift, or just unabashedly indulging your own deserving self (we like that option best), thereâ€™s so much fresh yumminess to choose from: www.schellesweets.com

Fashion R4volution

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:16:37 -0600

While not traditionally considered a big player in the game of global environmental issues or sustainable technology â€“ the fashion industry is doing its own part in the eco-universe to make us fashionistas, and the planet, feel good about the clothes we wear.

Fashion is becoming increasingly conscious about its footprint â€“promoting both sustainable design and lifestyles for consumers. Itâ€™s all about having options that reflect our changing ideals, continually innovating and exploring new measures to ensure eco-wise production in the fashion industry. A new paradigm is being created â€“ conscious clothing.

The Sustainable Technology Education Project (STEP) at the University of Waterloo has taken the 3 R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle, and has added a 4th: R4 - The Next Dimension of Fashion. On Friday November 20th theyâ€™re delivering a kickass event that endeavors to bring together students, young professionals, industry leaders, fashion community members, and green advocates for a celebration of top and upcoming Canadian fashion designers - ones who view fashion with an added green dimension. R4 is a chance for these leading edge eco-fashionistas to deliver their message while celebrating up and coming talent in a greening industry.

Hosted by Candice Batista from TVâ€™s 'A Greener Toronto', the R4 Fashion Event will feature some of Canada's top fashion designers including: AIME by Monica Mei, CARRIE by Carrie Hayes, Thieves by Sonja den Elzen, and Rachel Jasmine Chan. All out to represent the idea that â€œgreenâ€ by no means equates a lack of sexy style.

The haute eco-couture show will also feature upcoming fashion designers who combine environmental consciousness with fashion design skills. (Student designers include Heidi Ackerman, Cherry Blossom, and Anna Dejewska). To add more excitement to the evening, student talent will compete to win and be recognized by a jury of eco-fashion leaders.

While fashion remains at the epicenter of this event, R4 is also about raising environmental awareness and advocating sustainability initiatives. The evening will include a documentary screening (examining the dynamics amid sustainable technology, fashion industry, and public policy), as well as engaging keynote speakers on the subject of style and sustainability living in harmony (weâ€™re all about that!). And we also love the fact that this affair is driven by youth - the geniuses behind the curtain of this event are the innovative forward-thinking students at STEP, which is a non-profit student organization that promotes sustainable design, technology, and lifestyle for the community.

Grab an appie and a drinkâ€¦ and walk a greener runway on the 20th. Check out www.r4fashion.com for more information, updates, bios, tickets, and resources. This is a 19+ only event.

Pure Organic Luxury

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:30:06 -0600

Our friends at Consonant Body continue to wow us with their luscious, ultra-pure creations; Yes, weâ€™ve said it before but it never hurts to recount our obsession with products that truly define organic luxury.

Just in time for the seasonal switch-over in your skincare regime, Consonant has outdone itself with two spanking-new gems that deserve that opening spot in your winter beauty arsenal. Firstly, discover the new Organic Foaming Face Wash. (it has to be said, it really does prove a challenge finding a well rounded cleanser when youâ€™re dealing with organics). Consonantâ€™s face wash is super light and foamyâ€¦ (liken it to spreading a cloud across your face â€“ seriously.) Itâ€™s a dream to use, does a great clean up of make up (including those willful waterproof mascaras) and delivers a hassle-free detox-bliss for your face. And It owes its glow-power to citrus oils (also good exfoliators) and itâ€™s detox-power to tea tree oil (natureâ€™s best astringent). Best used as part of a daily routine to keep skin even-toned, blemish-free and flawless. Fresh!

Also on the menu, aprÃ¨s-cleansing, comes the ultra-moisturizing refreshment of Consonantâ€™s Ultra Moisturizing Organic Face Cream. Contrary to perception, super moisturizing really doesnâ€™t have to = heavy and greasy â€“ Consonant delivers its moisture with a gentle touchâ€¦ light and fast-absorbing with the same skin-quenching results. What that means for you eco-beauties is that any skin type can use it to score healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Honestly, Itâ€™s more than just a face cream â€“ itâ€™s powerful combo of botanical oils and naturally-derived ingredients protect skin from the free radical damage that leads to premature aging (fight the power!). Thereâ€™s no other product on the market with Consonantâ€™s unique blend of natural ingredients (formulated to act as a clean-botanical alternative to Hyaluronic Acid - typically used for skin plumping). Youâ€™ll actually see results from the very first application - a noticeable reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, more even skin tone and increased radiance. Itâ€™s all about the glow!

Created With Your Bodyâ€™s Health In Mindâ€¦
Not only are Consonant products all about luxury and results â€“ theyâ€™re also about healthfulness. Bill Baker, Consonantâ€™s founder and president, is serious about your health: â€œEvery Consonant product has been created to be in harmony, or consonant, with our bodies,â€ he explains. â€œOur bodies canâ€™t process all the chemicals we absorb. They are â€˜persistent bio-cumulative,â€™ and as they build up in our bodies they are irritating at best; toxic and dangerous at worst. Today you see more and more people developing skin problems over time as their bodies lose the ability to detoxify.â€

Itâ€™s nice to know some people care out there! Visit www.consonantbody.com to check out their entire line-up of healthful and indulgent products or pick yours up at The Bay and Sears national flagship locations or at select specialty retailers across Canada.

November's ecoPERKS Prize!

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:13:21 -0600

Hey ecolutionaries, here's the goods on November's ecoPERKS program prize...

ecoPERKS is our way of saying big thanks to you, our eco-tribe, for being part of our community! Givin' back the love... Every month one of our members will be drawn to win a featured product or service.

If you're not part of our tribe then please sign up now to qualify!

This month you could WIN a
$80 gift certificate

for ecocessories's online store!

ecocessories is committed to reducing waste in the world and creating a more sustainable lifestyle by reusing existing resources. One-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories are hand crafted using recycled and fair trade materials.

Accessories to Sustain Your Style!

Check out their collection at: www.ecocessories.ca/collections/shop

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. One member will be randomly drawn from EcocentricGuide.ca's database. Any personal information collected will be used in order to administer the Contest and follows EcocentricGuide.ca's strict Privacy Policy found here: www.ecocentricguide.ca/info.php. This Contest opens November 8, 2009 and this contest closes at 11:59:59 p.m ET on December 9, 2009, the Contest Period. Open to all Canadian residents, excluding Quebec, 13 years of age and older at time of entry. All valid and active members in the EcocentricGuide.ca's database during the Contest Period are eligible to win one (1) ecocessories online store Gift Certificate (ARV $80). Prize must be accepted as awarded. No cash value. Odds of winning the prize depends upon the total number of members registered in the database by the Contest Close Date. Correct answer to math skill test question required. Limit one entry per person, per email address. Registration into the EcocentricGuide.ca database is required to qualify to win. Click here to register:

www.ecocentricguide.ca/subscribe.php

EcocentricGuide.ca, www.ecocentricguide.ca, (the “Sponsor”), and their affiliates, franchisees and each of their directors, officers, employees and agents are not in any way responsible for any lost, misplaced, destroyed, delayed, misdirected or undelivered database Entries. Prizing partners, their affiliates, franchisees and each of their directors, officers, employees and agents are not in any way affiliated, or liable for, and assume no responsibility for the administration of this contest. All decisions of the Contest Judges are final and cannot be reviewed or in any way appealed. Awards to successful Candidates have no cash surrender value. The Contest Sponsor reserves the right to make reasonable substitutions for all or any portion of the Prizes. The Contest Sponsor reserves the right to withdraw, amend, terminate or suspend in whole or in part this Contest at any time without prior notice and without liability.

Of Plastic Reborn

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:32:00 -0600

How many ways can plastic be transformed...? It's infinite.

If youâ€™re looking for something truly unique to add statement to your dÃ©cor then have a look at Soon Choâ€™s sustainable and chic creations. Soon Cho is a textile artist who constructs one-of-a-kind pieces for the home including lighting, space dividers, window covers, wall hangings, and even placemats.

What we really love about her is the fact that she views the world with artistâ€™s eyes - those individuals lucky enough to be blessed with this perspective look upon the world, each and everything in it, as art unto itself... and Soon Cho is taking that viewpoint one step further by veritably plucking randoms from the environment (old plastic bottles to spilled juice to garbage bags) and weaving them into her world of dreams to produce some of the coolest, most unique, work weâ€™ve seen in a while.

Soon works with all manner of elements, specifically upcycling everyday materials (that most of us tend to overlook), from natural elements, to repurposed trash- she even finds beauty in a piece of chewed gum. Her creativity allows her to invent new materials using plastic, paper, fabric and moreâ€¦

Dig on how she transforms plastic into the funkiest of lighting fixtures... (these lamps are made from non-toxic gimp- taking those popular gimp bracelets from the 90's to a whole new level). Her floor lamps and light spheres will be featured at the Interior Design Show in Toronto this January. In the meantime, you can explore the world of Soon Cho and order your own handmade and custom designed piece at:

http://www.sooncho.com/

Custom Comfort

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:12:39 -0500

Donâ€™t we all just wanna curl up in a blanket on these cold and rainy fall days?

Somebody sing me a lullaby and wrap me up right now! If this was actually feasible, we'd be doin' it in a Baby Boomba baby blanket.

These eco-blankies are so cuddly! Made with a double layer, one side has a knit face and the other side is a 'soft as baby's bum' fleece. Baby Boombaâ€™s bamboo fleece is made from 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton, right here in Canada. All fabric is safety-tested for all known harmful substances, both regulated and unregulated, that accumulate in all stages of fabric production from cultivation to finishing, meeting the highest level of certification. (clean AND cuddly!)

We know that bamboo is sustainable and naturally grown but itâ€™s also perfect for a baby's sensitive or allergy prone skin. It absorbs and evaporates sweat in a split second and doesn't stick to skin. Itâ€™s got crazy breathability so you can feel good about wrapping your little one up in one of these planet and baby friendly blankets.

And hereâ€™s another reason to love Baby Boomba blankets â€“ you can customize them. Not only can you honor an heirloom by upcycling a blankie from your own childhood that is then incorporated into a new, Boomba edition just for you, or you can personalize your blanket by using a piece of fabric you own that you just absolutely love.

Baby Boomba, who also makes baby carriers, was started out of necessity by mompreneur Marina Duque, who had a colicky baby and was actually carried around in a mei tai by her grandmother herself. They have since evolved and launched their eco-blankies, nursing covers and organic onesies.

Check them out :@ www.babyboombaa.com.

Get Your Groove On

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:31:34 -0500

Walking into the Buddha Groove Toronto Social Salon at the Balmy Beach Club was akin to wandering down a secret path, to a highly exclusive yet totally inclusive partyâ€¦. This was our first experience at a Buddha Groove party, and as we wandered our way down the dimly lit path to the giant wooden doors of the Balmy Beach club, we didnâ€™t know what to expect. Once inside you felt an immediate sense of groundednessâ€¦ Greeting us upon entry in the foyer was a lovely complimentary selection of green goodies for the reusable bags we had in tow (youâ€™re encouraged to bring them along!). We then wandered into a room full of energy that embraced you as soon as you walked in. A Romanesque buffet table fit for kings and queens lay in front of us â€¦a veritable organic playground of deliciousness to be discovered as you settled into the vibe.

We missed the wicked tabla ensemble and drumming lessons that ended just as we got there (Rhythmic by Natureâ€™s Drumming Ensemble â€¦kind of a drag as our fiery one was keen on getting her bongo on).

After a quick stop for some delish ecoeats we wandered to survey the surroundingsâ€¦ Helen Goldstein, founder of Buddha Groove, ensures to bring presence to the best of all things eco and ethereal to her guests â€“ from fresh baked deliciousness from Lesiaâ€™s LPK (some of the best vegan melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes) and Kangen Water (literally the best water youâ€™ve ever let past your lipsâ€¦ the owner is awesome â€“ he serves you your pure-elemental nectar in a personally sharpie-inscribed cup) plus his added infusion of energy channeled specifically for you.

The room was filled with diverse activity and goings-onâ€¦ from personal to philosophical connections to business networkingâ€¦ Otherwise diverted by the bustle, we then tuned into the music â€“ wow, Prosad (the multi-instrumentalist and world music specialist.) began his trance sitar set and suddenly a great magnetism seemed to draw people to the core of the venueâ€¦the dance floor.

The vibe was warm and inviting - I donâ€™t think we saw anyone not wearing a smile.,. taking it all in, celebrating being alive, being aware and being connected with the world and each other.

The greatest thing about this party was that it truly was an eco-commune of sorts, from the green networking opportunities to the Manna Matrix Harmonic Chamber (Circle of Healing & Meditation) taking place outside adjacent to the unrivalled beach viewsâ€¦. (also noted: we felt some awesome energy taking part in this circle.

This truly was was a gathering ground for those on the verge of enlightenment and those well into the fold of channeling that conscious-mind into a better (bluer) worldâ€¦ totally inclusive, the Buddha Groove is a key vibrational frequency that inspired minds and sustainably minded souls can align on with one another.

And true to its claim- it was unlike anything weâ€™ve experienced before.

Likeminded people connecting in a relaxed, forward-thinking, atmosphere - charged with positivity. Bringing people together is what Helen Goldstein does best. A pioneer in the Toronto yoga community, she founded the Toronto Yoga Studio in â€™95 forging the integrated offering of various yoga styles and pilates that led yoga to take its place as a household word in our community. As a yogini and mind body wellness expert herself, she has deep respect for yogaâ€™s path and tradition (Helen was one of the first people to be personally certified by Dr. Deepak Chopra to teach his Primordial Sound Meditation). Toronto Yoga was a unique facility at the time, it was the first to bring people together through teachings of various styles and disciplines. (never before under one roof together had that been doneâ€¦ it was considered unorthodox at the time). It was an instant success. Most of Torontoâ€™s current yoga teachers got their start at The Yoga Studio. It became a community hub, a place to connect, spiritually and physically (there was a meeting area open for anyoneâ€™s use where people were encouraged to linger while tea and oranges were served â€“ a tradition still practiced to this day).

The Yoga Studio became a place of spiritual growth, the equalizer for the fusion of eastern and western perspectives. It was embraced so quickly, that the need for a lifestyle around this community was made expressly evident. People want to venture out and connect with others that understood and philosophically connected with each otherâ€¦. Goldstein, a social connector in her own right, (and notorious for hosting many an elaborate party) took that need and transformed it into a real experience, an event where people can gather to enjoy great music, quality people, and good conversationâ€¦. thus Buddhaâ€™s groove has evolved to become the new hub for those who want to live an inspired mindful lifestyle.

Attending Buddha Groove left us with an awesome afterglow, many new friends and of courseâ€¦wanting for more. Get your own Buddha Groove experience on this Friday at their upcoming Halloween event. Itâ€™s a 60â€™s & 70â€™s theme, so make sure to dress in the era and get in the fun. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door - 10% of profits will go to WellSpring.

Get in the groove:

www.buddhagroove.ca

Â®copyright2009 Ecocentric Guide all rights reserved

Harbinger of Eco-Style

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:14:46 -0500

Its fashion week and we know all you eco-fashionistas are hitting the runway shows to scope out what's hot and fresh in new eco-wearsâ€¦But let's pause for a moment to muse, and appreciate, one of Canada's pioneers in ethical fashion - an oldie but a goodie. Myco Anna is a label thatâ€™s been delivering unique and chic collage creations for the past 15 years. How is it we managed to overlook this trailblazer in eco-couture?...never-the-less, in true greenspotting fashion we were happy to uncover this under the radar, one-of-a-kind and award-winning Quebecois gem.

Wearing Myco Anna is a unique experience â€“ not only are the clothes an artistic expression of mixing colours and fabrics, but theyâ€™re also developed with meticulous attention to detail and high-end couture finishing. The label purchases and reuses thousands of meters of recycled fabric every year to create unique collections that are full of texture and colour. Fundamentally ethical, they keep and use every last cutting and scrap they use. And they use them wellâ€¦ the subtleties of patchwork are used imaginatively with asymmetrical cuts, fitted bodices, innovative collar styles, and trumpet sleeves. Colorful accents are also integrated throughout their collections in recycled inserts and appliquÃ©s.

Christiane Garant, owner and artistic director of Myco Anna, may have a law degree, but sheâ€™s an artist at heart. A one-time TV fashion consultant, she took her creative strength and adaptability to develop a label that has become a success in a fiercely competitive fashion industry.

There are two Myco Anna boutiques in Quebec, one on St. Laurent in Montreal, and the original location in Quebec City (where clients are able to commission their own personally customized pieces). But if you canâ€™t get to a store you can still shop from their funky line at:

www.boutiquemycoanna.com/?lang=en

So You Say You Want a Revolution

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:42:34 -0500

On October 24th people around the world will be showing their planetary love- taking a stand for a safe climate futureâ€¦

We all want to change the world

350.org is an international grassroots initiative with its sights set on uniting through collective and individual solutions toward climate changeâ€¦ The mission is simple: to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisisâ€”to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet.

350 is a campaign similar to Earth Day in its heart, but in its mind its solely dedicated to facing head on, the truth of climate change. For those unsure- The number 350 - (as in parts per million,) is the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet. And thus is born the building of a movement dedicated to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis--the solutions that science and justice demand.

You say you'll change the constitution

To tackle climate change we need to move quickly, and we need to act in unisonâ€”and 2009 will be an absolutely critical year. This December, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to craft a new global treaty on cutting emissions. (The treaty currently on the table doesn't meet the severity of the climate crisisâ€”it doesn't pass the 350 test. Accelerating arctic warming and other early climate impacts have led scientists to conclude that we are already well above the safe zone at a current 390ppm) ...Nowâ€™s the time for action people.

You say you've got a real solution

Now building a revolution is never an easy task- In order to unite the public, media, and political leaders behind the 350 goal, the (brilliant) minds behind 350 are harnessing the power of the internet to coordinate this â€˜planetary day of action'. Striving to recruit and inspire actions at hundreds of iconic places around the world - from the Taj Mahal to the Great Barrier Reef to our own backyardsâ€¦ thousands have joined the rally â€“ to send a clear message to world leaders: the solutions to climate change must be equitable, they must be grounded in science, and they must meet the scale of the crisis.

Well, you know...we all want to change your head

Utilizing arguably the most powerful force that exists today- social media. Viral spread. The power of the people. (Power to the people! ) Leveraging local action for change is an ambitious undertaking but itâ€™s one that makes the most impact in a think-global-act-local universe. There are a slew of ways to get involved- including a ton of local initiativesâ€¦ currently there are over 3000 actions slated to take place across 158 countriesâ€¦ 200+ happening here in Canada and 14 in Toronto alone - from festivals to marches...to community art projectsâ€¦as long as youâ€™re reppin' 350 somehow, even the smallest action helps â€¦ Log on and join the biggest day of climate action ever.

There's mad-fun going on, and lots of exciting (virtually effortless) ways to get involved- plus awesome free buzz and toolkits to spark your creativity and bring your ideas to life. Start your own community action; or join an existing oneâ€¦band together to make your voice heard.

If an international grassroots movement holds our leaders accountable to doing right by the latest climate science, let's start the global transformation we so desperately need. www.350.org/mission

Write a letter.

Get up. Stand Up.

Let the world hear our call.

For the Boys

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:50:44 -0500

It's unfortunate that dudes are generally forgotten when it comes to innovation in the skin care world. Let's face it, gone are the days of 'men being men' and slapping on a good 'ol burnin''aftershave after wrestling with a scraping razor (according to research you guys are buying more skincare products than ever before and yes, 73% of you are saying that spending time in front of the mirror was 'important' to you). We know that you care - and so does All Things Jill... and they're showing the love by developing a range of natural skin care formulations free from nasty synthetic ingredients just for you boys.

j u s t f o r j a c k â„¢
Is it any wonder more and more men are reacting to the synthetic chemicals used in scads of male grooming products? (the vast majority of men's grooming products are full of harmful chemicals and parabens). Just for Jack has been developed using only natural and organic ingredients specifically designed to soothe, nourish and soften the abuse men's skin suffers when it comes to shaving.

Choose from two synergies: are you a Rain or a Shine guy? Rain is a light fragrance oil, reminiscent of 'water' or the 'ocean' fragrances on the market today, whereas Shine is an invigorating blend of organic Lime and Ginger Essential Oils. So how did our eco test-dudes feel about Jack?... "It's fresh feeling and when you shave with the shaving creme its like getting a facial and shaving all at once....not that I've ever had a facial." ( mmmhmm we believe you dude )

But truly, we could tell our official product testers really did dig the product, final words: "Where can I get more?" Nuff said.

Get some @ www.allthingsjill.ca

For A Holistic Habitat

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:25:09 -0500

Tucked away in a quaint little waterfront townâ€¦ there is a workshop where modern quality meets ancient and time honored traditions to craft some of the most stunning and holistically sound furniture pieces available this side of Europe and the east.

Located in the wetlands of Port Perry, Wiggers Custom Furniture is a family owned business that specializes in contemporary and Art Deco inspired designs made in an old world tradition (and with incredible attention to detail and utmost respect for the planet and its inhabitants). What really makes them unique though is their holistic approach to furniture makingâ€¦ seamlessly and beautifully incorporating spiritual and medicinal elements to each and every piece they craft.

Inspired by the philosophies of many different cultures and traditions, Wiggers produces furniture that is both sacred and mystical in nature. We are astounded by the significance and contemplation placed on the very fine elements of each of their creations.

Take their Kidney Shaped Desk for example; its undulating curves are founded in the exacting proportions of Feng Shui (as being conducive for attracting wealth and integrity into oneâ€™s life). The shape and proportion of the top is also consistent with the spiritually based sacred design system of the Vastu Shastra of the ancient Vedic tradition in India. Inset into the desk is American Black Walnut, which according to Native American medicine has medicinal properties useful in the prevention and treatment of disease. It is believed that simply touching this wood will bring good health and well-being into one's life. (You probably won't want to put your feet up on this bad boy.)

The drawers of the desk are made of Sassafras and rare Hawthorn wood (well known to ancient Greek herbalists and used in Ayurvedic medicine dating back over 5000 years). Hawthorn also has aroma therapeutic properties beneficial to health and to overall sense of well-being. The aromatic properties of the woods accumulate naturally inside the desk while the drawer is closed and are released each time the drawer is opened. And to top it all off, Its small lidded box is inlaid with the three traditional healing metals of copper, gold and silver. These metals are shaped into the images of an Eagle, Turtle and the sacred Tree of Life. Collectively these images tell the aboriginal story of Creation after the Great Flood, (a story that is remarkably similar to the flood stories told in many ancient civilizations around the world. ) â€¦crazy.

We were also inspired by their Irenic Bed (the word â€œirenicâ€ meaning â€œtranquility and peaceâ€ in Greek). The bed features a radiating grain pattern on both head and foot boards to evoke the setting and rising sun (heralding a time of rest followed by the dawn of a new day). The overall dimensions and proportions of this bed are also conducive with ancient Feng Shui texts, and inlaid into the face of the headboard is a small stone known as a Narmadeshvara Shiva Lingam. (This is a Hindu sacred stone that has been ceremoniously gathered once a year from the muddy banks of the Narmada River, one of the 7 sacred holy places of pilgrimage in India.) It follows the Tantric tradition of Shiva Lingams to represent the enlightenment of the whole body and symbolize the perfect balance of male and female energy. The bed weaves together many divergent elements into a holistically balanced piece that encourages restfulness and peace as a whole (sweet dreamsâ€¦).

Wiggers was founded in 1967 with roots from traditional artisans in Holland. No assembly line in this shop â€“ each and every piece is made individually by the seven artisans that create there. (And of course) all woods used in the creation of their designs are FSC certified and consistent with LEED standards. Their commitment to sustainable craftsmanship is apparent not only by the materials they use, but also in their practices - on the property surrounding their shop they are planting and reintroducing some rare species of trees that were once native to the area. The intent being to sustain the integrity and enhance the natural biodiversity of the surrounding space.

The spirit of John Wiggersâ€™ work reflects his deep philosophical commitment and respect for the environment. In the late 1980s he became an active early supporter of grass roots initiatives such as W.A.R.P. (Woodworkerâ€™s Alliance for Rainforest Protection). Together with Greenpeace, The Sierra Club and World Wildlife Fund, W.A.R.P. went on to play a key role in the formation of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in 1993.

John has met elders of some of the oldest indigenous cultures on this planet, including the Haida of the Pacific North-West; the Kogi of the remote mountains of Columbia in South America; and the Hopi of the high mesas of Arizona in the American South-West. These experiences have given him glimpses into the profound traditional wisdom held by revered elders of ancient peoples that he has translated into a holistic perspective in his woodworking technique and design aesthetic.

www.wiggersfurniture.com/

A Liaison for Locavores

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:25:57 -0500

Weâ€™ve all done Winterlicious, and we've done Summerliciousâ€¦ and now, thanks to WWF-Canada, we can dig a whole new dining concept that's all about thinking global and acting local.

Tomorrow celebrates the launch of Localicious - an initiative that encourages Canadians to seek out local and sustainable food options both in (and out of the home). A truly Ecotarian initiative, it embraces the idea of reducing the distance between where food is produced and where food is consumed, with the goal of reducing our environmental impact.

Localicious aims at shifting the food footprint paradigm with the first (of a planned series of Localicious initiatives) running from October 2nd to the18th. Fifty-four participating restaurants across the country will feature special menus that showcase yummy fresh, local and sustainable foods (thereâ€™s 12 spots to choose from in our city alone). Partial proceeds from each meal sold will be donated to WWF-Canada's conservation work. Check out the menu items!

A big shout out to Cowbell in Toronto who, as one of the initiative's prime supporters, will be donating $10 per meal to support WWF. (Cowbell sources all their ingredients directly from local organic farmers).

Donâ€™t forget to check out our friends at Epic Restaurant at The Fairmont Royal York who are also whipping up some local delish - complete with herbs and honey from the rooftop herban oasis.

Fact: The average food product travels 2,000 km before it reaches your plate:

Check it out: you can bring the Localicious movement home by grabbing recipes from celeb-chefs or downloading your own local sustainable food buying guides.

Reserve your table online â€“ and while youâ€™re there enter to win prizes (including local and sustainable cookbooks, gift cards, and an exclusive personal chef Grand Prize).

For more information on what local and sustainable food is all about visit www.wwf.ca/localicious

Follow Localicious on Facebook at www.facebook.ca/wwfcanada and on Twitter @wwfcanada.

An Urban Eco-Village

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:20:58 -0500

In a time of crisis there emerges an opportunity for human creativity...

Creativity is a powerful force - one that has the ability to unite, to shift perceptions, and reflect exciting possibilities for change... The About Face Collective is an urban collective of artists, activists, entrepreneurs and like-minded green people, united together through the common goal of re-envisioning city life (both in personal and professional endeavours).

Striving to transform their local urban environments from the inside out, the About Face Collective helps provide green lifestyles and habits to urban Torontonians in a way that gives way to re-envisioning the shape of a grassroots movement. We're really vibing on this urban Toronto ecovillage (so green that it's blue) project... Inspired by rural communal ecovillages (ie: wholevillage.org) it has the same heart but within that (art-filled) heart is an urban harvest.

A project of Regenesis Toronto (The Regenesis Project is a local grassroots environmental, and social justice not-for-profit seeking to bridge the gap between individual and planet, by fostering a sense of community, leadership, and accountability) - The hopes of the Toronto ecovillage project are rooted in the desire to redefine the perception and the paradigm of co-housing and ecovillages (read: less crunch more cool). One might say urbanites have the hardest time taking it back to basics, yet it seems to be easier in the context of a like-minded, creative environment and that's the community they are striving for - bringing together artists, green entrepreneurs, and local talent to share in a community vibe of eco-minded awareness. A greener lifestyle movement in the heart of the concrete jungle... what could be more inspiring?

With its well thought out design, ecovillage is striving to be a model for future co-housing developments - (we heart innovators). The current objective of the The About Face Collective's urban ecovillage and artspace is to acquire, and sustainably retrofit, a historical building in the downtown core to be the hub of possibilities. To those interested in eco-alternative lifestyles and business practices: hook up and help out in any number of the aspects that are being fostered in the urban artscape already:

Rooftop garden, community garden and Education Centre
Organic Cafe/Market/Community Kitchen & Workshop Space
Eco Renovations and Retrofitting
Solar Powered Laundry Mat and Art Space
Co-Housing and Affordable Housing aspects

Its a bold and brilliant concept that is gaining momentum... Recently they held their first fundraiser- The Regenesis Art and Eco Fashion Show was held this month in support of the collective. Hosted by Regenesis Toronto, there was participation from local artists and attendance by loads of eco-beautiful Torontonians...

Get inspired. Re-envision the way you work, play, live.. and be a part of the creative force that's got its eye on artscaping our urban environment:
www.aboutfacecollective.com
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2261554005&ref=mf
http://twitter.com/AboutFaceco

A Modernist Moppet Movement

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:04:39 -0500

Fabricawakuwaku [loosely translated: 'excitement factory'] - is a creative project geared towards recycling materials and playing around with fabrics to create 'modernist' stuffed toys inspired by a Dada, punk, minimalist and surreal aesthetic. (Explains why we fell in love with them). Fabricwakuwaku is about art toys - for kids, adults, and anyone who appreciates something avant garde, original, sustainable and sweat-shop free.

Adrienne Gibb, an artist, originally started producing plush because she was interested in playing around with the idea of kitsch and working with a notion of â€œlow artâ€ - and she's definitely succeeding in challenging conventional notions of what art can be - creating new audiences for art and putting art where it normally is not.

Fabricawakuwaku is a stuffed animal collective- and they ain't no run-of-the-mill dollies... (more so: untraditional art-pieces). With true artist's eyes they look at the stuffed animal in a socio-historic way - as mundane a form as there is (read: mass-produced, cheap, ubiquitous commodity, suitable only for children) and strive to take it beyond the commonplace. Their toys are to be treated within the context of â€œArtâ€ and even in terms of art theory â€“ making the whole notion pretty hilarious. Dare we even say positioning it as social statement...

The Slow Toy Movement

Touching on the contradictions between a stuffed animalâ€™s charming exterior versus its point of origin (maybe a sweatshop somewhere across the world), theyâ€™re taking plush to a higher, ethical levelâ€¦ They hope to contribute to a kind of â€œslow toyâ€ movement (lol, awesome), like the â€œslow foodâ€ folks, which is their reaction against industrial production. Theyâ€™re also aware that theyâ€™re being awfully cheekyâ€¦

Fabricawakuwaku produces works in limited edition series that consist of up to 30, not-quite-alike, stuffed animals and dolls. (Each artwork emphasizes its handmade essence, purposely "countering industrial production" and "what one gets in a consumerist society").

Made from vintage and reclaimed fabrics, most are plush, baby-friendly and washable... all are crazy, obscure eco-funtime. We totally dig the Modernist Little Girl and the Deep Down Elvis Girl dolls - both exclusively available at Queen West's Drake Hotel.

(For a more kid-friendly option - take a peek at the Sideways Kitties or the Patch Monkeys)

Fabricawakuwaku, like any fervent movement, is also currently crafting their 'Stuffed Animal Manifesto' - which of course they plan on stuffing.

Get your play on... join the slow toy movement at: www.fabricawakuwaku.ca

We Heart Harvest

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:24:15 -0500

Itâ€™s harvest timeâ€¦ fruits and veggies abound â€“ a perfect time to reap the yield of the season at local markets and farms and indulge in yummy organic feastsâ€¦ accompanied by a fabulous glass of organic wine of course. Harvest time includes the essential wine harvest (as well as the Niagara Wine Festival) and weâ€™ve discovered Ontarioâ€™s only certified organic winery, Frog Pond Farm.

Frog Pond Farm is a place where insecticide and chemical-free grapes are hand picked and all wines are organically grown and crafted using traditional winemaking techniques â€“ fully certified by Organic Crop Producers & Processors. They do not use insecticides, herbicides, synthetic fungicides or chemical fertilizersâ€¦ but work with the light and warmth of the sun to cultivate their flavourful and colourful grapes.

Rainwater caught in their pond provides a habitat for a great number of species that add to the biodiversity of the 30 acre family farm. This harmony of nature lends the balanced environment for a healthy vineyard to flourish (the perfect blend for a great authentic wine).

Not only are the grapes harvested and produced in an unrefined environment, the husband and wife duo, Jens Gemmrich and Heike Koch, power their farm with Bullfrog Power.

Take a drive out (or jump on the new GO service that takes you right to wine country... probably a smart idea if youâ€™re planning on tasting all the vineyard has to offer) and tour the winery â€“ recently they became licensed to serve wine by the glass. Visitors can sip the new Cabernet Franc Rose inside the country estate or chill at the picnic table with some homemade bread (made with love and fresh garden herbs by their daughter).

Taste the best-selling full-bodied Organic Cabernet Merlot while taking a self-guided tour, or schedule a private tour with the owners and discover the clean flavors of Frogpondâ€™s other organic varieties like their Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Franc Rose, Chambourcin and their Riesling Icewine.

You can also order their wines online at www.frogpondfarm.ca/order.php

Mr. Green Jeans

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:40:42 -0500

Ok this is "jean"-ius! Not only have we discovered an awesome line of eco-denim (weâ€™ve sought after a good Canadian pair of eco-wise jeans for ages), but weâ€™ve also stumbled upon a revolution in jeans... Custom-fit, environmentally sound jeans - made to order and designed by YOU.

No more doinâ€™ time in the dressing room trying on pair after pair... seeking out that perfect fit. Weâ€™ve all done it - spent hours looking for that dream pair - the ones that hug your goods jussst right.

Say goodbye to denim distress (and hello to distressed denim - still sexy!). Ujeans has pioneered a brilliant way for anyone to own a perfectly fitted pair - and in just a few short steps those babies are all yours...

Seriously, shopping has never been this precise and efficient. The concept of putting the creative control into the hands of consumers evolved during the long hours Ujeans founder, Daniel Feuer, spent commuting to his full time stockbroker gig. Armed with an entrepreneurial spirit, a keen sense of style and a penchant for custom-fitted clothing, Daniel set out to fill a niche- and what he developed has changed the denim landscape.

Made-to-measure is usually confined to men's suits and women's wedding dresses - but now you can custom order your own fav baby blues and the process is user-friendly right from square one.

Order your personal design kit online (complete with tailor's tape and in a package crafted from reclaimed denim) and begin customizing your jeans to your own measurements. Itâ€™s a bit of thrill to create your own fashion line (dude, if Timberlake has one why shouldnâ€™t you?). From boot-cut to exposed button up. No pockets, to slanted cut, indigo hard wash, to a sleek pinstripe enzyme... The combos are endless. (Literally there are over a million possible custom-creations to truly create a pair that's all about you.)

Itâ€™s literally a 5-minute job - and the results speak for themselves - and so will your booty.

Letâ€™s not forget the ecocentric-elementâ€¦

Cotton used in UJeans denim has been sourced using cotton from the Pakistan Sustainable Cotton Initiative (growers who adhere to a World Wildlife Fund [WWF]) farming program guaranteeing sustainable production methods and fair wage allocation (see www.panda.org)
Natural minerals and enzymes are used as an environmentally responsible method for colouring jeans. (Free of harsh chemicals such as chlorine bleach, formaldehyde and azo.)
Sustainable shipping: A UJeans denim bag is used to package your purchase (made from reclaimed denim)
UJeans allocates a portion of its sales for microloans through Kiva. (Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world)

Fool-proof cash back guarantee warrants a mention here also- though we doubt once youâ€™ve hooked up that perfect pair hugging you in all the right places- youâ€™ll ever wanna let em go.

Get into a pair. www.ujeans.com

Discover a Natural Sense of Play

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:44:36 -0500

Weâ€™re always on the lookout for cool eco-kids toys, especially because our children are the first thing we want to protect from icky synthetics and filthy toxins (according to an â€˜07 study by the Ecology Center, most popular kids toys contain toxins such as lead, polyvinyl chloride, cadmium and arsenic â€¦yes, seriously). So having said that- any smart consumer would assume thereâ€™d be a plethora of eco and natural playthings available - in fact this is a market that is relatively slim. Luckily, those who are doinâ€™ it- are doin' it right.

Born from the desire for beautiful, open-ended, natural toys for their own children- the creators of Natural Pod are delivering a distinct line of toys designed to encourage creative, imaginative play - sans- the toxic-worry. And knowing how diverse kids' preferences can be, they offer a wide selection of individualistic and imaginative play-solutions.

Put down the electronics and play House with their line of sustainable wood creations. The next budding Top Chef contestant can create their magic in a chef's kitchen (with a full range - plus an array of accompanying accoutrements!)

Little architect? Wee organizer? Children love to stack, sort, build and count. Let them do it chemical-free - plus the wooden building blocksâ€™ versatility will see them rebuilt and reinvented and over and over again - from castle walls to towering structures.

Nourish their little souls with musicâ€¦ (during the first 6 years of life, research concludes that music has a positive effect on brain development). Natural Pod offers a variety of instruments to set up your emerging lil' rockstar (backup dancers not included).

And for more traditional play - Natural Pod offers a full line of high quality puzzles, games and play toys that encourage hours upon hours of play.

Encourage the active and dramatic with their imaginative play toys that include everything from lemonade stands, to doll houses, to all natural magic wands (we love these!.. pair them with some fabulous eco play-silks - whimsical!)

Let playtime begin! Visit their website to explore the natural world of play. www.naturalpod.com

Score Yourself Some Stylin' Eco Finds

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:14:18 -0500

No need to head to NYC for a weekend of shopping, art, photography and runway shows. That vibe is happening right here in TOâ€¦ at The Better Living Centre - Exhibition Place on Sept 25 - 27.

For 32 years The Clothing Show has been bringing us indie, original and eclectic finds and some of the best deals in the city â€“ sample sales with discounts up to 90% off retail! Crazy! And with 300 booths to shop from... grab your reusable bags and hustle downtown.

What we love most about the show: They're supporting our homegrown fashion heroes by giving local designers, retailers, and artists a chance to show and sell their stuff - jump-starting their fledgling businesses. (As a grassroots enterprise themselves, they totally get it. )

This year theyâ€™re showcasing a whole brand-spanking new ECO section where you can find progressive eco designers such as PaperPeople, Revolve, Margaret MacLeod, Embody and more.

Discover other one-of-a-kind finds and rare treasures in the Vintage zone - collections are brought in from all across Ontario, including antique and estate jewelry (and we know nothing compares to an original...)
Check out the Century of Fashion Competition exhibit where collectors and experts display their best museum quality garments from the 20th Century (stylin' gear like mod sunglasses, 1950â€™s eyelet, lace frocks and bold 1970â€™s graphic prints)
Impromptu photo-shoots will be going on as part of the Fashion Photography Contest plus runway action with shows on Friday and Saturday (so come lookin' hot)

Clothing Show's Artistâ€™s Gallery has become one of the largest entirely-free art galleries in the city; providing exposure for local talent â€“ (students and professional artists alike). In keeping with the initiative to showcase upcoming local talent, there is over 1,000 feet of art gallery space that has been made available to local artists to display and sell their work. Designers and artists from every medium - painting & sculpture to performance & videography - are exhibiting their works throughout the 3 day event at no cost. Presenting art in an accessible and unique context.

If you visit their site and sign up for their mailing list not only will you get exclusive discount coupons but you can win a $1000 shopping spree for the show.

And a major selling point for us eco-goodie loving peeps - The Clothing Show visitors are gifted a reusable shopper bag loaded with free product samples. Yay! This fall, their bag is designed by Pause Designs.

Check it: Tickets are only 8 bucks online right now - and $10 at the door- but as a gift to our lovely community eco-fashionistas we are giving away a pair of tix to the first peeps who email us their favourite Canadian eco-designer.

See ya there! www.theclothingshow.com

A Feast of Fields

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:21:15 -0500

Weâ€™re all about ecoEATS, and when it comes right down to it, it doesnâ€™t get more eco than the Organic Advocates' Feast of Fields Event. Connecting us with the roots of our cuisineâ€¦Feast of Fields is a gastronomic journey towards a sustainable, local food system.

Fellow-foodies and locavores alike, come on out and rub elbows with Food Channel chefs, culinary masters and the true homegrown heroes of cuisine - our farmers. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Feast of Fields is an innovative and unrivalled experience in primo-gourmet organic flavourâ€¦ Organic Advocates, (a not-for-profit that supports organic food awareness) brings to life the expression "field to fork". Get up close and personal with more than 40 of the GTAâ€™s top chefs- (including Feast of Fields super-star chef and co-founder Jamie Kennedy).

Jamie Kennedy notes: â€œOver the course of the last twenty years, we have begun to explore our local community and now today, more than ever before, we are celebrating the work of local food artisans, winegrowers and brewers and chefs. We are gaining confidence in our ability to supply and celebrate our local food bounty. Ours is a region that is second to none and we have a lot to be proud of. A great result of this pride is now a deep seated need to protect what we have nurtured.â€ In addition to the notorious Jamie Kennedy, guests will also have the chance to meet and talk with renowned TV chef (Chef at Home and Chef at Large) Michael Smith.

- Get your organic eats-education from best experts out there (schoolin' you won't get anywhere else)
- Feast (and sip!) on the best local fare
- Chat up the local farmers, celebrity chefs, homegrown vintners and micro-brewers.
- Recreate the magic at home with your complimentary 20th Anniversary (artisan designed) Recipe Cookbook

Notable mention! Innovation at it's finest - with the goal of being truly green, all Feast of Fields food will be served on vegetable leaves. ( and other genius natural creations) Awesome. And hereâ€™s some more feel-good grassroots loveâ€¦.each year Feast of Fields donates proceeds from the event to an ecological group or organization (to promote sustainable, organic agriculture). This year funds raised will go directly to the University of Guelph's Organic Agriculture Department. (givin back the <3)

Feast of Fields is taking place Sunday September 13th at the beautiful Kortright Centre for Conservation (very appropriate) Purchase tickets on-line at www.feastoffields.org and / or call (905) 859-3609.

Fashionista In The Air

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:58:35 -0500

Itâ€™s a subtle crispness in the air... that random whiff of a fireplace in the night breeze, a slow-cool feeling moving inâ€¦ the seasonal shift symbolizes exciting opportunities - fall shopping is upon us, and weâ€™re getting nostalgic for snug soulful sweaters and chic statement jackets.

A true fashionista doesnâ€™t wait for equinox - weâ€™re getting the jump on an organic autumn style. On the hunt for cozy items with eco-appeal â€“ ethical style is driving that mission...right to Vancouver-based clothing company Nixxi. Their Fall '09 collection makes us yearn for the leaves to turn and the snow to fallâ€¦ (ok, donâ€™t hate, we still have faith in summerâ€™s comeback tour). Nixxiâ€™s sexy autumn collection offers the requisite and versatile blacks, greys, and whites, alongside energetic pops of cobalt and pink. A collection of modern minimalism, designer Jada-lee Watson blends rich textures with the use of organic wool, wool and tencel, ramie denim, and vivaldi linen into her designs. Watson's design style has her focused on her surroundings - taking inspiration from other's personal style, culture and by trying to embrace the different moods of each season â€“ and we are definitely feeling it.

We are loving their Sash Coat! An essential piece, this little black coat is fierce with its square buttons and loose hood. This all-purpose piece can be thrown over tights, jeans, or a long slinky skirt for lots of wearable mileage. We also yearn to envelop ourselves in Nixxiâ€™s wool and tencel Wrap Cardigan - cinch it with a belt, drape it over your shoulders, or flip the collar â€“ this piece is crazy versatile. Throw either of â€˜em of them over the yummy Batwing Top â€“ (flirty, slinky, not too heavy) it hugs you just right and still leaves hope for an Indian summer.

Check out www.nixxi.ca to see the whole collection, and jump-start your funky fall wardrobe for the season.

Inspired By You

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:00:47 -0500

Ok seriously, with the ever increasing number of stellar eco-skincare options now available in the marketplace - it begs the question: whatâ€™s a passionate, talented, fearless and lovely, luxury-loving lady to choose that reflects her... uniquely, ecocentric self? Enter Exuberance...

High-potency and toxin-free skin care made with certified organic ingredients. Offering us sisters a luxury line of organic skincare with serious â€˜tude. It's eco-beauty indulgence personified - formulated to reflect that inner-fabulous out to the rest of the world. (Shine on you crazy diamond)

Jodi Fedor, Founder and CEO of Exuberance, knows that weâ€™re all hot. And sheâ€™s on a grassroots mission with a universal vision... to bring forth the Sasha Fierce, reminding you of your special relevance in the grand scheme. Skincare is no longer just skincare with Exuberance, its something larger- actively engaging you to bring your best self (and face) forward.

Its all about love.
Jodiâ€™s givinâ€™ us big love - and not only with the products she creates but also in the whimsical, beautiful, and funky way she delivers the Exuberance message. An Exuberant Woman knows her own worth. Her skincare reflects her inner-self: hardworking, efficient and beautiful (snap-snap!). Exuberance's full line of luxury is celebrating You - and they are responsible for looking after your skin with healthy ingredients and a careful (almost obsessive) attention to detail.

Change your skin, change your life

At Exuberance their commitment goes beyond making kick-ass products - quote: â€œI want Exuberance to act as a reminder that it is all elements of who we are as women that makes us beautiful, not just those that fit into a single narrow definition of beauty. I also want us to give back to our communities, and so a part of the company profits are donated to charities that elevate and empower womenâ€. You rock Jodi.

Exuberance backs this notion with belief in creating positive change in the world, helping elevate and inspire women. Check out â€˜Exuberant Eveningsâ€™ (eco-events filled with great conversation and amazing women). Jodi also inspires us by providing product donations to womenâ€™s shelters, and the Exuberance Global sponsorships (for women around the world who are working to better their situations via entrepreneurship). But what we really dig is the annual â€˜Artist Retreat Sponsorshipâ€™ (Exuberance chooses an emerging female artist for an Artistic Retreat Sponsorship each year and hooks her up with food and living accommodations, giving her the time and freedom to groove to her personal creativity and expression). Awesome. Now thatâ€™s love.

Spirited skincare - with a heart

Exuberance puts their own best face forward with their gorgeous packaging... its skincare wrapped in art. (Jodi's a graphic designer too). We opened our first Exuberance package and found a love letter! â€“ very cool. Words of affirmation and words of inspirationâ€¦ We couldnâ€™t wait to get into these. The â€˜Sheâ€™s So Lovely Beautifying & Balancing Daily Moisturizerâ€™ yummy â€“ and gloriously scented by its essential rose oil (mmm aromatherapy). Soothing, and left our skin silky (we felt delicious and weâ€™re hyped over its anti-aging action).

The Radiance Green Tea Daily Facial Cleanser (first thoughts: its a super-cleanser!) - smooth and light, loaded with antioxidant power, and it lent a nice little repairative tingle (skin felt detoxed and fresh - sans the dry).

Thereâ€™s also an entire line of treatment products (repair cream, facial serum, eye cream and exfoliant) full of potent natural ingredients - designed to take your skincare regime to a higher level. With mega concentrations of anti-aging and brightening ingredients like Vitamin C, Evening Primrose Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil and Raspberry and Blueberry Extract.

Bring your Exuberance to the forefront... take a journey and bring out the beauty. Start discovering... pick up the 'First Love Facial Discovery Palette' and check out all their products in one pretty package â€“ awesome for taking on the road (being just the right size to meet all airline size restrictions).

(Order online and get 3 free deluxe samples) www.exuberancebeauty.com

Musing Mid-Century Modern

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:11:44 -0500

We spend so much time musing over the fantastic innovations growing out of the green marketplace that we thought it appropriate to pause for a moment and show some love for the old school vintage, iconic furniture and home decor that's being reborn every day. Not only for the fact that 're-using' reduces our impact on the environment, but when it comes to sexy mid-century modern design, you wanna buy it regardless of our planet giving you a 'big-up'.

Those in the know are already tuned into Leslieville as the primo destination for vintage furniture shopping - with shops boasting everything from high end classics to industrial design stunners. And in true trendsetting fashion, some of these retailers have been around even before the commercial craze for this beautiful era of modernist furniture. We scoped out a few- here are our favs...

Ethel is one of the best shops for Danish designer pieces from the 1950â€™s and '60s as well as 1970â€™s pop plastics. You'll find industrial lighting shining over handmade ceramics and Italian artglass - look out for signature pieces such as Eames Aluminum Group office chairs to funky Aarnio Ball Chairs. Their showroom is a museum of mid-century modern design and a real tribute to the past. As in most vintage retailers, stock changes regularly, but you can always find teak furnishings and colourful vintage radios and electronics. Plus Ethel is now carrying furnishings locally made from salvaged barnboard. http://ethel20thcenturyliving.com/ethel/index.html.

On the easternmost edge of the Leslieville vintage shop strip you'll find G.U.F.F. (Great Used Furniture Finds) with a real mix of antiques and Scandinavian modern furniture. Plenty of teak to be found here too plus some pretty cool industrial finds - and a good smattering of art deco as well. http://guffonline.blogspot.com

Machineagemodern is your place for rare international lines - high-end classics like the glass and chrome Verner Panton dining set and Robert Indianaâ€™s LOVE rug. You can also score some more affordable, high-quality teak furnishings and Murano glass lamps, and their best seller, their house-designed Cubist mirrored wall sculpture that encompasses some serious 60's chic. www.machineagemodern.com.

Zig Zag's eclectic assortment was recently featured in design-bible Wallpaper - doesn't mean it's not within reach... You can find your requisite Wegner and Eames here, but also a great selection of unsigned pieces, and an awesome collection of lucite and metal ware. Best thing is you can buy (or window-shop) online via their Mod Store - it's updated on the regular with all their newest inventory. www.modfurnishings.com.

Painting the Town Green

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:20:57 -0500

Get Your Green On Peopleâ€¦

Summerâ€™s finally arrived in our fair-city and we ain't planning on being stuck inside for what's left of it...

Explore the great green outdoors as our urban landscape is transformed on August 30th when Live Green Toronto Festival paints the town greenâ€¦ Live Green Toronto is a new, five-year program to promote and support neighbourhood-based actions to green Toronto - And this festivalâ€™s got it allâ€¦. ecoWEAR, ecoCARE, ecoEATS, ecoDECO and ecoKIDS (all immersed in a whole whack of ecoCULTURE).

Torontoâ€™s annual celebration of all things green is in itâ€™s 3rd year and growing strong.. On August 30th take a stroll through Y&D Squareâ€™s sampling of luscious local foods, homegrown artisan talent and mad-hot musical acts (Philosopher Kings, Danny Fernandes, and more...). Family-friendly events are happening all day long (the festival runs from 11am-8pm) and includes green walking tours, an inorganic market (bring all yer old cell phones, computers, electronics etc. and theyâ€™ll get rid of them responsibly), and Earth Rangers are coming with their Animal Ambassadors in tow.

While you are celebrating and exploring the plethora of eco-goodness donâ€™t forget to hug a tree! Look out for this dude--->
(The Live Green Toronto Tree mascot will be out looking for hugs and high-fives )

At Torontoâ€™s annual eco-celebration, Yonge Street becomes â€˜green streetâ€™ with more than 100 exhibitors, local food, live music, and more.

...See you there!

Sunday, August 30
11 am â€“ 8 pm
Yonge-Dundas Square
www.toronto.ca/greentorontofestival/

A Wander of Wonder

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 21:28:59 -0500

Respecting "FlÃ¢neur's" French meaning ("stroll"), we meandered through Petit FlÃ¢neur's collection and happened upon some pretty hip hand crafted kidâ€™s stuff - from toys to art, and even clothing. Noteworthy... we thought weâ€™d stop a moment to share.

You can easily spot Petit FlÃ¢neur's deep design roots, beautifully reflected in their aesthetics (Petit FlÃ¢neur doubles as a design house that does extensive work for Canadian success story Umbra). And true to an Ecocentric greenspot, they craft their wonder using only locally sourced, all-natural materials, non-toxic inks, and food safe finishes... and everything they create is produced right here at home.

Adorable handmade wooden blocks for kids- totally versatile and offered in a number of different themes that are entirely multi-functionalâ€¦ Meaning: alphabet, numbers, classic flip'n match memory game, apples and ice cream (a new-school tic-tac-toe ) tossed in with in some 3D puzzle action â€“ Makes for getting mad-mileage out of a kidâ€™s toy, and lends to providing that essential variety that kids need to feed those â€œpetitâ€ attention spans.

La Petit FlÃ¢neurâ€™s dollhouses appeal us girls at any age (we want one for the office!) â€“ totally reminiscent of old-school fun, they are a perfect vehicle to showcase a true design passion. They mix modern with funky mid-century furniture (although the Barcelona chair included is only illustrated) and finely detailed wallpaper. Plus- they come pre-assembled (no mini Ikea moments) and in three colors- cotton candy, creme de menthe, and pigeon blue. Green dollhouses! Seriously cool.

Take your own little stroll through their site...and make sure to check out their collaged ready to hang canvases as well as their hand printed childrenâ€™s clothing and greeting cards while youâ€™re there.

www.petitflaneur.com

Ms Dr. Feel-Good

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:25:55 -0500

Got a bit of the mid - (or lack of) - summer blahs happening? Gearing up for the September rush? ...We feel you. Gone are the days where we can in good conscience reach for a red-bull or rely on starbucks for a boost. So for all you super-ladies out there, doinâ€™ it all, (upwardly mobile or hero-mom), weâ€™ve found a solution you can feel good about (and that feels good too).

Energy is an all natural, planet (and vegan) friendly female formulated nutritional solution by homegrown Canadian brand femMED. FemMED Energy enhances mental performance with guarana, ginseng and yerba mate, (mad energy-givers) and provides increased capacity to exerciseâ€¦ (so you can power through those last 15 minutes of cardio)

Women are passionate, and when weâ€™re doing what we love, we make the sacrifice... (admirable creatures that we are), sleeping 3 hour nights up for the gym first thing (btw thanks femMED Energy for that boost during those 5am workouts). Then onto another full day of walking the ambitious path... realistically - thatâ€™s a lot of stress weâ€™re putting on our bodies. Supplementing our diets and striving to live a healthier lifestyle is key to the well rounded successful life. Lets be honest, its a rare (and blissful) moment when we have the luxury to grab that full 8 - and femMED gives us the gentle holistic herbal kick in the pants we need while weâ€™re busy tackling the day to-dos (and still feeling hot). It's eco-energizing at its finest.

FemMEDâ€™s user-friendly, back to basics, plant-smart approach to wellness fits perfectly into our (notenoughhoursinthe) days. We love that their line is scientifically tailored to compliment both our bodyâ€™s natural chemistry as well as our own personal health-sense. Developed for our specific feminine needs by Canadian entrepreneur Shawna Page (in an effort to simplify things for us, thank you Shawna â˜º..no more confused treks through the vitamin aisle) to meet our distinctively feminine dynamics... femMED hones in on every important health concern facing women and touts being the the first ever consumer friendly all-natural solution created solely for the ladies.

Multi-Tasking Vitamins for the Multi-Tasking Queen.

From weight management to pregnancy to sleep to libidoâ€¦femMED has you covered. Check out their newest launch femMED Hair Skin and Nails formulationâ€¦ Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, this specifically formulated supplement helps repair and improve damage done to hair, skin and nails from any number of summer (and other) sources. Awesome for repairing all the damage done by swimming, patio sunning, and overall outdoor summer fun. Every health junkie (or clever-chick) should add this to her aprÃ¨s-summer beauty artillery. Check out their full compliment at: www.femmed.com

Accessories to Sustain Your Style

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:55:06 -0500

Ecocessories, striving to bring the cradle-to-cradle model to the jewelry industryâ€¦ not just by (up &) downcycling old jewelry, but by truly giving it new lifeâ€¦. rebirthing one-of-a-kind ornaments, with love, from discarded baubles.

Ecocessoriesâ€™ mission is to create a more harmonious planet by slowing down the consumption of resources and supporting fair trade business. ( <3 )

Jessica Reiss, the artist behind each of the hand crafted designs at Ecocessories, rocks sustainability by using only recycled & fair trade materials in her eco-creations.

Each design is made using sterling silver and recycled beads, and she personally does all the silversmithing in her North Vancouver, B.C. studio. Her point of difference (and her sustainable model) is supported by her exclusive jewelry recycling service. Itâ€™s her source for recycled beads and vintage components. Plus, she finds her inspiration from these once loved but now old, broken, or unwanted ornaments. (...itâ€™s all about the possibilities)

So why not repurpose your own jewelry? (you know that singular earring youâ€™ve got hanging around â€¦ itâ€™s mateâ€™s been gone for years?) donâ€™t toss it! Donate it to Ecocessories and get sweet discounts for your upcycling efforts... (starting with 15% off). Check out their slew of awesome eco-gems and get a peek at some of the original mixed-media artwork too.

..if youâ€™re in VAN check out Ecoccessories @ the Portobello West Market Aug.30thâ€¦ for additional markets: www.ecocessories.ca/collections/shop

Building an Imagination

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:55 -0500

Really, who doesnâ€™t have a memory of turning an ordinary, discarded cardboard box into the most novel and wonderful playthingâ€¦? An integral part of fort building as well as hide & seek - ginormous cardboard boxes rivaled the fun that was to be had in any playgroundâ€¦and now you can bring that home...

Paperpod is creating props for a new generation - taking it up a notch with their innovative range of toys that will make you wish you were 5 again. Yep- Cardboard is making a kid-friendly comeback with an eco-friendly twist, Paperpod's practical and affordable line of sustainable toys are 100% recycled corrugated cardboard, and are of course fully recyclable themselves.

From toy fort, to playhouse, to rocket, children can blast off to the moon or create their own fairytale (complete with castle) â€¦ or play at house in the adorable, ready to decorate, Paperpod playhouse.

Each and every Paperpod piece is fully customizable (paint, crayon, collage... whatever their wee hearts desire). And they come flat-packed, making each easy to assemble (sans Ikea-frustration moments) as well as easy to store ('cause who has extra space to store a castle? )

The best part about this is that it's giving kids a chance to reclaim and engage their creativity.. losing the TV- re-inserting the imagination (â€¦also a great party toy - keep â€˜em busy for hours). www.paperpod.ca

Voulez Vous Manger Avec Moi?

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:06:02 -0500

Lady Marmalade may have made her journey from the west coast, but with her vintage, artsy dÃ©cor and laid back vibe, she fits nicely into her new Queen St. East â€˜hood.

The walls are adorned with local art (Matt Durant) and no two chairs (or tables) alike, (yay! for thrift store shopping ...the space seats around 35 or so). Their basement also houses a small gallery space featuring local artists - make sure and check out their kitschy bathrooms while youâ€™re down there!

Lady Marmalade is serving up their delicious brunch-menu and holding true to a commitment to integrate with their communityâ€¦ organic meats come from down the street (Rowe Farms) and breads from â€˜round the corner (St. Johnâ€™s Bakery).

In 2005, Toronto-born siblings Carla and David Cherry opened up a little brunch spot in B.C. and worked hard to make it a Victoria staple. Four years later Lady Marmalade has become famous for its locavore-vibe as well as its yummy innovative Mexican fusion menu.

Bringing that flavour home, the Lady has landed in Leslieville, the perfect location to extend and build that tight neighbourhood feel. The restaurant is lively â€“ it was buzzing with conversation as we perused a menu as eclectic as the dÃ©cor- we felt at ease, comfortable and yup, starving.

A menu of homegrown staple dishes fused with a Mexican twist - (Poutine for breakfast? You canâ€™t get much more Canadian than that). Fair-trade Fernwood coffee is imported from Victoria and there is a plethora of original (free-run) eggs benny options (our resident benny aficionado gives these a hollandaise-covered thumbs up).

Portions are generous so come hungry! www.ladymarmalade.ca

Experience an Eco Awakening

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:58:25 -0500

Somewhere deep in the rolling countryside between Toronto and London, the ecolution is in motionâ€¦ consciousness is evolving and eco-spiritual discoveries are being forged.

We wanted to write about ecoCULTURE this week and had no Idea what an amazing discovery we were about to makeâ€¦ with our streets and public spaces littered with trash, and summer nowhere in sight (weather diviners that we spoke of in our last feature- weâ€™re looking at you) we are definitely feeling The Living Centreâ€™s philosophical idealism right now.

Located in the heart of Canada's Carolinian zone (the southernmost region of Canada & home to more rare plants and animals than any other part of the countryâ€¦ magical!) you can re-examine your relationship with nature in the serene comfort of a stellar 50 acre sanctuary of wild meadows, forest-woodland, tranquil ponds, luscious organic gardens and orchards.

Founded in 1983, and offering the high quality, leading edge training in the fields of Health, Nutrition, Eco-Spirituality and Peace Consciousness, The Living Centre is the brainchild (and heartchild) of founders Lorenna and Shantree - internationally celebrated visionaries, authors, educators, nutritional researchers and world peace workers.

Their Eco-Spiritual Education Sanctuary offers an eco-bounty of ways to get in touch with nature and with ourselvesâ€¦ Its mission is candid and ripe with conviction: â€œThe purpose of The Living Centre is to promote a renaissance in human thought, values and conscience based on healing, eco-sustainability and openness.â€ Their wish is to grow together as global citizens; and to contribute towards the creation of a culture based in peace; True leaders in the now emerging Blue movement!

The Centre has evolved since its inception from a retreat to a full-on movement (in human consciousness). It recognizes that physical, emotional, spiritual and ecological health are the four essential factors in achieving human potential, success, and creating a healthy, happy, balanced life and societyâ€¦ And theyâ€™re making good on that notion - providing a venue unlike any other for conscious individuals to â€˜be the change.â€™

The Centre is dedicated to offering programs designed to support life-affirming eco-education and leadership. Tour the incredible medicine wheel garden and be inspired to discover Visionary Herbalism or Ayurvedic Nutrition - a few of the courses taught by Living centre co-founder Shantree Walter Kacera. (Former VP of the Ontario Herbalists Association â€¦ not to mention: Ayurvedic Live-Food Nutritionist, Therapeutic & Shamanic Herbalist, and Constitutional Iridology Educator).

If its creative release you seek, check out the â€˜Earth Wisdom Creative Expression Programsâ€™ led by co-founder Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera. Lorenna, a creativity-coach with 35 years experience being both student and teacher of spirituality, holistic healing and the 'art of living' is also a Certified Ayurvedic Living Nutrition Educator and Sevenfold Path Lifestyle coach with a specialty in trauma resolution. Lorenna believes that our only hope for the future is to adopt a new concept of human ecology; one in which we celebrate the gift of imagination and creativity.

We love them already. Nuff said.

The Green Element:
The Living Centre is committed to ecological practices that maintain and restore health of natural ecosystems, local economies and the well being of their apprentices, students and guests. Striving to ensure that they step lightly on the earth - they accomplish this in a wealth of ways:
- Organic edible forest practices
- Energy efficient operations
- Little to no fossil fuel usage
- Water conservation
- Protecting biodiversity
- Menus that feature only local, organic foods (and incorporate Ayurvedic principles)
- Harnessing consumer power to support equally green businesses

Impressiveâ€¦The list goes on but its obvious theyâ€™ve got all the marks of a truly ecocentric operation - continually exploring new paths toward sustainability.
Forward the ecolution!

Escape to The Living Centre and get a shot of life!

Choose your own path at: www.thelivingcentre.com. The Living Centre is recognized by the Ministry of Education in Canada.

SOMETHING FOR EVERY SHADE OF GREEN

Herb Walks - Nature is the Classroom
Recharge, Restore & Reconnect - (The Sevenfold Path Rejuvenation Experience)
Living Cuisine - Look and Feel Younger!
Earth Wisdom: Power of the Elements
EarthDance: A Spiritual Adventure (eco-pick!)
Gather round the peace pole to meditate, give thanks, commune and to absorb the abundant healing energies and generosity of the Earth.
Find your balance: Ayurveda: Natureâ€™s wisdom
Ecological Herbalism: The Root of Sustainability
The Seven Steps to Extraordinary Living

Artful Illumination

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:09:58 -0500

OK. So we are totally turned on by Propellorâ€™s lightingâ€¦ This Vancouver-based design studioâ€™s aesthetic evolved from sustainable ideologies and not only are they innovative, but are crazy whimsical and full on funky.

Key for them is creating objects that are useful, beautiful, and sustainable. And their lighting collection is certainly delivers on the beautifulâ€¦ designed and hand crafted in limited editions batches - they use the most eco-sensitive materials at their disposal, including reclaimed wood, stone, paper, eco-resin and glass.

We were inspired, not only by their breathtaking work, but also by their own muses and curiosities: including the smell of horses, listening to scientists, sea otters (who doesnâ€™t like sea otters?), downpours, and problem solving.

Dram is a light sculpture composed of 120 odd disused tumblers and drinking glasses salvaged from an earlier time. Itâ€™s also an hallucination of blurred contours, dissolving colours and the ghosts of a thousand intoxicated nightsâ€¦ (love!)

Six shades of green make up the Sombrio chandelier. Reminiscent of tumbling strands of seaweed in Sombrio bay on Vancouver Islandâ€¦itâ€™s a stunner.

These made to order beauties can be found at www.madedesign.ca in Toronto, or have look at www.propellor.ca and see what might turn you on from their brilliant collection.

Here Comes the Sun

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:04:57 -0500

Dudes, we feel ya. Itâ€™s Julyâ€¦ and summer has only just poked her head around the corner. But those official weather diviners out there are telling us sheâ€™s on her way this weekâ€¦ giving us some hope of finally getting outside and reveling in her warming rays - (after a good coat of sunscreen of course).

With the state of the ozone, itâ€™s a given that even on the cloudiest of days we should be protecting our skin, so on the sunniest of days we should definitely be taking it up a notch. In search of some proper, and chemical-free, sun fortification we discovered HEIKO.

Why exchange one evil for another? You shouldnâ€™t have to use damaging chemical brews to block the damaging UV rays of the sun. HEIKO answers the call with products that are 100% natural and made with organically grown ingredients.

HEIKO, named after the Japanese word for 'balance', offers just that: products that are gentle both on your body and on our beloved earth. Developed in Quebec by homeopathic biochemist, Shirley Duplessis, HEIKO began in her clinic while she was creating natural creams for her own patients. Taking that holistic training to the next level she developed her brilliant 100% natural line up of products for the rest of us. HEIKO was the first beauty care company in North America to offer a complete range of skin care products that are inspired entirely by homeopathy - (dig that claim to fame!).

No parabens, perfumes, or preservatives to be found here â€“ their formulations are only ever enhanced with essential oils. Their Ultra Protection SPF Creams just received a nod of approval from Health Canada as the first natural product sunscreen available in the Canadian market. Itâ€™s the natural ingredient of Zinc Oxide that creates the physical barrier to both the UVA and UVB rays, and they add ingredients such as sunflower and olive oil to moisturize the skin and maintain its elasticity â€“ yay for extra benefits!

We gave it a try â€“ it absorbed quickly into the skin and we loved the fact that it was non-greasy, but at the same time contains natural oils that make it water resistant â€“ no need to reapply after that dip in the pool (or lake, or raindance).

Offering 3 levels of protection â€“ HEIKO SPF 30 ($30), HEIKO SPF 40 ($30) & HEIKO SPF 40 Kids ($30), these dermatologically tested SPF creams are available across Canada at your local Phrama Plus, Loblaws and at select health food retailers. They also offer an awesome natural skincare line (their HEIKO Age Defense Moisturizer is an EcocentricGuide fave!). Find out more about their complete product line-up at: www.heiko.ca

Detox Your Life. Refresh Your Home. Reinvent Your Workplace.

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:40:46 -0500

With the slew of eco, green and enviro cleaning service options now available in the marketplace, it begs to question â€“ what precisely differentiates one eco-cleaner from another? We sat down with Mona to discover just that.

Mona Cleaning (short for MOther NAture, of course) is redefining green+clean with a stellar new professional service thatâ€™s an eco-cut above the rest. Mona focuses on ultimate and superior satisfaction each and every time by extending a fully customized offering for her clients (including a walk through of your home with Mona incarnate herself- founder and owner, Sheri-Anne Woolley). During your walk through you will be provided with a totally personalized consultation, including Monaâ€™s own tips and tricks for eco-minded individuals to better maintain a fresh non toxic environmentâ€¦ while juggling the busy lifestyle weâ€™re all accustomed to nowadays - (learning experience free of charge).

Sheri-Anne Woolley, who left her long time corporate career to bring Mona to life, says â€œOur goal is to bring eco-wareness to each space... each life we touch.â€ And Mona truly is going above and beyond- by incorporating her 'royalty serviceâ€™ trainingâ€¦. (now pay attention, hereâ€™s the point of difference youâ€™re all looking for in a cleaning service) not only is Mona all about green, reducing carbon footprints and providing rockstar results, but sheâ€™s putting a new spin on superior service through skills and secrets picked up in prestigious â€˜butler schoolâ€™.

Butler school gives Mona an edge. One big, exclusive, eco-edge.
There are things that ordinary housekeeping services just donâ€™t know aboutâ€¦ from the proper way to deal with fine surfaces, to how to make a bed fit for a king (and dudes, Mona makes a mean bed â€¦.no extra charge). But most importantly elite butler training puts Monaâ€™s finger-on the pulse of leading-edge household management - learning from some of the best â€˜butleringâ€˜ experts out there, including those whoâ€™ve held positions caring for royalty, numerous celebrities, and Canadian legend Mr. Eaton himself.

Eco-cleaning the way mother nature intended

When you hire Mona you are hiring a professional service unlike any other on the market, and you can expect luxury treatment that goes hand in hand with the greenest clean youâ€ll ever have. Of course it goes without saying that your health and safety is paramount and they use only 100% organic, naturally derived products to make your home or office shine (not because itâ€™s the right way to clean â€“ because itâ€™s the better way to clean). Providing environmentally sensitive cleaning services for both the home and office, Mona helps you breathe easy by eliminating toxic and hazardous cleaning chemicals â€¦ and the old school methods with new school appeal are the things that make Monaâ€™s heart tickâ€¦ and that heart is a big oneâ€¦ Mona is also a member of the organization â€˜Cleaning For A Reasonâ€™ â€¦ a not-for-profit service that offers free professional housecleaning services to improve the lives of people undergoing treatment for cancer... (mad love to Monaâ€™s big green heart)

Check out Monaâ€™s services online at www.monacleaning.com to discover a custom package that is right for your home or business. (free quotes!) Some of the current in-demand specialty services include: â€œthe Party Clean Up Service (cause seriously, sometimes nursing that killer hangover is work enough); The Pre-Baby Service (where Mona will come into your home and purify, detox and refresh your space before babyâ€™s arrival); And â€œThe Move Out Serviceâ€ (Mona makes moving easier by dealing with all of the lived-in grime for us, so we can focus on unpacking). Also gaining popularity is â€˜the gift of eco-cleanâ€™â€¦Monaâ€™s Gift Certificate offerings are perfect for any occasion (or just because â€“ who doesnâ€™t like getting their home cleaned?!)

Check out Monaâ€™s article in the upcoming issue of MUM Magazine this September where sheâ€™ll spill a few of her fabulous eco-secrets and give us some of the inside scoop on eco-cleaning the way MOther NAture intended.

Wrap it up Baby

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:30:49 -0500

Alongside the excitement and the joys of having a newborn also come a new set of challengesâ€¦ and one of them is managing your life without two hands.

Deanna Gibson, mother of two, found she couldn't live without her baby carriers and transformed her quandary into her inspiration. Taking it up a fashion-forward notch, she developed her own line of baby wraps that are not only fashionable, but eco conscious as well. Phat Baby Wraps are a delicious alchemy of all the best features of traditional carriers blended together to create a continuous connection with baby in organic harmony.
Her stylinâ€™ Phat Baby Wraps are made from soft silky natural fibers such as deliciously soft bamboo and organic cotton combinations. Justifiably dubbed the "cashmere" of baby slings... (we're all eco-savvy enough to know by now that bamboo = softness, breathability, and moisture absorption) but also temperature regulation â€“ itâ€™s cool in the summer and warm in winter thus making their carriers perfect for every season. Phat Baby Wraps are completely reversible â€“ slings have a chic fashion panel on one side and reverse to solid on the other which makes it ideal for use by both mommy AND daddy-o. Totally versatile. And there's something for every fashion-appetite.

Ergonomic by design, their wraps have no belts, buckles, rings or snaps to dig into your body or cause strain. Your baby's weight is evenly distributed over the entire back and shoulders creating an incredibly comfortable carry. The front panel adds just enough extra support to comfortably wear your baby through the first year and beyond.

Our favourite part: not only are they designed as a comfortable carrier, but as an expression of your own personal style as well. Choose from a selection of ready made in-stock baby wraps, or get creative and choose your own custom wrap by selecting from a delicious selection of funky eco fabrics. Make a statement. Make it uniquely your own.

Experts agree that babies nestled close to the body develop a more secure relationship with themselves and the world around them. Making your baby carrier uniquely yours and your babyâ€™s is just another way of bringing you closer together.

Check out their extensive fabric selection and place your order on line at: www.phatbabywraps.com

Bambeautiful!

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:40:50 -0500

Eco-clothier Lav & Kush take their love for mother earth from mythology to modernity... Lav & Kush takes its roots from the Hindu story of the demigods Lav and Kush, (born to lord Ram and their earth mother, Sita). The twins were raised in the forest and became protectors of the woods, representing music, beauty and strength.

Today's incarnation of Lav & Kush makes good on its mythology - protecting our fair-forests by way of providing sexy, fresh clothing that is kind to mother nature.

Lav & Kush are about lush...
Using luscious fabrics and beautiful textures they strive to deliver a little piece of luxury to today's urban woman. (Dig the fun fabric names designer Angela Saxena concocts: â€œBambeautifulâ€ which is a blend of bamboo, organic cotton and spandex; and â€œCoy Soyâ€ is a blend of soy, organic cotton and spandex.)

The entire clothing line is flirty, feminine and designed to make you feel good... and they really mean that. (Letâ€™s be honest, as much as we love â€˜em, all those yummy super soft fabrics used in today's eco-couture can sometimes cling in areas that, um, we just don't want to draw attention to)... Enter Lav & Kush who are integrating ingenious â€œbloat-friendlyâ€ features (strategically placed gathers and detailing) - case and point: smokinâ€™ hot draped-neck tops and whimsical, perfectly tailored ruched-front dresses that help disguise that "just had dinner" tummy. Angela says: "We want women to feel good in everything they wearâ€. Less couture more carefreeâ€¦Thank you Lav & Kush!

Embracing today's eco-fashionista, Lav & Kush offer pieces - both classic and modern, which fuse beauty and comfort for everyday wear (and with all those delicious bambeautiful, silk, linen, coy soy and organic cotton fabricsâ€¦youâ€™ll wanna wear â€˜em every day). The Lav & Kush Spring/Summer 2009 collection draws inspiration from its mythological roots by seamlessly fusing the exotic and rich colors of India with airy, flirty textures to produce a fun and sexy summer look.

Of course, we also love that Lav & Kush is locally manufactured (essential criteria for us here at EcocentricGuideâ€¦ local artisans represent!). Plus: a percentage of their revenue is directed towards non-profits such as The David Suzuki Foundation and PETA through their Fashion Share Program... (even more love).

Founder and designer Angela Saxena, who spent more than 13 years as a clothing sales rep, attributes much of her success to the fact that other local eco-conscious clothing companies are geared toward either the yoga or higher-end markets, not the middle range that focuses on everyday wear ability. She was able to identify a niche and deliver it in style - and with prices ranging from $46-$180, we can all afford a little piece of luxury!

Lav & Kush is available across North America in over 45 boutiques, or you can find their collection online at: www.mudsharkstreetwear.com.

Comb-Suite-Comb

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:32:55 -0500

Tucked away amidst the skyscrapers of downtown Toronto lays a secret gardenâ€¦ Under the umbrella of the surrounding bank towers and above the Bay Street bustle, bees are busy cultivating their golden nectar and organic gardens are blooming delicious summer green flavours - atop the 80 year old Grande Dame of Toronto herself, The Fairmont Royal York.

When you step onto the roof at The Fairmont Royal York its as if you are stepping into a private and exclusive backyard gardenâ€¦ because you are. Thereâ€™s something amazing happening up there in the sky...organic oasis gardens and royal hives cohabitating in harmony to create a rooftop ecosystem unto itself.

Eco-leaders in their industry, The Fairmont Royal York has cultivated their own bounty since the mid 90â€™s. The herb garden is the only one of its kind in Toronto, and serves as an extension of the hotelâ€™s environmental program. We were lucky to get a personal tour of this hidden oasis by The Fairmont Royal Yorkâ€™s very talented, and very gracious Executive Chef, David Garcelon.

David led us up to the 14th floor, through the kitchen passageway and beyond the big metal door appointed with the â€œCaution BEESâ€ warningâ€¦ We had arrived.

Taken aback momentarily by the unparalleled views across the water and into the skyâ€¦ this place had an air of modest magicâ€¦. a place where the very CN tower itself seemed to grow out from within the lush organic gardens. The 4000sq ft. garden is host to an abundance of vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers that appoint the fine dining dishes in the hotelâ€™s restaurant. Lettuces stand crisp and tall, ornamental tomatoes, and chardonnay grapes all delicious in the sun-drenched sanctuary. Go beyond the beds of fragrant basil, luscious lavender and stunning alpine strawberries and youâ€™ll find quarters of some very sweet guests â€“ the hotelâ€™s own hive apiary.

Fairmont Royal Yorkâ€™s rooftop apiary was established in partnership with the Toronto Beekeepersâ€™ Cooperative and FoodShare. It is each initiativeâ€™s mission to deliver fresh local product in a sustainable way to hotel guests (and also serves as an educational initiative for the co-opâ€™s beekeeper training program).

We were surprised to hear that unlike rural bees, which are experiencing colony collapse disorder due to the use of agricultural pesticides, urban bees are thriving. The Royal Yorkâ€™s bees are on a missionâ€¦ not only to transform delicious dishes from the hotel kitchens, but also to improve the downtown ecosystem; While pollinating the surrounding, largely pesticide-free city trees and flowers, they are flourishing in their urban environment. That's definitely something to buzz about! Three more hives were installed this year - the hotel hopes to take their seasonal 380lbs harvest up to an impressive1000lbs â€“ all from the penthouse quarters of the beeâ€™s Honey Moon Suite, Royal Sweet and V.I.Bee Suite.

There are 100+ chefs at the Royal York that draw upon the roof-top garden, providing the herbs and the honey (no commercially blended nectar here - this stuff is liquid goldâ€¦ and it tastes like sunshine) needed to flavour the dishes served in the hotelâ€™s queen-bee: their EPIC Restaurant. The herbs even include specially grown mint for the barâ€™s Mojitos. Mmm.

David exhibited their rooftop compost system that fuels and fertilizes his spectacular gardens (taking sustainability seriously, just another reason we have mad eco-love for the RY). Who'dve thought such a grassroots concept could thrive in the luxury of a 4 star hotel? We so dig the modesty.

Although the 14 story high garden is normally closed to the public, you can enjoy your own complimentary 30-minute tour of the hotelâ€™s rooftop â€œherbanâ€ oasis as part of afternoon tea at EPIC Restaurant. Tea & Rooftop Garden Tours are offered each Saturday and Sunday until September 6, 2009. Four afternoon garden tours are available each weekend.

The meeting point for the tour is inside EPIC Restaurant at 2 PM and 4 PM, following the 12:30 p.m. tea service. Book your private tour of this rooftop oasis by calling EPIC Restaurant at (416) 860-6949 or by email at festive@fairmont.com.

Science Meets Nature - It's a Beautiful Thing

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:27:49 -0500

Turmeric and willow bark? Massaging your face? Tap into 5000 years of sacred science with a full bodied approach to wellness. Beauty truly does begin from the inside out, and innovative skincare line Vysada, (Ayurvedic for clean, pure and simple) is harnessing this philosophy to create forward thinking skin care solutions - delivered with an ancient method. The perfect balance of science and nature.

Ayurveda (the science of life) is the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world. Derived from its ancient Sanskrit roots â€“ (â€˜ayus' = life and â€˜ved' = knowledge) â€“ its origins go back nearly 5000 years. Ayurveda begins with the belief that all things (and people) are made up of five elements (water, fire, earth, air and space). These elements exist in different combinations, creating three essential "doshas" or energies: kapha (water and earth), pitta (fire and water), and vata (air and space).

Its all about balance
Key to caring for your skin is understanding its "dosha". Holding true to this principle, Vysada has crafted a line of holistically sound formulations that complement our natural balance. And although Ayurveda fundamentally appeals to the whole self- it is undeniably linked to skincare. What we put onto our bodies is essentially what we put into them - where there is balance, there is healthâ€¦ and where there is health, there is beautiful, radiant skin.

Vysada is applying that wisdom to its line of dosha-tailored skincare products (that we love!). Heralding a new era of skin care, with respect to time-honoured traditions, it's changing the way we think about beauty (dig that holistic thinking and philosophy people).

Tuning us into our natural beauty and combining innovative and trusted methods to promote a better, more sustainable lifestyle is the fuel that drives Janice and Dr. Malik the creators of Vysada. And the founders of Vysada compose another well balanced combination: Dr. Malik is a biomedical scientist (and longtime practitioner of Ayurvedic traditions going back to his days in India using the branch of a neem tree to heal his skin) and his partner, Janice Visinski, is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (with a degree in spa-formulations). Together they are bringing something entirely different to the skin care scene.

We see a lot in organic lotions and fair trade body care, but what's special about Vysada is that its point of differentiation lays in the steadfast science backing its offering... and its delivering results unrivalled in the natural health care world.

Now what kind of goods can you look forward to in an Ayurvedic skincare line?
(Let's preface by saying If you are diggin' the concept of Ayurveda by now, and given that you're an EcocentricGuide reader for that matter, I'm sure we donâ€™t need to tell you that Vysada products do not contain mineral oil, petroleum, estrogen, sodium laurel sulfate, siloxanes, synthetic fragrances or colours, and their formulations are never tested on animals.)

Vysada's unique blends of Ayurvedic herbs, natural butters and therapeutic grade organic essential oils culminate into an exceptionally effective Ayurvedic inspired skin care collection that protects and nourishes your skin.

We've been having a love affair with Vysadaâ€™s White Willow Bark and Green Tea Exfoliating Mask (great for balancing out pitta... solar power gets firey hot). The Lemongrass Energizing Footscrub is another winner; its invigorating scent is reminiscent of a spring morning. Yet another eco-tribe fav has been the Lavender and Neem Day Cream - wears well under makeup and offers a light, balanced hydration that lasts all day. Vysada's trial sizes are fantastic to pop into your gym or yoga tote and we absolutely adore the spritz bottle toners (no more cotton balls!). Its a veritable plethora of naturally occurring miracles, customized and blended together to give your skin exactly what it needs.

Its a completely natural, scientifically honed angle on skin care. Get online and take their quiz to discover discover your â€œdoshaâ€ and begin your journey towards more balanced, radiant skin at: www.vysada.com

Fidoodlin'

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:02:21 -0500

FidoodleÂ® is a homegrown facilitator of dreamsâ€¦ of clever storytelling. Weaving wonders in the form of their avant-garde artful objects, that are fabricated by fantasy, myth and classic fairytale. They are inspiring young Fidoodlers nation-wide to dreamâ€¦ and continue the artful process of imagining. Created by a local Toronto Design company, each and every Fidoodle is produced non-toxic - using organic elements and as sustainably sound as possible (nontoxic inks, sourcing of well managed-forestry, and the repurposing of fabrics).

The Artful Process of Imagining

Eco-imagination comes to life in their unique jigsaw-puppet puzzles, wooden blocks, dreamer dolls and funky pillows. Children can â€œFidoodleâ€ (engage in creative play) with their jigsaw-puppet puzzles to construct their own custom fables. Interchanging the detachable heads and bodies gives birth to a whole new cast of characters... (they can be attached to their wooden sticks to become puppets, or tacked to the fridge to create interactive magnets). All starring in a story written and directed by their own imaginations.

And here is the cutest thing of them all... Fidoodle Dreamers are animal softies and pillows, hand-printed on organic cotton velour and stuffed with wool (we donâ€™t need to be kids to want one ourselves do we?). The animal dreamer series was born (like every good idea) from doodling. The doodles of animal shapes then evolved into soft hopeful creatures with long limbs for little hands to hold. Sleepy eyes are sewn onto the soft organic cotton velour and each features its own screen-printed dreamscape (illustrations on the back to recall the animalâ€™s magical dream). A Dreamer acts as a companion for your little one during sleep, to bring both comfort and to accompany them into the dream world.

Toronto-based illustrator Jen Bulthuis is not only an artist, but also an educator, and mom. She is continually inspired by the imaginations of the children and young adults she has met throughout her teaching and arts facilitation career. Why not inspire your own child by discovering â€œFidoodlingâ€. Find their artful objects at these national retailers: www.fidoodle.com/reta.shtml.

Boost Your Credo-bility

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:26:17 -0500

Itâ€™s All About Cred

We know, the eco-warrior that you are, that youâ€™ve been outfitted with reusable bags waay before the stores started asking 5 cents for plastics. Like us, you probably have a stockpile, one for every mood...You even remember to take them with you when you head out to the grocery store. (We keep a stash in the car, safest way to avoid those uh-oh leave behinds). But prepared as you are, ultimately that trip to the grocery store is never 100% plastic freeâ€¦

Plastic Liberation

Finally we can give some eco-cred to our Farmer's Market tours and produce aisle perusing...
No more grudgingly tearing flimsy produce bags from the roll (hey something has to put an end to the mysterious disappearing kiwis that seem to escape to the bottom of your bags). Credo Bags has developed a reusable mesh produce bag to forever banish plastic from our shopping trips.

Credo's 100% Cotton Mesh produce bags are specifically designed to hold fruits and vegetables â€“ made of lightweight mesh, they come with a handy drawstring closure (that fits delightfully into the crook of your arm we might add). The bags are made right here in Canada and even come in 100% organic cotton.

We took a few on a shopping expedition to our local farmerâ€™s market and were totally impressed with how much they held and how sturdy they are. Keep â€˜em fresh by just throwing them in the wash in-between shops.

Montreal based Credo Bags Inc. actively seeks out the latest sustainable materials â€“ such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo â€“ in efforts to leave the smallest possible â€œcarbon footprintâ€ in their production.

Not only do they support our home economy by manufacturing their bags in Canada, but they also develop the fabrics in conjunction with their textile factories. This allows them to monitor labour conditions, the environmental impact of production, and the authenticity of the raw materials used.

At Credo itâ€™s all about â€˜credâ€™ - They do everything they can to ensure that the bags they sell meet the highest ethical and quality standards. Credo also carries a diverse line of reusable carriers from grocery to produce bags; and tote to book bags. Visit their site to check out their entire offering and list of retailers: www.credobags.com.

Greener Grillin'

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:25:17 -0500

Warning to vegetarians and vegans â€“ cover your eyesâ€¦ seriously. Donâ€™t judge, we still love and honour animals. But we respect that there are those of you who love a good steak on the barbie - and to you eco-minded meat lovers, read on!

Summer is all about the sizzle â€“ of the grill that is. Barbecuingâ€™s been a natural favourite since the beginning of time, but most of todayâ€™s grilling fare is far from natural. Most meat available in your typical grocery store is intensively-farmed, hormone filled, and raised without concern for animal well-being. This is why we looked to Rowe Farms. Unlike other producers, their network of farmers is committed to sustainable agriculture â€“ raising quality food without the use of antibiotics or hormones and with a key focus on animal welfare.

Quality with a Conscience - Rowe Farms believes vehemently in strict ethical farming practices, and adheres to a supporting a natural, hormone/antibiotic free growth for their animals. The only vegan aspect youâ€™ll find here is the diet of the Rowe Farms animals - (Rowe raises their animals on a 100% vegetarian diet) and man does that make for tasty grilling. Not only are their animals raised vegan but they're also raised locally, humanely, in a low-stress environment - with freedomâ€¦ from hunger and thirst, from discomfort or pain, fear or distress. Their chickens for example are free-run (no cramped cages for these girls), and their beef cattle are pasture-raised, fed from the earth itself (mad respect for the animals).

Roweâ€™s commitment to local sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility is reflected in their farming protocols which stress the elimination of nasty soil additives (sub therapeutic antibiotics to improve healthy bacteria levels). So, weâ€™re talking 100% organic- from the ground up. Theyâ€™ve got their eyes and heart focused on the most natural and organic product possible, which in turn delivers their yummy, good for you eats.

Walk into any Rowe Farms location and you can find a full range of Rowe Farms products. Stop in on the way home and you can pick up grill-ready chilled seasoned steaks, chicken, and a slew of ready-made meal options. Their newest store just opened up in Leslieville (we dug their cool locavore-vibe) and they can also be found on Roncie, at St. Lawrence Market, and in Guelph on Southgate Drive.

For more about their ecocentric farming philosophies visit: www.rowefarms.ca

In The Buff

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:51:50 -0500

Finally its heatin' up out there - and we know you're dying to set those feet free... after a long, thermal sock protected winter, its time to expose those sun shy babies to the light and don our beloved sandals - its time to start thinking about that season opening pedicure.

No appointments. No acrylics. No attitude.
Thereâ€™s been plenty of talk lately around not only the cleanliness of nail salons, but also around the chemicals found in the polishes + products they use. So we found Buff â€“ we really dig the mantra of: â€œNo appointments. No acrylics. No attitude.â€ But what we like even more is that they use their own line of eco-friendly Buff polishes (that do not contain formaldehyde or toluene) and for additional colour and selection, they carry the reputed Mavala line of nail products (which are also formaldehyde and toluene-free).

But wait, thereâ€™s moreâ€¦ In order to ensure complete safety, Buff strongly recommends that their customers have their own set of basic tools and instruments that no one else will come in contact with. Good thinking we say! For $8 you can purchase your own kit that you can take home or theyâ€™ll happily store for you for the next time you come inâ€¦ not to worry though, if you arenâ€™t into a kit, any tools reused at Buff are disinfected immediately after use through non-toxic liquid or dry heat sterilization methods (vs. sub-standard UV sanitizers or bleach that other salons may use). Theyâ€™re a bit obsessive about sanitation but hey, thatâ€™s okay with us.

Buff strives for an immaculately clean environment with a focus on the healthiness of the products and services they offer. As the nail industry is completely unregulated in Canada, it leaves the door open for many nail salons to offer things like, um, funguses alongside their mani-pedi servicesâ€¦. Eew. There are some things hand sanitizers just can't kill.

Service offerings include a full menu of mani/pedi/waxing services.. for men too (yes dudes we know you break out your sandals in the summer tooâ€¦and no need to hide those feet any longer!) The Catch: if youâ€™re looking for acrylics youâ€™ll have to go elsewhere ladies â€“ they just donâ€™t do â€˜em. Buff works to strengthen your own natural nails so that you don't need to bother with those artificials (and the dangerous chemical processes that come along with). What we love best? The fact that they donâ€™t even own an airbrush machine. Go natural nails!

For those of you who may need a little nail rehab - Buff 's Rescue Service promptly removes your icky artificial nails, providing you with a customized program to help restore your real nails to their beautiful, natural glory. Book in for a luxurious, eco-sexy service such as the BUFF LOUNGE: which includes soak, shape, scrub massage and hot lotion wrap. And BONUS for an extra buck a minute you can get your massage on while youâ€™re waiting for your nails to dry. If you visit on a Thursday night you can even enjoy it all with a glass of wine. Love it! And with prices starting at only $25, Buff's both eco-nomical and eco-friendly.

Find them at: 117 Front Street East (Just east of Jarvis) or online at: www.buffnails.com

Leslieville Tree Festival

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:07:53 -0500

Leslievilleâ€™s eco-friendly past... and present

Leslieville is out to prove they are the greenest community in Toronto. On Saturday June 20th the Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), Councillor Paula Fletcher, Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation and local community members will celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Leslieville with the 5th Annual Leslieville Tree Festival. The event runs from 12 noon to 5pm in Leslie Grove Park, at Queen and Jones.

Juno-nominated, Green Toronto winner Chris McKhool will headline the main stage, and thereâ€™s tons of fun for all: from kids activities, to yoga, and local spas with chair massages (count me in!). The Zero Gravity Circus will even make an appearance with their acrobatic acts. Plus you can get your hands on some local hand-crafted goods, art, and culinary delights from local vendors.

Leslievilleâ€™s green roots run deep â€¦ they joined the City of York in 1884 and provided old Toronto with fresh food from market gardens, bricks from the clayworks operations, and thousands of trees from namesake George Leslieâ€™s nursery to shade the cityâ€™s ever-growing streets and parks.

The Leslieville Tree Festival will celebrate the spirit of old Leslieville and pay tribute to a neighbourhood that has maintained a unique community spirit, local charm and eco-friendly focus to this day.

The event opens with a historical tour of the neighbourhood at 11am and environmental groups will be on hand to explain how they are taking action to protect the natural wonders surrounding Leslieville and Toronto at large.

Admission is free, and all are welcome! Find out more at: www.leaftoronto.org/leslieville-tree-festival.

A Cut Above

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:54:06 -0500

A Greener World Starts in Your Own Backyard

Summer's in swing folks and okay; letâ€™s be honest, we are all suckers for a well manicured lawnâ€¦ that lush looking green grass that you just want to roll around in; but the sacrifice we make at the expense of mother earth is by no means fair-trade. It's time to rethink the way we mow.

Lawncare is an industry that's remained virtually unchanged since its inception and has definitely been lagging on its ecolutionary path. Good News! No longer do our yards need to exude the nasty stench of lawnmower fumes. (Appalling fact: Did you know that running a lawn mower for one hour emits as much pollution as driving a car nearly 600 kilometres?...ridiculous!)

Enter: EcoCut
The Forest Hill businessmen behind EcoCut Services founded the company on the premise that greening your grass no longer needs to be a filthy (and destructive) propositionâ€¦and to that end they are on a mission to revolutionize the industry. Striving to make emission-free lawn care a standard- is a brilliant step forward and has been a long time coming...

A system that works with nature - not in spite of it. For every customer they have, EcoCut is preventing an approximate 200 kg of emissions annuallyâ€¦(huge props!) and this is how: EcoCut is the first pollution free lawn care company in the country; using rechargeable, battery operated mowers (fossil-fuel free- Bullfrog Powered!)

Cutting their carbon footprint by a whopping 50%...But their commitment to sustainability keeps growing â€¦ employing the use of only organic fertilizers, compost, and corn gluten is also a mandate of their mission.

In the name of transparency we must tell you that Eco-Cuts isnâ€™t entirely emission free - they do utilize a few propane-fueled machines for rare jobs like aerating or de-thatching but when they do, EcoCuts pays back the karmic debt to mother earth through its fuel efficient company vehicles and the purchase of clean air pass carbon credits.

Your choice to use EcoCut will have a direct positive impact on the air you breathe, will also support a home grown business (feel the local-love!). Just another simple choice enabling consumers to make a difference â€“ sans-sacrifice. Full service lawn care packages start @ $29.95.

For more information about the revolution in lawn care, or to view their full service menu check out www.ecocut.ca

Warm Weather Wears

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:43:29 -0500

The weatherâ€™s heatin' up around the countryâ€¦and it ain't (all) global warming folks. Another swimsuit season is upon us and what better way to beat the heat than in a bikini you can feel good about wearingâ€¦ ethically at least.

Make Some Sustainable Waves

Excited! We found a couple of beauties from Nova Scotian based- eco line deux fm. "The Lulu" string bikini is a beauty- made of soy, recycled linens (mad love for repurposed materials) organic cottonsâ€¦(and a smidge of spandex for fit). This adorable 2 piece is as versatile as your fav jeans with its laid back denim look.

We also really love â€œThe Mystiqueâ€ - made of remnant fabric, this baby comes in chic colors like fire red, eggplant, and a classic black for making some serious waves at the beachâ€¦and dig Mystiqueâ€™s whimsical nautical rope ties (made of organic cotton) too cute.

Both suits are little enough to keep it sexy but big enough to keep it under control. They even come with an itty bitty bikini pouch (eco-friendly of course) so you can easily toss into your beach bag on the run.

Nova Scotian native and designer Anna Gilkerson, is the heart and mind behind eco-chic and sustainable savvy clothing line deux fm. Anna produces her entire line in Canada and guarantees fair labor practices.

More than just another eco-friendly clothing line, deux fm products are eco-ethically manufactured â€“ meaning no or very few chemicals are used in the sustainable production of the fabrics. Beyond swimwear, they offer an entire collection of eco-sexy RTW fashion. Check out both the line and national retailers at: www.deuxfm.com.

Wrapped in Goodness

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:48:19 -0500

With scarves making a huge comeback, we went in search of options to meet our ecocentric-ideal : marrying style with sustainability... and we found lilÃ« design- the new kid on the eco-block, with homegrown fun and funky scarves created with Mother Nature in mind.

LilÃ«â€™s delicious, eco-loving line of handcrafted local gems are 100% free of any toxins.. and use cotton and lyocell (a man-made fiber created from wood pulp cellulose that is soft as silk and washes incredibly well). So you know what that meansâ€¦nothing but pure, supersoft, 100% organic quality against your globally conscious skin.

Look for their squares with funky patterns like the Dottie Girl, Keys, Hank, and Hooâ€™s, all in an array of fun colour options. Their â€œBasicâ€ scarf is a versatile essential â€“ rectangular and long enough to drape around a couple of times or create that triangular, unisex cowboy look thatâ€™s happening right nowâ€¦ it comes in yummy solid colours such as crÃ¨me, cocoa, and oatmeal.

With its mini serge fringe (handworked of course), itâ€™s a perfect accent to any outfit. Sling it, wrap it, tie it, drape it - envelop yourself in eco-goodness.

Visit www.lile-design.com/where.aspx to see where you can pick one up!

The Caviar of Watercoolers

Thu, 28 May 2009 17:30:37 -0500

A few months back we brought you the story of AQUAOVO - two young entrepreneurs who launched the stunningly designed OVOPURÂ© water filtration system that marries aestheics with eco-awareness. Not only does OVOPURÂ© showcase exterior design sensibilities never seen before in this category, but it's internal design is also brilliant. Inspired by nature, OVOPURÂ© consumes no electricity, instead using gravity to filter and revitalize tapwater. OVOPURÂ© features a reusable, multilayer filter cartridge whose contents are 100 percent recyclable. Truly rendering the traditional bulky-plastic watercooler antiquated and unsightly in comparison.

According to the creator of the OVOPURÂ© filter, â€œThe unique shape of our water filtration unit did not result from sheer serendipity. Inspired by the work of water research pioneers, its shape eases the circulation and regeneration of water.â€ The OVOPURÂ© unit combines the shape of an egg and the thermal properties of porcelain to preserve and revitalize water. With sleek curves and a complete absence of right angles it promotes water to flow freely and naturally. Designed in Canada, and inspired by Chinese tradition, the OVOPURÂ© is made from materials handcrafted following the age-old traditions of Chinese artisans. Stonecutters, glassblowers, and ceramicists come together to create a flawless work of art that doubles as a valuable part of daily life.

INTRODUCING ... AQUAOVO's most recent innovation: the CAVIARS; Designed by Manuel Desrochers, Caviars are a limited edition; run crafted out of non-leaded glazed porcelain and sandblasted to create one-of-a-kind designs. Each jewel of a unit sits on a contrasting wood base (all wood is of course responsibly farmed from local forests).

These beauties retail for $799, and like every fine work of art, no two units are alike. Each piece of caviar is a delicacy unto itself.

They can be ordered online at: www.aquaovo.com, and make sure to check out their site for more details on their AQUACRISTAL filter and it's planet friendly replacement program.

Seas the Day

Thu, 28 May 2009 17:02:01 -0500

Dreams of waking up to the sound of wavesâ€¦dusks and dawns soundtracked by the oceans melodic chant; Huddled on beaches just to be near her; The ocean is a language that speaks directly to our soulsâ€¦ and its tongue is universal.

Some of us may not be lucky enough to live by an ocean, but we are all very fortunate to be connected to, and inspired by Earthâ€™s beautiful and influential bodies of water. Not only do our oceans breathe life into us (literallyâ€¦oceans generate most of the oxygen we breathe), but these massive living wonders help feed us, regulate our climate and clean the water that we drink. On behalf of all of us - je vous aime l'ocÃ©an. We thank you.

On June 8th you too can share your love for the oceans of the world by celebrating â€œWorld Oceans Dayâ€. A concept that was proposed by the Government of Canada at the 1992 Earth Summit, and unofficially celebrated every year since then, has been finally marked official this year by the United Nations. Official designation by the U.N. is a significant step in conservation of this precious resource.
The ocean has the tallest mountains in the world and the deepest valleys. It covers 72 percent of the Earth's surface. Over 1 million known species of plants and animals live within itâ€¦ (scientists estimate there may be as many as 9 million species we haven't even discovered yet ! Yepâ€¦ 9 MILLION!!) It's up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean (and those millions upon millions of living creatures) are protected and conserved for future generations.

This yearâ€™s theme is â€œOne ocean, one climate, one futureâ€. World Oceans Day is a powerful opportunity to bring local and global attention to the impact climate change is having on the ocean, what that impact will mean for ocean and human life, and how we can all make simple, important changes to reduce our CO2 emissions, halt climate change, and preserve our children's ocean legacy.

From May 3 - June 8th you can team up with the David Suzuki Foundation to organize a World Oceans Day event in your community. Itâ€™s easy â€“ just round up a group of people who love oceans and celebrate! Theyâ€™ll provide you with the ideas and tools to organize your event such as scavenger hunts, shore cleanups, collaborative art, beach parties, or ocean-themed movie screenings. Better yet, just let inspiration sweep you and invent a celebratory tribute of your own!

Get more info at: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/oceansday

Sustainable Sipping

Sun, 24 May 2009 21:11:11 -0500

Dreaming in Green
Niagara-on-the-Lakeâ€™s newest winery is doing just that. This green dream belongs to Bill and Marilyn Redelmeier, and a beautiful dream it is, the creation of an elegant Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard that meets the highest environmental standards.

In realizing this dream, Bill and Marilyn dared to follow a holistic path and went to unprecedented lengths for a Canadian winery by committing to biodynamic agriculture - Southbrook is the first winery in Canada to receive Demeter certification.

Quality in the bottleâ€”and quality of life.
Biodynamic certification by Demeter Canada is reflective of a holistic farming approach, which distinguishes the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It goes beyond the standards for organic farming by recognizing and fostering the delicate interrelationship between soil, plant, animal, and the energy forces (as lunar and planetary cycles) affecting the farm.

Biodynamics dictates that the farm be self-sustaining â€“ an entire living system. â€œWe strive to sit lightly on the land,â€ said Bill Redelmeier. â€œOur team at Southbrook was drawn to biodynamics as a way to more fully express the vineyardâ€™s character in our wines. And we underwent the certification process as a way to authenticate our commitment to sustainable practices.â€

Sharing the dream
Southbrook Vineyards toasted Earth DayÂ® â€™09 with the release of Canadaâ€™s very first biodynamic wine. Their Cabernet RosÃ© vintage marks a milestone for Marilyn and Bill Redelmeier. â€œYou donâ€™t need to know anything about biodynamics to know that this is simply a delicious wine,â€ says owner Bill Redelmeier, â€œItâ€™s medium weight, silky, off dry yet lively with a juicy, tart finish. Very zesty.â€ Mmmm.

A great wine for summer, itâ€™s easily paired with sun-drenched flavours such as olives, tomatoes and peppers. An ideal match for salmon, ham or other cured meats, but at the same time fitting for vegan & vegetarian palates.

Toronto chef Jamie Kennedy, who is at the culinary forefront supporting sustainable agriculture, featured the Cab RosÃ© at his Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar last month and notes: â€œSouthbrookâ€™s commitment to biodynamic practices reflects a deep respect for the natural balances that present themselves on farms. The delicious purity of the wine speaks volumes.â€

Only 550 cases of Southbrook Vineyards Cabernet RosÃ© 2008 were produced. The wine retails for $18.95 per bottle and you can order the wine directly from the winery by calling 1.888.581.1581 for delivery to an Ontario address or ordered online at www.winerytohome.com.

A Rainbow of Organic Goodness

Thu, 21 May 2009 18:50:48 -0500

We know your baby's health is the most important thing to you, and if you really want to ensure you feed your child the most wholesome, nutritious and organic eats then you gotta take matters into your own hands and do it up old-schoolâ€¦ that means making it from scratch. To that end - being the sustainable-supermom or do-it all dad that you are, the reality of todayâ€™s busy lifestyle doesnâ€™t always allot for that kinda time.

Eryn Green and Tamar Wagman hear you, and theyâ€™ve developed a line of premium organic purees in a planet friendly style - plus Sweetpea Baby Food is packaged in ingenious iced cube freezer trays; simply pop out the number of cubes you need, then return the tray to the freezer for later use. The tray is also microwavable and totally portable (made safe with recyclable plastic of course); Its the epitome of efficient eating - and not only that, youâ€™re minimizing waste too â€“ and that means no more baby food jars cluttering up your bluebin â€¦brilliant!

In attempt at gaining more love-time with their son and less kitchen-time over the stove, Tamar and her pro-chef hubby began experimenting with unique food combinations frozen in plain old icecube trays. Seeking for an equally healthy and wholesome product on the market with little success, an inspired Tamar teamed up with lifelong friend Eryn Green to bring Sweetpea to life. The team took a great idea that one step further by implementing innovation and harnessing the wisdom of leading pediatric nutritionist Dr. Joey Shulman.

Sweetpea Baby Food is taking a huge bite out of the baby food market as the next best thing to your lovinâ€™ homecookin. The organic ingredients are blast frozen to lock-in both taste and nutrients while avoiding overprocessing. Just 4 steps and its in babyâ€™s mouth: Cook. Puree. Seal. Freeze. Ready to heat up for your own sweetpeaâ€™s plate.

And those vibrant colours are inspired by colouring with the very best crayons in mother natureâ€™s box. A rainbow of organic goodness - the brightest veggie and fruit colours bring the best in nutrition. No fillers, salt, sugar, soy, wheat or modified starch and free (of anything) artificial â€“ all colours and flavours are au-natural - which means not a preservative to be found. Just goodness wrapped up in an appealing delicious, award winning package.

Winner of the PTPA Green Award in 2008 (Parent Tested Parent Approved) Sweetpea is available in a rainbow of delicious and nutritious flavours that are formulated to suit your little one's appetite and changing palate. Look for blueberry banana, sweet potato, butternut squash, and broccoli for the starters - and veggies & turkey, veggies & chicken, veggies, beef & barley, and lentils & root veggies for more experienced eaters. You can even mix and match them to dish up more culinary options for your little one.

Sweetpea Baby Food can be found in the frozen food section of major supermarkets and natural food stores across the country; click here for a retailer near you: www.sweetpeababyfood.com

If You Think You're Too Small to Make a Difference...

Thu, 14 May 2009 16:24:39 -0500

If youâ€™ve read Tonic Toronto, Kids Around Canada or have seen the newly launched MUM Magazine, you may already be familiar with Lisa Bordenâ€™s â€œrantsâ€ as she likes to call them. A local green maven and THE go-to girl for green living, Lisa is an eco-advocate, and for many, a green coach and trainer. Lisa is committed to bettering both the earth and the Canadian lifestyle through promoting healthy and innovative products; and makes it her mission to inspire people to live a cleaner life. Much like the crew here @EcocentricGuide she is also of the belief that we can walk that greener path and we can walk it in style. Lisa is an empowerer, and she makes it easy for people to make simple yet effective changes- free of sacrifice, and easily incorporated into a busy lifestyle.

When you attend Lisaâ€™s workshops you see that they are delivered in a non-preachy, fun and engaging way and she provides an array of solutions that save time, money, your health, as well as the planet. She encourages folks to cease dependence on advertising or the â€˜expertsâ€™ (read: greenwashing) and arms you with the knowledge to become your own best expert.

Critical in this journey to better living is deciding what the best fit is for you and your own individual lifestyleâ€¦ â€œWe all come in different shades of green.â€œ Lisa says, â€œThe key is finding your own comfort zone and working within it â€œ. There truly is something green for everyone, choices abound â€“ and to this end, even making the littlest changes in oneâ€™s life shifts the needle.

Book your own personalized consultation with Lisa Borden today or get in the know at one of her workshops. Borden Group Workshops are run privately, as well as offered to businesses, charitable organizations, schools, parent groups, and even birthday parties. Her roster includes: Clean Homes, Clean Shopping, Clean Beauty, and Clean Babies. From the top 10 ingredients to avoid in products, to how to shop the grocery store, Lisa will help you find your own green path and even equip you with a nifty takeaway list of Borden-tested and approved products to guide you on your personal journey to a cleaner way of life.

Follow her Green Tweets on Twitter: http://twitter.com/lisaborden or reach her directly at lisa@bordencom.com.

The Urban Harvest

Thu, 07 May 2009 12:12:27 -0500

Not Far From the Tree is a residential fruit-picking program, where brilliant folks dispatch teams to pick fruit from urban trees that would otherwise go to waste. They help fruit tree owners make use of the abundance of fruit that their trees offer by sending volunteers to harvest it for them. One third goes to the fruit tree owners, another third goes to the volunteers for their labour, and the final third is distributed (by bicycle or cart) to community organizations in the neighbourhood who can make good use of the fresh fruit. Not Far From The Tree was awarded an Environmental Award of Excellence in last monthâ€™s Green Toronto Awards.

In 2008, their first full season, they picked over 3,000 lbs of fruit in Torontoâ€™s Ward 21 where they partner with NaMeRes, Humewood House, and Wychwood Open Door to provide fresh, local, virtually-organic fruit to their food programs. For 2009, they are expanding to East York in collaboration with The Shoelace Collective, and as they expand they intent to become a network of neighbourhood-based fruit tree hubs around the city. If youâ€™re interested in creating a hub in your own â€˜hood make sure to send them a note!

Not Far From The Tree also runs a drop-in fruit and flower picking program at Spadina Museum. At Spadina Museum, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are grown to exhibit what would have been in the original gardens and orchards when the house was once occupied. Now that the house is a museum, only a small portion of this produce finds its way to a plate. Not Far From The Tree has established a formal channel for this food to be consumed by selling fruit and flowers from Spadina at the Green Barn Farmers Market.

Each week the gardeners harvest what they need for their programming, then the rest is left for volunteers to pick for market. They harvest a diverse range of fruit and flowers - many of which are heritage varieties - and then bike or walk the 1.3 kilometres to the market. The market profits feed back into the orchards at Spadina Museum to support organic pest control methods.

Locally grown food, recycling, slow food miles, preventing waste, saving food, community involvement and even charitable acts... Sustainability to the power of ten! Get more info on their initiative at: www.notfarfromthetree.org.

Going Greenwood

Thu, 07 May 2009 07:58:14 -0500

Michael Greenwood is passionate about wood. And the aptly named craftsmanâ€™s roots go deep.

From the family workshop to the forests of southern Ontario, for Michael its an interest that dates back to the days the days of Lego and Mechano. Thus this passion took hold after university when he funded his thirst for travel through home renovations- after studying guitar-making at OCAD his appreciation for precision woodwork exploded. His attention to detail borders on obsession - furniture design and woodworking provided the perfect opportunity to meld building and fine craftsmanship.

Greenwood Studio is a boutique where all work is custom designed and extends from chic-sustainable home furnishings to custom interior pieces. They've built adventure playgrounds in the trees for kids and he's fast developing a reputation for his supercool eco-chic treehouses for adults. Seriously sweet ! Check it out. A few of us here at EcocentricGuide are seriously considering commissioning one to live in full-time.

All materials Michael produces are from sustainable sources- being either salvaged or reclaimed. Each each piece of wood is sourced by hand with discerning attention to its ultimate function, form and aesthetic, and significant time and effort is invested seeking out unique, interesting and distinct grain patterns. Source locations are always small and local operations that have minimal impact on their surroundings. We love that!
Sustainability is at the heart of all that Greenwood Studio is about. â€œItâ€™s not just green-washing,â€ he noted to styleNorth. His commitment is equal parts ethical priority and family legacy. â€œI want to have something to say for myself when theyâ€™re 20 and they ask me, â€˜So, Dad, what did you do to make the planet a better place when we were growing up?â€

Greenwood Studio, is located in Dupont Woodworking - a co-op woodshop in the Spadina/Dupont area of Toronto.

Visit him online at www.greenwoodstudio.ca and check out his custom work.

What a Load of Sh*t!

Tue, 05 May 2009 12:17:02 -0500

Toronto's PoopooPaper people aren't making a typical activist's stink, but what they are doing is changing the face of the 3 Râ€™sâ€¦ â€œpRoâ€-duce, Reuse, and Recyle is their MO... crafting beautiful, high-quality paper and stationery products by repurposing what others readily dispose of: Shit. Elephant dung to be precise. The praiseworthy thing here is that they're subsequently conserving the very elephants they, umm, â€œrecycleâ€ from.

Their sustainable cycle works like this: elephants need a clean environment and a good diet. When these needs are met an elephant produces a lot of dung, which is then collected and recycled to create sustainable 'poo-products' (100% recyclable and odorless!). A single elephant turd can make about 25 large sheets of paper...and elephants can product 225lbs of poo per day. Thatâ€™s a crap load of paper!

PoopooPaper supports and works with various conservation parks to gather the dung then pre-rinse it, leaving only the fibrous materials from the grasses, bamboo and the fruits they've eaten. They then process it into extraordinary (to say the very least) paper. The spirit and passion behind their products is rooted in the belief that their products represent a healthy and sustainable balance between ecological responsibility and commercial pursuit. As part of this brilliant initiative they are even providing group fundraising methods; including a free personalized website and product store where organizations can participate in unique fundraising drives using their environmentally friendly products. (re-poo-posing! )

Stop in and visit the â€œpootiqueâ€ where you can choose from over 150 unique items all with a very unique story: http://www.poopoopaper.com/pootique.html

A Better Birthday Party

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:14:17 -0500

ECHOage â€“ where children celebrate giving

What if kids actually gave instead of received at their own birthday? ECHOage is taking the everyday kidâ€™s birthday party and cranking it up one big enlightened notch - transforming the average birthday bash into an environmentally respectful, socially minded celebration. Alison Smith and Debbie Zinman, two savvy Toronto moms were seeking a way to make their children's birthday celebrations more meaningful, while treading with a lighter footprint - from this search the idea for 'One Gift, One Cause' was born - ECHOage is an ingenious solution that is improving the world one birthday party at a time.

Save a Tree: Online invites and no messy and wasteful abundance of wrapping paper.

Teach Philanthropy: Not only is an ECHOage birthday party planet-friendly... it is a unique opportunity for a child to learn about the joys of giving.

A Party Powered by Giving

Guests are invited to an ECHOage birthday party online. Instead of bringing a wrapped and packaged present, guests simply RSVP and give a secure online contribution. With a selection of charities to choose from, (Evergreen, Second Harvest and Autism Speaks Canada to name a few) kids decide which one to support and half of each guestâ€™s contribution goes to the selected charity with the other half going to one meaningful gift for the birthday boy or girl.

ECHOage arranges everything for you: From managing the guest list to tracking the funds - the child also enjoys their own personal birthday webspace where they can view birthday wishes from all of their friends.

The best part is that the kids are rewarded for their contributions; and each receive special personalized ECHOage awards- making giving that much sweeter.

An ECHOage birthday party is an opportunity for parents and their child to do something extraordinary together - to improve the world. For a truly innovative, earth-friendly birthday experience check them out online: www.echoage.com.

Delicious Knowledge

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:01:56 -0500

Marni's mission is one born of her sheer passion for food and its many wonderful possibilitiesâ€¦ and now sheâ€™s sharing that passion with like minded, health wise urbanites- spreading the word on wholesome, organic, locally minded meal making.

Marni is well educated with an impressive roster of credentials including those from the Natural Gourmet in NYC as well as two nutritional certifications right here at home, but the education is second to the drive to educate and engage others in the joy and simplicity of eating naturally.

Tailored to individual wellness goals, her delicious nutritious workshops and classes enlighten people on how everyday eating can be both simple and scrumptious, while still fitting into a busy lifestyle. Putting a holistic spin on gourmet cooking, she works her chef skills to whip up organic-minded mouthwatering meals suitable for even the most discerning foodieâ€™s palate.

She shares her passion and her perspective to deliver nutritional makeovers and inspirational seminars that are easily integrated into a busy urban lifestyle. Instructing natural cooking classes is where she takes her stride- catch her in action at one of the upcoming â€˜Fully Nourishedâ€™ natural cooking classes; May 13th Marni hosts GREEN GODDESS- and sheâ€™ll be giving Toronto the recipe for incorporating those fresh spring greens into simple whole meals.

If private lessons are more your speed, hook up with Marni to create your own fully customized learning experience- and for those who dig a more collaborative experience- partake in a cooking partyâ€¦Where everyone has a hand in preparing a fabulous and FUNctional menu.

Marni is no Gordon Ramsey either - she applies passion and care as well as true respect for wellness to her teaching. Book your own private consultation, where Marniâ€™s knowledge will take you from the grocery store cart to the dinner plate. Get a hands-on whole foods cooking experience - everything freshly created by Marni with organic and local foods; No wheat nor cow dairy, sans refined sugars or oils, but containing lots of love and passion.

From stocking cupboards to feeding families, itâ€™s a whole new take on wellness. Find out more at: www.marniwasserman.com

Sustainable Chic

Mon, 04 May 2009 23:58:40 -0500

Whatâ€™s a funky small-town girl from Thunder Bay to do when her only options for stylish wear are cookie cutter mall fashion and random second hand finds? .. Break out of conformity and create a fashion line of her own of course!

...with a load of research and indie boutique perusing under her belt Jennifer launched her dream. At just 17, Jenniferâ€™s recycled handbags were picked up locally in trendy Toronto boutiques. After venturing to Toronto to study fashion at Ryerson she quickly expanded to a full clothing line.

Jennifer is challenging the fashion paradigm â€“ delivering eco-chic ready-to-wear fashion, sourced from a vast array of reclaimed finds and second hand treasures, and then upcycling to create her eclectic, whimsical collections. With a crafty one-of-a kind style, Paper People incorporates unique colour, texture and pattern to create a distinctive DIY appeal- and has evolved to include an array of eco-friendly options- utilizing bamboo, soy, hemp, and all organic cotton fabrics.

Paper People has shown its support for the environment by gracing the runway in the Toronto Wildlife Sustainability fashion show â€“ an entirely sustainably produced local fashion show that aims to increase consumer consciousness of the environment as well as sustainable fashion options. The models strutted the recycled runway with plastic bag boas and pop tab sequined lingerie. True purposeful eco-couture.

Jennifer is fast becoming a true homegrown success with Paper People - already available at 13 stores nationwide, drop into a location and scope out the new recycled vintage line- fresh for spring..visit her site for retail locations: www.paperpeopleclothing.com.

Fitness With a Conscience

Mon, 04 May 2009 23:56:42 -0500

Nestled in the heart of Liberty Village youâ€™ll find a place where fitness is being redefined; TheLOFTfitnessstudio, propelled by Mpowerment fitness, is an extension of the life and experiences of owner and Operator Merlin 'Xâ€™.

The philosophy that mind and body should be treated with equal care to ensure optimal performance is a fresh take on health; and one that promotes a well-balanced lifestyle from the inside out. This deeply seated passion for wellness is drawn from Merlin's Buddhist study in Thailand and from his many years of training and experience.

Merlin specializes in one on one 30 minute training sessions, employing a holistic approach to personal trainingâ€¦ a method that finds its roots in meditative practices and whose evolution harnesses the power of sports psychology.

The Mpowerment method at LOFT employs nutritional counseling, meditative practice and tailored training programs to deliver Its highly-targeted, whole-self approach to fitness. It targets all systems of the human body including musculature, flexibility, cardiovascular, psychological, nutritional and the spiritual.

In bricks and mortar for just over a year, the LOFT has been enjoying success catering to a local community of fitness savvy folks in its hip Liberty Village urban-loft environment.

Individual programs are specifically customized for each client and costs are wallet friendly. Base programs start at $45 - $60 per session and this includes an aprÃ¨s-workout smoothie, blended fresh from TheLOFTâ€™s new on-site organic juice bar Splurge!

Set to open this month, Splurge will feature delicious, nutritious, functional menu options, in line with the core wellness values. Sweat it out and recharge with the ultimate endurance athleteâ€™s smoothie- formulated with a carb to protein ratio of 4:1, Longboard is an elixir made of vegan whole food meal replacement, organic greens, flax and your choice of banana or blueberry.

All splurge smoothies are dairy free, organic, nutrient rich and are served in and with 100% recycled corn cups, lids and straws. Utilizing planet friendly cups is just icing on the eco-friendly cake- TheLOFT is continually striving to operate sustainably; from use of all-environmentally safe office and cleaning materials to high-efficiency lighting systems; TheLOFT is constantly working toward giving back for a greener world.

According to Merlin, he is simply â€œDoing what I feel is a duty to all the wonderful blessings we've been given on this earthâ€ Namaste Merlin.

Get empowered; visit TheLOFT at 104-35 Liberty Street, Toronto 416.895.MPWR(6797)

Natural Works of Art

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:14:07 -0500

Ekko Art is the lovechild of Lindsay Perry and Anna Bianchini who met serendipitously while attending a university course abroad, quickly connecting through a shared passion for art, the environment and the outdoors... the stage was set for what became an organic art-olution. Different artistic backgrounds foster great synergy between them- Linsday with expertise in graphic design and Anna with a keen eye for fine arts. Continually inspiring each other through new ideas, techniques and compositions, all compositions are ecofriendly, and sustainably sourced- hence the name: Ekko Art.

The initial collaborative art experience saw both Lindsay and Anna finding themselves suspiciously ill from the paint fumes...Discovered upon investigation was the ugly truth about the toxicity of paint. Its harsh impact on the earth and its people, sparked these Ekko-artists to make the proactive choice to create only eco-friendly and ethically sound works of art and it is from that commitment that Ekko Art was born.

With both the wellbeing of themselves and the planet in mind, Ekko Art is created using only VOC-free paints and repurposed canvas materials. These upcycled supplies are sourced from industrial and garbage sites. Their favourite canvases are made of Styrofoam (a material which is not recycled in their home province of Alberta) and old unused wood that is otherwise destined for landfill. These eco artists derive inspiration from organic earth materials and the distaste for the big corporation's corruption of our environment. It is this contrast of emotion that breathes life into their creations, from the way they are constructed to the very painting itself.

Every single natural work of art is completely unique. They study the shape of each individual element and through that natural inspiration, determine which painting technique best suits the piece. From brushes to newspaper, pallet knives, to an array of cloth materials- a variety of tools are wielded during the creation of their original works, and they paint both together and individually on their canvases. Each of these methods compliment one another, helping to achieve their contemporary vision.

Most of Ekko Art's work is commissioned but they do show locally in Alberta and B.C., and have in Ontario as well. Conversely, Ekko Art's pieces are definitely within reach - you can own your own original piece of eco-art starting from only $700. Check out their gallery at: www.ekkoart.ca and take in your own view of the environment painted from Lindsay and Anna's mind's eye...

Globally Conscious Self Indulgence

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:02:38 -0500

A single shopping experience won't change the world....or will it?

Tashodi, an indie organic bodycare brand with a fairtrade focus is moving to prove that it can.

With the fast-paced lifestyle we're all living these days Tashodi is taking the research and guess work out of greening your skincare. Offering premium, fair trade 100% organic skincare, from their aromatic scrubs and chemical free washes, right down to their eco-friendly packaging!

Tashodi's creator Natacha Rey has always enjoyed a sense of peace when devoting sacred time at the beginning and end of each day to take part in a selfcare â€˜ritualâ€™; this practice fueled the idea of developing her own products at a very young age.

Fair Trade is in Natachaâ€™s DNA... from her family-roots in Togo, to her extensive overseas training in Chinese & homeopathic medicine, Natacha marries global awareness with a passion for the earth and its people- to create the unique formulas that make up the Tashodi line.

Tashodi's got something for every shade of green: Rise and shine with green coffee & grapefruit formula or energize your being with the green tea & lemon collection. Try the lavender and shea butter blend for sensational skin softening, or you can indulge your senses with the ocean minerals line. They even offer temptingly pure certified fair-trade lip tints in a variety of delicious shades.

When buying fairly traded products, Tashodi ensures that all individuals involved are paid a fair price for their crop, creating an equal ground for trade; and giving consumers the opportunity to leverage purchasing power to tilt the balance in favour of the poor.

The impact of Fair Trade is growth, sustenance & the creation of infrastructure for parts of the world who have historically been victims of exploitation. To indulge oneself with Tashodi Fair Trade products is pure, clean, karma-worthy pleasure â€¦to honour yourself while improving the world we all live in.

Tashodi is available for purchase online or at select retailers across Canada. Visit www.tashodi.ca and click on the Retailers link for a full list of shops that put organic Fair Trade eco-goods, like Tashodi, on their shelves.

Take Action!

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:38:32 -0500

Had enough with all the useless junk mail delivered to your door? Then join The Red Dot Campaign. Theyâ€™re a privately funded social marketing venture out to inspire change in the advertising industry.

Paper is precious. Vast amounts of trees, electricity, water and fossil fuels are used in the production and distribution of paper-based advertising and yet the industry standard response rate is 2% - that means 98% of these resources are wasted. The Red Dot Community is out to influence advertisers to adopt data-driven print technologies, electronic communications and social marketing.

Their efforts are focused in three areas:

1 â€“ To raise awareness around Canada Postâ€™s Consumer Choice option which reduces waste by asking consumers to put a â€œNo Admailâ€ or â€œNo Junk Mailâ€ sign on your mailbox. See Canada Postâ€™s new green choices program and more info on Consumers Choice.

2 â€“ Encourage other distributors to follow Canada Postâ€™s leadership and urge community newspapers, flyer distributors and phone book companies to announce their opt-out protocol, reduce their subscriber base accordingly and be more mindful of waste and overages in their distribution process.

3 - Encourage advertisers to reduce unaddressed print advertising by stating their commitment to reducing flyers through effective targeting, and adopting subscription-based advertising and online technologies. Retailers like Canadian Tire are leading the way by moving its catalogue online.

Red Dot believes this transition can be done profitably and strategically through customer analysis, community building and adopting new technologies such as data-driven and subscription based communications as well as electronic, mobile and broadcast.

Take action at: www.reddotcampaign.ca

Unique to the Day's Blooms

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:24:16 -0500

Scattered throughout downtown Toronto are hidden gardens, overflowing with organically grown flowers - destined for offices, restaurants, and parties all over the city. These residential backyard gardens form an urban wall, where small plots of land are intensively planted with flowers.

My Luscious Backyard flowers are the freshest flowers available - handpicked just hours before delivery making each bouquet unique to the dayâ€™s blooms.They offer over 50 varieties of flowers and foliage, including many edible flowers.

Organic farming principles are followed in growing and because theyâ€™re locally grown they are saving on fuel costs (go eco-friendly!). Because of the local growing practices My Luscious BackyardÂ® carries many varieties that are impossible to find at a conventional florist due to the arduous travel requirements.

Trade space in your Parkdale or Roncesvalles yard in exchange for a free flower garden, or call to receive weekly seasonal bouquets tailor-made for your environment. www.mylusciousbackyard.ca.

Made with Love in Canada

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:21:34 -0500

In an industry dominated by foreign labour and questionable ethicsâ€¦MADE IN CANADA is something not seen often enough on the label of many fashion products - but mini mioche is changing all that. Each and every piece designed by mini mioche is made with 100% organic cotton, homegrown, ethically and locally produced.

Onesies and tees have super stretch crew lines that are easy to get over babyâ€™s head and lay flat and close to babyâ€™s neck, vs. the typical gaping of a foldover neckline. Mini mioche also prints its labels directly on the garment, so no extra labels are attached to irritate babyâ€™s sensitive skin.

After giving birth to her daughter, Designer Alyssa Kerbel realized how difficult it was to find great stylish, comfortable and affordable fashion for your little one without the harsh environmental implications or the tacky traditional colours. With 8 years in the fashion industry under her belt, Alyssa set out to fill a niche in the marketplaceâ€¦ and mini mioche was born.

We love the fact that each and every piece of mini mioche is shipped in its own re-usable organic drawstring bag â€“ perfect for throwing an extra outfit or babyâ€™s dirty clothing in when on the go!

All their products are super-soft: like your favourite vintage tee- but for your baby! And a fun fact: mini mioche means â€˜little oneâ€™ in French! And with items this cuteâ€¦

Your â€˜mini miocheâ€™ will be the hippest eco-baby on the block: www.minimioche.com

Roots Shows its â€œEco-Scentsitiveâ€ Side

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:15:35 -0500

Weâ€™ve been known to go to great lengths to escape the â€˜tester zoneâ€™ (you know the area at the mouth of the department store cosmetic department where a spray bottleâ€™s inevitable spritz results in a day-long headache). This is because, for the most part, our senses cannot tolerate the harsh, chemical undertones found in most perfumes. However when we heard Roots was launching an â€˜eco-scentsitiveâ€™ fragrance, curiosity and excitement overtook us and we were on a mission.

Source of Inspiration

So we hit the stores to get a whiff. We were enamored by the crisp, fresh, earthy and lasting scents. Roots Source is available in two scents, Bamboo and Red Tea - each derived from some of natureâ€™s finest organic components and made with all natural ingredients, including minerals and antioxidants.

Red Tea is a mixture of rooibos tea, acai berry, mango, melon, red tealeaf and other fruits and flowers. Bamboo is a blend of bamboo extract, mandarin, green apple, soft woods, various flowers and other ingredients. Yum. Organic scent-sation!

Not only is Source breaking ground as one of the few â€œeco-scentsitiveâ€ fragrances available, itâ€™s also gentle for the skin, allergen, silicone, sulfate & animal testing free. And its green Roots go deep: Source is designed & packaged with eco-friendly materials using 100% renewable energy primarily sourced from Green-e certified wind power. The carton is produced with 50% post-consumer waste, carbon neutral printing and is totally recyclable.

The eco-verdict is: Itâ€™s definitely a â€˜Sourceâ€™ you can trust.

Source is sold in more than 55 Roots locations and in major drug stores across Canada. Pick up a bottle, or two! $49 for 50 ml, and $35 for 30 ml. Visit www.roots.com for more info.

Clothing that Takes Less and Gives More

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:11:35 -0500

Salts Organic Clothing is designed and produced in Canada with the most sustainable materials and methods available. Their organic clothing uses Organic Cotton, Soy, Hemp and Bamboo and theyâ€™re always on the search for the most planet-friendly materials possible so their line changes often as they find better and better fabrics to work with.

Their line has a west coast flavour and their fit is comfortable and flattering. You can find anything from funky street clothing to sweet little dresses and sexy flowy skirts. They also carry a menâ€™s line that offers more than just the typical printed T's!

Salts manufactures close to home to cut down on their environmental footprint and key to their company values is that they maintain good labour practices â€“ they know what moves their sewing machines and they keep a close eye on what goes into their products.

Visit the Salts Boutique online to see if something catches your eye: www.saltsorganic.com. You can also find them at many retailers throughout Canada ( their freshest location is in Victoria, BC )

** our friends @ Salts Organic Clothing and Studio Boutique are uber-generously giving away, $250 in sustainable salts-style for peeps who share photos of themselves decked out in salt's organic-deliciousness: check it @ http://www.facebook.com/SaltsOrganic

Supernatural Eats

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:07:44 -0500

Looking for supernatural eats? Look no further than Magic Oven - A family-run business committed to serving up Torontonians a diverse selection of healthy pizza and pasta options made with only fresh, local and organic ingredients free of additives and preservatives. And for those of you with dietary concerns, theyâ€™ve got you covered - organic spelt pizzas, gluten-free rice flour pizzas, and vegan or lactose-free cheese are all served up fresh from Magic Oven.

So - whatâ€™s all the magic about?

Well, to start, their sauces are made from non-genetically modified fresh packed, vine-ripened tomatoes, and their pesto is made from fragrant purple Thai basil containing no dairy or nuts. Their organic spelt pizzas are crafted with a sourdough starter with no commercial yeast and their organic mozzarella contains no cellulose or natamycin.

Weâ€™re personally big fans of their pastas â€“ the Tandoori Chicken Fettuccine is out of this world, and if youâ€™re a â€œflavanoidâ€ lover, theyâ€™ve got a spinach, eggplant, zucchini, hemp seed, red pepper, whole wheat penne garnished with vegan soy cheese with your name on it! All restaurants are fully licensed so you can enjoy your fave with any of their specialty wines or organic beer selections.

Magic Ovenâ€™s commitment to the environment is seen throughout their operations, from menus printed on recycled paper to pizza boxes made from recycled cardboard, and when they do use plastic bags, they are biodegradable.

This commitment to sustainable business practices extends to each and every location - all Magic Oven restaurant stores are reclaimed sites that have been saved from demolition crews and incorporate reused furniture and fixtures. And with 6 locations in Toronto and growing, (they hope to expand to 20 by next year), you can easily find one in your neighbourhood to stop into or have some magic delivered right to your door. Check out the awesome menu selections at www.magicoven.com.

Wow Your Senses

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:41:49 -0500

Kakayo is the full-time passion of owner and founder Colleen Wong-Sala. It's evolved from a catering business to its present-day retail location on Queen Street East â€“ part Leslieville, part Beach.

When you walk into Kakayo, you step right into Colleenâ€™s kitchen. Kakayo invites customers to be part of the chocolate making experience, hand dipping each delight for all to see. Their mouth-watering truffles are hand-crafted exclusively from premium, organic, and fair-trade ingredients. Preservative-free, their truffles are infused with a variety of fresh fruits, tea leaves and herbs. From Organic & Gluten Free to Organic-vegan / Dairy-free to Sugar Free/Diabetic Friendly there is a truffle line to suit every dietary need.

With flavours ranging from Chai Masala to Banana Split and Hot Tamale, the truffles are inspired by foods that Colleen enjoys, and more importantly, inspired by customer feedback. The fun-factor is also apparent in flavours such as the peanut butter-laced â€œTrailer Parkâ€ creation and the â€œRaspberry Nippleâ€ delicacy.

Kakayo fills a niche for Torontoâ€™s most discerning chocolate lovers.
Looking to bridge the gap between the boutique shops on Queen East with their overly-sweet treats and the tree-hugging products found at the health food shops, Kakayo brings the best of both worlds together in a fresh, modern concept. This summer they'll take that concept a step beyond by offering fresh hand-churned ice-cream with the same quality premium, organic, and fair-trade ingredients!

Honoring her commitment to sustainability, Colleen has given her customers incentive to bring back the reusable wooden giftboxes provided with purchase by making their next indulgence a tax free one - saving the planet one chocolate-box at a time.

Stop by and wow your senses at: 1584 Queen Street East or visit them on the web at: www.kakayo.com.

Lights Out Canada!

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:57:32 -0500

On Saturday March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm. Its lights out, when Millions of Canadians will turn it off, in support of Earth Hour and the global action on climate change. Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. By 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level. This year, its been transformed into the worldâ€™s first global election, between Earth and global warming, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of this global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about which country youâ€™re from, but instead, what planet youâ€™re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community - a call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet

The results will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009. This meeting determines official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol.

Make your voice heard!

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and joining the world for Earth Hour.

http://wwf.ca/earthhour/

On Natureâ€™s Edge

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:45:23 -0600

Any season is a wonderful time to visit the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island and experience the rustic elegance on nature's edge at Wickaninnish Inn. The Inn is situated on the westernmost point of residential Chesterman Beach in the picturesque town of Tofino, and offers guests 75 rooms and suites which feature panoramic views of the wild Pacific Ocean, a large soaker bathtub, an in-room fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the rugged coast. The first thing you'll notice as you enter any one of their guest rooms are the inspiring views of the ocean and Chesterman Beach, revealed by floor-to-ceiling picture windows. Step out onto the balcony, breathe in the fresh salt air, listen to the waves crash onto the shore below and you'll know you've arrived on nature's edge.

Guests of the Inn are always made to feel special, night and day, as if they are the only guests of the Inn, perhaps the only couple in town. Whether enjoying romantic walks on secluded beaches, or long, lazy mornings in front of a private fireplace in a tastefully cozy guest room, couples can relax and enjoy the Pacific Oceanâ€™s relaxing pulse on natureâ€™s own schedule.

The Wickaninnish Inn offers complimentary Saturday morning nature hikes, which is a leisurely and informative trek through the rainforest and the beach led by a local naturalist from Long Beach Nature Tours. With nothing between them and Japan, you can imagine the spectacular shows that Mother Nature puts on from November through February. Whether you take it in from a fireplace-warmed suite or don a rain slicker and take your experience to the beach, the Storm Watchers package gives you an introduction to 'Old Testament' West Coast weather at its finest.

When the McDiarmid family was preparing to build the Inn on over 100 acres of oceanfront property, their wish was to preserve the beauty and natural integrity of this amazing site as much as possible and build a green hotel. Their two buildings, 'At-the-Pointe' and 'On-the-Beach' have been designed to complement each other and the natural, peaceful beauty of their surroundings.

Its amazing Ancient Cedars Spa it is truly a magical place offering a wide variety of options to its guests at all times of the year. Travel + Leisure readers have voted their Spa as their favorite in the 2008 World's Best Awards. Guests on a spa journey at The Wick are greeted with a relaxing foot soak, offered in a hand hammered copper basin with a personally selected blend of essential oils. The soak can be enjoyed on the Spaâ€™s private patio, looking out to the Pacific Oceanâ€™s horizon, or by a cozy fireplace in the Spa. An especially West Coast touch of rustic elegance is the Cedar Sanctuary, a private treatment cabana standing on the rocky promontory, with doors opening to the ocean surf.

Experience Vancouver Island nature at its wildest while enjoying the luxurious comfort of this world-class Tofino resort, offering Pacific Northwest cuisine and Spa services in a smoke-free, natural environment, where pets are also welcome.

To book a guestroom at the Wickaninnish Inn, contact the Reservations Team at 1-800-333-4604 or visit www.wickinn.com. Make sure to ask about their Storm Watching or Whale Watching specials when you call!

From the Inside Out

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:42:55 -0600

889 Yonge evolved from the shared passion for yoga and holistic living of two sisters. Their vision was born from the belief that todayâ€™s world, as dynamic and stimulating as it is, has an incredible external focus. People are less and less connected to themselves as a whole self, and to our natural environment. Compelled by this notion, they set out to build their urban-oasis: to create a healthier and happier life from the inside-out.

Reconnect and re-energize at the holistic spa, inspired by simplicity and sustainability. The entire holistic spa experience is complimented by carefully selected products and delivered with positive intentions to promote and project happiness into the world.

Rebalance and revitalize at 899 Yonge with the highly regarded holistic medicine practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Naturopathic Medicine administered with an emphasis on the balancing and treatment of the â€˜whole personâ€™.

If yoga is your thing, 889 Yoga will guide you on your yogic journey - whether you are a passionate and experienced yogi or a new convert grasping what itâ€™s all about. From restorative workshops & private custom sessions, to their Corporate Team Yoga Program; The yoga community at 889 is home to three eco-consciously designed, non-toxic Yoga studios and fosters a place to learn, explore and practice - your yoga, your way. And to accommodate your city lifestyle â€“ they even provide a fully equipped locker room loaded with certified organic products! Namaste.

At the Lifestyle Boutique theyâ€™ve created a â€˜well-editedâ€™ offering of many of their favourite things, discovered in pursuit of their passion for yoga and holistic living. Pick up organic essential oils, bamboo clothing or the skincare used in one of their Holistic Spa Treatments. It's an offering to encourage you to try something new.

The â€˜889 Green Initiativeâ€™ strives for sustainability through eco-conscious daily operations; from the exclusive use of recycled paper products to being Bullfrog Powered; From their interior upholstery right down to their eco-friendly floors.

Journey over to 889 Yonge Street, or visit them on the web at www.889yonge.com, to discover how you can reenergize with a holistic lifestyle.

Why Not Recycle Trees?

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:41:02 -0600

Itâ€™s sad, but the end of a city treeâ€™s life usually involves a chipper or a woodstove. Not a fitting ending for the beloved natural resource that has provided homes for our wildlife, sheltered our homes from the elements, and effortlessly provided us shade and privacy within our urban architecture.

Urban Tree Salvage strives to change the fate of our fallen city trees by milling and kiln drying them, and not only hooking you up with high quality eco-friendly lumber, but also producing some seriously funky pieces of furniture.

As a result of the growing hardships urban trees endure, many of the logs salvaged bear some extremely beautiful and unique grain patterns. You will find curl, spalting, and birds eye embellishing â€˜figuresâ€™in their products. From custom coffee and dining tables, to consoles and desks, you can compliment your space with a unique and varies selection of pieces that range from rustic to contemporary.

Urban Tree Salvage has set their sights to reduce the amount of wood waste reaching landfills and urban fireplaces. Between urbanization, trees reaching maturity, insects, disease, and storm damage, there are about 9000 trees removed each year from the Greater Toronto Area. Using hardwood lumber processed from salvaged city trees lessens the amount of wood pillaged from our precious environment.

Urban Tree Salvage showcases a wide selection of GTA-grown, multi-grade hardwoods, from sturdy maple to exotic locust. Pick up a unique piece at: http://urbantreesalvage.com and give a city tree a second life!

From Field to Fork

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:38:44 -0600

At Culinariumâ„¢ its all Ontario, all the time. From the artisan cheeses to the fresh bread brought in each day from Brick bakery - Culinarium is a 'Locavore's' one stop shop.

Mid-town Torontoâ€™s Culinariumâ„¢ has sprouted as a fresh, new gourmet food store offering an ample selection of natural, organic and sustainable foods, all locally produced using farm fresh ingredients and hand-sourced from around the province.

The folks at Culinariumâ„¢ reveal their true purpose is to connect people with local growers. They are pleased in most instances, to keep their large line-up brought in from within a 100km radius. And to that end; They are sharing their belief that a meal truly is more enjoyable when you know and trust your food sources. There is no better meal than the one where you can name all the hands that have touched your food on its journey from the field to your fork.

With the ever-growing trend of keeping it local, Culinariumâ„¢ has found success with itâ€™s Ontario Artisan Share Program (ASA) â€“ ASA is a food box program where 'Locavores' can invest to receive a share of 'local bounty' every season brings. The folks at Cullinariumâ„¢ also host a series of 'Edible Events'. These events encompass a variety of cooking classes and tastings such as: Ontario beer & cheese tasting featuring 4 Ontario craft brews and Ontario artisan cheeses, or the â€˜100-Mile Mealâ€™ cooking class where you can expect an organic-gourmet experience preparing a three course meal using all-local in-season ingredients.

With the growing impact local agriculture and sustainable food production has on the choices consumers make, Cullinariumâ„¢ fosters that respect; they make a point of ordering only as much of their fresh foods as they know they will sell within 2 daysâ€¦ such as their famous cheese curds - which are hand-sourced from small Ontario towns with cheese curd production facilities. The popularity of this product has actually sparked a â€˜cheese curd clubâ€™. Kathleen Mackintosh, Founder and President of Cullinariumâ„¢, confided: "People go crazy for the cheese curds! I mean, it gets hectic when we announce their arrival".

Culinariumâ„¢ also donates 1% of their annual gross sales to food-based charitable organizations within Toronto or to the communities they work with.

Stop by 705 Mount Pleasant Road in Toronto, and revel in a â€˜local Ontario food experienceâ€™. To discover more about their exceptional line-up of organic, locally-produced products check out their website: www.culinarium.ca. Let Culinariumâ„¢ connect you locavores out there with the finest local-food producing communities in our beautiful province.

Helping the Environment, One Bag at a Time

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:35:52 -0600

Make your next handbag an eco-conversation piece! Watch the look as you tell your friends that your bag is made of candy wrappers, maybe a movie billboard, or some original old-school 45â€™s.

Eco-Handbags.ca is Montreal based a one-of-a-kind online retail store that offers a collection of chic, unique and eco-stylish handbags -- made entirely from repurposed, recycled and eco-friendly materials.Every year, countless reusable products are dumped into landfills, when they can easily be refurbished and transformed into renewable consumer products. Armed with determination and fueled by creativity, the designers at Eco-Handbags.ca have proven just that; by bringing to life many incredibly inventive ways to reduce, recycle and re-use - all in the name of style.

At Eco-Handbags.ca youâ€™ll find handbags, clutch bags and coin pouches each fashioned from reborn candy wrappers, movie billboards, chopsticks, sails, soda pop tops, 35 mm slides, bicycle inner tubes, record albums and CD's, and as many imaginative other materials as your little eco-heart could desire.

Eco-Handbags.ca is the brainchild of web consultant Marisa Ramondo whoâ€™s mission reflects a collaboration of her extensive internet marketing experience and an environmentally proactive approach. The Eco-Handbags.ca team believes that if we all do our part for the environment, even if it means choosing an eco-friendly handbag, the world would be a much nicer place.

Eco-Handbags.ca is a member of 1% For the Planet, an alliance of small businesses that pay a voluntary earth tax and donate 1% of all sales to non-profit, non-governmental environmental organizations.

Weâ€™ve definitely got our eye on a few of the creations at Eco-Handbags.ca already. Click the link www.eco-handbags.ca and take a peek and hook up some eco-armcandy of your own!

Taking an Extra Step

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:34:09 -0600

For the very first article in our new ecoKIDS category weâ€™ve chosen to feature Calgary-based Little Solesâ„¢ Urban Class Footwear for Childrenâ„¢. Not only because we wished these fashion-forward shoes came in adult sizes, but because theyâ€™ve been receiving a lot of attention for their unique and innovative practices.

Little Soles Inc. has chosen to be a leader; setting an example for other footwear manufactures to follow in their footsteps, so to speak, by choosing to produce their products using premium quality materials that are sourced specifically to be safety approved. They are working hard to bring attention to, and raising awareness of, the very important issue of Toxicity Testing in Infant Footwear.

Beyond current CPSC (US) regulations they also subject their Little Solesâ„¢ and Baby Solesâ„¢ to extensive testing, to ensure that their products are toxin free. They test for the core 7 toxic elements as well as European Council directive testing for AZO Colourants or Dyes. They also ensure their Little Solesâ„¢ & Baby Solesâ„¢ are tested free from Formaldehyde and PFOS.

They are deeply involved in the production process and conduct regular audits to surpass the standards in footwear safety set by Health Canada. Little Soles Inc. is socially responsible and environmentally aware of the impact of their company and its products have on the earth.

Little Soles Inc. was founded by passionate Canadian Mompreneur, and designer, Jessica Jacobs, in 2005. Jessicaâ€™s vision for Little Solesâ„¢ footwear is to provide safe, high quality and affordable fashion-forward footwear for any parent seeking unique alternatives to mainstream fashion.

Little Solesâ„¢ offers an amazing choice through a variety of styles, colours and designs sure to fit your little oneâ€™s unique spirit. Uninhibited by tradition, each of the five Little Solesâ„¢ collections will definitely get noticed! Check out their Baby Solesâ„¢, Urban Infants, Classic Infants, Squeaky Shoe or Childrenâ€™s Collection. Little Solesâ„¢ footwear is available in 0-2 newborn sizes, infant sizes 3-8, and young childrenâ€™s styles in sizes 9-12 1â„2.

Little Solesâ„¢ footwear has even received Hollywood attention amongst other publicity, with praises from the Halle Bâ€™s and the Matthew Mâ€™s of the world.

By dedicating themselves to this standard, they are continuing to deliver an extraordinary product that is now safer than ever for your little ones, and less harmful to the earth, on which we all tread. Little Solesâ„¢ can be found at over 150 retailers across Canada and are also available for purchase through dedicated online retailers.

Visit www.littlesoles.ca to read more detail about their best practices and check out their adorable and funky line-up. Youâ€™ll wish you could order a pair for yourself too!

Collaborative Genes. Collaborative Design.

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:28:40 -0600

The team at EcocentricGuide is pleased to introduce you to a design team that pulls inspiration not only from the materials that they come across, but from a deep rooted connection they have with each other - they are twins.

Jason and Lars Dressler own and operate their business â€“ simply named â€“ Brothers Dressler. At Brothers Dressler, Jason and Lars focus on crafting furniture that â€œexplores materials, process and purpose.â€ Itâ€™s a new twist on design â€“ they begin the creative process from the materials that are available to them versus the traditional design first, then source materials. This non-traditional approach has not only carved a niche for their continued success, but their designs are organic, unique, and full of panache.

The Brothers Dressler mantra â€“ â€œit's time to rethink our definitions of waste and value - it doesnâ€™t mean there isnâ€™t still space for objects that stimulate our minds and comfort our bodies. The repurposing of salvaged material into original furniture is a sensible response to problems caused by excessive consumption. As shapers of the landscape that surrounds us and the interiors we inhabit our goal is to create an atmosphere of beauty, rebirth and renewal by using material responsibly and minimizing waste.â€ Itâ€™s their vision of the future and their hope for the role of designers, builders and artists within it.

The brothers build furniture and other objects with a respect for material, process and craftsmanship. By focusing on creating at a craft level, they are able to design and produce all of their custom furniture and batch production work out of their woodshop in Toronto, Canada. â€œWe are always looking for opportunities to repurpose and upcycle salvaged objects, materials and waste streams and we make an effort to use renewable resources and suppliers who share our commitment to responsible forestry practices.

The nature of their work is defined by the specific elements that go into each piece; they embrace the constraints inherent in each project and use them to focus the possibilities and direct their continual search for responsible materials. Wasting material is taboo to them and they believe that with a little creative thinking much of the potential waste can be repurposed into useful and beautiful objects.

In true eco-fashion, they create their numbered series, limited editions, one-of-a-kind objects and made-to-order commission work by striving to maintain a small footprint in the way they consume and the purpose in which they build. â€œAll of our pieces are composed of long-lasting individual components so that they can easily be disassembled into their component parts and either re-used or recycled at the end of their useful lifecycles.â€

EcoLove: the onedge rocker chair rocks

Their onedge series explores design using plywood on its edge to create form, structure and comfort. The onedge rocker allows for relaxation and swaying movement for times of repose. The cantilevered design offers slight flex and movement for relaxing with a book, surfing ecocentricguide.ca on your laptop, or rocking your new baby to sleep. Also, in their effort to minimize the waste generated in the creation of the onedge series, excess material is upcycled into other products â€“ check out â€œcuriositiesâ€ page on their website â€“ www.brothersdressler.com.

The Traditional Approach to Modern Science

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:00:59 -0600

BioÃ©thique Certified Organic Cosmetics has created a line of organic skin and body care products that are not only free from synthetic ingredients of any kind, but also respect and encourage the healthy balance of the planet we live on. These spa quality products are used at select locations across Canada and also available for purchase online. Their story is unique, a Canadian based company that carefully crafts its products in small batches in the heart of Provence, France, where they marry the region's rich traditions with modern-day science. Every botanical ingredient used in BioÃ©thique's products is derived from 100% certified organic plants, selected and cultivated far from any sources of pollution and harvested at the moment of optimal plant potency. BioÃ©thique's entire process is meticulously monitored and regularly inspected to ensure it meets the highest organic and quality standards in the world.

Their mantra â€“ Live ethically. Be beautiful.
All BioÃ©thique Certified Organics products are Third Party Certified Organic by Europe's strictest organic certification agency called Nature et ProgrÃ©s. Each one of their botanical extracts is derived through a specialized bio-extraction method, resulting in the highest amount of potent antioxidants possible. This technology allows them to employ much higher concentrations of each selected botanical ingredient, thereby resulting in a product that is highly effective in visibly repairing damage to skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and visibly firming and toning the skin.

Not only is the vegan-friendly product itself eco-responsible, so is the chic packaging! Made from recyclable opaque glass and food-grade lined aluminum - itâ€™s a perfect balance of beauty and function.

An Eco-Fabulous Gem in the Heart of the City

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:07:15 -0600

Bazant Unique Adornments is a Toronto based ethical and eco-friendly artisan jewelry design company that uses global fair trade materials and recycled vintage and merges them with sterling silver. The result is stylish and wearable art that tells diverse cultural stories. Their style is unique - blending textures with layers, merging uncommon materials, and inspiring individualism through creative innovation.

It is the mission of Bazant Unique Adornments to operate in a manner that is "green". This means that international materials are sourced in an ethical manner that protects and provides income to those who make them, and vintage jewelry is recycled, then re-designed. Cold connection and wire sculpting techniques are used in order to promote a safe and chemical-free studio environment.

Their product lines are limited edition, and as a unifying theme every line begins with an element of the color black. Pieces are devotedly designed and handcrafted by Lara Bazant in her Toronto studio. Lara Bazant has been creating jewelry for over fifteen years and has had careers in the theatre and advertising industries. Lara is a member of the Ontario Crafts Council, Green Enterprise Toronto, and the Canadian Association of Women Executives and Entrepreneurs.

Click this link to find out how to wrap yourself in these precious works of art:
www.bazant.ca/shop.shtml.

Groovinâ€™ the Deeelish in Toronto

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:51:42 -0600

Toronto-based LPKâ€™s Culinary Groove makes custom-designed cakes, pastries and chocolates that dazzle the palate and delight the senses. Because the primary background of proprietor Lesia Kohut is in pastry, flavour is always the highest priority at LPKâ€™s. The elegant, often whimsical look of LPKâ€™s desserts can be traced to Lesiaâ€™s experience in the arts of dance and music.

LPKâ€™s Culinary Groove feel that their green and socially conscious approach gives their customers an extra reason to purchase their desserts. They are dedicated to using certified organic and fair trade ingredients whenever possible, and continually strive to use them in all of their desserts. They also make every effort to use seasonal, local ingredients.

Lesia Kohut has worked as pastry chef and cake designer at several well-known Toronto restaurants and bakeries including Cantine, Floâ€™s Diner, Byzantium and All the Best Fine Foods. She has also taught at Bonnie Gordonâ€™s School of Cake Decorating & Design.

Hand Crafted Heaven for your Green Sweetheart!

LPK's award-winning, hand-crafted chocolates are also made with the freshest and finest ingredients and made with certified organic, fair trade, seasonal and local ingredients whenever possible. Delicately balancing savoury and sweet, each jewel-like morsel is a luxurious treat for the senses.

Along with their regularly featured organic cakes, pastries and chocolates, LPKâ€™s is pleased to offer an assortment especially for Valentine's Day. Take a swing over to their website to find out more about their product offering or visit their new store at 718 Queen Street East where you can taste some of these delicious ecoEATS! www.lpksculinarygroove.com/index.html.

Get The Goods... On All Goods Green

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:35:49 -0600

Once upon a time green was just a colour. Today it represents a way of life. We see this radical transformation happening right before our eyes; Consumers want to make choices that they feel good about and live a more responsible lifestyle, yet they are bombarded, and even overwhelmed with green options, and greenwashing, everyday. EcocentricGuide was born of this quagmire - purveyors of eco-info and here to make sense of it all by giving consumers the latest options for a cleaner, greener, sustainable way to enjoy all the things in their lives without sacrificing comfort or style.

As Canada’s first green trendspotting guide, we give consumers the goods on true ecofriendly products and services with the premise that each one of us can have a positive impact on the environment through our daily lifestyle decisions. Ecocentric celebrates the many choices now available to consumers and encourages everyone to make even the littlest changes in their lifestyle because individually they may be small changes, but collectively they become one big Ecolution - and that’s exactly what our planet needs.
Isn't it time you become Ecocentric?

Visit our "Contact Us" page to find out more about us, advertise on our site, give us your feedback, or to let us know about a new green product or service.

Thanks for visiting!

The Goods on Our Privacy Policy

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:11:25 -0600

The Goods on our Privacy Policy

Thereâ€™s no juicy ecocentric info here, only the stuff our lawyer made us put here â€“ so, read on if you wish, but know this, weâ€™re glad that youâ€™ve joined the ecolution and weâ€™ll always treat you as part of our eco-family.

We totally respect your privacy and thatâ€™s a big deal to us. Ecocentricguide.ca (â€œEcocentricGuideâ€) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the personal information you provide to us, use from time to time and share in accordance with applicable legislation. Our privacy policy (the â€œPrivacy Policyâ€) outlines our guidelines for how we collect, use, disclose and protect the information we acquire when you visit us online at ecocentricguide.ca and join the ecolution to receive your weekly email.

When you give us your personal information at ecocentricguide.ca, you agree that we may collect, use and disclose such personal information in accordance with this privacy policy, the privacy preferences youâ€™ve made known to us and as required by law. Subject to legal and contractual requirements, you can refuse or withdraw your permission of the identified purposes at any time you want by getting in touch with us. If you do withdraw your permission and consent, we may not be able to provide you or continue to provide you with the goods on all goods green. So, we hope you like what you see as a member of our community, because itâ€™s all for the greener good!

Individuals Under 18 - No personal information should be submitted to our website by individuals under 18 years of age without their parentâ€™s or guardianâ€™s permission.

Advertising to Kids - We do not knowingly direct our advertising at children under the age of 13, except as permitted by law. We feel that adopting a green lifestyle is a step in the right direction â€“ if you feel that you would like to see Kid friendly info â€“ let us know â€“ weâ€™ll see what we can dig up for you and send it along to share with who you wish.

How do we protect your personal information? Itâ€™s the eco-fortress!

We make every reasonable effort to protect against the loss, misuse, and alteration of personal information under our control. Only authorized employees and suppliers have access to your personal information. Like we said before, itâ€™s a big deal to us to make sure that we protect you where we reasonably can. If superman comes knockinâ€™, we just might have no choice â€“ itâ€™s the power of his cape that scares us.

EcocentricGuide retains your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the identified purpose or as otherwise required or allowed by law. When that need has ended, your personal information will be removed from our system and destroyed in a manner that ensures your security, but we hope youâ€™ll be a part of the ecolution for a long, long time! Also, if you send us an email message, we may retain that message and your email address, as well as any response we send you.

What kind of personal eco-info do we collect?

Canadian privacy legislation defines personal information broadly as information about â€œan identifiable individualâ€ or as information that allows an individual to be identified. The types of personal information that we may collect from you from time to time include: your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. In addition, from time to time, donâ€™t be surprised if we ask you to provide us with more detailed information regarding your interests â€œwhat ya likeâ€, occupation â€œwhat ya doâ€, background, shoe size and favorite ice cream flavour to name a few. For example, we may, from time to time, ask our members to complete surveys in order to get a better sense of who they are, how they feel and what eco-topics may be of interest to them. Finally, from time to time, we may collect demographic and other information about you.

Why the heck would we want this eco-info from you?

We collect your personal information for the purposes listed below:

(i) To provide you with a weekly email (we could mail it to you, but thatâ€™s not so eco-responsible)

(ii) To send you other information
(iii) Other purposes in general â€“ like, ask how you are from time to time - we like being nice.

In addition, from time to time, we may use your personal information for the following purposes:

To detect and protect EcocentricGuide and third parties against error, fraud, theft and other illegal activity, we hope we donâ€™t have to â€“ but we have to protect ourselves too you know, and to audit compliance with EcocentricGuide policies and contractual obligations; To understand your eco-needs and eco-preferences, including to contact and communicate with you and to conduct research and/or surveys, research; for any other purpose we may indicate to you from time to time.

So, with all that said, who do we disclose your personal information to?

We may disclose your personal eco-info to the following third parties in the following circumstances: (huh? Read on, itâ€™ll make sense, itâ€™s the only way to get our message to ya!)

Disclosure to Service Providers

We may disclose your personal information to other companies that provide services on our behalf, including, our eco-techâ€™s - aka software developers (including website developers and hosts), our eco-data guruâ€™s â€“ aka data processing, and eco-groupies â€“ aka front office. We will only provide those companies the information they need to deliver the service and we will ensure that they enter into agreements with us to protect the personal information that they receive.

You have options you know, if you DONâ€™T want us to share your information as described above, just tell us â€“ we firmly believe in open communication (see â€œAsk Usâ€ below).

Youâ€™re in the driver seat of your own personal information.

The team here at EcocentricGuide want you to be able to maintain control over how we use your personal information. In particular:

You may have the right to â€œopt outâ€ of some or all of the identified purposes, uses and disclosures listed above â€“ again, if you do, weâ€™ll be a little sad, but itâ€™s your choice. You always have the option to instruct us not to use your name, address, e-mail address, etc. beyond providing you with the service or information you requested. See â€œAsk Usâ€ below.

The ecocentricguide.ca e-mail communications will always include an identification of the sender (thatâ€™s us!) and an â€œUnsubscribeâ€ option. If you have trouble finding it, just let us know and weâ€™ll take care of it for you.

Where do we store your personal information? (We donâ€™t really use paper files anymore, but sometimes you just need to and itâ€™s unavoidable.)

Your personal information is stored in secured locations and on servers controlled by EcocentricGuide, located either at our offices or at the offices of our service providers. If you want, we can give you access to the personal information we have of you on file, if you do, you can contact us below in the â€œAsk Usâ€ section below.

That said, how can you access and correct your personal information?

Itâ€™s easy, send us your written request, subject to certain exceptions, EcocentricGuide will inform you of the existence, use, and disclosure of your personal information and will give you access to that information. Access requests should be sent to our Management Team â€“ aka Wind, Earth & Fire, you can use the contact information in the â€œAsk Usâ€ section below. If EcocentricGuide determines not to provide you access to your personal information, we will provide an explanation â€“ weâ€™re open people and want you to be happy. Individuals, aka â€œyouâ€ (lawyer term) may request the correction of their personal information and EcocentricGuide will make the necessary correction(s) upon such a request.

Whatâ€™s the ditty on Hyperlinks?

For your convenience, EcocentricGuideâ€™s website sometimes contains hyperlinks to websites managed by third parties. By activating (aka â€œclickingâ€) these hyperlinks, you will leave EcocentricGuideâ€™s website for those of the third parties, which may have different privacy policies and practices than EcocentricGuide. This is out of our control, although the links are appealing, in all honesty, EcocentricGuide cannot be held liable for the use of such third party websites.

Privacy Policy Updates and Changes

EcocentricGuide reserves the right to modify or supplement this Privacy Policy at any time. If we make a change to this Privacy Policy, we will post such change on our website and make such revised policy and change available upon request. However, EcocentricGuide will obtain the necessary consents required under applicable Privacy Laws if it seeks to collect, use or disclose an individualâ€™s personal information for purposes other than those to which consent is obtained unless otherwise required or permitted by law. We wonâ€™t do anything sneaky!

This Privacy Policy is intended to comply with the provisions of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Canada). Peace!

Ask Us!

Do you have any requests, concerns or questions related to this Privacy Policy, our site in general, feel like saying hello, share some feedback, or just feel like sending a simple email, please contact us by clicking here: Contact Us.

Ancient Tradition Meets Future Trend: The Result is Crystal Clear.

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:52:32 -0600

Two young entrepreneurs motivated by environmental awareness as well as a belief in well-thought-out design principles have met the challenge of finding an eco-friendly solution to the problem of quality drinking water. Their company, AQUAOVO, launched OVOPURÂ©, an ecodesign water filter that is set to make the bulky, unattractive water cooler obsolete. Combining aesthetics with eco-awareness, OVOPUR gives new life to a natural resource that is accessible to all: tap water.

With its multipurpose lid, the OVOPURÂ© unit can be used every day in filtration mode, or in distribution mode for special occasions: it can be used to pour punch, iced tea or lemonade, for example. The unitâ€™s non-porous materials make it easy to clean and switch back to filtration mode. Several complementary accessories and upgradable design features, including a removable refrigeration unit and the OVOTAPÂ© automatic filling system, will enrich the AQUAOVO experience in the very near future.

A One-of-a-Kind Filter Cartridge

Designed to reproduce the basic filtration process of the natural water cycle, the reusable, multilayer filter cartridge AQUACRISTALÂ© contains tried and tested, first-class filtering materials that have been proven to remove chemicals and organic pollutants from drinking water. AQUAOVO studied nature to understand and reproduce the perfection of age-old mechanisms that enable water to be constantly filtered and revitalized as part of the earthâ€™s ecosystem. This innovative company developed the AQUACRISTALÂ© cartridge to reproduce the basic filtration process of the natural water cycle. The four steps in the filtration process include KDF55, activated carbon, microporous bioceramics and quartz crystal.

AQUAOVO offers an automatic cartridge replacement program that is quick, free, and easy. The AQUACRISTALÂ© filter cartridge is also reusable - the first of its kind on the market. Simply return the used cartridge in its stamped packaging and enjoy a rebate on your next cartridge.

The OVOPURÂ© unit can be ordered online from www.aquaovo.com/IndexE.htm. Retail price is $689 for the unit. See website for more details.

The Grass is Greener at Roots.

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:44:10 -0600

Concern for the environment is one of the core values of Roots. Ever since Roots was established in 1973, Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability. Roots feels that itâ€™s an intrinsic part of their ethical, socially responsible approach to doing business.

So how does Roots demonstrate its commitment to the environment? In multiple ways, big and small. From making sustainable products to the way they build their stores; from their financial support of environmental organizations to helping raise awareness among their staff and customers about green issues; from reducing waste and packaging to using carbon-neutral electricity to power their website computer servers and having deliveries to online customers made by a courier using more hybrid trucks; from giving those same customers the option to carbon offset their orders, Roots is a proponent and practitioner of responsible, eco-friendly policies.

Roots is continually developing eco-friendly products, increasing the use of organic cotton (which they first began experimenting with in 1989), recycled cotton, recycled polyesters and natural sustainable fabrics such as wool, bamboo, hemp and soya. They have also created a separate line called Roots Green. With an excellent customer response, Roots has introduced products featuring environmental benefits throughout our collections of womenswear, menswear, babywear and accessories. They include T-shirts, polos, tank tops, sweat tops and bottoms, dresses, yoga jackets, yogawear, hats, socks, linen and baby clothes.

See their website www.roots.com for an extensive list of what Roots does for the environment and how you can wrap yourself in sustainable duds that fit, both you and your principles!

Consonantâ„¢ Body Takes Luxury to a New Level.

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 20:00:10 -0600

Pure. Simple. Organic.

Weâ€™re excited to tell you about Consonantâ„¢ Body Organic Skincare, a collection of supremely pure, organic body soaps, liquid body washes and body lotions. Arguably among the purest product on the market today, Consonant is a precise, impeccable marriage of substance and style. Bill Baker, Consonant creator believes â€œConsonant reflects the current â€“ and growing â€“ sensibility of consumers who increasingly understand the implications of the products they put on their bodies.â€

Consonant, which will soon grow to include facial skincare products, is initially offering a small, carefully honed collection of organic body lotions, liquid body washes and body soaps.

Consonant Body Organic Body Lotions provide an intense moisturization that is surprisingly light. Designed for everyday use, in both winter and summer, the formulation offers a noticeable improvement to your skin over time in addition to immediate relief. The body lotions are formulated with a potent blend of organic botanicals including jojoba, tamanu, sunflower, grape seed, English primrose and lavender oils, as well as coco butter.

Equally pure, effective and luxurious, and an exceptional companion product to Consonantâ€™s Body Lotions, are Consonant Body Organic Body Washes. Their emollient rich formulations, with no synthetic foaming agents or artificial colours are pH balanced to cleanse gently and effectively. They are formulated with a blend of five nourishing oils â€“ olive, coconut, rosemary, aloe vera and jojoba to help your skin retain moisture.

One hundred percent natural, with absolutely no artificial ingredients or preservatives, Consonant Body Organic Body Soap may well be, as Bill Baker proudly asserts, â€œthe purest soap on earth.â€ Each bar is made with organic essential oils and butters, organic herbs, organic grains and organic plant additives. Formulated to be naturally moisturizing, Consonant soaps wonâ€™t strip moisture and sebum from your skin. As well, they are pH balanced, making them ideal for all skin types including dry and sensitive skin. Fragrances, like spearmint & sage, or clove & vanilla are pure and subtle and derived from organic essential oils.

Working towards a zero footprint, Consonant products and packaging have been created with the environment firmly in mind. Soap products are phosphate free and fully biodegradable. Soap packaging is made from FSC board (Forest Stewardship Council) derived from managed forests, and as much packaging as possible is from recycled material. Plastics are HDPE or LDPE, both of which are stable and one hundred percent recyclable, and all dyes are non-toxic. Good for you, good for the planet, itâ€™s the perfect balance!

Check them out online at: www.consonantbody.com. You can read more about their products and find out how to get your hands on some of the most luxurious natural products you will ever put on your body. Look for them at Delineation at Yonge & Eg, PIR Cosmetics in Yorkville, or Lileo in the Distillery District. Coming soon to select Bay stores in February.

We hope you love them as much as we do!