Eco-friendly

Canada > Archive by tag 'eco-friendly'

Hot Dining: Eco-Friendly Green Table Restaurants

Pork rack chop with Parmesan gnocchi and bacon jus, at Hamilton Street Grill. Photo by KK Law

4 Eco-Friendly Eats

Looking for a meal that’s as good for the environment as it is for you? These Green Table–certified restaurants are sustainable from top to bottom.

1 Hamilton Street Grill Warm and friendly, this converted Yaletown warehouse is known for certified Angus steaks and great seafood.

2 Raincity Grill Across the street from English Bay beach, regional-seasonal plates are paired with wines from throughout the Pacific Northwest.

3 Commune Cafe Right downtown, this minimalist cafeteria-style spot with a hipster buzz serves all things free-range, organic and sustainable, from dawn to dusk and beyond. (more…)

Hot Shopping: Skin Care from H2O+

The natural Sea Pure line from H2O+

Sourced from the Sea

If beauty is only skin-deep, you’d better make sure that skin glows. Need a little help? The Sea Pure line (pictured) from H2O+ uses marine ingredients such as amino acids and sea moss to hydrate skin and reduce pesky fine lines. These luxurious products are all-natural and biodegradable, so not only will your skin thank you, but the earth will, too.—Kristina Urquhart

More information:

H2O + 929 Robson St. 604-648-2284. www.h2oplus.com

Hot Shopping: Crafty Creations

Glass jellyfish by Wayne Harjula, at Circle Craft Christmas Market

The always-popular Circle Craft Christmas Market returns for its 38th annual show from Nov. 9 to 13. You’ll find everything from eco-friendly clothing to handmade leather bags to gold and silver jewellery, thanks to the 280 vendors coming from across Canada. A conversation piece worth snatching up: the striking glass jellyfish (pictured) by Wayne Harjula of Mellon Glass Studios. After shopping, catch a glass-blowing demonstration then participate in a Ballz of Fire Workshop where you can design and create your own glass holiday ornament.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

CIRCLE CRAFT CHRISTMAS MARKET W-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa 10 am-7 pm, Su 10 am-5 pm. $12, s/s $8, under 12 free. Save $2 if you buy tickets online. Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place. 604-801-5220. www.circlecraft.net

Hot Shopping: Splish Splash

Not just for kids: the Contexture Designs mobile

Celebrate the annual fall salmon run in British Columbia with an eye-catching redfish mobile by Contexture Designs. Run by two Vancouverites, this local company was recently awarded Western Living’s 2011 Eco Designer of the Year award. Purchase this mesmerizing ode to the sockeye salmon, made from recycled paper and salvaged maps, at Vancouver Special or online at www.contexture.ca.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

Vancouver Special, 3612 Main St. 604-568-3673.

www.vanspecial.com

Hot Dates: An Illuminating Meal

Photo by Prill/istockphoto.com

October 27
Dining by candlelight isn’t just romantic—it’s good for the environment, too. On Oct. 27, dozens of local restaurants are turning down the lights and turning up the ambience for BC Hydro Power Smart’s annual Candlelight Conservation Dinner, a delicious event that shines a spotlight on electricity conservation. More than 100 participating restaurants offer enticements such as special menus, live music, discounts, two-for-one entrées or a free appie with each entrée. Visit www.bchydro.com for all the mouth-watering details.—Sheri Radford

Hot Shopping: Delightful Dishes for Kids

Wean Cubes are cute and eco-friendly.

Take a page from celebrity parents and get yourself the Wean Cubes, a set of eco-friendly baby food containers from Canadian company Wean Green. These cute dishes — which were featured in one of the pre-Academy Awards gifting suites — are made from durable glass and come with an airtight seal, plus their cool factor alone should earn them a place in your diaper bag. $25-$28 for set of four. Available at Red Chair Kids, 1318 Wellington St. W., 613-798-5437, and Tag Along Toys, 499 Terry Fox Dr., 613-270-8697.

Hot Shopping: Scrub a Dub Dub

Cleaner from Sapadilla Soap Company

If earth-friendly products are hard to come by in your neck of the woods, stock up on local favourites from Sapadilla Soap Company. The plant-based, biodegradable dish soap, cleaners (pictured) and laundry liquid are made with enticing essential oil combinations including grapefruit and bergamot, rosemary and peppermint. Fill your suitcase with these handy—albeit unconventional—souvenirs at Whole Foods and Cookworks.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

WHOLE FOODS MARKET This legendary worldwide chain specializes in natural and organic food. A great spot for ready-to-eat meals and smartly packaged organic foods that look almost too good to eat.

510 W. 8th Ave. 778-370-4210.

925 Main St., West Vancouver. 604-678-0500.

www.wholefoodsmarket.com

COOKWORKS This Canadian-owned store offers the latest in high-quality cooking accessories from around the world. Full bridal and gift registry services. Shipping anywhere.

1548 W. Broadway. 604-731-1148.

377 Howe St. 604-662-4918.

www.cookworks.ca

Travelling Canadians Not So Eco-Conscious

Photo by Willamor Media

According to a poll conducted by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, a majority of Canadians spoken to have a double standard when it comes to being eco-friendly, being more environmentally conscious at home than when travelling outside of the country.

The poll found that 83 per cent of Canadians have never taken an eco-friendly vacation, which the poll defined as on that sustains, enhances or has little impact on the environment. Though if the price for an eco-friendly holiday were the same as a non, about 60 per cent would consider taking one as an alternative.

Of those polled, 90 per cent of Canadian hadn’t considered ways to make travel greener like using e-tickets, taking public transit while sightseeing and buying carbon offset credits.

For more on the story visit Canada MSN Travel and www.tdfef.com.

Hot Shopping: West Side Welcome

Nicole Bridger's West Fourth Avenue store

West Fourth Avenue has a couple of new neighbours: Nicole Bridger (pictured) and Skoah. Bright eco-chic boutique Nicole Bridger carries fashion-forward skirts, dresses, jackets and tunics all made from sustainable fabrics and coloured with low-impact dyes. Skoah’s cozy location comes packed full of the luxe in-house brand of skincare products for the face, body and hair.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: Local Labels

We love apparel from local label dace

Vancouver bursts at the seams with talented fashion designers.

>> Okanagan-born Dace Moore celebrates the 10th anniversary of her eponymous line this year. Moore’s designs (pictured) are feminine, with a focus on clean lines and attention to detail (www.dace.ca).

>> Nicole Bridger just opened up her first store to house her namesake eco-driven line. She received Canada’s first Eco Designer of the Year award in 2010 (www.nicolebridger.com).

>> Allison Smith started her line, Allison Wonderland, back in 1998. Her charming range of dresses, jackets, shorts and shirts can be found in shops across Canada (www.allisonwonderland.ca).—Jennifer Patterson