Our Faves

Ecoexistence

21 Vaughan Road, Toronto, ON, M6G 2N2

Rated this place:

posted Apr 12 2009

This is the ECO that should EXIST!: If you don't know about this store's existence, you must go and check it out! You can go and spend minutes and get what you need (Klean Kanteens, Organic Clothing, RuMe Reusable Bags) or spend hours in this store with their enthusiastically eco staff learning (how to and what to use to clean yourself and your home, how to pack a safe and healthy school or work lunch and the tools to make it easy, what books to read, what the trends are). Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a green or eco consumer, there is no product that has no impact, and your goal should be to buy less. But, here you will find all of the tools at great prices to help you to lead a healthy life, for you and the planet. Make sure you ask them about their glass drinking straws with a lifetime guarantee.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Knowledgeable Staff
• Klean Kanteens
• Laptop Lunches
• RuMe Bags
• Glass Dharma Straws
• Eco-Me Kits
• Easy Access
• Eco Beds + Bedding

Big Carrot Natural Food Market

348 Danforth Ave #209, Toronto, ON, M4K1N8

Rated this place:

posted Jul 5 2009

Alternative to Commercial Supermarkets: Aside from offering the finest selection in organic and healthy products, you'll find a full produce and meat department, a wholistic dispensary and a juice bar at the Carrot. The amazing thing is that The Big Carrot is a worker-co-op - their website currently claims that there are over 60 worker/owners. Which, in my opinion must be part of the reason that you can actually get great service here...and get questions answered. So, whether you can walk to shop along the Danforth (lucky you!), or if you need to drive a distance to get to the Carrot, it's worth it...consider it a diversion (like an outing to the museum or art gallery) where you will probably find at least one of your soon-to-be favoruite products, from lipstick and hairbrushes to potato chips and local potatoes, you'll find it all. They offer weekly specials and many classes and seminars, so check their website for complete up-to-date details. Of course, remember to bring your reusable bags.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Makeup
• variety
• local and organic produce
• knowledgeable service

Chapters Indigo Online

100 Alfred Kuehne Blvd, Brampton, ON, L6T4K4

Rated this place:

posted Aug 16 2009

Online and In-Store!: It's amazing that a book store could possibly make honest inroads at being green - read here http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/About-IndigoGreen/about-giz.html Stores across Canada and their online business obviosuly have a long way to go, but it's good to see they are en green route and being honest about it. The kids and toys department carries many of the best and most responsible toy lines, the tres eco favourite Green Eggs and Ham and the always trendy, and "famous" Laptop Lunch Systems, reusables and the greenest versions of back to school books and knick knacks. try also their "related" business Pistachio for high end green consumables.

Whole Foods Market

87 Avenue Rd., Toronto, ON, M5R3R9

Rated this place:

posted Aug 16 2009

small space with big selection!: Just because you are at Whole Foods, does not mean that everything in store is healthy - remember, you are your own best advocate and should read every label everytime and decide how the item got on shelf and where it's going after you put it in your cart! Having said this, you can find almost everything you need in this tight space (considering the vast selection). Bulk Foods aisle (take your reusable bags), phenomenal supplements and Whole Body sedction with phenomenal staff able to actually answer your questions, lots of baked goods (sha sha breads - sprouted, organic and nut-free selections) and the whole selection of Mapleton's and So Delicious ice creams (very important). The produce section is vast, but lots of conventional and from far away too...no excuse that this store shouldn't carry local and organic when it's actual in season! Get your gifts bought, reusable bags ( RuMe Bags in every size, colour and pattern), and plenty for each season including back to school, holiday, valentine's etc...they make it easy and get us to part with our green for their green! Watch out! :)

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• mapleton's ice cream
• RuMe Bags
• whole body section
• frozen spelt pizza dough
• so delicious "ice cream"

The Zero Point

1590 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M4L 1G1

Rated this place:

posted Aug 16 2009

new on the eco block: The Zero Point is set to offically open! It's a great store in a great neighbourhood, and the owner, Kay Valley is so generous with her time and knowledge. She isn't just carrying eco consumables, but also flooring and home decor, large purchase and very small too. My top Eco Choices here include: 1. Eco Paints and supplies (brushes, drop cloths and more) They carry YOLO - fully stocked in store and can tint on site immediately, don't just consider your room colour but harmful VOCs too! Also, what a bonus - I found Eco Paint Stripper and Industrial Cleaners that are safe AND work! 2. There is a gift for everyone here (including for your own home) - at all price points - and lots of local finds too, including: Klean Kanteen, Laptop Lunches, Paperstone Cutting Boards, Tashodi, Cleaning Products that do not contain Palm products (a source of deforestation) and lead testing kits for toys and home. 3. Exciting to learn about what's coming…a refill station for cleaning products, soaps, shampoos, baking soda, washing soda, borax and soap flakes! Keep your bottles - reuse before recycle! Make sure you ask for a demo of the Ladybug steamer...it basically cleans your house for you, but it's expensive!! Enjoy the Zero Point, it's not just for the nieghbourhood, it's definitely going to be an eco-destination.

Pistachio

3401 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6A 2T9

Rated this place:

posted Jul 5 2009

consumerism with a conscience: Ok - it's almost oxymoronic...isn't it possible to simply use electronic invitations over printed ones? Well, for many of us the answer might be yes, but for those who still "need" or want, Pistachio is definetely the store for green consumerism. I think they have actually defined this category. Their custom stationary department rivals the paperies of New York City, and are actually "responsible". You can buy your corporate gifts, your personal gifts AND a treat for yourself in this one store. Sure, some of the goods are expensive, but you can easily walk out the door with many items in the few dollars range. Faves include, the biodegradable eraser, toxin-free nailpolishes, Vermints and their house brand beeswax birthday candles (so important - you want to eat petroleum out of your cake?!). Pistachio has 2 locations, and both are worth the free price of admission You'll learn lots and get your shopping done. Responsibly.