Today is World Day of Social Justice so we thought we’d brag about some fabulous Canadian social entrepreneurs who are changing our world. A social entrepreneur identifies a social problem and uses business principles to solve that problem. Success is measured in terms of social impact. These entrepreneurs sell products or services that we can buy; and when we put our money into these products, we know that we are part of a sustainable and equitable economy rather than one driven solely by profit. Take a few minutes today and check out how we as consumers can support real change in our world.  Please note that each link will open in a new window.

Bazura Bags

Bazura Bags works closely with a women’s cooperative in the Philippines. Every day, children collect discarded juice boxes popular in the Philippines and sells them to the co-op. The women in the co-op then make beautiful bags. As much as they would like to see fewer juice boxes sold, for now they are pleased that they can divert them and create functional and fun bags. They are also starting to work with other discarded items such as billboards. In September 2009, the co-op was devastated by Typhoon Onday: homes were flooded, lives were lost and the headquarters damaged. After receiving many donations and hard work, they have rebuilt their lives and would like to see an increase in orders for their bags in order to have all members back at work.

OrangOrang Project

Sprouted in Canada and now based out of Indonesia, OrangOrang produces incredible and socially responsible fashion.  The fabrics are organic and fairly traded. The dyes are made from Indonesia’s rich vegetation and traditional knowledge. Ethical Consumer recently featured OrangOrang as part of Vancouver’s Fashion Week. The project provides transferrable skills, safe environments and fair wages to local women. They also work with YKPA to create opportunities for street children that have lasting economic and social benefits rather than short term handouts.

Jabu Bags

Jaju Bags is a small but growing social enterprise that offers more than just skills training to rural women in Swaziland. Jaju Bags not only produces beautiful and functional bags, it also empowers women through financial independence. Their current project is to build a new centre as the current one is cramped and dark. To do this they are working with the Raw Foundation to build a workshop/community centre that will provide a better working environment as well as school rooms for open use. The structure will be made from recycled and low carbon emissions material, and will be built by the community itself. My favourite bag is the Doron bag, which I have my eye on for my next laptop bag.

Word of mouth is the best advertising they always say. So, who do these social enterpreneurs recommend:

Ethical Ocean

Global Fair Trade

Recommend your favourite in our comments section.

If you live in Canada and have old, broken, or unwanted costume jewelry that is cluttering up your life, ecocessories™ jewelry recycling service is the solution for you.

ecocessories™ makes it easy for people living in Canada to recycle their jewelry. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit the Recycle page.
2. Fill out the “Yes! I want to recycle my jewelry” form.
3. Wait for a postage-paid envelope to arrive.
4. Fill the envelope with your old, broken, or unwanted jewelry.
5. Throw the envelope in your nearest mailbox.

Once the jewelry arrives, it serves as an inspiration for new sterling silver & recycled bead designs. Jessica, founder and designer, disassembles the jewelry, cleans the beads and vintage components, sorts the beads by colour and then lets her creative juices take over.

Jessica personally does all the silversmithing that you see in her new designs, such as her signature clasps, hammered circles, soldered links and more. Her new designs are high quality, designer jewelry with an eco-friendly twist. If you recycle your jewelry - keep an eye on the ecocessories™ online store. Your recycled beads might be Jessica’s next inspiration.

In the meantime, if you are in the Toronto area, visit Jessica at the Green Living Show in April.

It’s official: sustainability and style are no longer mutually exclusive. Vancouver Fashion Week 2009 drove the point home for earth-conscious fashionistas and traditional style-a-holics alike, with collections by numerous eco friendly designers showing throughout the event.

While I didn’t get to check out Friday’s designers, featuring the likes of Lav & Kush, Hawks Ave, and Red Jade, I felt pretty lucky to catch some serious design talent on Saturday.

Calgary-based design heavyweight Paul Hardy channeled his inspiration from a life-altering trip to Uganda earlier this year, creating a rough-hewn, beige-toned collection that is nothing short of globally informed and socially aware.

Image courtesy of VFW

Hardy mixed layered silhouettes with sharply tailored garments, “…referencing visual strengths juxtaposed with the softness of girlish sentiments from yesteryears”, according to his promo material.

Models slunk, and sometimes clomped, down the runway in interesting, oversized footwear reminiscent of what might happen if you take some spray paint to granddad’s work boots. The gorgeous detailing of the garments did not go unnoticed.

Image Courtesy of VFW

The designer’s environmentally innovative Reversal of Fortune project is something else to admire along with the beautiful clothing – ROF’s objective is to create a moderately priced clothing line that can be produced by women in developing nations in accordance with high environmental and social standards. According to Hardy on the ROF website:

The idea is to take donated clothing from the Western world, and ‘recycle’ the items into moderate priced one-of-a-kind designs (donated clothing can be debilitating to the local economy, because there is no investment into local markets when handouts are so readily given). This collection will then be re-sold back to the Western world.

This is a thoughtful example of how we can shift globalized manufacturing processes to share wealth and opportunities rather than hoard them. Upcycling is an integral solution to North America’s rampant addiction to consumerism. It’s time to reconsider traditional top-down, North-South manufacturing processes and replace them with models that reflect our current state of affairs globally.

Starting out in Canada and now based in Bali, OrangOrang is another line that mixes fashion and social consciousness with impressive éclat; the name means people in Bhasa Indonesian, FYI. OrangOrang only employs fabrics that are certified organic and fairly traded; dyes are sourced regionally and are all natural and non-toxic.

Designer Catherine Charest wearing OrangOrang

OrangOrang's Linda McGrew

With ethnic-eclectic Batik prints and dyeing techniques on natural silks and organic cotton, OrangOrang’s latest collection Sea and Earth is nothing short of wearable yet effortlessly exotic. My favourites included this long-sleeved version of the Sera top and a simple, darkly dyed silk slip dress.

Image courtesy of VFW

Image courtesy of VFW

As if this wasn’t enough good news, this label with a conscience also spearheads a remarkable project to help alleviate social inequalities in local Indonesian communities. The OrangOrang Project is an example of how sustainable development can look on the ground.

Image courtesy of VFW

The project incorporates a human dimension into its operations, working with NGO Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak (YKPA) to produce OrangOrang’s products. YKPA is an organization that assists street youth build stronger, healthier communities and build transferable skills while providing a safe environment and paying a fair wage.

Image courtesy of OrangOrang Project

Image courtesy of OrangOrang Project

By being directly involved in the community, OrangOrang helps build opportunities locally, developing small businesses and creating sustainable economies in rural areas. This translates into brighter futures for those touched by the project.

“The project isn’t about us! It’s about the countless women and young people in many developing countries who are never given a chance to break the cycle of poverty; whose governments are corrupt; whose medical and educational systems are non-existent - and coming up with a sustainable solution for them and their future.”

At really down-to-earth prices, this is some stylish merch you can truly feel good supporting; a percentage of OrangOrang’s sales also goes directly to the YKPA. We wholeheartedly agree with OrangOrang’s simple mantra: Real Beauty is Ethical.

Two of Hearts is a Vancouver-based clothing line and boutique co-created by CiCi designer Jenny Yen and Togs designer Tabitha Savoie.

After meeting at a fashion show in 2005, the pair became fast friends and eventually decided to launch a joint line that would address their concerns for the environment through responsible, wearable design. EC had a chance to ask a few questions about their line and recently opened boutique, so read on to find out what’s up with Vancouver’s cutest eco-fashions on the block…

EC: Who is Two of Hearts?

ToH: We are two designers who love design and also doing what we can to help the local economy and environment.

EC: You say you were inspired to start the line after seeing how badly polluted it is in modern day China, driven in part by Western consumption and our penchant for “cheap”. Can you speak a little more on this?

ToH: Yes, we are conscious of these things. Especially knowing how our products are made and in what type of working conditions, we pay fair wages to manufacture here in Vancouver. The conditions we saw in China were terrible! We saw a packaging company subject its workers to an unsafe environment. The whole factory was boiling hot and the workers were not wearing masks so they were inhaling all the chemical fumes, plus they were manually fixing the kinks when the plastic film was extruded, risking their hands being caught in the roller machines!

EC: How do you source your sustainable materials? I have heard that even organic cotton and bamboo are being imported from developing nations/China; is this true? Do you think there are alternatives? Are there any Canadian companies able to supply the raw textiles?

ToH: Yes, almost all fabric comes from Asia. It will be some time before Canada starts to make their own fabric again or even the United States. It will take the gas prices to go sky high before this industry will ever become a reality again in North America.  We are, however, building back manufacturing with the amount of smaller companies keeping their business here in Canada.

EC: Since you’ve started Two of Hearts, have you noticed an increase in demand for such products? Do you think greener clothing is still a priority for people with all the hoopla over the so-called “economic crisis”? What would you like to see happen in your industry in the next five years?

ToH: Two of Hearts was well received since we introduced the line. People understand they have to pay a bit more for eco. I would like to see at least more eco fabric companies being offered in Canada, more choice in fabrics, more organic cotton and also further development of sustainable material which can be made into fabric. It would be nice to also have more manufacturers here again.

EC: So you opened a boutique on Main St. recently - very cool! As business owners, entrepreneurs and designers all rolled into one, can you talk about some of the challenges and rewards you have experienced working for yourselves in a reputedly tough industry?

ToH: It’s rewarding to offer our customers a place which houses the complete line, plus things no other store will have, whether it be a style, fabric or just the colour. It is also rewarding to create jobs – since starting, we now employ two part-time staff and one manager.

EC: Have you greened your boutique/office/studio at all? Do you have any suggestions for other business-owners who are looking to do the same thing?

ToH: We have taken small steps in the right direction in this area such as using biodegradable bags and recylable bags. We do our part in recycling bottles and plastics and also using up fabric scraps at our studio whether it be for small bags, change purses and small accessories, some of these scraps are used to clean our studio and we also donate them to screen printers as rags too. We also started to shut down our computers and electrical devices every night to conserve energy and took many of our lights down for the summertime. I think small changes are making a difference.

Thanks, Two of Hearts! So do we! To score some easy compliments, check out the collection online and find your perfect piece.

In my previous holiday-gift-related post, I promised to give some more attention-worthy local designers/independents some justice. The definition of “green” is definitely not static; different designers and businesses are inevitably going to be transforming business-as-usual in different ways, whether it is using reclaimed materials or contributing to small-scale business and strengthening local economies. 

I’m going to do my best to list some notable hip-to-the-groove designers and local business owners from across Canada but please feel free to add suggestions in the comments section if I missed someone spectacular! Some of my picks were influenced by the oneofakind show that made its first stop in Vancouver and of course BC’s funky design community. I apologize if I’m leaving out the guys a little; I’ll square things up in the new year.

Since I can’t be everywhere at once I’m sure some of our readers in different areas can clue us in to what’s happening in their particular region. If my suggestions are cutting it a little too close to the big day, don’t forget - everyone loves belated gifts! Oh, and I’m generally a size medium, for the record…you know, in case you’re feeling generous.

ST. JOHN’S, NF
Johnny Ruth
Not only does this store cater to women of many different sizes, it is a “socially responsible, ethical and transparent retailer.” At EC, that’s what we like to hear. Johnny Ruth researches suppliers to ensure manufacturers abroad are complying with the International Labour Organization’s standards for fair labour practices and urges shoppers to opt for “clean” clothes. Nice work, Johnny Ruth! We hope other retailers follow the great example.

Living Planet T-Shirts
Wow, a screenprinting company that uses soy-based cleaners and the most eco-friendly processes available? Awesome. A screenprinting company that specializes in printing works by local artists? That’s awesome too. A company that does both? Double awesome! Owner Dave Hopley’s been at it for 20 years so it sounds like a guarantee you’ll be happy with what you find here - and can feel good about it to boot.

MONCTON, NB
Sandstones Art Gallery and Flower Shop
If it’s special artistic treasure you’re after, look no further than Sandstones Art Gallery and Flower Shop which features items created by local artisans. Find everything from pottery to stained glass to jewellery and candles. Sounds just about right for last minute holiday purchases! My mom would love this stuff.

HALIFAX, NS
Love, Me Boutique
This cute little boutique stocks Canadian handmade, small-run independent products that are far from crunchy. In fact, they are quite funky! Perfect for aspiring eco-fashionistas and grown-up ones alike.

MONTREAL, QC 
OOM Ethikwear
“Today’s responsible consumer is more conscious and understands that his purchase has great influence and wlll encourage the awakening of a mentality that values equality.” Hurrah! OOM makes clothing that is both ethical and urban, supporting local social causes as it goes. Clothing that expresses the owners’ social values? OOM gets our vote.

OTTAWA, ON
Kania
Ok, a piece from this designer is definitely on my wishlist. It was love at first sight the minute I came across the vibrant and cozy designs from Kania, a luxury street style clothing line based out of our nation’s capital. Oh, Canada! You do know how to dress a girl.

GUELPH, ON
Sole Earth Apparel 
An environmentally and ethically conscious company, S.E.A sells everything from unique recycled paper beads to household items. Guelph has always had a bit of a green thumb so if you’re in the area, support this new local venture!

TORONTO, ON
green is black 
green is black backs its chat when it comes to “being green.” Their assertion of “voting with our dollars” to support socially responsible business aligns quite well with what EC is all about. The store came into being when the green is black owners-to-be were frustrated with not being able to find sustainable fashion that was actually fashionable. Each product’s environmental and social impact is measured before being purchased by the store, ensuring its origins are the best they can be. All hail green is black.

WINNIPEG, MB
Andrea Pelletier Experimental Designs 
This designer caught my eye due to her interesting credentials and, of course, passion for the planet. Pelletier enjoys using reclaimed materials and old clothing when possible to reduce the impact of textile waste, which is a huge issue in the clothing industry - and everywhere else. Pelletier makes clothing, wedding gear, fashion, custom and remade clothing. She also offers DIY sewing advice for free…and you can’t get much for free these days, now can you?

SASKATOON, SK
Cassie Danielle 
Independently owned Cassie Danielle creates eco-friendly garments in-house and are committed to sustainable business practices, like using strictly ecologically sensitive fabric, responsible production techniques and keeping environmental impact as low as possible. Cassie Danielle also plants one tree for every item sold to help offset their carbon footprint. Did I mention the clothes are also pretty cute!?

CALGARY, AB
Shisomiso Boutique & Gallery
A crafty three-in-one venture dedicated to independent fashion and design, Shisomiso is a boutique, gallery and work space all in one. Shisomiso’s focus is to support young Canadian designers and offer up hand-selected wares from across the country. Their lovely website, which appears to be designed by one of the two owners, is also a breeze to navigate and browsers can find links and details about all the designers found in the store.

VANCOUVER, BC
Billy Would Designs
Like your jewellery funky, chunky and reclaimed? Look no further than Billy Would Designs. Designer Adea Chung rescues exotic hardwoods from local woodworkers who can no longer work with the “leftovers” and crafts handmade, one-of-a-kind and sustainable jewellery. This stuff is sure to please the “au naturel” beauties in your life…and just might look pretty gravy on you too!

Olie
Get cozy with Olie! This line of cozy, handmade knits is sure to keep snuggle bunnies happy and loungin’. Designs are styled decidedly with city folk in mind; this ain’t your grandma’s poncho! Made locally with 100% Baby Alpaca wool, Olie’s line keeps growing and we can’t wait to see what’s next.