With Mother’s Day around the corner, we thought it would be fun to give away some eco-friendly goodies to honour our eco-friendly moms.

Here’s what we are giving away.

Green Beaver Certified Junior Personal Care Product Gift Basket

EverythingEco.ca’s Divine Pink Gift Collection

Undine’s Black and White Polka Dot Necklace

I would like to thank all of our sponsors who have graciously provided these amazing prizes.

To win this fabulous prize pack, just comment below letting us know what you would like for Mother’s Day. Or if you are not a mom, comment on what you will be getting mom for Mother’s Day. Don’t forget to leave us your email. (We will only email you once to say that you did/did not win the prize. We will not share your email with anyone.)

Don’t forget to tell your family to check out your comment so they know what to buy you for Mother’s Day!

Here is the small print. Commenting indicates that you have read and agreed to the small print.

1. Enter online at www.ethicalconsumer.ca/blog/ by commenting on what you would like for Mother’s Day. No purchase necessary
2. Contest only open to residents of Canada with a Canadian shipping address. Not open to residents of Quebec.
3. All entries must be received by midnight PST on May 8, 2010. Maximum one entry per person. Estimated retail value of the prize $100.00. Prizes are non-negotiable and may not be exchanged or redeemed for cash.
4. Prior to receiving the prize, the winner will be required to answer a mathematical, skill-testing question.
5. One entry per person. Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries submitted to the contest.
6. By commenting on the blog post, entrants agree to the rules and regulations of this contest and agree to the use of their name and city of residence for the purpose of announcing the prize winner.
7. Winner will be notified by email after the contest closing date of May 8., 2010.
8. Entrants must be the age of majority in their respective province to enter this contest.

Good luck!

Scrabble Tile Necklaces: $14 each

• These savvy necklaces are made from recycled scrabble tiles
• Pendant is approximately ¾” square and silver-coloured chain is approximately 17.5” long
• Comes packaged in a reusable organza bag for gift giving
• Sweatshop-free: Handcrafted in London, Ontario

Ecoist Candy Wrapper Bracelet: $13

• This is a bracelet with a conscience; it’s made from overruns and misprints of candy wrappers which have been diverted from landfills
• Show your support for the environment; a tree is planted for every bracelet sold
• Sweatshop-free: Handcrafted in Mexico, Peru and Chile by co-operatives for Ecoist (Fair Trade)

RuMe On the Go Set: $23

• This set includes a mini reusable bag, two snack pack bags and a mini snack bag
• All the polyester bags are reusable and perfect for lunch, around town or travelling
• The mini reusable bag is in the “Spring in New York Greenwich” pattern and measures 11”W x 11”H x 4”D with 8” long handles(machine washable)
• Two snack pack bags measure 8.5” W x 7.5” H; one bag is in the “Spring in New York Fifth Avenue” pattern and the other is in the “Fall in New York Fifth Avenue” pattern
• Mini snack bag measures 8”W x 4.75” high and is in the “Spring in New York Fifth Avenue” pattern
• Mini reusable bag has a velcro closure and other bags have zipper enclosures
• Sweatshop-free: The set is made in South Korea and a Fair Trade factory

Bike Cog Desk Clock: $30

• A great conversation piece! This clock is made from a recycled bike cog.
• This clock is perfect for a desk or bedside table
• The clock measures 4” x 4” and battery is included
• Sweatshop-free: The Bike Cog Desk Clock is handcrafted in Oregon

Juice Box Coin Purse: $12

• This eye-catching coin purse is made from recycled juice boxes
• The boxes have been diverted from landfills in the Philippines and sewn into colourful, water-resistant coin purses
• The purse has a zipper closing and measures 5”W x 3.5”H x 1”D
• Available in purple, pink and orange
• Sweatshop-free: The coin purses are handcrafted in the Philippines by a women’s co-operative (Fair Trade)

Divine Pink Gift Collection: $23

• The Divine Pink Gift Collection consists of a pink juice box coin purse, Natural Pink Sugar Soap, a Strawberry Mini Cupcake Soap and a Raspberry Natural Lip Balm
• Pink coin purse is handcrafted in the Philippines by a women’s co-operative
• Body products are handcrafted in Canada
• The Gift Collection items come packaged in a reusable pink satin bag for gift giving

Ecoist Newspaper Shoulder Bag: $53

• This adorably chic shoulder bag is made from overruns and misprints of newspapers, which have been diverted from landfills
• The water-resistant bag has a zipper closure and plastic shoulder strap
• The inside is finished the same as the exterior
• Measures 10”W x 5”H x 1.5”D
• A tree is planted by Ecoist for every bag sold
• Sweatshop-free: The bag is handcrafted in Mexico, Peru and Chile by co-operative for Ecoist (Fair Trade)

Vivid Green Record Cuff $20

• This wrist cuff is made from a recycled vinyl record!
• The cuff has been painted with gorgeous acrylics and sealed with a clear coating
• The cuff is lightweight and easy to put on and take off
• A fabulous conversation piece!
• Cuff fits wrist circumference of 6 – 6 ½”
• Cuff measures 2 ½” at its widest, 1 ¾” at its narrowest
• Sweatshop-free: Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon

Easter – it’s not just for kids anymore, and it’s not just about chocolate anymore either. It comes as spring arrives – the ground is a little bit greener, the coats are a little bit lighter, and the days are blissfully longer. So why not celebrate? Here are some gift ideas that are available for online purchase from Canadian stores that are striving to make the world a better place. Pick up something for your favourite person and, why not, add a little traditional Easter chocolate too – Fair trade, of course.

Ten Thousand Villages

With stores from coast to coast, Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit Fair Trade Organization. They partner with thousands of talented artisans from low-income countries with “the philosophy of helping to build a sustainable future based on the principle that trade should have a conscience”; artisans receive respect, dignity and hope from working hard and earning fair value for their work.

-Rabbit Paper Mâché Box: handmade and hand painted by Asha Handicrafts, Mumbai, India – A circle of 6500 artisans from 19 towns and villages. ($20.00)

-Cocoa Camino semi-sweet organic chocolate chips ($6.00)

Organic Fair

A small family business from Cobble Hill, B.C., they source as many of their organic ingredients locally as possible, grow other ingredients on their farm and manufacture everything by hand.

-Vanilla Rooibos Gourmet Organic Loose Leaf Tea: caffeine-free, can be enjoyed by anyone, from five to 105.

-Dark Organic Chocolate: LOTS of flavours you can choose from, including cranberry/blueberry/matcha/ginger, espresso/lemon, banana/raisin, and masala/chai. ($3.79)

Canadian Lutheran World Relief

Based in Winnipeg and formed in 1946, C.L.W.R. is one of Canada’s oldest relief and development agencies. Don’t let the religious aspect keep you away – they lend a hand to anyone in need and accept help from anybody willing to donate. Among their services: refugee resettlement, “quilts and kits”, emergency relief and third-world community development.

-Olivewood Cross Necklace: handcrafted in Bethlehem. ($10.00)

-Easter Egg Candle: paraffin, handcrafted in Silence, India by an artisan community that works with the blind and handicapped ($15.00)

-Cocoa Camino Chocolate Bar: nine flavours, not listed. ($4.49)

Coop La Maison Verte

Community-based co-operative located in Montreal, their online store features many Quebec-made products and goods from small producers across the country. All are fair trade, organic and/or ecological.

-Three Acres Perfume Stick: natural perfume stick made from organic beeswax - lavender, ylang ylang, patchouli, palmarosa or citrus ($5.00)

-Cocoa Camino Chili & Spice Hot Chocolate: pure organic cocoa with chilli, cinnamon and ginger ($8.49)

Cyclo Nord-Sud

Also from Montreal, Cyclo Nord-Sud collects used bicycles, as well as parts, tools and accessories then ships them to poor, underdeveloped (mostly southern) regions of the world.

-Bicycle Postcards: beautiful photography by David Champagne ($1.50, 8/10.00 shipping included)

-Bicycle Earrings: handmade, wire ($8.50)

-Equita Chocolate: dark, milk or tea flavour ($3.00)

Come April 4th, whether you choose to celebrate Easter, spring or just a sunny day is up to you. Should you decide to buy something special to remember the day, know that these are but a few of the ethical Canadian businesses you can turn to for some sweets, or something for your sweet.

Here are a few Valentine’s ideas that are gentle on the earth while still fun loving.

Treat your sweetheart to a bottle of organic ice wine from Summerhill Pyramid Winery. The grapes are left on the vines until the first frost after which they are picked and immediately crushed while the water is still frozen. This crushing results in a sweet concentrated juice from which to start the wine making process. The finished wine is refreshingly sweet which is balanced by its high acidity. Canada’s climate lends to some of the best icewines in the world.

Try the 2007 Riesling Icewine with the Robert Bateman label, pictured here. With every bottle sold there is a $1 donation to his not for profit society called ‘Get to Know Your Wild Neighbour’ which brings kids away from their computer screens, and our into nature.

Such a special wine deserves a beautiful earth-friendly wrapping. Try a wine bottle bag from eco-handbags.ca. They are made from discarded advertising billboards diverted from landfill. Not only that but they are made in Montreal by Petites-Mains, a non-profit organization that teaches industrial sewing as part of the fight against exclusion, poverty and violence.

If your sweetheart is gorgeous and green, you’ll want to check out these earrings. Made out of reclaimed purpleheart, these beautiful earrings are made here in Canada by Billy Would. Gorgeous and Green has many fabulous gift ideas for your sweetheart divided into categories such as Canadian-made or natural.

To set the mood, why not buys some soy wax candles with

Over 150 million fresh cut flowers will be sold in Canada for Valentine’s Day. That’s 4.5 flowers for each person living in Canada! As you set out to buy flowers this year, consider where they are coming from and how they are grown.

The majority of fresh cut flowers you see in our stores have been shipped in and/or trucked in for thousands of kilometres. Then, on top of that they are full of pesticides and other nasty chemicals, which the flower workers breathe day in and day out. Sometimes the workers are surrounded by these nasty chemicals for endless hours since they often work long hard hours for very little money.

I am not going to suggest that you don’t buy flowers or even that you don’t buy flowers that have been shipped in. I don’t want my words to fall on deaf ears and in the end there is nothing wrong with beautiful fair flowers.

So what I am asking? Or better yet what should you be asking?

Ask your florist if they sell fair-trade flowers and where the flowers are coming from. Ask what types of pesticides are used. If they don’t know, let them know that you are interested or ask if they can find out for you. If they are in the know, make sure you buy toxic free fair flowers for your love. Let them know that you are interested in supporting florists who support fair-trade and local producers.

Supporting your local florist - who is educated on the issues and who does their best to support a fresh cut flower industry - is good for everyone.

You can find a fair-trade florist in your area in our directory under Gifts->Flowers.

Planet Forward is a GTA- based purveyors of hip, functional eco-products that promote living a greener lifestyle. Whether you are looking for stainless steel bottles, reusable baskets or organic fashions, this is a great site to check out. Not only do they look for products that are environmentally friendly, all of their products are made in facilities that adhere to fair wage and labour standards. Further still, they strive to keep life affordable for their customers.

It so happens that they are having a blow out warehouse sale in early December. Just in time to buy and fill up your eco-basket with stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts. If you are in the Toronto area on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th, check them out at 5-51 Roysun Road, Vaughan. Starts each day at 10am and goes to 8pm, except on Saturday when they will drop dead at 4pm from all the excitement.

If - like me - you can’t make it to Toronto that weekend, you can still get in on the action by ordering online and using the following coupon code XMASDL25 which will get you 25% off your online order. Offer ends December 24th.

June is here and father’s day is just around the corner. At our house, dad is one of the most difficult people to buy for and I always appreciate some ideas. Here are some eco-friendly picks for dads everywhere that show love for dad and the planet.

For Sporty Dad
Bamboo socks: great for warmer weather, these socks are cooler, drier and odour-free. They’re 2-3 times cooler in warmer temperatures, absorb moisture 3-4 times better than cotton and contain the anti-bacterial cultivating agent ‘bamboo kun’. Ankle socks $10, crew $13

For more information about wearing bamboo in warm weather:

http://lavishandlime.blogspot.com/2009/05/be-cool-in-bamboo-must-have-for-summer.html

For Take-a-Lunch Dad
Reusable sandwich wrap: save money on plastic baggies and reduce landfill waste with this simple, fresh idea that can be used for a whole year. Folds out into a place mat for a clean place to eat and keeps sandwiches/snacks fresh. Classic black is great for dad and fits perfectly into a briefcase/laptop bag. New golf and camouflage designs or classic black are ideal for dad. $10.50.

For Naked Chef Dad
He can cover up in the kitchen or at the barbecue with this funky grey cafe-style half apron featuring a unique bird design. Made of a linen/cotton mix with eco-friendly inks. $35

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For Shower-Lovin’ Dad
Remind him every morning he’s a star with this handy little star-shaped digital shower timer. (It will also be a big help keeping him on schedule in the morning and go a long way to reducing water use.). The timer displays a no-fog real time clock and easy-to-program count down timer that beeps when your shower time is up. Battery operated, steam proof, shatter proof and water proof. From Australia, land of the 4 minute shower. $16

Enjoy your day with dad!

Weddings have traditionally been all-out affairs – for good reason, but also with no shortage of help from the all-encompassing “wedding industry” which can include everything from the obvious (dress) to the more obscure (releasing butterflies). Rebecca Mead has even written a whole book on the subject entitled One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding. EC believes your special day doesn’t have to be a resource-intensive consumption blitz to be unforgettable. You can celebrate your eternal love both stylishly and thoughtfully if you go over the details with a green-toothed comb. It’s not as complicated as it might sound, we promise!

At EC, we can get a little wrapped up with what’s going on here in British Columbia but we love to learn about your favourite resources from across Canada. Please email us or add your suggestions in the comments section if there’s something you’d like to share – perhaps we can even get a Green Wedding Resource section going for all you conscious brides and grooms out there!

EC spoke with two different specialists in the field about their work and to find out if the “going green” trend has truly permeated the wedding industry. Of course, we also asked if they had any handy tips to ensure your wedding is as eco-fabulous and hassle-free as possible. Vanessa Fedorkiw is the Victoria-based designer behind Isadora Bridal Wear and Stephanie Happach runs Vancouver’s Forever and a Day Weddings & Events.

Isadora began a few years ago as a general clothing line and started incorporating green fabrics last year as the designer learned of the consequences synthetic fabrics have on our planet. Fedorkiw claims she is still a sucker for print and texture so “…making the shift completely is still in the works as green textiles move toward a more fashion-forward vantage point. That being said, I saw this incredible hemp satin the other day – yum!”

Fedorkiw suggests there are many reasons to choose Isadora’s Eco Chameleon Gown or Bridesmaid Dress – they are organic, sustainable, and can even be worn after the wedding. The dresses are also locally made, and potential clients receive personal contact with the maker of the gown. Try that with something shipped in from overseas!

As far as the wedding industry’s growing shift toward Earth-consciousness, Fedorkiw believes we may have a ways to go. “While my line has been well received online, it has been harder to get it into traditional bridal wear stores, perhaps because they are not yet seeing a shift in brides’ priorities.” You see? It is up to us green-minded ladies and gentlemen to increase demand, putting pressure on retailers to supply greener options.

Happach finds today’s brides both environmentally and budget conscious. “A lot of times I see brides looking for items that can be purchased and re-used or rented, and this reduces waste and consumption as well as cost.” Happach notes that personalizing your wedding with your own original details makes it a true reflection of who you are as a couple and avoids making it yet another cookie-cutter event. There are many ways to do this and remain friendly to the Earth at the same time – just use your imagination. You can also check out our Green Wedding Buying Guide for plenty of inspiration and more tips.

How does an eco-conscious wedding planner differ from a traditional planner? Happach finds herself somewhere in the middle. “As someone who’s been quite earth-conscious for many years now, I like to incorporate recycling practices into my work as much as possible and make materials stretch. I always recycle all the packaging of purchased decor items like plastic wrap, paper and cardboard. I try to come up with ways to cut down on materials as much as possible, for example, favours can double as placecards.” Happach suggests working with local vendors and industry professionals where the wedding is going to be held to support local business and economy – this is a green choice for many reasons and also reduces travel.

Other tips for greener weddings an eco-diva may not think of?

VF: I think it’s a simple reduce, reuse and recycle if possible. For our wedding, we had a simple cake but it was decorated with organically grown edible flowers – so pretty. We also decorated with feathers; feather boas at the head table instead of disposable paper stuff. My bridesmaids also got to keep the boas afterwards – who doesn’t need a feather boa in their wardrobe? Also, vases of small peacock feathers became the wedding favours for the guests.

Need help? Here’s Happach’s checklist of what to keep an eye out for in order to land a stellar wedding planner:
- Do you get a quick response to email, phone contact?
- Will they offer you an initial consultation (usually complimentary)?
- What services do they offer?
- Ask for recommendations
- Do they have a portfolio?
- Number of events/weddings completed
- Will they work within your budget?
- Most important – do you connect with them and do they listen to you?

Have you had a wedding recently? Planning one? Let us know your own tips and stories, we would love to share them.

This is the time of year when many of us review what we have accomplished and set goals for the new year.  For Christmas I received a Business Calendar from Polestar, located in Slocan Valley, British Columbia.  My calendar was printed on 100% post-consumer recycled off-white text paper, processed chlorine- and acid-free, using vegetable-based inks.

After having a look through it, I really like it and look forward to using it over the year. At the beginning of each month, there is a page with Goals & Objectives, To Do This Month, and New Projects/Ideas. Then, each week, there is a space to write in meetings, deadlines, work as well as space for weekly correspondence and a weekly to do list. For more information, check out Polestar Business Calendar.

If you are looking for a more family or school oriented calendar, they have them as well. You can order them online or go to their website for a list of stores in your area where you can find them.

I know, there are many online alternatives that would eliminate my need for a paper version but I am just not there and may never get there. It’s not that I don’t use them. I do. My online calendar lists all of my life’s activities, including my children’s current athletic adventures, family appointments, school events, work, and the list goes on. I find I need a separate calendar just for work so that I can focus my attention where it needs to be.

If you are like me and still need to hang on to one paper based calendar, then Polestar is a great option. Not only are they a fabulous Canadian success story, they are an ethical business and they have put a great deal of time into making calendars that really work.

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.