Second-hand stores – For some, they are the place to go for old designer duds and other great vintage finds and for others, an inexpensive way to pick-up “new” clothes. But as 20 billion pounds of used clothing and textile are ending up in landfills each year, they are increasingly becoming the poster children of ethical consumerism, battling overproduction and industrial waste one recycled t-shirt at a time.

Founded as Savers in 1954, Value Village (www.valuevillage.com) is one of Canada’s biggest chains, second-hand and non-second-hand combined. Big, bright and crammed wall-to-wall with everything needed to fill your home or closet, a trip to your local outlet can easily turn into a daylong outing. But hidden amongst the racks of clothing and shelves of books is the little-known fact that Value Village has contributed over $115 million dollars to non-profits and has prevented 280 million pounds of unsold merchandise from being dumped in landfills.

While most are aware of the charitable-nature and social consciousness behind Goodwill and Salvation Army stores, Value Village’s goodwill, if you will, remains undiscovered by many. They have more than 120 “non-profit alliances” in Canada, the U.S. and Australia, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Canadian Diabetes Association here at home. Items donated to these organizations (via pick-ups or designated drop-off boxes) are then sold to Value Village.

What follows is what Value Village calls its “Saver’s Cycle”:

- Customers get great value
- Natural resources are conserved, thanks to decreased energy and raw material consumption
- Excess waste is eliminated

In addition, unsold clothes are shipped to individuals in developing countries so that they may open their own markets, creating jobs, giving their customers great value, conserving natural resources, and so the cycle goes on…

No matter whether you are looking for that rare find, shopping on a budget, saving the planet, or simply marching to the beat of your own drummer… There is no wrong reason for buying second-hand, but there are a million right ones.

If you would like to donate, drop anything except TVs and monitors at any store.

Today is International Women’s Day. Why is International Women’s Day so important? Why should we be supporting women around the world. How can we support them from so far away?

Why is International Women’s Day so important?
Women around the world are still considered property or second class citizen’s in many countries. They are not allowed to control their own destinies or contribute to the well being of their own communities. They may not make decisions that affect themselves; they do not have the freedom to earn income or even socialize or seek medical attention without consent of another human being. Women all over the world deserve the right to control their own destinies. They deserve dignity.

Why should we be supporting women around the world?
Women deserve dignity. They deserve to have all the rights and responsibilities of every other human being on the planet. Apart from that, it is a well known fact that in many countries, women are responsible for the health, well-being and education of their children. When women are doing well, their children are doing well. Women who control their own destinies have fewer children and the children that they do have, are healthy, better educated and go on to improve the lives of generations to come.

How can we support them from so far away?
First and foremost, as consumers we can buy products that are made by people who choose to work rather than being forced to work, and who earn enough money to supply the basic necessities to their family. Looking good isn’t worth the suffering of another human being.

We are supporting women this month by asking Canadians to lend $25.00 U.S. to a women entrepreneur through Team Ethical Consumer at Kiva. To learn more about our efforts, check out

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Next Monday is International Women’s Day. Ethical Consumer would like to celebrate International Women’s Day all month long by offering loans to women all over the world through Kiva.

Kiva is an organization that connects people - like you and me - who are willing to lend money to people who need small loans in order to start or grow a small business. So for example, Edith has a shoe business and wants to expand but can’t because she doesn’t have the capital. She has more orders than she can fill. She asks for a loan through an agency in her hometown. The agency uses Kiva to raise the money for her. People like me - and you - loan her money. I gave $25 (US) to Edith through Kiva. She asked for a total of $700.00 (US) and received all of it from a total of 25 lenders. She will now pay that money back over eight months. Could she default? Yes, but Kiva has a repayment rate of 98.37%, which is far better than any Canadian bank!

So once she repays the money, her lenders can
- loan the money out to someone else
- withdraw it and walk away, or
- donate it to Kiva for more good works

I have always believed that the best way to alleviate poverty is to allow people to control their own destiny. We are all intelligent and creative beings. This in essence is what International Women’s Day is all about; allowing women to control their own destiny.

Join Team Ethical Consumer at Kiva and loan $25.00 (US) to a women entrepreneur that has a story that speaks to you. Or if you have a business and would like to advertise through the Ethical Consumer directory, purchase a listing for one year for $100.00 (CDN) and we will loan $25.00 (US) to an women entrepreneur for you. Please select ‘Team EC @ Kiva’ when purchasing the listing.

I chose to lend money to a women in Peru because I lived there for four years and Peru will always hold a place in my heart. Why Edith? The day before I left to come back to Canada, I went through all my old shoes figuring I’d buy new ones when I arrived home. I put together a box of shoes I was not going to take with me and walked down to the curb and dropped the box there. I walked back up the two flights to my apartment, looked out the window and the shoes were gone. You have no idea how important shoes are until you go without.

Yesterday I highlighted three social entrepreneurs with links outside of Canada. Today I will focus on five social enterprises that are fully Canadian. There are so many social enterprises to choose from and it was incredibly difficult to narrow it down to five, but I think these five really show different types of businesses with a variety of goals all within the realm of social enterprise.

EthniCity Catering

Pure genius. It started out with a few requests for ethnic foods. Today EthnicCity Catering offers high quality, multi-ethnic food to Calgarians. It employs immigrant women in transition and breaks the cycle of “no Canadian work experience, no Canadian work.” I was amazed to learn that women are usually employed by EthniCity Catering for only three months before they find other work or pursue further education. Wow!

Away Courier

When I came across this business, I was amazed to find that they have been around for 22 years and have over 1,700 customers in the Toronto. They are pioneers in social enterprise.  Using public transit, Away Couriers delivers same day packages at a reasonable cost to a variety of businesses including lawyers,  medical services and government departments. Away Couriers was founded and is run by people with direct experience with the mental health system, which is an incredibly empowering and meaningful way to eliminate stereotypes.

The Cleaning Solution

The Cleaning Solution offers cleaning services to businesses, organizations such as schools and churches and government in the Greater Vancouver. They focus on quality, health and environmental safety. They also have a mandate to support individuals recovering from mental illness that are ready to enter the workforce and to combat widespread stereotypes regarding mental illness.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited: YOU

Based in Mississauga, YOU has several services, but the one I was most interested in was their three social enterprises that offer youth meaningful, hands-on job experience. In the kitchen, youth work one-on-one to create preserves that are then sold online. In the woodshop, an experienced carpenter trains youth in woodworking skills to produce exceptional furniture. Finally, at the recycling facility youth are trained in skills that will be valuable in the growing green economy.

Options Canada

Options Canada is a businesses service company that offers printing, photocopying, graphic design along with many other services. In offering these services, they also provide employment training to individuals who have an intellectual disability. The program is designed to help individuals integrate into the workforce and includes business etiquette and transferable skills. Part of the program includes a high school co-op where students can experience what it is like to work in a retail environment. As they say, “this helps them decided what path to choose after finishing school.”

Choice is important for all of us. These are great businesses to choose to work with.

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.

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.

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.

I have an affinity for social business so when I came across the following social business, I had to share.

Christine Kavanagh, a social worker, who focuses on job skill development, in Toronto, Ontario and who has a passion for the environment; questioned how she could avoid throwing out her plastics, and then, how she could extend that goal to the plastics that others were discarding. What emerged was a creative social business that merged environmental stewardship, job training for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and part of the solution to Toronto’s bedbug dilemma within a stylish product the most particular designers would be proud to integrate into their design. Greenbean Studio home of the Eco Pillow was born.

Integrating her work as a social worker for marginalized members of our society, Christine uses Greenbean Studio to offer a job-training program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. People start out in the job-training program and come and go as they please at this stage. During the job training, someone from Eco Pillows picks the trainees up and drops them off as well as supplies food and drink. Although trainees do earn a small amount of money, the real payoff is the service provided by Greenbean Studio and the sense of belonging and contribution. People work at their own pace and on their own terms, depending on their needs. If someone really enjoys the work, once the training program is complete, they can be hired on at a level that suits their abilities.

How does saving plastics from landfills relate to pillows? The plastic is used to fill the pillow, of course! First off the plastic must be clean, no baby carrot bags or any food residue. Secondly, only soft plastics will do, hard plastics just wouldn’t work in a pillow. The plastic is not processed in anyway, but there is a certain technique to preparing the plastic and stuffing the pillows, hence the job training mentioned above. So the stuffing of the pillows is 100% community plastic.

This leads to their popularity with hotels, as bedbugs cannot nest in them. In fact, as Christine says, “nothing can live on plastic.” Because bedbugs cannot burrow down into the plastic, they cannot lay their eggs and the bedbug cycle stops with these pillows. In the past, hotels have had to discard contaminated pillows. However, with Eco Pillows that isn’t necessary and that leads to less waste and saves money.

Eco Pillows are not only functional but they are also beautiful, stylish and fun. Take a look at the photos of some of the pillows. I think you will agree.