With everyone trying to jump on the sustainable lifestyle bandwagon, it is so easy to get caught up in all of the different terminology. As we are embarking on understanding what this lifestyle entails, we thought we would do a series on the different eco-labels we have come across and what they really mean.

“Certified Organic”

Produce that is not fertilized by synthetic fertlizers, pestcides and sewage sludge. Produce that is not genetically modified using organisms or irradiation. It employs proper soil and manure  management.
Where these products are produce goes under strict inspections, detailed record keeping and the testing of the soil and water that is used to grow the produce.

“Natural”

Are products that contain no preservatives, artifical colours or ingredients, unlike organic products which are regulated under strict rules, natural products can have some of the things that organic products don’t; like genetically altered hormones and can be minimally processed.

“Vegan”

Simple defintion of vegan is  a philosophy and lifestyle that seeks to exclude the use of animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.Vegans do not use or consume animal products of any kind. We recently did a full blog on what is vegan — Check it out!

“Cruelty-Free”

Cruelty-Free is a label that is commonly used by the cosmetic industry to indicate products that were made with out the using of animal testing in it’s creation. This label is a voluntary label and currently there is no inspection or auditing.

“Biodegradable”

Is a product that can dissolve and breakdown easily into the environment without destroying nature.

As we come across more labels well be adding them to this series.. so stay tuned and of course..

Happy Shopping!

Tiffany and Amalia

If you recently read our post on Organic Wines or have been hearing all the buzz about organic foods and beverages and want to know more, welcome! Organic beverages are a great addition to your sustainable lifestyle and actually taste incredible too. So the next time you put on your party shoes and need to head out to the liquor store for a house warming gift — why not give the gift of organic?

What is Organic?

As I mentioned in the other post, Organic Farming is a more natural way of farming that eliminates the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulations and additives. Instead of these foreign substances and chemicals being added to your food, farmers let nature run its course and produce food naturally.  More so, farmers really have to take a lot of old farmers techniques into consideration.. things like crop rotation, and residues to mechanical cultivation will really help them grow the best crops possible. Organic beers are no different, there are primarily made from barley, hops and wheat so producing these crops usually include lots of pesticides and fertilizers which we’ve seen pose a threat to our health and the environment. Beyond that the transportation of this beer consumes fossil fuels by the truckloads.. literally, with statistics showing that a beer travels as much as 1400 km. before it hits your belly.

How do I know what I’m looking at?

When you walk into a store, shopping organic might not be the easiest thing in the world. It might take a little research before you know what you’re buying. There aren’t many organic beers on the market, but they are easy identifiable. Keep your eyes open for the “Certified Organic” label on the beer which means, like organic wines follow all the standards set by the USDA, which include standards for chemicals used to clean breweries. You can also find beers “made with organic ingredients” which are made from organic grains, but not processed in certified organic breweries.

Buying Local

Another great way to enjoy a beverage without the carbon addage is to take a trip to your local microbreweries. While it’s not organic (although some microbrewers do carry organic brands) buying local beer reduces the amount of fossil fuels used in shipping, and supports smaller, local businesses.

For more information about Organic Beers don’t hesitate to check out the following links:

Green Guide to Organic Beer
The Fermenting Barrel: Is Organic Beer Bad?
Organic or Bust: All about Organic Beer

Enjoy your night out and BYOB, it can be a great conversation starter

Amalia & Tiffany

Heard all the buzz about organic foods and beverages and don’t know what it all means? Well. the next time you put on your party shoes and need to head out to the liquor store for a house warming gift — why not give the gift of organic?

What is Organic?

Organic Farming is a more natural way of farming that eliminates the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulations and additives. Instead of these foreign substances and chemicals being added to your food, farmers let nature run its course and produce food naturally.  Also, they have to take everything they know about crop rotation, and residues to mechanical cultivation to really invest it into their farms to make sure they they get the best crops possible. Organic wines are no different, like other organic products they have been produced from organically grown grapes, and may not necessarily be sulfite -free but they have no added sulfites.

How do I know what I’m looking at?

When you walk into a store, shopping organic might not be the easiest thing in the world. It might take a little research before you know what you’re buying. The Wines of Canada is a site to start out with. On their site they offer a list of Canadian organic wines as well the differences between one organic wine to the other.

For Example, According to the Wines of Canada site:

“100% Organic” means that the wines are produced with grapes that are certified 100 per cent organically grown and do not have any sulfur dioxide added.

“Organic” means that the wines are produced with a minimum of 95 per cent organic ingredients. These wines may have a very low level of sulfur dioxide added to them.

“Made with Organic grapes” refers to wines that have a minimum of 70 per cent organic grapes. These wines may have sulfur dioxide added.

They also add a bit about Biodynamic farming which is a number of techniques used to organic farmers to utilize the vineyard’s natural resources in order to cultivate the highest-quality grapes possible without the use of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, or growth stimulants. A vineyard that is certified biodynamic meets and typically exceeds the standards and regulations for organic certified farming.

For more information about Organic Wines don’t hesitate to check out the following links:

Wines of Canada: Organic Wines in Canada
The Dirt on Organic Wines
Style at Home: Top Organic Wines

Enjoy your night out and BYOB, it can be a great conversation starter

Amalia & Tiffany

Want to find a way to blend your eco - savvy style into your wedding day? Why not start with your flowers! Talen Events offers you some tips and advice on keeping the 3 R’s top of mind on your wedding day:

Reduce - The idea of walking into a room filled with flowers can be ever so tempting but how long are they really going to last? Finding local and in season flowers can be tough as it is, but don’t forget to ask your local florist about how you can reduce the use of flowers. Can your ceremony flowers be used at your reception? Can your bouquets be put in vases on your head table to add a little kick? Remember, sometimes less IS more and adding just the right amount of flowers can add that elegant, classy, and simple look most brides crave.

Reuse - Have beautiful bamboo that you’d like to showcase at your wedding? How about use a centerpiece that’s potted so that people can take home and place on their window sill? Finding new and unique ways to showcase your beautiful flower style can go a long way and really work to reduce the footprint on your special day.

Recycle - Don’t let those beautiful flowers go to waste. Find a way to redistribute them once your day is over and you’re catching some sweet rays on your dream honeymoon. Some great ways to reuse your flowers can be to give them away to guests, or find a hospital or retirement home who would be happy to take them! Some florists will even take back used or dead flowers to add to compost so that they can keep brides happy for centuries to come!

Enjoy your day & Happy Planning,

Tiffany & Amalia

If you’re in the market for eco-friendly clothing, you’re in luck! Some of the best fabrics out there are actually good for the environment too! What’s also great is that eco fibres and organic textiles have been popping up in our local malls lately as they slowly enter the mainstream.

 




What’s so great about eco fibres & organic textiles?




 

There are dozens of benefits to using eco fibres (textiles that do not require any pesticides or chemicals) and organic textiles. We have our own list of reasons why we LOVE them:

 




1. Eco-friendly clothing is comfy!

Eco-friendly clothing has a great breathable soft feel that makes it crazy hard to go back to cotton & polyester!

 




2. Eco Fabrics are Biodegradable over time!
Eco fibres & Organic Textiles are earth-friendly and biogradable over time, plus they don’t emit the harmful toxins that commercial cotton usually does.

 




3. Organic Textiles are Hypo-allergenic!
Since eco-friendly clothing is natural and doesn’t contain the irritants in most commercial clothing, it is also hypo-allergenic. A huge plus for those with more sensitive skin!

 




4. Eco-friendly Clothing is Naturally anti-bacterial!
Some materials, Bamboo for instance, have an anti-bacterial quality that keeps away pests or infections. This characteristic also carries over to its fabric form. For Bamboo, this anti-bacterial agent is known as “Bamboo Kin” and is said to bond tightly with bamboo cellulose molecules during the normal growth process and retained in fabric form. Studies have shows that even after a garment is washed fifty times, this bamboo fabric still retained its anti-bacterial quality. What does this mean for you? It keeps you from sweating, and your clothes from sticking to you therefore giving these clothes a naturally hygienic quality you won’t find in your regular cotton t-shirt.

 




5. Eco-friendly Clothing is Classy!
Choosing between organic textiles & eco fabrics is fun! Look at your options: Bamboo, Silk, Linen… CASHMERE.. These soft, beautiful fabrics will be a great addition to your wardrobe and before long you won’t let your body touch another scratchy, uncomfortable fabric again!

 




Looking to build a greener wardrobe?

 




You can find new organic lines at your local mall in Roots, Cotton Ginny, Levi’s, La Senza and H&M. If you need more help finding some great eco-friendly clothing, check out these online stores:

 

- Passenger Pigeon http://www.passengerpigeon.ca/collections/

- Bindi Wear International http://www.bindiwearinternational.com.au


- Bamboosa http://www.bamboosa.com/


- Lotus Organics http://www.lotusorganics.com/

- Manic Organic Shop http://www.manicorganicshop.com


 

 




Happy Shopping!

 

Tiffany