Wednesday, October 01, 2008

CONSCIOUS - CONSUMERISM

Is it an oxymoron? Or is it possible to shop for all of your favourite items, while still protecting the environment and not exploiting individuals? The answer is Yes! Here are three ethical businesses that are located here in Toronto and North America that set the standard in Conscious-Consumerism. 
Play Fair 
Voted “One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Forbes Magazine, Ten Thousand Villages is a great place to shop and feel like you’re making a difference. Merchandise carried here is made from all over the world. All merchandise is Fair Trade, ensuring the artisan groups that make the products are treated fairly. This includes, fair wages, gender equality and proper working conditions, while creating employment opportunities for those who may not have the chance to gain proper employment. Fair Trade also practices an Eco-friendly way of production. Ten Thousand Villages stores carry items such as; jewelry, pottery, home décor, rugs, musical instruments, scarves, furniture, books, toys, games, coffee and chocolate. Each item in the store indicates what country it originates from. The helpful staff is always more than happy to explain further about each artisan group, from across the world. Ten Thousand Villages is a great place to shop, especially if you are looking for a unique gift. With the majority of staff mostly volunteers at each store, you’ll feel great shopping there. The company has four convenient locations throughout the city of Toronto, making it easy to shop Fair Trade! Want even more convenience? Shop online at www.tenthousandvillages.ca 
Have a Heart 
Located on the corner of Nassau St. and Bellevue Ave, in Kensington Market, Heart On Your Sleeve is an “Eco-Ethical” place to shop. This cozy boutique houses all Canadian designers and all products are independently made here in the country. Heart On Your Sleeve also prides itself on being vegan friendly! The shop carries merchandise ranging from, reusable totes, jewelry, clothing, and accessories. Carrying Canadian labels such as, Grace and Cello, Passenger Pigeon, Chopper Couture, Two of Hearts, and loads more. Merchandise is made from a wide variety of Eco-friendly fibers such as, bamboo, hemp, flax, soy, and organic cotton. Looking for that convenience factor? Shop online at www.heartonyoursleeve.ca and discover all the great goodies, Canadian designers have to offer! The best part? Heart On Your Sleeve has “peddle-powered delivery,” in the city of Toronto! 
Back To Your Roots 
First opening its doors in 1994, Grass Roots was one of the first Eco-friendly stores in the city of Toronto. Merchandise ranges from clothing, shoes, reusable totes, bed and bath, home décor, air and water filters, natural cleaners, household items, personal care items, and office and stationary supplies. Conveniently located in the Annex, on Bloor St. W., and on the Danforth, both stores are just steps from Ten Thousand Villages! Grass Roots is committed to making a difference, involving itself in several events and campaigns involving climate change. Also, hosting workshops educating the community on becoming more Eco-friendly and promoting positive change for the environment! To find out more or to shop online visit www.grassrootsstore.com. Toronto has many ethical stores to shop in, and it’s always fun discovering new places! Ask questions, do your research, and get the facts about different stores and the products that they carry. Support Eco-friendly, Fair Trade businesses, in the city of Toronto, and all over! As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

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