The environment is a subject that is as far-reaching as to impact the building and large manufacturing industries, and it even has a bearing on politics. However, there’s more to being environmentally conscious than recycling and car-pooling; there are products and services available that have not only global repercussions, but allow you and your family to live healthier lifestyles. You don’t have to travel far and wide to find these products either; our city has a variety of stores, websites and other venues that offer a great chance to do some green-shopping.

Riva’s The Ecostore, offers a wide range of eco-products that are separated into three different areas. Riva’s organic mattress collection offers a variety of comfortable mattresses, including crib mattresses that are built with natural materials and are free of toxic chemicals. Upstairs is a showroom that offers an extensive inventory of green building materials such as bamboo flooring, non VOC paints, tiles made from recycled material, and much more. Riva’s also offers a large selection of fashionable shoes and clothing made from natural and sustainable fibres, and there is even a line of re-garmented designer items. There are also quite a few gift items available as well, along with home care and cleaning products. However, Riva’s offers more than just eco-friendly products, they also offer services such as design consultation, healthy home inspections and a numbers of resources that will help you learn more about living a healthy lifestyle while being kind to the environment. For more information their website is: http://www.rivasecostore.com.

The Clean Calgary Association is an urban non-profit environmental organization that is dedicated to educating Calgarians in the areas of healthy homes and communities. Their Eco Store sells environmentally-friendly products with an emphasis on reusability, minimizing packaging, high post-consumer recycled content and of course natural ingredients and materials. This Eco Store offers a wide range of products including baby and body care, household essentials, office supplies and gifts. However, Clean Calgary has also become known for their line of rain barrels which are sold year round at the Eco Store, but are also available at multiple locations around the city during their annual rain barrel sale. Available in blue or white, the second-hand plastic barrels are a popular choice, or you can also order an oak rain barrel that is made from the recycled staves of whisky casks. All proceeds from the Eco Store support Clean Calgary’s environmental programs and services. To learn more visit http://www.cleancalgary.org. 

The Earth Collection is an internationally successful brand of designer clothing made from 100 per cent natural fibres, designed and manufactured with respect for the environment. Last year the company opened a location here in Calgary but is represented in over 30 countries worldwide. This attractive storefront offers a wide variety of garments ranging from casual wear to a little dressier, and the line caters to men, women, toddlers and infants. Predominantly warm and soft colours, this line of clothing is sure to offer something for everyone. In addition to these attractive and comfortable clothes, you are sure to be able to find items to accessorize your new outfit. To find out more about the Earth Collection, its business practices and the company’s vision, visit http://www.theearthcollection.com.

The Calgary Mattress Factory may not have a storefront, but they make up for it with quality. This company offers premium handcrafted, hand-tied mattresses made from European helical coils, rubber latex and natural  fibres, eliminating the polyurethanes, toxic glues and other unstable materials that are used in traditional mass-produced mattresses. Having made thousands of mattresses over the years, this mattress maker has plenty of experience making high performance beds that can cater to a wide variety of ailments including scoliosis, hip dysplasia, bursitis and even asthma. For a safer, healthier and more comfortable sleep find out more by visiting http://www.calgarymattressmaker.ca.

Amaranth Whole Foods Market is dedicated to promoting healthy foods, healthy lifestyles, nutritional awareness­­—and yes—environmental responsibility, through the products they sell and the services they provide. Not only does Amaranth provide a vast array of fresh organic produce, bulk foods and healthy alternatives, but they also offer a variety of eco-friendly products such as natural cleaning supplies, gifts and more. Also, all of Amaranth’s computers are powered by wind power from the Pembina Institute, and although they encourage their customer to bring their own reusable bags, they do have bio-degradable plastic bags if you forget. You can discover more about Amaranth at http://www.amaranthfoods.ca.

The Calgary Farmers’ Market (and other farmers’ markets), is another great place to go to shop green. This might not be the first place you would usually think of when considering the care of the environment, but all year-round the Calgary Farmers’ Market includes vendors of all types, offering products of all sorts. Some vendors offer items that minimize our eco-footprint and utilize environmentally-friendly material.

Fibres of Life offers handicrafts and accessories that not only offer a green workplace for those who make them, but are crafted from 100 per cent natural wool. This company does more than just sell quality goods at the market; they also offer social development, fair trade practices and partnerships with artisans in Nepal. http://www.fibresoflife.com.

Original Linda’s hand-knitted yarns and hand-knit gifts are a colourful and sustainable choice when looking to create your own crafts, or searching for a unique gift. Crafted from 100 per cent natural materials such as alpaca, bamboo, soy and even merino and seaweed, these yarns and gift items come in array of colours that is definitely as eye-catching as the items are natural.

Of course if you buy produce from a farmers’ market, you are also guaranteed that the items are very fresh, and because the majority of the vendors are local or nearby, there is less fuel used to transport these items, which in itself reduces the impact on our environment. To get the location of or learn more about this year-round market and its vendors you can visit http://www.calgaryfarmersmarket.ca.  CL