TVW’s editors are always on the hunt for the latest avant-garde and Earth-conscious products. Here’s what’s on our radar this month.
Gold Standard
If donning precious metals gives you pangs of guilt over environmental destruction and hard-luck miners toiling in dangerous conditions, Vancouver’s Pyrrha Design is here to ease your conscience. Pyrrha’s design duo, Wade Papin and Danielle Wilmore, is setting a new standard in the jewellery industry by using 100 per cent reclaimed silver and gold. The Pyrrha line ranges from monogrammed pendants to pieces cast with 19th-century European wax seals. Whatever your style, these unique necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets are the epitome of urban upcycling—and that gets our seal of approval. Available online at pyrrha.com . –Erica Gehrke
Butter Me Up
If you overhear someone calling you that “flaky lady,” let’s hope she’s alluding to your collection of crystals or your habit of chanting at the moon. But if she’s referring to your winter complexion, you need some moisturizer help—stat. Fortunately, African Fair Trade pure shea butter, soaps, lotions, and body creams can help smooth your dry skin while providing women in West Africa with gainful employment. So get back your healthy glow—great for your pagan goddess rituals, or, you know, looking hot in that new sleeveless dress. Available at Finlandia (1111 W. Broadway), Choices (choicesmarkets.com ), Donald’s Market (donaldsmarket.com ), and africanfairtradesociety.com. –Stephanie MacDonald
Do-Good Dolls
Do you wish a meteorite would drop on that barky dog next door? Harbour a desire for world domination? Sorry, the adorable Figos Wishing Dolls won’t work for you: they only help good wishes come true. But if you do have a nice wish, write it on a scrap of paper and tuck it into the pocket on the back of your Figo, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Made from reclaimed and recycled materials by Figa’s Closet, the dolls are also perfect repositories for baby teeth awaiting the tooth fairy. Partial proceeds from each Figo are donated to the Variety Club. Info & where to buy: figos.ca –SM
Spring Cleaning
Spring is nearly here, and you’d love to take steps toward a fresh start—but you can barely see your feet through all the junk on your floor. And no, just picking everything up and throwing it in the closet will not make it go away. Never fear, Purpose in Place can help clear the way to a more organized life. Local duo Haike Tremblay and Sherry Halvorson are professional organizers who can bring their talents to any setting, from kids’ rooms to professional offices. With everything in its place, you’ll finally have time to think about other things besides “where’s my stapler?” Info: purposeinplace.com –Jennifer Croll
The Need for FEED
The FEED 100 bag is way more than just a cute reusable tote. Each bag, made with natural burlap and 100 per cent organic cotton, is stamped with the commitment to “Feed the children of the world.” And the FEED folks are not just paying lip service; they’re actually putting their money where their, er, mouth is: the number “100” signifies that each bag sold will provide 100 school meals to children in Rwanda through the UN World Food Program. Now there’s something to chew on. Look for them beginning May 1 at Whole Foods Markets (wholefoodsmar ket.com). Info: feedprojects.org –EG
Natural Paint Job
You’re not a car, so why cover yourself in paint full of toxic chemicals? That’s the question that The L Word stars Mia Kirshner and Jennifer Beals asked veteran TV and movie makeup artist JoAnn Fowler. After investigating cosmetics safety further, JoAnn set up her own company, Sappho Cosmetics. The full makeup line for face, eyes, lips, and cheeks is phthalate- and paraben-free and includes organic and vegan ingredients. So when you go for a makeover with shades like “Midnight Escapade” (for eyes) or “Hotness” (for lips), the only thing you need to worry about is touch-ups. Info: sapphocosmetics.com –JC
Sea Treats
Grottoes always trigger ideas of self-indulgence, whether you’re thinking of the one at Disneyland, on the isle of Capri, or in Hef’s backyard. In case you didn’t know, you can get pampered in a magical, watery cave without the hassle of cartoon mascots, hefty plane tickets, or dirty old men, at Tigh-Na-Mara’s Grotto Spa. Besides being gorgeous, the Parksville resort also offers some exceptionally natural treatments, such as the B.C. Seaweed Wrap, which detoxifies your skin with nutrient-rich, locally harvested seaweed, and the Soothing Sea Facial, which perks up your visage with organic sea ingredients sourced off Vancouver Island. Info: grottospa .com –JC
