Bag o’ Sunshine
That digital camera of yours is a total juice addict, and your cellphone consumes power like it’s at an all-you-can-eat buffet. So why not carry with you some nutrition for those hungry little tech-toys? Dinner is served with a Voltaic Solar Bag, a nifty backpack-slash-solar generator. Lightweight and durable, the smallest bag is capable of powering your iPod for three hours after just one hour in the sunshine. The bags are constructed entirely from recycled materials such as soda bottles, and are available in silver, orange, green, and charcoal. With all the money you’ll save on energy bills, you can treat yourself to dessert. Available at The Bay (downtown), voltaicsystems.com . —Jennifer Croll
Smart Fishing
Need a brain boost? Then hook yourself a razor-sharp mind with a bottle of Ascenta’s NutraSea, a balanced formula of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Found naturally in salmon, tuna, and halibut, these “good” fats support mental focus and promote emotional well-being—without a fishy aftertaste. Ascenta sources its fish oil from Nova Scotian waters of sustainably harvested, wild fish stocks and tests each bottle for contaminants. Also, the company contributes part of its sales to environmental groups and uses packaging made of post-consumer recycled materials. And there ain’t nothin’ fishy about that. Available at Capers, Choices, Semperviva (2608 W. Broadway), and Finlandia (1111 W. Broadway). —Erica Gerhke
Woop It Up
Poor worms. These much-maligned little creatures are blind, stepped on, and ignored by virtually everyone apart from fishing enthusiasts, birds, and Oscar the Grouch. But worms have something valuable to contribute to your garden: their poo. That’s right, and you can find it in WOOP organic soil booster. Made with 100 per cent worm poo, WOOP helps create space in the soil for aeration and drainage, while increasing nutrient levels and introducing beneficial plant micro-organisms. The worms have employed the helpful folks at Evergreen, a social/environmental charity, to package up their excellent excrement in two-litre containers, perfect for your indoor and outdoor planting needs. Visit evergreen.ca . —Stephanie MacDonald
Garden State
While you may blame “permaculture” for your unfortunate hairdo in high school, the real meaning of this term is much more appetizing. “Permaculture is the practice of using natural ecological systems to maximize the edible harvest of a garden,” explains Robin Wheeler of Edible Landscapes. That means the environment of an area—sunny, cool, moist, etc.—determines which native plants benefit one another, resulting in a working, edible garden with (bonus!) the least amount of labour. Wheeler’s garden is a testament to permaculture’s success, and now you can reap the benefits of her organic and natural approach with Edible Landscapes tea, herb, edible flower, veggie, and fruit seeds. Get planting! Info: ediblelandscapes.ca. —SM
The Gods of Togs
In Hindu mythology, Lav and Kush are guardians of the woods. In Vancouver, they’re the inspiration for a line of sexy, eco-chic clothing. Beautiful and luxurious, Lav and Kush is devoted to sustainability, while maintaining a decidedly urban aesthetic. For spring, we love the vampy boatneck dress in brazen red soy and the flirty O-ring camisole in creamy bamboo. Lav and Kush donates a percentage of sales to charities like the David Suzuki Foundation and PETA, so you can do good while looking damn fine. Available at Life of Riley (3695 Main St.), Barefoot Contessa (3715 Main St.; 1928 Commercial Dr.), Hana Ray (3068 Highland Blvd.), or lavandkush.com . —JC
A Girl’s Best Friend
Prancing around in your prized vintage pumps, you feel just like Marilyn Monroe. Until you kick off your shoes, that is, and the funky smell makes you realize your true silver-screen doppelganger is closer to the Swamp Thing. Well, never fear: if there’s one lesson you can learn from Ms. Monroe, it’s that diamonds are your pals. No, no, we’re not talking about shiny rocks, but Diva Diamondz. Tuck these environmentally friendly and oh-so-handy little packets into your stinky footwear, and the ionically charged volcanic minerals absorb all that yucky odour. The next time you slide those tootsies out of your fresh-smelling heels, your sexpot reputation will stay intact. See divadiamondz.com . —JC
Tony Tikes
Hey, baby, you want to go eco-chic—just like Mommy? Then you’re in luck: the good folks at Lola and Lucas have whipped up a line of organic apparel for you that’s so hip and stylish, Mom will be wishing it came in big-person sizes. The Vancouver company offers a classy little kimono-style romper, a darling cap-sleeve jacket, a fetching pair of overalls, and much, much more, all made of a 60/40 organic cotton/bamboo blend. Coconut buttons, nickel-free snaps, and recycled paper hang-tags complete an already sustainable package. Get swathed at Dandelion Kids (1206 Commercial Dr.), Bobbits for Kids (2935 W. Fourth Ave.), Beansprouts (4305 Main St.), or lolaandlucas.com . —EG
