Find eco-friendly gifts at these Calgary stores
It’s not tough to find gifts that incorporate green. Eco-friendly items may be ethically sourced, locally made, fashioned from organic materials or created without the use of harmful chemicals. Calgary is loaded with shops that either specialize in, or carry, eco-friendly merchandise. Here are a few such ethical, sustainable businesses. [Image credit: iStock.com/dolgachov]
Goldgrass Home
1237 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S9The Inglewood entity formerly known as Riva’s Eco Store has reimagined itself as a source of fine artisanal and natural home furnishings and decor. Perusing the funky, elegant space is a relaxing experience. You’ll find chemical-free mattresses, solid wood furniture made with old-world craftsmanship, textiles made with pure organic cotton and linen, mineral- and plant-based skincare products as well as safe toys made of natural materials.
Claudia's Choices
An online eco-store, Claudia’s Choices makes shopping easy with just a few clicks. Organic diapers, laundry and cleaning products, baby gear and skin-care products made with eco-responsibility in mind feature on the site. Pick up the nifty Magnetball, which cuts detergent use in dishwashers and washing machines by 50 per cent, helps prevent limescale buildup and acts as a natural fabric softener. You can also purchase gift certificates.
Green Calgary Association
308-301 14 St Nw, Calgary, AB T2N 2A1Roll out the rain barrels, or the paint cans, or the paper towels – they’re all made with green-mindedness, and found in the Green Calgary ecoStore. From recycled paper cards and journals to practical home decor items, ecoStore carries products that are repurposed, recycled, non-toxic, locally and ethically sourced and feature little to no wasteful packaging.
Paper Root Studios
3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0E2Homegrown and chock full of papery goods from the hilarious to the sentimental, Paper Root is located in Eau Claire Market. Besides cards, books, journals, posters and prints, the shop goes beyond paper and carries unique home decor such as pillows and picture frames, plus an awesome selection of saucy fridge magnets.
Babes In Arms
841 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0C2When your primary accessory is a baby, you want some good durable baby-wearing carriers to choose from, and it’s a bonus if they’re made green. This Bridgeland-based store specializes in carriers and cloth diapers – new and consignment – and carries a selection of natural toys, teething necklaces and skincare products. You’ll also find pregnancy and breastfeeding gear and fun items for older children, such as backpacks and lunch kits.
Mountain Equipment Co-Op
830-10th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A9Long a staple stop for the crunchiest of Calgarians, MEC stocks a huge array of organic and eco-minded items. It’s a great place to hit for bits and bobs to make a basket for your favourite tree hugger. Find flat-reusable water bottles, organic soaps and lip balms, fair-trade chocolate and tea as well as organic clothing such as yoga wear and socks.
West Coast Kids
130 71 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0R9Whether you’re buying for an expectant parent, baby or bigger kid, West Coast Kids carries a mindboggling array of items for those that prefer the greener things in life. Find everything from home-birthing kits to seriously fun eco-friendly organic toys such as themed block sets, trains and even a wooden toy cell phone. Have I mentioned the wooden ninja robot that folds into a perfect cube? It’s cool, man.
Neal's Yard Remedies (Canada) Ltd
101-1111 10 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1E3I know. You think you’ll find rakes and pesticides here, right? Nope. Think holistic products such as natural mineral makeup, seaweed-based hair conditioner, organic deodorant (lemon and coriander scented!) and salves formulated with plant materials. You’ll also find truly delicious organic herbal teas. The elegant Fourth Street store also hosts healthy-living workshops on topics such as making your own moisturizer and mindful eating.
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