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Looks like gibberish, right? Well that’s probably what the average person sees when they try to read the list of chemicals or artificial ingredients on their household cleaner label, their lipstick case or even on their bubble gum wrapper.
For the past decade or more, environmentalists and naturopathic practitioners have been lobbying for more natural-based products for consumers. And indeed the general public is gravitating toward simple, natural foods and personal care products more and more. It’s becoming so trendy that even big business has jumped on the bandwagon, branding their products “natural” and “organic.” This has resulted in some confusion for those who are new (or “green”, as it were) to the organic lifestyle. And so, with the assistance of a few of Toronto’s eco-friendly retailers, here is some guidance.
Teas at the Detox Market
The Detox Market story: In 2010 in Venice, California, organic lifestyle adherents Romain Gaillard and Valérie Grandury had a vision to create a “toxin-free space that combined California with Parisian Chic.” Thus the Detox Market was born. The retailer has since expanded to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and, last year, Toronto. The company scours the globe for products that are free from toxins and pollutants but still effective. Partnering with small companies that are passionate about the organic lifestyle, the Toronto store tries to focus on Canadian retailers. The products available run the gamut – from beauty and skin care lines to cleaning products to select food items and teas. Best sellers include the Odacite skin care line; Rahua hair care and Ilia cosmetics. The King Street West location is sparkling clean, not to mention stylish (hopefully putting to rest the notion that eco-retailers are the exclusive domain of incense-burning hippies).
Detox’s Directives (Laura Townsend, Store Manager): “Ask questions and learn how to understand “natural” and “organic” labeling and certifications. We love working with small, eco-friendly business[es] who have a story and passion behind what they do. They generally are the ones who are doing things “right” and are giving back not only to the community but the environment. Many of them have holistic health backgrounds too so they have a lot of knowledge and have good intentions…”
Exterior of Grassroots
The Grassroots Story: The first Grassroots store, on Bloor Street in the Annex, was founded in 1994 in an effort to provide consumers with information and products needed to lead a green lifestyle. The company’s founder also wanted the store to be held up as an emblem of social and environmental responsibility. And it seems to have worked: a second location of Grassroots (on the Danforth) opened in 1997, and in 2000, the company began operating its e-commerce site. Grassroots is now one of the most established organic lifestyle retailers in the country, having been voted “Best Eco Store” in Canada by Today’s Parent magazine.
Mainly focusing on green lifestyle products for the home (anything from organic mattresses and bed sheets to baby products), Grassroots also sells natural personal care products, organic clothing and biodegradable cleaners. And though it is located smack in the middle of incense-burning hippie territory, the Annex store is clean, organized and well-stocked, with welcoming staff members who are knowledgeable in the field.
Grassroots’ Guidelines (Rob Grand, Owner): “It is a challenge to be a consumer in today’s marketplace. All businesses want to be branded as a green/caring/compassionate company so there is a lot of eco-rhetoric designed to attract customers, but more than anything it seems to be confusing consumers.Grassroots position has always been to research and test products before putting them on our shelves – we do the research so that our customers don’t have to. We have a lengthy questionnaire that all suppliers must complete…questions about the products, where they are made, how they are made, ingredients, certifications, materials used in manufacturing, as well as questions about working conditions, workplace standards, and wage rates. We only want to do business with companies that support our values and our ethics. In turn, our customers support Grassroots because we support their values and their ethics.”
Exterior of Husk
The Husk Story: Scollard Street in Yorkville is a quiet, tree-lined street filled with day spas and salons to beautify one’s self (or even one’s dog). Husk, the latest beauty and skincare retailer in the ‘hood (the store just opened its doors last month), distinguishes itself from the others with its no-synthetic policy. The Husk philosophy is simple: nourish yourself, both inside and out, without having to question what you’re ingesting. Each line sold has been carefully selected and sourced locally and abroad. The skin care and beauty brands for sale (there are both men’s and ladies’) are made from all-natural ingredients as are the so-called “super-foods” on offer (think raw chocolate, olive oils and organic teas). The holistic nutritionists and aestheticians on staff provide detailed information to clients looking for customized skin care. The boutique is awash in sunlight and tastefully designed with exposed white brick, resulting in a very pleasant and relaxing retail experience
Husk’s Helpful Hints (Stephanie De Gasperis, Owner and Holistic Nutritionist): “Stay away from front label claims as the green beauty industry is not well-regulated yet. Focus on ingredient lists – and remember that less is more.”
Photos provided courtesy of the retailers.
