The owners of North Vancouver e-boutique Lavish and Lime think all people can turn a shade of green and look good while doing it.
Three years ago, Colin and Louise Campbell started to look for eco-friendly items suitable for everyday life, and found there wasn't a lot of choice in Canada, particularly when it came to style. They decided to launch their retail and online store as a one-stop-shop for all things green, natural and local.
"We're just regular people, and when you have kids you start thinking about all these diapers you're producing, and the plastic containers that you get food in. Even when I got pregnant, I was thinking should I put this nail polish on?" said Louise.
That's why the couple does extensive research to confirm that the items they choose to sell are non-toxic and biodegradable.
HERE ARE A FEW OF THEIR POPULAR SELLERS:
- Biodegradable wheatware long golf tees. The perfect accessory for eco-conscious golfers is golf tees made out of surplus wheat. They break down and become soil after 90 days, so the forest floor isn't littered with little white pegs. Cost: $6 for a pack of 50.
- Eco food covers. Made out of silicone, the Eco Food covers take the place of plastic or foil wrap to cover last night's dinner. The advantage of these is that they can go in the oven, microwave and dishwasher. Cost: $28.50 for a three-pack.
- Glass drinking straws. The reusable glass straws are a beautiful alternative to plastic straws that normally get thrown out after one use. They are free of harmful toxic chemicals and come with a lifetime guarantee against breakage. Available slightly bent ($9.50 each) or straight ($8.50 each).
While price will always be a barrier for some people, Louise refers to it as the "dilemma of going green." Lavish means lovely and lime represents a shade of green," she added. "It's a shade of green because it's the little steps that count."
