Earth Day in Vancouver: List of sustainable designers in Vancouver

For Earth Day I am making a list of any sustainable clothing companies in Vancouver and how to find them.

#1 - www.nextdoorstyle.com is an online store that sells sustainable designed fashion and accessories. Everything on the site is sustainable because it is made locally thereby reducing the carbon footprint. You can find clothing made of eco fabrics or handmade jewelry made of reclaimed components. Shop using "secret code": pr3s5 and get Free Shipping.

#2 - Rio Rain is a vertical retailer based in Vancouver, BC with stores in Park Royal Mall, Richmond and Kelowna. Rio Rain utilizes Sustainable and Recycled Fibers to create environmentally friendly fabrics. Bamboo, Organically Grown Cotton; Recycled Polyester (R.P.E.T.), Recycled Cotton, Activated Charcoal (made from ground up coconut shells and nano bamboo particles). By far one of the most transparent companies I have come across.

#3 - Nixxi offers classic designs in organic textures. Named after ancient water and life protectors, the line is inspired by nature's simplicity and modern minimalism. Dedicated to employing sustainable business practices, Nixxi sources fabrics made from natural and renewable fibres and works with a production house in Vancouver, BC. Shop Nixxi online here.

#4 - Bloomfield: Founded in the tradition of a 200 year old family name, BLOOMFIELD represents the inspiration to use sustainable, natural and organic fabric blends, featuring surface treatments derived from heritage lace and embroidery. Shop Bloomfield online here.

#5 - Movement 's goal is to join the socially conscious global movement on our planet while buying clothes they love. Part of the proceeds of each sale contribute towards the Pamoja Foundation. Eventually the goal is that Movement Global’s clothing will be made by factories that are owned and operated by the women entrepreneurs benefiting from the Pamoja Foundation in Africa. Shop Movement online here.

#6 - Larry Designs emphasizes the importance of sourcing locally, and wherever possible all materials originate from within BC. Raw alpaca fleece travels from a ranch in the Cariboo to a spinning mill in BC, where the fiber is naturally processed and spun into yarn. Designer, Terri Potratz hand knits all items, and finishing touches such as buttons are made locally as well.

#7 - Ginger Pottin Designs, uses reclaimed leather pieces in many of her jewelry designs. She hand makes and customizes each component in her studio for truly one of a kind art pieces. Watch Ginger in action on YouTube or Shop Ginger Pottin online here.

#8 - Flora&Fauna pieces are locally, ethically, and sustainably made. Also they incorporate nature and animal themes into each design, and are proud to support local animal welfare and nature conservation organizations. Shop Flora&Fauna online here.

#9 - Bronsino introduced their line of reclaimed leather must have bags in the Fall of 2006. The designer's work has been featured in Fashion Magazine, the Georgia Straight, Vein Magazine, Real Weddings, Vancouver Lifestyle Magazine, Where and Shared Vision Magazine.You can find designer, Denise Wilson at Portobello West and online.

#10 - BuenoStyle is a line of vintage re-worked jewelry. Using vintage discontinued glass beads and brass stampings from the 1920’s to the 80’s, the BuenoStyle features limited edtion "one-of-a-few" pieces. Shop BuenoStyle online here.

#11 - Thug Fairy Designs hand makes beautiful Feather head pieces. The collecting of feathers is done sustainably so you can rest assured no birds are harmed in the making of these headbands. Get your own here!

#12 - Nate Organics is a trend setting, eco-forward clothing collective based in Vancouver BC. Globally minded and artistically driven, we produce organic apparel in order to enlighten, inform, educate and entertain. All pieces from the NATE line are hand-screened on organic goods from fair-trade factories only.

#13 - BYOB is a Vancouver-based business that cares and believes that living an eco-friendly life is essential. They offer us the best alternative to plastic and paper bags. BYOB bags are fashionable, durable, and Canadian made.

#14 - Twice Shy is out to prove to the world that SUSTAINABILITY can be SEXY.

#15 - Granville Island Organix offers a wide assortment of Men's, Women's and Baby clothing and accessories for the eco-conscious consumer. They are chemical and pesticide free, affordable, and very very comfortable!!


What YOU can do to make a difference:
Visit www.fashionhigh.ca and learn how to shop locally for sustainable design.

Check out this event:
GOING GREEN AND YOUR TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE
With guest speakers Anita Hildebrandt from Rio Rain Eco Apparel and Amy Robinson from BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies)
Doors open at 6:30 at the VCC Downtown Campus Room 420. Speakers begin at 7pm! Tickets $5 for Members/Students $10 for Non Members

Visit Portobello West Market this Sunday April 26th at the Rocky Mountaineer Station,
with $2 admission for the public (children 12 and under get in free!),
on the last Sunday of the month from 12pm to 6pm.

Ok, now this city is so rad and I couldn't possibly list all the sustainable fashion companies. So...from now until April 30th, the person with the biggest list of sustainable fashion companies (can be retailers, or designers of clothing or jewlery) will win a $50 gift certificate to www.nextdoorstyle.com!
Email entries to info(at)nextdoorstyle(dot)com
Goodluck and Happy Earth Day!