Coco Eco Magazine

Is it the beautiful sun, surf and sand or the cosmopolitan lifestyle that attracts so many people to Sydney? Everyone is captivated by Australia’s largest city and all it has to offer. You can revel in Sydney’s playground of beaches and national parks and then chill out in the most stylish boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Once you have walked over the Sydney Harbor Bridge, caught a show at the Opera House and spotted a koala in the Blue Mountains, you can then check out the many eco gems awaiting you in the stunning city of Sydney.

SHOP BOUTIQUE

Bird Textile Emporium

This emporium of eco loveliness is the name on everyone’s lips. Every purveyor of style, from magazines to museums, is rushing to showcase the eye-catching designs of Bird Textile. Rachel Bending’s award-winning label and store offers unique fashion, homewares and stationery which are handmade outside of Sydney, in Byron Bay using 100% renewable solar power. The gorgeous fabrics are certified organic and water-based dyes are used to create quirky and covetable prints. With such commitment to the environment, it is perhaps no surprise that Bird Textile became Australia’s first climate neutral business in 2004 and that owner, Rachel is often called upon to guest speak around the country at events focused on design and sustainability. To see the charming range of eco products from Bird Textile for yourself, be sure to step into their Emporium in Surry Hills. This is the prettiest place to find products to furnish your ethical lifestyle in the most striking, stylish and sustainable way.  

380 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, Sydney. Ph: +61 (0)2 6680 8633
www.birdtextile.com

I Ran The Wrong Way
Love the name, love the shop, love the stock! This enchanting store may be on the teeny side but their commitment to filling every nook and cranny with the best ethical and sustainable products is inspiring. There is an emphasis on showcasing Australian designers and products such as organic beeswax candles from Northern Light and Jangling Jack rings made from recycled vintage silver cutlery, as well as stocking products from co-operatives in countries like Nepal, Peru and the Philippines. The area of Surry Hills is fast becoming the place to visit when in Sydney but it is stores such as ‘I Ran The Wrong Way’ that should be at the top of your shopping itinerary. The store is designed in the style of a local, quirky general store and it’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique eco treasure for you or someone you cherish.

378 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, 2010 (Cnr Marlborough Street). Ph: +61 (0)2 9698 0698
www.iranthewrongway.com

Todae
If you want to become fully sussed about sustainable living then Todae is the destination for you. Todae offers conscientious customers the opportunity to shop online or at their store in Glebe for the best eco gadgets and gizmos. This is the perfect place to unleash the green geek within. Every manner of solar powered, energy and water saving products and devices can be found here along with other popular and useful household items. You can shop for pampering products too such as fluffy organic cotton towels, bed linen and natural organic skin care products. Todae stocks all of life’s eco essentials and the store will also fill you with inspiration on how you can start living an even cleaner and greener life.

83 Glebe Point Road, Glebe 2037. Ph: 1300 138 483
www.todae.com.au

SHOP VINTAGE

Pelle
Green girls will find that a shoe utopia does indeed exist for them in Sydney and it can be found at the ultra stylish store, Pelle. Situated in the classy environs of Paddington, this chic boutique offers women the chance to purchase second-hand designer footwear but at a fraction of the cost. Expect to find all of your shoe BFFs such as Gucci, Prada, Marni and Stella along with accessories such as decadent bags, gloves and scarves. Many people are shocked to learn the products sold at Pelle are second-hand and that the store is of the consignment persuasion because everything is in excellent condition. From cute ballet flats to skyscraper heels, this is the only place to find drool-worthy designer footwear at purse-worthy prices.

90 William Street, Paddington 2021. Ph: 02 9331 8100
www.pelleshoes.com.au 

Grandma Takes a Trip
This pretty boudoir of fun fashion finds from the 50s through to the 80s will keep all vintage loving girls happy for hours. The fashion is glam and quirky and the accessories such as hats and shoes are beyond sweet. Many of the pieces have been collected from the UK, which gives Antipodeans the chance to inject their closets with a little European style. Everything is neatly organised and presented in a sleek boutique way which makes treasure hunting all the more easier and enjoyable. Remember to take several of your best reusable shopping bags to Grandma Takes a Trip because you are bound to exit with copious amounts of vintage booty!

263 Crown St, Darlinghurst/Surry Hills. Ph: +61 2 9356 3322
79 Gould St, Bondi Beach
www.grandmatakesatrip.com
 
EAT

Billy Kwong
If you want a restaurant that is both virtuous towards the planet and the palate, then head immediately to Billy Kwong. Winner of the Good Food Guide’s Sustainability Award 2009, Billy Kwong is a Chinese restaurant that is showing every other restaurant how eco-eating should be done. Only ‘organic and biodynamic fruit and vegetables, poultry, meat and noodles’ are served at the restaurant, as well as organic soy sauce, sugar and oils. All tea, coffee and chocolate are Fair Trade and bottled water has even been shunned in favour of filtered Sydney tap water. These stellar initiatives are down to owner, Kylie Kwong’s extraordinary passion for the environment.

Not only is chef Kylie Kwong a popular television presenter and author of four cookbooks, including ‘My China’ (winner of Best Chinese Cuisine Book in the World – 2008 Gourmand Cookbook Awards) but she is also patron and spokesperson for Oxfam Australia, ambassador to the Fair Trade Association and supports other organisations such as the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Kylie believes that ‘our food choices should be ethical, sustainable and supportive of both the natural and human environment.’

Billy Kwong certainly knows how to make all things green delicious (and I’m not just talking about their steamed Chinese greens with organic tamari). Billy Kwong proves that restaurants can indeed make it work when it comes to caring for the planet. Now, hopefully other restaurants will follow suit and make it wok!

Shop 3, 355 Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010. Ph: +61 2 9332 3300
www.kyliekwong.org/BillyKwongs.aspx

Funky Pies
Australians love a good pie but where do you go when you want a healthy, vegan pie in Sydney? After a swim at Bondi you can make your way over to Funky Pies for an ethical refuelling. You will find tasty pies made with 100% plant-based ingredients available in a variety of innovative flavours such as Spicy Thai Pie or No Wurry Curry made with lentil, coconut and chickpea curry. There is no need to worry about ordering a pie on the fly because Funky Pies uses biodegradable packaging such as starch based plastics and recycled fibre card for their take away products. With the packaging guilt taken care of, you may as well go ahead and order a side of mushy peas, mash and gravy with your pie. Funky Pies also offer scrumptious sweet treats and organic juices and organic, fair trade coffee. Even the staff uniforms have been made sweat-shop free. Funky Pies really is saving the planet one pie at a time.

Shop 2/144-148 Glenayr Av. Bondi. Ph: 0420 415 164
www.funkypies.com.au

Iku Wholefood
You won’t have any trouble tracking down healthy, nutritious and delicious food in Sydney thanks to the many Iku Wholefood stores scattered throughout the city. From breakfast to dinner, this vegetarian chain will always have a delectable dish to offer you that is free from numerous food foes such as dairy, additives, preservatives and genetic modification. Each day, gourmet goodies such as vegan cocoa cardamom muffins, fennel and olive miso soups, macroburgers and chai spiced semolina puddings are whipped together in Iku Wholefood’s Sydney kitchen for its hungry and health conscious customers. I’d suggest grabbing your meal of choice ‘to go’ and then heading to one of Sydney’s iconic sights for some sublime, al fresco dining. What could be better than biting on a piece of Adzuki Pumpkin and Ginger Pie with the Sydney Opera House as your backdrop?

62 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. Ph: +61 2 9360 5351 (see website for more store locations).
www.ikuwholefood.com

Le Pain Quotidien
At Le Pain Quotidien, you don’t have to worry about the origins of the food or how to pronounce the name (PQ will do), all you have to do is enjoy the menu which is positively overflowing with organic ingredients.  The tempting array of pastries and artisan breads will encourage you to sit down at one of the rustic, communal tables for either a light bite or more substantial plate of scrumptiousness.

 

For breakfast you can enjoy organic granola and omelettes and for lunch and dinner you can try quiches or one of the gorgeous tartines (open sandwiches) such as ricotta and dried fig with tomato, honey and black pepper.  Just remember that Le Pain Quotidien originated in Brussels, so it would only be polite to try either a Belgian sugar waffle or brownie for a mid morning snack. Whichever dish you select, your taste buds will relish the fact that all the bread, coffee, tea, milk and juice served at Le Pain Quotidien are organic. This sort of organic triumph deserves a toast and may I suggest the perfect non-alcoholic drink? Homemade lemonade, made with organic lemons and sweetened with organic Agave syrup. Délicieux!

Bondi Junction (Westfield Bondi Junction). Ph: 02 9386 0840
Also located at Leichhardt (54 Norton St) and Surry Hills (Cnr Fitzroy & Bourke Sts).
www.lepainquotidien.com.au

Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore
For anyone who loves a good book and an equally good cup of organic tea, then Gertrude & Alice is the place for you. This charming second-hand bookstore and café has been imbued with the literary and culinary spirits of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas respectively and is a real favourite amongst locals, artists, intellectuals, coffee-lovers and perhaps even the odd surfer or two from nearby Bondi Beach. Gertrude & Alice have a selection of over 25,000 books so you may need to pace yourself. That won’t be hard thanks to the comfy velvet lounges and café menu featuring something for breakfast through to dinner. Try delectable morsels such as the toasted raspberry and pear bread or the hearty Moroccan Lentil Stew. As you scan pages and sip from a dainty china cup filled with ‘Alice’s Famous Chai’ you may feel as though you are tucked away in a bohemian, hidden hot spot in Paris. Only, this is Sydney, but it is a lovely little taste of Europe in the sun drenched locale of Bondi.

46 Hall St, Bondi Beach, Sydney Ph: (02) 9130 5155
www.gertrudeandalice.com.au

INDULGE
 
Jurlique
Australian beauty brand, Jurlique is one of the world’s leading biodynamic skincare lines. Sydney couldn’t be a better place for you to stock up on your favourite Jurlique products or to introduce yourself to the range. Jurlique have retail stores and day spas located around Sydney which makes it incredibly easy to call a tourist timeout and indulge in a little holistic beauty goodness. You can opt for a heavenly aromatherapy facial or if you have been walking all over Sydney, you may want to try the Essential Foot and Leg Care treatment which Jurlique describes as a ‘facial for the feet’. If you can’t manage a spa treatment, you can always buy some essential skincare products for the long flight home. Try the best-selling Rosewater Balancing Mist to keep you hydrated and then treat your hands to a lovely cream in either a citrus, lavender or rose scent. You may not be able to visit Jurlique’s ‘self-sustaining biodynamic farm in South Australia’ but at least you can take a little bit of Jurlique home with you.  

Retail and Day Spa – The Strand Arcade, 193 Pitt Street Mall 2000. Ph: 02 9231 0626 (further locations at Westfield Bondi Junction and Chatswood (excludes body treatments and spa packages).

Retail Stores are also at Bondi Beach (36 Campbell Parade), Paddington (352A Oxford St).
www.jurlique.com.au

Dr. Hauschka Discovery Centre
Many green girls are familiar with the name Dr. Hauschka. This German beauty brand has been impressing everyone since 1967 with its line of high quality natural skincare products. If you would like to learn more about the popular range of products you can visit the Dr. Hauschka Discovery Centre in Rozelle. For $30 (AUS)  you can enjoy an introductory session that will cater to the current needs of your skin with an array of lovely treatments including a warm lavender compress, facial steam bath, clay mask and more (this price is redeemable with purchases). The centre not only offers the complete range of Dr. Hauschka beauty treatments, but you can also purchase cult products such as the Rose Day Cream from the retail store. This a wonderful way to spend a few hours and once you step out of the centre all dewy and glowy of skin, you can go onto to discover the many cute cafes of Rozelle and nearby Balmain. 

641 Darling Street, Rozelle. Ph: (02) 9818 6119
www.drhauschka.com.au/dr_discovery.html

Stevie English Hair
Treat your tresses to a stylish hair cut or treatment at Australia’s first climate-neutral hair salon, Stevie English Hair. Steve Corthine and his team of savvy stylists will have your hair looking just as spectacular as the celebs and models they are used to working with and they can make it all happen the most eco-friendly way. The hair colorants used are ammonia-free and ‘based on minerals, botanicals and essential oils’ while all the treatments offered are organic. Try ‘The Power Lift’ for damaged hair which uses sweet almond oil to restore your locks to their former glory. This Glebe salon has even been decorated with recycled furniture and building materials and has installed the best energy saving devices for water and lighting. Don’t forget to try one of their barista standard cups of coffee or tea when you are there because the drinks are organic and fair trade, along with the milk, sugar and honey. This is the life for the organic diva!

153 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037. Ph: 02 9423 7033
www.stevieenglish.com.au

STAY

Diamant Hotel Sydney
Spend your Sydney nights at this hotel and you will be close to all the major sights as well as fabulous restaurants. You will find the Opera House, Darling Harbour and the chic shops of Oxford Street all within walking distance. Many of the contemporary and stylishly appointed rooms come with private balconies, courtyards and enviable, city skyline views, so book early to secure one of these.

The hotel management monitors and reviews the environmental issues of the hotel each month and ensures that staff are environmentally aware. The Diamant’s power is run on a renewable energy source and the hotel has also strived to use water based paints and furniture and soft furnishings constructed from natural products wherever possible. In the bathrooms, all showerheads have been installed with water saving devices.

To cater to the fitness needs of guests, the hotel also offers ‘free use of all of the facilities at Fitness First Kings Cross’ gym, so there is no excuse not fit in your daily dose of yoga or pilates. You can also find the largest bathhouse and spa in Australia near the hotel, Body Inc Bathhouse and Spa.

14 Kings Cross Road, Potts Point 2011. Ph: +61 2 9295 8888
www.diamant.com.au

Lane Cove River Tourist Park
Stay close to nature and the city by booking into the award-winning Lane Cove Tourist Park. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are only 10kms away but you can enjoy a more serene, peaceful pace of life by staying within Lane Cove National Park. If you are not the tent pitching type then why not stay in one of the fully serviced family or en-suite cabins? During the day you can bush walk or hire boats and bikes to explore the park before enjoying a picnic lunch or classic Australian BBQ and in the evenings you can take a wildlife tour to see the native animals.

Lane Cove River Tourist Park is well recognised for its environmental commitment, receiving certification from environmental organisations such as Green Globe. The park has installed solar stations and a Nano Particulate Bio Reactor to recycle grey water as well as an Ark Energy Saving Unit to ‘cover the Park’s entire electrical usage.’ Recycling stations are also located around the park along with worm farms for composting. Lane Cove River Tourist Park explains, ‘every dollar spent in the Park goes directly towards maintaining our precious environment and perpetuating our carbon neutral footprint.’

 
Plassey Road, North Ryde/Macquarie Park, NSW 2113. Ph: +61 2 9888 9133
www.lcrtp.com.au

Blue Mountains Private Safaris
Hidden amongst the Australian bush, a little over 100km from Sydney, lays a secret bush camp that will give you a real slice of Australia’s green life. You can sleep by the banks of a river, beneath the open sky surrounded only by trees and wildlife. Yes, you’ll be camping but you will be camping in style. You can either drive or be picked up from Sydney and whisked away to this secluded location at the southern end of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Once you hear the sounds of the city replaced by the sounds of kookaburras, you will know its safari time. Your private guide can take you on bushwalks past waterfalls and canoe rides down the Wollondilly river as well as give you a tour of the pioneering town of Yerranderie. Remember to keep a lookout for any kangaroos, platypus and wombats. 

After a day of intrepid exploring, you can return to camp to enjoy a lovely cooked dinner served with a glass of excellent Australian wine (sourced locally from the Southern Highlands vineyards). Sleep will be equally blissful because your ‘swag’ is actually a comfy mattress with a soft duvet and pillows. There is also an eco-friendly en suite with a hot water ‘bucket camp shower’ with towels and organic soaps provided. If this is what life is like in the bush, then hand me a billy can, put a damper in the fire and call my next door neighbour a kangaroo because I could definitely get used to this!

Ph: 1300 790 561 (international: +61 2 9 571 6399)
www.bluemountainprivatesafaris.com

GETTING AROUND

Public Transport
Sydney can be explored easily by public transport. Trains, buses, ferries and even the light rail and monorail can all take you from point A to B quickly without you having to rely on the more polluting modes of transport such as taxis or car rental. If you are taking the bus, look out for the green CBD Shuttle bus stops where you can pick up a free bus that travels around the city, stopping by many popular attractions. 

Sites like Transport Info 131500 offer Trip Planning services that allow you to enter your starting and finishing destinations online along with your preferred mode of transport before receiving directions (in you choice of language) with the estimated travelling time.
www.131500.com.au

There is a variety of transport tickets available for visitors but the SydneyPass is certainly worth considering. This ticket can be purchased for three, five or seven day periods and offers unlimited travel on most forms of transport and can include return Airport Link train transfers. 
www.sydneybuses.info/tourist-services/sydneypass.htm
 
Green Tomato Cars
For moments when only a taxi will do you can always turn to Green Tomato Cars and their fleet of hybrid vehicles. Green Tomato Cars have been operating in London since 2006 and recently began offering the same eco-friendly transport options to Sydney-siders in 2008. As you get whisked from Darling Harbour to the Opera House in a Toyota Prius, you’ll be relieved to know that the ‘electric engine uses 40% of the fuel used by comparable car services and produces 60% less greenhouse gases.’ To book a car, simply call and you will be given a quote along with the chauffeur’s name and number plate beforehand. This is the way to travel in style around Sydney but with a minimal impact on your wallet and the environment.

Ph: 1300 72 9998
www.greentomatocars.com.au

EXPLORE

Lets Go Surfing
When you mention Sydney, most people immediately picture the golden sands and sparkling waters of Bondi Beach complete with requisite surfer dudes and girls. Most people also secretly imagine themselves surfing spectacular 6 ft waves (with equally spectacular beach physiques). Fortunately the first part of this dream can come true if you decide to book a surfing lesson with Lets Go Surfing. This is ‘Bondi Beach’s only licensed surfing school’ and lessons are available 365 days of the year with fully qualified staff. There is a broad range of lessons on offer from the ‘which way do I stand on this surfboard’ beginner courses to more skilled courses that cater to those types that always feel at one with the water. First timers to Sydney and surfing will enjoy the Bondi Surf Experience Taste Test, a beginner course that lasts for two hours or beach babes may like to try the Bondi Surfer Girl lesson that takes place on Sundays. You can also book private lessons with a personal coach who can instruct you or a larger group of people (surfboards and wetsuits are included in all lessons). Lets Go Surfing say that ‘seventy percent of all students stand up in their first lesson’ so a splash-tastic time will be had by all, whether you’re surfing upright or surfing in a way no one has ever seen before!

128 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi, NSW, 2026. Ph: (02) 9365 1800
www.letsgosurfing.com.au

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
There could be few things better for the soul than taking a ramble or run along the popular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. You can start at Bondi Beach, near the amazing pool at Iceberg’s club and then pass by the Aboriginal carving at Mackenzies Point and continue on to the stunning beaches of Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Gordens Bay (ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving) and finally Coogee. The entire walk is 6kms long but you can do as much or as little as you please. There is a bus that can take you back to Bondi Junction or Circular Quay along the way.

Blue Mountains
A day or weekend trip to the Blue Mountains is a wonderful way to see another side of Australia’s beguiling beauty. Located approximately 90 minutes west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains attract many tourists and locals wanting to see the popular towns of Katoomba and Leura. Why not take the train from Sydney to either one of these towns and enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you wind your way up the mountains. Disembark at Leura and wander around the charming stores, cafes, tea rooms and gardens and then travel onto the mountain’s largest town, Katoomba. Here you can see the famous Three Sisters, Echo Point and the Scenic Railway and the Skyway that travels across the Jamison Valley. 
www.visitbluemountains.com.au

GETTING THERE
Sydney may be some distance away so environmentally conscious travellers may consider flying with an airline such as the award-winning, Virgin Atlantic. Not only was it the ‘first airline in the world to operate a commercial aircraft on a biofuel blend’ (demonstrating its desire to move towards more environmentally responsible transport options) but Chairman of Virgin Atlantic, Sir Richard Branson has also pledged to ‘invest all of his future profits from the Virgin transport companies into bio-fuels R&D and projects to tackle climate change.’

Branson’s airline also aims to improve its ‘fuel efficiency by 30%, by 2020′ and an instrumental key part of achieving this goal involves using the most efficient aircraft. Virgin Atlantic has ordered the 787-9 Dreamliner which burns ‘around 27% less fuel per passenger’ than the aircraft it will replace in the fleet and the noise footprint is 60% lower also. This is a big step towards decreasing its carbon emissions. Virgin Atlantic also aims to ‘recycle or reuse 50%’ of its ‘waste lovingly by 2012’.

Fair trade teas and coffees are available on board (with organic varieties becoming available) and passengers can also choose to offset the carbon emissions from their flight through the Swiss based charity, MyClimate.
www.virgin-atlantic.com

For flights within Australia and to nearby destinations such as New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, you can fly with Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue.
www.virginblue.com.au

Airport Transfers
Sydney’s International and Domestic Airports offer a rail service connecting you to the city within 15 minutes. Tickets for the Airport Link can be purchased at the terminals with one way tickets starting at approximately $15.60. If you have too much luggage and require a vehicle for transport, you can call Green Tomato Cars for a hybrid taxi.

Airport Link
www.airportlink.com.au

Green Tomato Cars
Ph: 1300 72 9998
www.greentomatocars.com.au

VANCOUVER
Vancouver has it all. Why else would Canada’s west coast city consistently rank as one of the best places to live in the world and be commonly referred to as ‘Hollywood North’, thanks to the countless blockbuster movies filmed here. Vancouver sits on the water’s edge, surrounded by mountains, parks and beaches and is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Such beauty acts as a constant reminder to locals and visitors to preserve the environment, so Coco Eco has uncovered some of the best green destinations in the city to ensure you see Vancouver the most eco-friendly way. Soon the athletic winter bunnies will swoop on the city for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics, and so here is what green travellers can look forward to experiencing when they visit Vancouver. 

 

STAY
If you want to stay in accommodation that does not scrimp on style, standards or scenic views, then why not check-in to The Fairmont Waterfront or Opus Hotel Vancouver.

The Fairmont Waterfront
The name says it all. You are guaranteed the quality synonymous with Fairmont hotels and a spectacular waterfront location at this award-winning hotel. Conveniently situated by the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, city centre and popular Robson Street, The Fairmont Waterfront will appeal to tourists, business people and locals seeking sophisticated accommodation with an impressive eco-friendly element.  Fairmont Hotels launched their ‘Green Partnership Program’ in 1990, proving their long-term commitment towards being an environmentally conscious hotel.

At The Fairmont Waterfront guests will find an impressive 2,100 square foot, rooftop herb garden with ‘over 60 varieties of herbs, vegetables, fruits and edible blossoms’ as well as honeybee hives which are used in Herons Restaurant and Lounge. The hotel is also ‘committed to purchasing local, organic, Fair Trade and sustainable food products wherever possible’ and is a member of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program.  

The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel received a 4 Green Key Eco-Rating from The Hotel Association of Canada. Through the installation of energy saving devices and by offering programs such as Eco-Meet that allows meetings and events to receive the green treatment, the hotel is proving that accommodation can be luxuriously comfortable and environmentally conscious.

900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, V6C 3L5. Ph: 604 691 1991
www.fairmont.com/waterfront 

The Opus Hotel Vancouver
The Opus certainly attracts the A-listers when they are in town but what does this luxury, boutique hotel offer those on the eco-list? From the moment you arrive in your hybrid, you can expect complimentary valet parking for your energy-efficient vehicle or if you’re really green and are sans car, you’ll be happy to learn that complimentary bikes with helmets are available. The hotel is also conveniently located steps away from the Canada Line train which runs from the airport. Once you’ve strolled the lovely environs of Yaletown, you’ll no doubt work up an appetite and need a bite to eat at the hotel’s restaurant.    

The Opus is a founding member of the Green Table Network, ‘an initiative to reduce waste, recycle, conserve water and energy and use fewer pollutants in hotel and restaurant kitchens.’ The hotel’s chef aims to use regional, organically grown and in-season food products where possible and tantalizing meals from the Elixir Bar and Restaurant menu, such as organic oatmeal with cacao nibs, caramelized bananas and coconut-maple ‘latte’, prove the calibre of food is exceptional. The Opus is also a member of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program which encourages restaurants to feature sustainable seafood options. From decadent dinners to swish drinks, don’t forget to swing by the award-winning Opus Bar before you leave. There couldn’t be a better spot to share drinks with other style and eco-conscious friends.

Opus Hotel – 322 Davie Street, Yaletown, Vancouver, V6B 5Z6. Ph: 604 642 6787
www.opushotel.com/vancouver

 

SHOP BOUTIQUE
November sees the city in a state of fashion frenzy when Vancouver Fashion Week kicks off. Many ethical Canadian fashion designers are forging their names internationally and the best place to discover the plethora of established and emerging talent on offer is at the following boutiques and stores.

Body Politic
Step off Main Street and into this sleek boutique and get ready to scour the rails of endless eco fashion. When you visit Body Politic, you will discover that ethical shopping has never been easier or more enjoyable. You can rest assured that the stunning selection of clothing and accessories at Body Politic is ‘produced in North America, and created from the best natural and sustainable fabrics’ and comes courtesy of Canadian and US designers. Look out for sublime, stylish and wearable pieces from American designers such as Lara Miller, Stewart + Brown and Bahar Shahpar and, waving the eco fashion flag for Canada, are designers like Dagg & Stacey, Nixxi and Elroy. Body Politic is, without question, a must-visit store for anyone visiting Vancouver.

208 E 12th Avenue (SE corner of 12th and Main). Ph: 604 568 5528 (closed Mondays)
www.bodypolitic.ca

Twigg & Hottie
For any girl who likes unique clothing made with care and flair, then Twigg & Hottie will definitely need to be a priority stop on your Vancouver eco shopping tour. This dreamland of a boutique is all about showcasing and supporting the best Canadian design talent. In fact, Twigg & Hottie is run by three female designers who each have their own house labels. Glencora (Twigg & Hottie), Christine (Michael) and Jessica (Clementine) also have a line together, We3 Designs. You can peruse over 50 lines of clothing, jewelry and accessories from other exceptionally talented and creative Canadian designers, with many of them using sustainable fabrics in their collections. Twigg & Hottie are quirky of name and quirky in concept. Their superior supply of luscious, local fashion is both refreshing and inspiring in a world filled with generic shops and stock. This is the perfect spot to stop and savour a fabulous slice of Canadian style.

3671 Main Street (at 21st Avenue). Ph: 604 879 8595
www.twiggandhottie.com

Granville Island Organix
Granville Island is the ideal place to shop for gifts for family and friends. If you want to know where to find the best environmentally-friendly clothing and gifts, then you must stop by Granville Island Organix. This cute store will have something for women, men and tiny ones and most of the stock is made or designed locally or nationally.  The fantastically wearable and comfortable clothing is made from natural materials like organic cotton, tencel, hemp and soy and is available in all sizes. Pick up a pair of organic cotton jeans from Second Clothing that have been made in Montreal or why not buy a piece of jewelry made from ‘fallen arbutus branches on Mudge Island’ in British Columbia? What better way to bring back a bit of Canada with you when you return home?

1812 Boatlift Lane, Granville Island. Ph: 604 681 4243
www.granvilleislandorganix.com

 

SHOP VINTAGE
Vintage and consignment shopping can make a serious shopping girl’s heart flutter at the best of times and Vancouver will certainly induce a flurry or two if you know where to look.

Front & Company
One glance at the exquisite and artistic window displays and you know you’ve arrived at a consignment store with an abundance of class. Stylish girls and guys can meander around Front’s seriously spacious store and pick up first class treasures from the consignment selection that has been meticulously edited. The store also stocks jewelry, accessories, new clothing, local or Canadian talent and designer sample clothing. Front is overflowing with style inspiration and if you need help piecing together your consignment gems, you can just look to the ‘ready to be snapped by the Sartorialist’ mannequins who will always steer you in the perfect style direction for the season.

3772 Main Street (btw 21st and 22nd Ave.) Ph: 604 879 8431
www.frontandcompany.ca

Deluxe Junk Company
This store is one of the oldest vintage clothing stores in Vancouver which proves it knows how to give shoppers what they want: delightful vintage fashion finds! The blue hued shop front lures people who are on the lookout for quality and unique vintage treasures. Both women and men are bound to snap up something from the stellar collection of clothing and accessories on offer. Items are well organised and displayed, minimizing rummage time and maximizing chances of spotting the perfect vintage coup for you.

310 Cordova St, Vancouver. Ph: 604 685 4871
www.deluxejunk.com

 

EAT
A Gorilla, Trees and a place called the Naam. It sounds like the start of a bizarre joke but these names will actually be the start of your culinary caper across Vancouver.

The Naam Restaurant
Of all the vegetarian restaurants I’ve dined in across the globe, The Naam has always remained at the top of my list. Their Maui-Maui Platter left indelible marks on my epicurean memory. A burger made with mushrooms, pineapple, water chestnuts, teriyaki sauce, sesame fries and miso gravy is a meal I could seriously eat every night. Of course, there are other wondrous food choices on Naam’s menu that must be savoured and as this restaurant is open 24/7 (except Christmas day), you can conveniently drop by for breakfast, lunch and dinner and give everything a try.

Why not start your day with a breakfast of pancakes with organic blueberry toppings and pure maple syrup or free-range eggs any style? For lunch and dinner you have a plethora of Mexican, Asian and other delightful offerings. I could happily recite the whole menu but let me jump ahead to the desserts and tempt your sweet tooth with the mention of organic blueberry pies and vegan raspberry chocolate cake. The Naam also provides live nightly music which adds to the relaxed ambience. I’ll be shocked if the Naam doesn’t charm you.

2724 West 4th Avenue. Ph: 604 738 7151
www.thenaam.com

Gorilla Food 
It seems fitting that something special should be almost secretly hidden away below the city. Gorilla Food doesn’t exactly require a torch or rope to descend into (it is actually a few stairs down from the street) but a unique entrance would match the unique menu. Gorilla Food is an organic, vegan, raw food take away and catering service but you can also dine in at this laid back and mellow spot on Richards Street.

Nuts and seeds are flaunted throughout the menu and dazzle you with their versatility as they are used in everything from the drinks and desserts to the meals such as Green Tacos and Veggie Burgers. Of course, lettuce is used in lieu of bread but your taste buds won’t miss a thing as the flavour-factor is positively flourishing. Delectable desserts come in the form of dark raw chocolate fudge, orange walnut spice cookies and fruit cobblers with seasonal fruits. Each bite will satisfy and create a true sense of smugness when you realise how super duper healthy you are, so you must accompany your meal with an equally nourishing drink. Try the Choco-Gorilla shake with cacao, bananas, dates, coconut oil and hempseeds. You can then emerge to street level as a bona fide Tarzan or Jane of the urban jungle.

436 Richards Street. Ph: 604 722 2504
www.gorillafood.com

Trees Organic Coffee
Vancouver famously caters to the caffeinated cravings and calls of coffee lovers everywhere but what can the city offer organic coffee lovers? Thankfully, there are several Trees Organic Coffee shops offering organic and fair trade coffees which makes grabbing a cup of ethical java ultra easy. You will also find a tempting array of light snacks available and outrageously popular cheesecakes that have been made with all natural and local ingredients. There is even a vegan-friendly cheesecake option! Vegans can also try the power bar, power cookie or vegan scones made with raisins, dried apricots, pumpkin seeds and cinnamon. Trees Organic Coffee can be found in downtown Vancouver, Yaletown and Richmond and each venue promises premium chill out time, from the quality of the coffee (which is roasted in small batches on-site) to the free wi-fi and live music nights.

Downtown – 450 Granville Street, Ph: 604 684 5060. Yaletown – 1391 Richards Street.
www.treescoffee.com

INDULGE
Vancouver is such a health-conscious city that it will come as no surprise to learn that the city is filled with beautiful spas and yoga studios. The range of eco havens is still growing but we have found two dreamy and delicious destinations to indulge your spiritual side.

Radha Yoga & Eatery 
Indulge your soul with a visit to Radha’s. Once you step off the frenetic city streets and into this sanctuary of serenity, you’ll find it hard to leave. To savasana or savour is the only question you will be asking yourself at Radha’s? Partake in a yoga class or cooking class and then enjoy dining from a vegan menu that uses local and organic ingredients. Nori rolls, quinoa nut burger patties with sundried tapenade and desserts of hazel nut panacotta with organic figs sound wicked but are reassuringly sin-free and heavenly to eat.

Radha Yoga & Eatery recently received a green makeover which made the premises as pristine as possible. From insulating the site with foam and incorporating more natural light to installing aerators, a partial green roof and a slick of low VOC paint, this building can certainly claim to be as conscientious as the yoga students and vegan diners who all populate this pretty piece of eco-paradise. Restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday.

728 Main Street, Vancouver. Ph: 604 605 0011
www.radhavancouver.org

Dream Designs
Before you drift off to sleep or enter a blissful meditative state, you may want to visit a Dream Designs store to find some ethical products to make the leisure side of your life that little bit greener. Dream Designs provide a divine selection of sleep, spa, meditation and decor products throughout their chic stores. Shopping in a store filled with many Canadian made products such as organic and natural bedding, flaxseed eye pillows, organic cotton pyjamas and nighties certainly makes you feel sleepy. The range of products is so lovely though that rather than take a quick nap on the ‘locally made yoga and meditation props’ on display, you will probably feel inspired to transform your own home into a similarly tranquil zone. At Dream Designs’ Ambleside location you will also find a Chakra Lounge with a studio for Ayurveda-based yoga classes and treatment rooms for natural healing therapies such as Ayurveda, shiatsu and reiki.  

1502 Marine Drive, Ambleside, West Vancouver. Ph: 604 922 8325
956 Commercial Drive and 193-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver
www.dreamdesigns.ca

EXPLORE
Be prepared to outdo Christopher Columbus when you are based in Vancouver. You have the opportunity to explore the majesty of the city and surrounding areas in numerous ways. You can rock the boat on a whale-spotting trip or rock the Rockies on the rail trip of a lifetime. The choice is yours.

Granville Island Public Market 
If you want to stay in the city but would like to explore the creative and culinary side of Vancouver, why not visit Granville Island Public Market? This bustling area attracts 10.5 million visitors each year and is equally attractive to locals who love ambling amongst the galleries, studios, theatres, restaurants and food stalls selling local produce. Granville Island Public Market is open seven days a week.
www.granvilleisland.com

Mountains / Rail Travel
Staying active during all the seasons is a cinch in Vancouver. Thanks to the proximity of Grouse Mountain, located a mere 15 minutes away in North Vancouver, you can enjoy beautiful hikes during summer and ample skiing and snow laden fun during winter. 
www.grousemountain.com

Vancouver is also close to the world famous ski resort, Whistler. You can board the Whistler Mountaineer train in North Vancouver and revel in the awe-inspiring scenery during the three-hour journey, particularly on the open-air observation deck. Whistler is always a popular holiday destination and this winter will see the town become the Official Alpine Skiing Venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
www.whistlermountaineer.com

You can explore more of Canada by rail on the Rocky Mountaineer. This incredible two-day train trip can take you through the Canadian Rockies and to the towns of Calgary, Banff or Jasper. It is one of the world’s best rail trips.
www.rockymountaineer.com 

Water
Vancouver’s waterside location allows for numerous aquatic adventures. One popular activity is to take a boat ride out to see the Orca whales. Wild Whales Vancouver has tours departing from downtown Vancouver and their trips are also likely to include sightings of gray whales, sea lions, seals and porpoises. Trips last between 3-7 hours and operate from April to October.
 
Granville Island, 1806 Mast Tower Road
www.whalesvancouver.com  Ph: 604 699 2011

Why not get your paddle on with a kayaking tour? Drift along False Creek and take in the city views of Yaletown or glide along the shorelines of Stanley Park and English Bay. During the summer, you can even embark on a special Sunset Paddle or Full Moon Paddle and marvel at the beauty of Vancouver by twilight or starlight. Ecomarine offer tours and rentals from their Granville Island location which is open throughout the year.  

Granville Island Location – 1668 Duranleau Street. Ph: 604 689 7575
www.ecomarine.com

What would an exploration guide of Vancouver be without mentioning one of the city’s most popular activities: the Alaskan cruise? But what impact do cruises have on the environment? Chemicals and sewage can enter the waters and these are just some of the detrimental effects. If you would like to learn more about the green credentials of various cruise ships you can view Friends of the Earth’s Cruise Ship Report Card (www.foe.org/cruisereportcard) for further information. It’s also helpful to learn that Vancouver now allows cruise ships to plug into the city’s electrical grid so that they don’t have to run their more polluting diesel engines. The local grid is also run on 90 percent hydro-power.

GETTING AROUND

Public Transport
Vancouver is a very walkable city and there can be no better way to soak up the sights of the mountains, beaches and water than by Fred Flinstone-ing it. When you need to rest your feet however, you can always take public transport and purchase a $9 DayPass which will allow you to travel around the city by bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus (passes available at stores displaying the FareDealer sign). The SkyTrain connects downtown Vancouver to the suburbs while the SeaBus travels between the Waterfront Station and North Vancouver. Finally, for moments when only a cab will do, you can always try Yellow Cab and hope to hail one of their hybrid vehicles (they have close to 100 hybrid vehicles in their fleet).

For further public transport information – www.translink.ca
Yellow Cab – Ph: 604 681 1111 – www.yellowcabonline.ca

Cycle
Stanley Park beckons tourists and locals with its beauty and glistening greenery but the parks size can be overwhelming. One way to combine your sightseeing with some exercise is to rent a bike and cycle around the popular Stanley Park Sea Wall. This flat, 10km long pathway circles the park and provides the most scenic and spectacular views. You can whiz or wheeze your way around Stanley Park or Vancouver depending on your fitness levels and you can rent the right bike for you from rental companies such as Spokes Bicycle Rentals. Spokes are conveniently located at the entrance to Stanley Park and also provide complimentary helmets, locks and a route map.

1798 W Georgia Street (corner of Denman and Georgia). Ph: 604 688 5141
www.vancouverbikerental.com

GETTING THERE
 You can reach Vancouver from the US with Amtrak’s scenic Cascades train. This train operates between Eugene and Vancouver and stops in cities such as Portland and Seattle as well passing by stunning sights like the Cascade and Olympic Mountain range and Puget Sound. If flying is your only option, then people residing in America may like to consider Continental Airlines while those living outside the US could use Virgin Atlantic.  

Continental Airlines is ‘the most fuel-efficient major U.S. network carrier’ according to U.S. Dept. of Transportation and the airline has ‘reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 2 million metric tons by modernizing’ their fleet. Continental use ‘one engine during ground taxi whenever possible’ and routinely wash aircraft and engines. Many of its aircraft are equipped with winglets and fly at more fuel-efficient speeds and altitudes. Continental also offers a carbon offset program through Sustainable Travel International (STI).
Web: www.continental.com

International travellers will be impressed by Virgin Atlantic’s environmental efforts. Chairman of Virgin Atlantic, Sir Richard Branson, has pledged to ‘invest all of his future profits from the Virgin transport companies into bio-fuels R&D and projects to tackle climate change’ over the next 10 years.

Branson’s airline also aims to improve its ‘fuel efficiency by 30%, by 2020′ and an instrumental part of achieving this goal involves using the most efficient aircraft. Virgin Atlantic has ordered the 787-9 Dreamliners which burn ‘around 27% less fuel per passenger’ than the aircraft it will replace in its fleet; the noise footprint is 60% lower also. Virgin Atlantic passengers can also offset the carbon emissions from their flight through the Swiss based charity, MyClimate.  
Web: www.virgin-atlantic.com

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond. Visitors can take the new Canada Line train from the airport to downtown Vancouver’s Waterfront Station in 25 minutes.

People already in Vancouver for work or business purposes may also want to consider making use of the growing number of telepresence facilities in the city. Holding virtual meetings is yet another way people can reduce their amount of work-related travel and take small but significant steps towards responsible tourism. 
www.cinemaworks.com