In the 10 years since opening Chilliwack’s All Things Being Eco, Donna Gumprich has been privileged to meet many women making a difference through their environmental entrepreneurism.
In fact, with International Women’s Day shining a light on women living, working and making a difference around the world, there’s a lot to celebrate right here at home!
“If we can find it made in Canada, we will always choose that,” says Gumprich, co-owner with daughter Cabree Van Beest of the ethical clothing and zero-waste retailer in Chilliwack.
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Saluting some of the women entrepreneurs changing the way we dress, and care for our families, our homes and ourselves, “they all demonstrate that creative entrepreneurial spirit and they’re not just in business, they’re in business to make the world a better place.”
1. Diane Kennedy – Featuring bamboo clothing not only made in Vancouver, but created from fabric milled right here, Diane Kennedy offers stylish fashions for curvy women in sixes XL to 3X, proving you can have amazing-looking clothing you also feel good about.
2. Pure Anada – This Manitoba-based cosmetics company approaches makeup and personal care products with a simple philosophy: If we want people to change their habits, and choose sustainably, we need to make it affordable. “We were one of their first retail customers when Candace Grenier first started and we just love her products,” Donna says. Gluten- and toxic chemical-free and largely vegan, these are high-quality products without the high-end price point. “It’s the only brand I’ve used for the last 10 years,” Donna says.
3. Abeego – Founded in Victoria by Toni Desrosiers, who you might have seen on Dragon’s Den, Abeego is the original reusable beeswax wrap that the others have endeavoured to emulate. Better yet, the manufacturing is zero waste, with beeswax scraps used to create twist-ties and bread bag ties. “It says a lot when everyone else tries to imitate your product,” Donna notes.
4. Colibri – What started with two Manitoba sisters making baby slings has evolved to transform the way we transport our lunches and snacks. Colibri’s zero-waste, reusable snack, sandwich and other bags are attractive, easy to use and – yay! – easy to clean. With school children averaging 30 kilograms of waste each year in their lunch packaging alone, this simple strategy is making a big difference!
5. I Love Tyler Madison – Another sister team, these two Quebec women make comfortable, stylish pull-on pants and skirts from natural fabrics – wardrobe staples that look great and wear beautifully. Named for Jacqueline Harris and Charna Zucker’s two rescue dogs, I Love Tyler Madison is also a big supporter of the SPCA and animal welfare organizations.
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Founded in Chilliwack in 2008, All Things Being Eco is trying to make the world a better place, one organic, ethically produced and locally sourced product at a time. Stop by at 105-7388 Vedder Rd., visit online at allthingsbeingeco.ca and follow them on Instagram!
