To shop or not to shop? That is the question for anyone who’s trying to decide how to participate in Black Friday sales this year in a way that’s mindful and not too damaging to the environment.
The issue with Black Friday is that while it’s one of the busier days of the year for a lot of small businesses; who have had an incredibly trying time in 2020, the day tends to encourage overconsumption, materialism, and a work-and-spend culture. Not only does it worsen environmental wellbeing, but human wellbeing too. The world needs to go to less and higher quality consumption. Higher quality means products that last longer and are produced in a more sustainable way, both when it comes to environmental implications as well as the quality of jobs along global value chains. The team here at TreeEra has rounded up a bevy of amazing, sustainably-minded, #CommuniTree member businesses to support to help make this Black Friday a green one.
For The Homebody
Mala Candles. This handcrafted candle company was born from the desire to bring comfort and relaxation to the modern home – wherever and whatever that may look like. Mala Candles are beautifully designed and smell A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Seriously. We cannot get enough of them. You can even return your used candle jars for $1.00 off your next order. Our favourite scent of the season is ‘fireside‘. Think of warm socks, flannel pyjamas, and a glass o’ red vino.
The Kind Curator. Oh baby it’s cold outside…warm up with this HYGGE (pronounced “hoo-ga”) inspired gift box. The Kind Curator Co. is a Canadian small business that focuses on connecting you to beautifully crafted small-batch products from across Canada that are not only kind to you, but kind to nature as well. This is one of their latest and greatest curations and it is STUNNING. We know its on our Christmas list…
Fern and Frond. From jaw dropping floral arrangements to too cute greeting cards, Fern and Frond, has you covered. This unique floral boutique has so many wonderful gifts to choose from including this beautiful winter bounty arrangement. Check them out online before they sell out!
AVA Byte. For the person on your list who wants to have a green thumb or already has one (aka everyone). AVA Technologies is an industry changing the way of gardening that will make mother nature accessible to all. Crafted by horticulturists and designers, the AVA Byte is engineered to create a simplified gardening experience in your home. The Byte automates the gardening process so that you can grow effortlessly year-round. We sure hope someone puts one of these under our tree this year.
UPPERCASE. Have you heard of UPPERCASE? They publish books and magazines for the creative and curious: publications that spark the imagination and inspire creativity. UPPERCASE is a Canadian-based independent, ads free company that designs beautifully and thoughtfully curated works. Give a year (or two!) of inspiration, encouragement and creativity with a gift subscription.
For The Fashion Maven
Bellantoni. This company is an independent, sustainable fashion label based in Vancouver whose mission is to help women dress well while being kind to animals, people and the planet. Sign us up. Bellantoni pieces are so thoughtfully and beautifully designed that it is hard to pick a favourite. One of our top choices is this zero-waste Re:Nu project reversible sweater which is made from leftover fabric from the textile industry in Vancouver that would otherwise become waste.
Palma Goods. After 2020 I think we could all use the reminder to relax a little and these ‘hang loose’ earrings by Palma Goods have that covered. Palma Goods sells beautiful clay and gold-filled jewelry that give off a boho beach vibe we can get behind. Check out their page to find the perfect little something.
SienaVida. The scrunchie is here to stay and we could not be happier about that. A staple in our everyday wardrobe now, it is impossible to imagine life before it. Our friends at Siena Vida are killing it in the scrunchie game with handmade, locally sourced, eco-friendly fabric comprised products that are also SO aesthetically pleasing (hello leopard print). Head on over to their Instagram to see for yourself.
Frilly Lilly. A staple in the Canadian beauty industry since 2005 this Calgary-grown business is ahead of the game when it comes to sustainable and ethically sourced products and services. Frilly Lilly’s in-house beauty product line is to die for and makes the perfect gift for that someone special or to treat yo’self. We can’t get enough of the lavender bath salts. With locations across Canada pop on in to see for yourself.
Growing Co. Even our littlest #CommuniTree members like to look good while doing good. Growing Co. ensures your little ones stay well clothed while rocking socially responsible and Eco-friendly designs that support the local economy and businesses whenever possible. AND they have a buy back program which is so important given how fast kids grow! Take a look online at their gorgeous collection of clothes and toys or visit them at the Calgary Farmer’s Market
For The Foodie
The Gut Lab. Is there anything better than giving or receiving the gift of feeling amazing? The Gut Lab’s product line of superfoods are mindfully crafted using only the highest quality, responsibly sourced powdered roots, herbs, fruits, + healing mushrooms. Plus they taste amazing. There are so many fantastic options to choose from your sure to find the perfect blend for you and yours.
Schooner Lane Designs. Is it really the holiday season without a cheeseboard and/or charcuterie by an open fire? Not in our books. Schooner Lane Designs has you covered with their stunning selection of hand made cheese, chopping, and serving boards crafted on Bowen Island, BC. All we can say is cheese please?
Good Earth Coffee. For the coffee lover in your life, Good Earth’s Holiday Roast makes a perfect gift. Good Earth has been the TreeEra team’s go-to coffee house since inception and we cannot say enough good things about their food and beverages. Every time we walk in a Good Earth shop it feels like an old friends house. Check out their other holiday goodies and gift cards here.
Communitea. ‘Tis the season to overindulge in food and bevvies and we say, why not? Especially when it is delicious, healthy, food from our favourite Canmore community meeting place, Communitea. Take a look at their delicious menu and then purchase a gift card (or 10) for all of those hard to shop for loved ones on your list. Be sure to check out their Buddha Bowl it is TO DIE FOR.
Smart Bite Snacks. Good things come in threes. This is especially true with Smart Bite Snacks ‘Crunch Bunch’ sampler pack. These healthy Canadian made snack cakes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. When you eat well, you feel well and the family-run business puts this sentiment into every snack they produce. Be sure to check out their delicious crisp-breads too.
Are you a business owner? Check out our 1:Tree and Tree Certified programs to find a sustainable business solution that fits your company’s needs. Are you and individual looking to offset your carbon footprint? We have you covered with a variety of monthly subscription programs tailored for everyones budget.
