Nothing without you... The end of Ecoeverything

A letter to the community from our owner.....

After 13.5 years, we at Ecoeverything Tofino (formerly Fiber Options Naturals) officially closed our retail store on October 31, 2010, and Victoria will be closing its doors at the end of November.

Its ending symbolizes its biggest success: reducing the environmental footprint in the retail industry. Ecoeverything was created for, and by, community. My friends, family and community help me set up the original store; I always felt like it was everyone's store.

When I started, I was inspired by Fiona McCallum, owner of the Organic Matters food store in Tofino, to establish very strict standards supporting the ethics behind what we bought and sold. We stood by the same standards from the day we opened until the day we closed.

There were many long hours, stressful and financial concerns that most small businesses have, but the beauty of the relationships, and the number of its successes far outweighed the challenges that we faced.

As a retailer, the vision I had from the start to the finish went above my wildest imagination. Today we see more and more eco-based products in stores; in time, there may only be more eco-based products as we continue to meet the challenges towards sustainability.

I didn't do this business alone. It was always with my family, friends, team, partners in change, and our customers.

I want to thank all of my friends, staff, community, customers, fellow business owners, suppliers, manufacturers, bike mechanic, t-shirt printer and artists who achieved this dream with me.

Most of all, I want to thank my whole family, who supported the business from its inception and who were dedicated to supporting my dream to the end.

It would be impossible to name the hundreds of people who contributed to its overwhelming success, but it is important that I recognize Teresa O'Neil, Megan Johns, Peter Skeels and Warren Rudd, as we would never had made it very long without any of them.

For you, the community, who have demonstrated your support of my dream, know that I will be eternally grateful to you.

Sincerely,

Gord Johns

Introducing Carebags at Ecoeverything!

NEW at Ecoeverything.....Carebags! Reusable produce bags that you can buy your produce in, wash your produce in, and store your produce in! People are so great about using reusable grocery totes now...but what about the plastic veggie bags in the produce section? Carebags, along with your reusable grocery totes, mean a zero plastic grocery experience. Ladies - you can also use them also for your delicates in the wash! Available at Ecoeverything Victoria and Tofino starting at just $4.

NEW Mystic Glass!

Gorgeous! Handmade individual pieces of Mystic Glass have just arrived at ecoeverything Tofino. The pendants are hand done by Kim and Tyler of Mystic Glass creations in Sooke BC. This is just 1 of many designs! Click here to see the rest! We love them!!!!

Organic Islands Catch Up 2010

Missed the 2010 Organic Islands Festival? Don't fret! Get caught up in less than 5 minutes by clicking here

Free Music For You!

Listen up ecoeverything customers! For the month of August, with every purchase made at ecoeverything Tofino & Victoria, you will receive a FREE music download from Vancouver Island based band Mojave.

A brief bio on the band....

In 2007 Paul and Lisa Jarvis started writing songs together as a mellow release from their hard rock bands. By the time those bands had called it quits, the duo had enough material for the first Mojave album, Stories. The Mojave sound takes Paul and Lisa's hard rock roots and winds in a quieter intensity. Lisa's clear vocals soar over delicate acoustic guitars, viola, violin, and eclectic percussion - weaving melodies, telling stories.

Mojave was voted one of Vancouver's best bands by the readers of the Georgia Straight, and named "promising newcomers" by Billboard Magazine. They recently released their second album called Crow's Funeral.

Check them out at http://www.mojave.fm/

A local business promoting great local music! We love this!

Join us in TheChange!

Join us in the TheChange!

Advancing the sustainability movement, locally.

We're proud to announce our participation in TheChange, a new online community for people and organizations moving the world forward. TheChange is a place to connect with local businesses, & NGO's that share your sustainability interests (renewable energy, waste management, ethical sourcing etc..)

Join the conversation and engage us in our sustainability journey! Learn how we're implementing sustainability practices and get involved in our events, jobs and programs. Become informed and inspired, but most importantly take action!

TheChange is a movement. How are you participating?

http://thechange.com/ecoeverything/

FREE Gift with Purchase

We like to promote healthy living! So, with that said, we have found a way to reward you with something healthy for every purchase made at ecoeverything Victoria for the month of July!

With every purchase during the month of July, customers receive 25% off their next massage with the lovely Anita Schaufelbuhl at Tone Massage Therapy in downtown Victoria. Offer ends on July 31st, and customers have one month from their date of purchase to redeem their discounted massage. So, come on down, get yourself a piece of comfortable eco-friendly clothing, and then hop on over to Anita to get relaxed and pampered! Yep - your welcome! :)

New Nixxi!

New NIXXI designs now available at ecoeverything Victoria. We love, love, LOVE them! Why?

The story of Nixxi....

* Designed by our friend Jada-Lee Watson of Saltspring Island BC
* Made just across the water in Vancouver BC
* Gorgeous textures in all eco-friendly fabrics including bamboo viscose, tencel & organic cotton
* Modern designs for the modern eco-conscious girl

Drop by 577 Johnson Street and see for yourself why they are so great!

Fashion's Night Out Victoria

This Thursday for 3 hours from 6-9 receive 25% off ALL merchandise at our Victoria store. The catch? A donation to the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Drop off your donation to any one of the participating stores and receive a stamp. The stamp is your passport to three hours of savings at all of the participating stores on lower johnson, yates and pandora. Hope to see you there!

Summer 2010 by Lav & Kush

If you haven't checked out our posts on twitter or facebook yet - then have a lookey here! These gorgeous pieces are available at ecoeverything Victoria. We are in love. Here is why...

The story of Lav & Kush......

* Lav & Kush is a line designed by Angela Saxena of Vancouver BC

* The garments are made in Vancouver

* She uses fabrics like organic cotton, modal, silk, bamboo and more

* Her pieces are fun, flirty and girly

* She makes timeless yet girly pieces so that you can pick up a piece of eco fashion that truly has a lot of style!

Lav & Kush - meet the flirt of sustainable fashion at ecoeverything

World Oceans Day

Today is world oceans day! Did you know that? Some of us didn't, so lets all spread the word about this important topic, especially in the light of the current oil spill. It is known as the 'sister' to earth day, and in our opinion....should be just as important! Here is the website for more information.

http://www.worldoceansday.com/

Let's get gabbing over coffees at our kitchen tables about how important the oceans are to us and the planet!

Salts Kicks Shorts

These babies have just arrived at ecoeverything victoria, and they have already proven to be popular! Here is their story....

*Made by Salts which a line designed by Jennfier Graham of Sooke BC
* Made in BC!
* They are an organic cotton blend with a teeny bit of spandex - so that you don't get that hated baggy knee problem!
* Perfect for Yoga!
* We love them :)

Available for purchase at ecoeverything victoria at 577 Johnson St.

Surf's Up

This is the Surf Dress from Greenicci that has just arrived in stores. It is the perfect travel companion in the summer time - and pretty much the perfect throw over for lazy beach days up in Tofino. Made out of a lightweight hemp and organic cotton fabric, this surf dress is super comfy and breathable too. Available at ecoeverything Tofino and Victoria for just $45.

Earth Day Pancake Breakfast a Fundraising Success!

The 7th annual Earth Day Pancake Breakfast in Tofino on the April 25th 'Earth Day Weekend' was a fund raising success for the Raincoast Education Society. $747.31 was raised for the organization, which is a society that hosts educational programs in environmental education and stewardship in the town of Tofino. The Earth Day pancake breakfast is an annual event in Tofino that was started by ecoeverything's owner Gord Johns. The event has, in the last 3 years, blossomed into a full Earth Day Weekend. For more information check out this thank you note at canada.com

Salts Summer 2010 Has Arrived!

Our Salts Eco-Fashion goodies have arrived for Summer 2010! Available currently at Ecoeverything Victoria - and coming soon to Ecoeverything Tofino! Salts is an all natural and eco-friendly clothing line designed and owned by our friend Jennifer Graham. All of the fashions are made in Canada! She uses fabrics including organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. We LOVE Salts - and hope you do too!

The Fleet Foot Pant

New from Greenicci for Spring/Summer 2010! The Fleet Foot Pant is available from sizes XS-XL at Ecoeverything Tofino and Victoria. They are one of the highest quality yoga pants we have ever carried! The drawstring waist is finished with sturdy/high quality grommets, and the fabric is an organic cotton and recycled poly blend, ensuring that you won't have the 'baggy knee' syndrome of many cotton pants! The best part.....they are just $48 dollars! You can't go wrong with these! Call 1.800.381.2138 to order!

Merino Undies

Wool as the fabric for your underwear? Sounds weird right? Well if you add the words 'Icebreaker' and 'Merino' wool in there too - you have the description for the MOST comfy underwear ever! Icebreaker merino wool undies, available in bikini, hotpant, or thong varieties are long lasting, breathable and super SUPER comfy! Check them out for yourself at ecoeverything in Victoria and Tofino!

The Atlas T

Greenicci's Atlas T's are one of our favorite items for Summer 2010. The t-shirts are a blend of hemp and organic cotton, and are among one of the softest hemp blends we have every carried. The shirts have a nice drape to them, and are somewhat structured, making them a flattering alternative to some of our bamboo jersey tops. They are available in the colours above at Ecoeverything Tofino and Victoria for just $35.00.

7th Annual Earth Day Pancake Breakfast

This is Tofino's signature Earth Day event! Created by Ecoeverything's owner, Gord Johns 7 years ago, the Earth Day Pancake Breakfast is supported by many other great businesses and organizations each year including Level Ground Trading, Green Soul Organics, The Tofino Co-Op, The District of Tofino, Raincoast Education Society, Common Loaf Bakery, and so many more from previous years! Our staff at Ecoeverything have been hard at work preparing for this years event! Here are the details:

What: Tofino's annual Earth Day Pancake Breakfast

When: 9-12 am Sunday April 25th

Where: The Village Green in Tofino

Why: In celebration of Earth Day - and to raise funds for the Raincoast Education Society

How much: The breakfast is by donation. Please bring your own plate, mug, cutlery etc..if you can as well to save on the disposable waste!

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For more information, please contact Ecoeverything Tofino at 1.250.725.2193

The poster above also shows the rest of the events planned for Earth Week in Tofino!

Happy Earth Day/Week!

Earth Day Celebration Sale

Yipee! April 22nd is Earth Day and we at Ecoeverything want to celebrate with you. From April 19 through to the 25th ALL winter eco-fashions will be 25-50% off at both our Victoria and Tofino locations. This includes popular brands like Icebreaker, Nixxi, Lav&Kush and more! In addition to our sale, Ecoeverything Tofino is also busy planning our annual Earth Day Pancake Breakfast. Stay tuned for more details about our annual fundraiser, but in the meantime...do drop by and take advantage of our amazing Earth Week Sales!

We're Hiring!

Ecoeverything Victoria is searching for a dynamic sales associate to join the team. Applicants must have experience working in retail sales, be detail oriented and must have a strong desire to learn about eco-fashion and lifestyle products. If you, or someone you know fits this description, and you are longing to work in an environment where you love what you sell, this would be a great fit! You can check out www.ecoeverything.com to see what we are all about. This position is for full time work, and employees must be able to work evenings and weekends. Please drop off resumes in person at Ecoeverything Victoria - 577 Johnson St on Monday April 19th and Tuesday April 20th.

New Men's Pants!

We have new men's pants! We are excited as we haven't had a new selection for our male customers in quite some time. These ones are by Greenicci, and are a super soft hemp and organic cotton blend. Available in the colour shown above and a lighter shale khaki version too. They are a great west coast staple pant and are available at Ecoeverything in Victoria and Tofino!

Hit The Links in Merino

If you are a golfer - this is good news for you! Icebreaker has come out with some cute women's polo shirts this year, like the one featured above. If you are used to wearing the average synthetic golf shirt at the links, you should rethink your next purchase! Merino wool is one of the most breathable fabrics available. It is also moisture wicking AND it doesn't hold an odor. It truly is an amazing fabric for any physical activity. Sound too good to be true? Come on in and try one on! Now available at Ecoeverything Victoria, along with many other Summer Icebreaker pieces! www.ecoeverything.com

Holy Sheep!

Our Women's Summer Icebreaker Merino has finally arrived at Ecoeverything Victoria! We have received almost 40 new styles and colours for all of you Icebreaker loving ladies! Check out our facebook group at www.facebook.com/ecoeverything to view all of the styles that we have received! As for the men....don't you worry....yours will be arriving before the end of the month!

The Bradshaw Hoodie - Greenicci Spring 2010

Greenicci Spring/Summer 2010 has arrived at both ecoeverything locations! After arriving just last week, the Bradshaw Hoodie featured above has already proven to be one of the hottest items. Made out of a blend 55% Hemp 43% Organic Cotton 2% Lycra, the fabric is one of the softest hemp blends we have had in store. Come check it out for yourself at ecoeverything in Tofino or Victoria. Women's and men's styles available.

Bike to Win!

If you are participating in this year's bike to work week in Victoria you have the chance of winning an Icebreaker Merino Wool Prize Pack from Ecoeverything! The prize includes an Icebreaker women's cami (great for layering while biking to work), 2 pairs of bike/run socks, and a couple of bars of soap to keep you smelling nice and pretty. Mind you - if you are wearing merino wool to ride in, the fabric does the trick of not holding any odor, making it a number one choice for many local commuters who choose to cycle into town daily. Merino wool is naturally antibacterial, doesn't itch you like traditional wool AND is warm when it is wet.....so maybe think again before putting that synthetic riding shirt on - you may want to swap it for an Icebreaker!

Bike to work week this year in Victoria is being held from May 31- June 4, 2010. This is a change from previous years, as this way the Victoria event will coincide with the events across British Columbia. For more information check out www.biketowork.ca

Summer Luxury

Another gorgeous design by Nixxi. This white halter is made out of a blend of bamboo and organic cotton. One of the best parts? It is made ethically in Vancouver. Available at Ecoeverything Victoria.

Nixxi Spring 2010

Arriving at Ecoeverything Victoria April 5th.... come and check out the new Nixxi designs for Spring/Summer 2010. Clean silhouettes and organic textures is what Nixxi is all about, and the designs are nothing short of fabulous this season. For more information, contact us via our new updated website....www.ecoeverything.com

Jingle Jingle Jingle

Christmas in February! Well - not really, but we thought we would share this festive photo with you. The above is a picture from the Westerly of two of our great staff members at Ecoeverything Tofino at Tofino's annual Jingle Into Christmas Sale this past December. Every year on American Thanksgiving weekend, the shops of Tofino stay open late and offer the locals (and visiting tourists) sales, promotions, treats and more. It is one of the funnest days of the year! This is a belated thank you to our wonderful staff for the work that went into the 2009 Jingle Sale!

Spring Leggings

If you are like us, then you have probably been wearing your basic black leggings throughout the fall and winter as your 'go-to' piece underneath your skirts, tunics and dresses. Well - how about switching it up for Spring? Salts Organic Clothing offers you the chance to do just that with their viscose bamboo/organic cotton 'Lovely Legging' in their beautiful off-white colour. Perfect to lighten up your legs for the coming Spring and Summer weather! The leggings are a Canadian made and designed item, and are available at Ecoeverything for just $34.

Tick...Tock...

Our stores have new hours for the month of February.
Come shop for all of your eco-goodies during the following times....

Ecoeverything Victoria - 577 Johnson St.

Tues - Saturday 10-6
Sunday & Monday 11-4

Ecoeverything Tofino - 150 4th St.

Sunday - Friday 11-4
Saturdays 10-6

Cheers!

Together We Can

We are excited about this new arrival from Me to We. The 'Together We Can' shirt has just arrived in our stores and is available for both men and women. The fit is fantastic, the organic cotton material is super soft, but most of all its the message that is important. Together we can....like the phrase me to we, is about empowering people to work together to achieve great things in this world! Here is a message from the shirt designer that explains...

As most stories go, I have been told time and time again that change is not possible. That things are the way they are. Yes there are many issues in this world, -- poverty, HIV/AIDS, homelessness, natural disasters, child labour, etc. But there is also hope. In history, after much determination and work, people have changed the way things are.

Words representing the negativity facing humanity today is illustrated in this design. Those words are scattered across the map of the world. Juxtaposed to that, however, are words of hope "together we can", a phrase I use often and one that truly represents the me to we philosophy. If we all worked together to better this world, we could achieve great things. This is my t-shirt of hope!

- Irit Targonsky

50% of the profits from Me to We shirts go directly to the organization Free the Children.

Happy New Year!

The staff at Ecoeverything would like to wish you a Happy New Year! May 2010 bring you much love, happiness and success. What is your New Year's resolution? Our resolution is to continue to be as sustainable as possible within our stores, with the products we bring in to sell, and with our lives outside of work as well. Sound like a plan? Join us along our journey along the path to sustainability. You may be surprised at how easy some choices can be! Click here for great ideas on how you can be more sustainable in your everyday life.