EPIC Redux – What’s coming at Buy Right

I spent most of the afternoon at EPIC today, and talked to a lot of representatives of truly responsible businesses.  In general, I was very impressed, more so than at last year’s exhibition.  I came home with a bag full of information and products, some of which I will feature on these pages in the coming weeks.

I also had a long chat with Adrienne Carr of the Green Party of Canada.  In North America, the Green Party suffers from a considerable public misconception that it is a one-issue party, or “a bunch of environmental nuts”, as someone I know said.  I would encourage everyone who thinks of the Green Party only as the party of the environment to read the information on the websites of the Green Party of Canada and the Green Party of BC.  For those in other provinces (or states, or countries), the Wikipedia article on the Green Party is a good place to find more information on the Green Party in your region.

Here is a list of the Responsible Companies I may feature in coming weeks:

• Bokashi Cycle – Produces an anaerobic ‘composting’ system that ferments organic waste, resulting in a soil amendment more easily degraded in soil than aerobic compost.
• Ha-Ra – Produces environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.  The company’s founder, Hans Raab, is the inventor of the microfiber cloth.
• Green Planet Parties – Produces durable, reusable goods for children’s parties.
• Honey Candles – Produces 100% beeswax candles.
• Level Ground Trading – Imports organic, fair trade coffee from specific plantations in Africa.
• Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods and Oils – Produces naturally grown and certified organic hemp products.
• Navitas Naturals – Produces ’superfoods’ from traditional Central- and South American seeds, nuts, and fruits.
• organicfair – Produces organic, fair trade chocolate, herbs & spices, coffee and tea, and body care products.
• Rain Coast Trading – Produces sustainably harvested tuna and salmon.
• Saje Natural Wellness – Produces aromatherapy products for health and well-being
• Salt Spring Coffee – Imports organic, fair trade coffee from specific plantations around the world.
• Translink – Greater Vancouver’s transportation authority, responsible for the regions roads, bridges, and public transit.

Watch for reviews of these companies coming soon – and if you have experience with any of the companies featured at this year’s EPIC expo, e-mail me; I’d love to add your experience to my review!