them at her store. Ålander adds, “We are proudly Canadian, providing mostly Canadian products, but also supporting global brands that are really making a difference for our planet.” Having www.NaturallyCanada.com under their wing as a well-established online shop, it was a logical step for the pair to integrate eco.spirit into its scope when the pandemic hit and storefronts were turning to a more virtual representation. This shift has been a change for the two, but their outlook remains confident: “The future of eco.spirit and the online store, as a result of COVID-19, is a positive one. We will slowly begin shifting our focus to growing the inventory in the online shop, and as the inventory gets larger, we work towards making our footprint smaller and allowing the future of our brick and mortar store to unfold as the situation progresses.” Looking at the bigger picture, Milette and Ålander see recent events as an opportunity for improvement worldwide with climate change and the environment. “We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we see a shift in the world of sustainability; and we will be there to provide not only products, but support and information, and solutions for a healthier earth; because more than ever, people are realizing we are in this together,” says Ålander. “We genuinely just want to be sustainable, and this website is giving us the opportunity to share useful information and make earth healthy products accessible to every human that wants to make a difference.”
▲ Viena Jayde Ålander, co-creator of Naturally Canada Emporium, is a visionary in sustainability. As a maker, she is always trying to upcycle broken & unwanted things, into peculiar creations. She has a mild obsession and wild collection of rocks; her (reusable) bag is often a plethora of these finds. She is also a logophile; simply, a lover of words.
▲ Kimberley Milette (photo: Omar Broderick)
of new eco-conscious clothing. We provide a space for vintage pieces, as well; doing our part to keep some of the pre-existing clothing out of landfills. We recognize that it is not enough just to provide sustainable clothing,” says Ålander. “Providing a space to give clothing a new home, instead of a landfill, is a humble way to help move sustainability towards being the new normal.” The store also offers an impressive selection of earth friendly, high quality new merchandise, from yoga pants made of recycled bottles, to handmade moccasins; each item perfectly balancing quality and ethics without compromising beauty and functionality. Eco.spirit has quickly become the local hub for environmentally conscious fashion, skincare, art, and fabric, full of innovative products falling under the ‘sustainable’ banner. Says Milette regarding their selection, “We carry the following pioneers of Canadian eco- friendly designers; to name a few and growing: Nomads Hempwear, Brenda Laine Designs, Echo Verde, Efforts- eco…” the list goes on. It’s obvious she has a deep respect for these designers, and is honoured to carry
▲ John Dart (photo: Omar Broderick)
eco.spirit.emporium Confederation Court Mall 134 Kent Street, Charlottetown 902.790.6323 www.naturallycanada.com
SUMMER 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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