Guelph: Green to the core

Guelph greenies have come a long way—and not just politically. A few years ago, it was surprisingly difficult to find clothing that was both environmentally conscious and, well, fashionable. But thankfully, that was no longer the case when Steve Johnson and Sara Chadsey opened the doors of Sole Earth Apparel (42 Wyndham St., North, 519-515-0194, soleearthapparel.com) this past April 2008. The two stock their shelves with pieces from over 30 different Canadian and American designers. The only imports in the store are pieces of fair trade jewellery or items found by Johnson and Chadsey while travelling.

Everything in the store is made from environmentally-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, Tencel, organic wool and organic silk. S.E.A. also features a selection of vintage clothing that has been donated to the store and then re-designed for a second life.

S.E.A.’s eye for style mirrors their attention to sustainable materials and clothing with a conscience. Fashion-forward Guelphites can celebrate that being green no longer means dressing in recycled potato sacks. The items carried in S.E.A. are beautifully crafted. My pick of the day was the Fall 2008 line of Jack & Marjorie handbags (jackandmarjorie.com) made from recycled military surplus. The recycled materials range from parachutes and tent canvas to wool blankets and organic cotton twill – and the bags are stunning. (Bonnee McLachlan in Calgary loves Jack & Marjorie, too.)

Sole Earth Apparel also features greeting cards, soy candles, handcrafted picture frames, and a lending library of environmental books. It just doesn’t get any more ‘Guelph’ than this.

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