Edmonton boutique promotes eco-friendly alternatives for households

By Kimberly Melo

EDMONTON — An Edmonton couple who struggled to provide a toxin-free environment for their children now run a store to make it easier for other families to do the same.

Mark Nipp and Allison MacLean own Carbon Environmental Boutique at 10184 104 St.

The boutique, which opened in 2009, is a family-inspired business that has a wide range of products that are eco-friendly and free of toxins.

“Initially we started because we have kids and became critical of what is going into their bodies,” said Nipp. “We started with foods, then moved to other items our children were in contact with such as cleaning supplies, plastics, etc.”

From there, the business expanded greatly. The boutique offers sustainable, eco-friendly home improvement products, baby items, natural cleaning products, organic mattresses and bedding, organic cosmetics, recycled jewelry, non-toxic paint, formaldehyde-free flooring, personal care products and kitchenware.

“There is a lot of meticulous research involved (when investigating products),” MacLean said. “We would never allow anything into the store that we did not carefully examine.”

Reducing Edmonton’s environmental footprint

Environmentally friendly businesses are developing and expanding throughout the city to give Edmontonians the chance to “go green.”

The Beauty Parlour, located in Old Strathcona, uses a solar-powered water heater and eco-friendly hair products, and was built from local, salvaged materials.

Birds and Bees Organic Fruit Wine & Meadery, is Alberta’s only organic fruit cottage winery.

Earth’s General Store, located in Old Strathcona and open since 1991, provides products that reduce waste and are toxin- and chemical-free.

Edmonton business and festivals are also going forth with eco-friendly initiatives, and organic, environmentally friendly restaurants such as Health Fare are beginning to pop up around the city.

Go Green Edmonton

Renee Worrell, communications manager for Edmonton Economic  Development Corporation, said Edmonton has a growing interest in reducing its environmental footprint.

“A lot of stores are beginning to carry eco-products in them,” Worrell said. “It is becoming something that is a bit of a norm; providing items for the socially conscious shopper.”

Although Worrell notices more and more environmentally friendly stores in Edmonton, she sees many other businesses making changes to help reduce their environmental footprint.

“Even our bigger department stores are making mindful and conscious decisions such as offering the purchase of reusable bags,” Worrell said. “I think it’s fantastic. We are starting to see more if it. Good for all of the Edmonton stores and business for taking the steps to provide some eco-friendly services.”

A little boutique making a big difference

In a time where it is important for retailers to make steps towards environmentally sustainable products and services, the Carbon Environmental Boutique aims to promote a safe home environment families.

“Our hope is that we can create awareness so people understand know what is in conventional products and are aware that other choices can be made,” said MacLean. “Our products are cost-effective and promote a healthy environment for your family.”