9.0°C Cloudy 
Go green in whistler
by Pina Belperio
While we can't buy or shop ourselves into a more sustainable world, we can select products that combine low impact, Earth-friendly materials with healthy eating selections. Leading by example, Whistler The Magazine is showcasing five local businesses that have developed green initiatives to help you shift in a more sustainable direction. Have a positive impact during your stay by supporting Whistler's local "green" economy.
New way to experience Whistler's outdoors
Enjoy Whistler's majestic outdoors and feel part of the natural environment by sleeping in a yurt and leaving your tent at home. More comfortable than tents, Pacific yurts offer a scenic spot in the woods overlooking Fitzsimmons Creek at Riverside RV Resort and Campground. The yurt is a modern adaptation of the ancient shelter used by Central Asian nomads, and offers a sturdy structure with rigid walls, roofs and solid floors. The shelters come with basic furnishings and sleep five (no pets, cooking or smoking permitted). All yurts are insulated and heated to keep you cozy during the cool alpine evenings, while a nearby comfort station provides bathrooms and hot showers with heated floors. For yurt rates and photos, visit:
Fresh Baked Goodness
Whistler is a yummier place since Mark and Paula Lamming opened Purebread bakery. The tempting range of handmade breads use only the finest ingredients, baked the traditional way. Located in Function Junction, this hot spot conjures up to-die-for cheddar jalapeno bread, crusty Parisienne baguettes, savoury brioches, almond croissants and outrageous brownies. Gluten-intolerant folks can enjoy coconut macaroons, flourless chocolate cakes or almond cookies. Purebread's 3R mentality is evident in its delectable "disfunction-ale" bread made with Whistler Brewery's spent grain, and in the décor, where dishes and teacups are transformed into chandeliers, and old whisks are fashioned into lights. The barn-board bench and countertops were handcrafted by local artisans, the wooden signs hand-painted by bakery staff, and a paint-splattered chair adorns the storefront. Look for Purebread's tasty treats on the farmers' market circuit this summer.
Modern Textiles and Tableware
What began as a grassroots project during the 2006 Pemberton Slow Food Cycle has grown into a full range of home textile products that includes throw pillows, napkins, place mats, coasters, tea towels, and ladies and children's clothing lines. LUprints owner and screen printer, Ulla Clark, creates nature-inspired graphics and modern patterns for everyday living. She uses only natural plant fibers such as linen and hemp in her textiles, and all products are designed in Pemberton. The LUprints workshop uses eco-friendly products in place of conventional ones - from the use of ecofriendly inks to non-toxic soy-based screen cleaners and a lowenergy textile dryer. The Birchwood trays use sustainably harvested wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The company's items are functional and durable works of art. Products are available at One Earth Collection Boutique in Pemberton or online:
Changing the World One Cup at a Time
Whistler's Namasthé Tea Co. offers a holistic tea experience with its "quali-tea" bags and loose-leaf varieties. Consultant herbalist and TEO (Tea Executive Officer) Isabelle Ranger handcrafts micro batches of organic, whole leaf wellness, combining medicinal properties with amazingly flavoured infusions. All teas are certified organic by the USDA and OC/PRO , and certified Transfair fair-trade. Namasthé's signature blends include Earl Grey, Echina Chai, Jasmine Green Dragon and Fresh Tracks Breakfast. The Nasmathé Tea Temple is powered entirely by Bullfrog Power, Canada's green energy provider. This summer, enjoy iced tea served with a hint of maple or agave syrup, or try a delectable tea-based sangria made with local fruit juices. Every tea pouch does the body, mind, soul and planet good. Sold at Whistler grocers, cafes and online:
www.namasthe.ca
Green your Hotel Experience
There's no need to leave your green habits at home when you're on holidays. The Crystal Lodge and Suites is Whistler's newest hotel to be awarded the Four Green Key rating from the Hotel Association of Canada's Eco Rating Program. The Crystal Lodge's Green Team, formed in 2008, has devised numerous environmental initiatives that include free parking for hybrid vehicles, biodegradable bioPVC key cards, energy efficient lighting, low flow toilets, shower heads and tap aerators, along with recycling of paper, toner, glass, batteries, plastic and tin/aluminum. Hotel staff members participate in Earth Day, Earth Hour and annual clean up days. For more info, check out:
www.crystal-lodge.com/crystal_green_team.html
