Ready to head for the hills? Here are a few eco-friendly sleds that deliver on need for speed, and need for green.

The Paricon Inc. Winter Heat Sled (US $19) is made with 100-percent recycled materials and also comes with a set of brakes. Perfect for little sledders easing themselves into the downhill sport.

The Mountain Boy Classic Flyer Sled (US $170) drums up memories of the sleds of old. Made from solid birch, with stainless steel bolts and lead-free varnish, this sled is a new take on the classic flyer. It is sure to please any snowy speed demon.

The Grasshopper Convertible Wagon/Sled (US $220) may be pricey, but that’s because it pulls double duty. Easily converted from a sled to a wagon and back again, it’s made from sustainable hardwoods and is a cinch to assemble. Made for kids up to five years of age.

You’ll be as sly as a fox and as hot as one, too, in Robin Hood Couture’s eco jewelry. These handcrafted pieces have a Victorian vintage esthetic. With their old world feminine flair, Robin Hood will make many merry women.

For more, go to www.etsy.com/people/robinhoodcouture.

When shopping for vintage, life as we know it has left us with two key methods of pursuit: rummaging through thrift stores to chance upon that one-of-a-kind steal, or checking out vintage boutiques where most of the work has been done already. The first can be quite time consuming, the second expensive, but they have both done the trick—for now.

Enter Sarah La Greca, Founder and Creative Director of The Gypsy Market, an event that has evolved into a shopping Sabbath for many Van City locals. The Vancouver stylist started the Gypsy Market in 2008 with the simple formula of 30 vendors, good music and a fun venue. She set out on a mission to debulk her closet in the process. (Oh, the closet space burdens of being a lifelong vintage fiend.)

The Gypsy Market is one of the few 19+ shopping events to exist. Guests can enjoy a drink while shopping up a vintage fury in the cosmic underworld that is East Vancouver’s Biltmore Cabaret.

“The Biltmore is a great spot to host the Sale,” says Sarah. “First of all, it’s an accessible location and a well-known venue. It also has this dark medieval circus decor that suits an eclectic vibe that the sale possesses. We love that we can listen to music, have a cocktail or beer, and shop.”

Getting a taste of Sarah’s own wardrobe is by far the main attraction. From flowy and romantic to dark and twisted, Sarah‘s splendidly feminine yet gothic finds make her somewhat of a High Priestess in the local fashion scene.

“When I pick vintage, it kind of curates itself,” says Sarah.

Aside from Sarah’s spellbinding threads, the Gypsy Market has become known as the place where Vancouver’s best dressed come to resell their best vintage finds. Shoppers can seek out and own a piece from their favourite local trendsetters’ wardrobes.

“I love and admire all the vendors who participate in the Gypsy Market Vintage Sale,” says Sarah. “Each one has their own picking style and collections that are special and one of a kind.”

When it comes to doing a bit of shopping herself, Sarah certainly has some favourites, which include artist Rayne Voyer and Vancouver designer and vintage picker Blake Hyland.

“Blake brings all the vintage rock T-shirts and motorcycle paraphernalia. I owe the creation of my vintage Harley Davidson T-shirt collection to him,” says Sarah. She adds, “Rayne is another whose vintage treasures inspire me. I owe it to Rayne for turning me to the dark side of fashion. All black everything. Witch and the Wardrobe.”

It must come as no surprise that attendees of the Gypsy Market are just as fashion forward as the vendors.

“We have all different walks of life that attend our Sale,” explains Sarah. “Moms, musicians, vintage-clothing lovers, trend setters, fashionistas, artists, hipsters, collectors and environmentalists. I feel we have a tremendous variety of excellent customers.”

From the Biltmore to the Catwalk, Vancouver’s newest fashion sensation took 2011 by storm. The city was left buzzing with anticipation when the collection, named Gypsy Market Vintage, popped up at renowned Gastown Boutique One of a Few after the event. Sarah also debut a curated vintage collection at Eco Fashion Week, bewitching the audience with eerie monochromes and whimsical florals.

Plenty more is on the docket for Sarah in 2012, including another market in March. Follow Bamboo as we catch up with this vintage renegade at the next Gypsy Market and bring you the event from a vendor`s eyes.

Gypsy Market Vintage Spring 2012 curated collection at Eco Fashion Week

There is no denying the importance that sense of smell plays in our daily lives. It can actually save our lives in many circumstances, but just what exactly are we spraying all over ourselves, and what is the effect on our bodies, and subsequently, our health? It was more than a little disconcerting when I discovered that what I was putting on my body was ending up in my body.

The use of perfumes, scented balms, incense, resins and oils can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Here, they were not only used for personal, therapeutic and cosmetic reasons, but also for religious ceremonies and as offerings to the gods. While the fragrances of ancient civilization were made from naturally derived ingredients, the advent of organic chemistry made it possible to make fragrances from synthetic chemicals, thus making them a more affordable luxury, available to the masses.

The problem? Many of these synthetic ingredients can have profoundly negative effects on humans. As incidences of allergic reactions, asthma and a condition known as MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity) seem to be increasing, so, too, are the number of perfumes and scented products available to us. Additives such as phthalates (which help to prolong a scent) are suspected hormone disrupters that have the potential to profoundly affect our endocrine systems and cause imbalance. Such imbalances can become the catalyst for reproductive complications and hormonally charged diseases down the road.

The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption is currently working to build a Priority List of potentially harmful substances. The health threat of endocrine disruption is not currently recognized in the European Union, which conducts some of the strictest testing in the world. Phthalates are listed as a First Priority. It is chemicals like these that are cause for concern and have organizations such as Environmental Defense and Environmental Working Group/Campaign for Safe Cosmetics working to bring the issue to light. In one independent study, it was found that 17 randomly selected fragrances contained an average of 10 sensitizing chemicals, 12 hormone disrupters and 14 hidden chemicals not accounted for in the ingredients lists.

Some like it hot. By adding heat to season your foods, you can boost flavour without using creams, butter or oils.

Experimenting with a variety of hot peppers and sauces really can add more spice to your life. Peppers have Vitamins A and C and beta-carotene, which boost metabolism and reduce cholesterol, while their capsaicin compound releases endorphins into your body and helps to fight infections.

The great thing about making your own hot sauce is that you can make it just how you like it. You can choose your focus: intense heat, or more flavor? For instance, Mexican hot sauce uses smoked chipotles as the main ingredient, while other types use brown sugar, molasses, mustards, or fruit and vegetable purees to create a signature flavour. If you are really adventurous, try fermenting hot peppers to achieve a taste similar to the famous Tabasco sauce. Did you know that they ferment Tabasco peppers in oak casks for up to three years with salt that is mined right on Avery Island where the peppers are grown? If you have the time, it is well worth the wait.

But, let’s start simple with this recipe that can be easily modified to suit your personal need for heat.

The From Scratch Method

Pick your peppers. A mixture of 24 habaneros and jalapenos should yield you enough sauce to fill 3 small mason jars.
It is strongly recommended to use rubber gloves while handling peppers, but you can also hold the stems of the peppers while doing a rough chop and removing the seeds. Wash hands and utensils immediately after handling.
Using 1 tbsp vegetable oil, sauté 1/2 of a chopped red onion with 2 chopped garlic cloves over medium heat for a few minutes. Then, add your peppers. Season with a good pinch of salt.
Add 3 tbsp brown sugar, stir, and then add and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 20 minutes, and set aside to cool.
Transfer mixture carefully to food processor and process until smooth. Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Taste along the way. You may find that you like less or more vinegar.
Adjust your seasonings. Perhaps your hot sauce needs a little more salt or sugar?
Transfer to small mason jars. Your delicious, homemade hot sauce will keep in the fridge for at least a few months.
Wash processor immediately!

Tizzard’sTips:

• The more you add to your hot sauce, the more heat you take away. Keep it simple if you like it hot. Remember, the most famous Louisiana hot sauces use just peppers, vinegar and salt.
• Beware: Do not inhale or breathe too closely while cooking down and pureeing sauce.
• Proportions of ingredients can all be varied according to taste. Be creative: try adding fresh ginger, herbs or fruit purees, such as mango or peach, instead of sugar.
• Read about the Scoville scale (Google is a good source) to see how the peppers you pick measure up in heat compared to other hot sauces and peppers on the market.
• In the late summer, stock up on seasonal local or homegrown hot peppers and freeze them for use during the long winter months.

click any thumbnail to view the entire gallery | images by Pencil

There are many things in life that we accept at a young age and, often, take for granted. One rule is that you’ve got to eat to survive. Another is that you shouldn’t look straight at the sun, because it will ruin your eyes.

“It’s still a little bit of a mystery,” says Peter Sorcher, director of the feature documentary Eat the Sun (2009). The film follows a young sungazer named Mason Dwinell on his quest for truth about the controversial practice.
“I met him when I first moved to the San Francisco area, at a party,” says Peter. “We got to talking, and he told me what he was up to—looking directly at the sun for long periods of time.”

“When I asked him about, you know, why you would do that, he mentioned a lot of physical benefits that he was getting. I was intrigued, but, at the same time, it was sort of like, ‘Welcome to San Francisco’,” he laughs.

The technique Mason practices in the film comes from a world-renowned sungazing teacher from India, Hira Ratan Manek, known in North America simply as HRM. According to his method, new sungazers begin by looking at the sun for ten seconds, while standing barefoot on bare earth. As the routine progresses, practitioners add ten seconds each day until reaching 44 minutes, at which point, HRM claims, one loses both the desire and the need to eat food.

“I don’t know if you’ve ever really looked at the sun setting before it’s on the horizon, but it’s bright,” says Peter, pointing out that sungazing is typically practiced either at dawn or sunset.

“Forty-four minutes is a long time to look at it,” he says. “A minute is a long time.”

As Mason discovers, the path to becoming a seasoned sungazer is not an easy one. But, with dedication, the physical and spiritual benefits are said to be drastic and profound. To get a better sense of the practice and how it is used by people with different backgrounds and lifestyles, the film visits a remarkably diverse group of people from the sungazing community.

“I wanted a variety of people with a variety of life experience and backgrounds, and also a variety of experience sungazing—some who were early on in the process and had less time under their belts than Mason, and also others who had been doing it for
20 or 25 years,” Peter says.

In 2009, she founded Cornelia Guest Events and Cookies, catering healthy, vegan dishes at high-end charity and entertainment dishes (click here to check out a few fantastic recipes that she shared with Bamboo). Cornelia is also an advocate for New Yorkers for Marriage Equality; she hosted their fall 2010 event with Mayor Bloomberg.

Bamboo sat down with Cornelia to discuss her dedication to her work, beliefs and passions.

Bamboo Magazine: We know that you are a big proponent for animal rights and for PETA. How many animals do you have, and what makes them so special?
Cornelia Guest: I have 9 dogs, a tortoise, a donkey, and some feral cats that I had spayed and neutered, who live in the barn. I think every creature four-legged or more is special. They all have their own personalities and quirks, and getting to know each one is always a pleasure. I learn from them every day, and the best part is they always make me laugh, smile and, even sometimes, cry. I adore all animals. They need our protection because they can’t speak for themselves.

BM: When did you first get involved with PETA?
CG: I have been a member and supporter of PETA for years, but I really became more active a few years ago. I met Dan Mathews, and we decided that I would do their “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” campaign. They do so many wonderful things. I’m going to start working with them on the issues of animal testing, which, to me, is one of the most horrific things around.

BM: If you could save one animal from extinction right now, which would it be, and why?
CG: An elephant, eagles, whales, bears, tigers, lions…the lot goes on. I can’t pick just one because they are all part of our world and all equally important. To see an animal living in its natural habitat, as mother nature intended, is so beautiful.

BM: How important is the environment (both on a global and local perspective) when it comes to the lifestyle choices you make (for you and your animals)?
CG: Our environment is the key to so many issues. About 15 years ago, my dogs were starting to get lumps and diseases they had never had before. I realized that it was [the products] we were using outside and inside. So, we stopped using all chemicals. Every little step we can make to help keep our environment less toxic will help us all.

BM: What made you want to start designing vegan handbags, and what sets your line apart from the others?
CG: The cruelty aspect of what animals go through made me want to do something. So, I decided to do a line of cruelty-free accessories. The pieces in the line are all under 300 dollars. It’s an intelligent alternative.

BM: What does being “chic with a conscience” mean to you?
CG: To me, it really means to know and understand what you are wearing, and where and what it comes from. To understand what’s at stake and then make a decision as to whether or not you think you should buy or wear it. Understanding the impact of what we do, and using Cornelia Guest accessories, is what it’s all about.

BM: What are your top 5 “cruelty free” messages that you want everyone to know about?
CG: 1. Educate yourself, and don’t be scared to watch videos or read about what’s going on.
2. Fur—no longer cool.
3. Don’t support companies that torture animals.
4. Spay and neuter your pets.
5. Adopt and support your local shelters.

BM: Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?
CG: My New Year’s resolutions are to keep doing my work with animals and to educate the world about what’s going on with them. To create intelligent alternatives so we can be “chic with a conscience.”

BM: Last question: if your dog could talk, what would he say to you?
CG: My dog Bear would say, “Move over!” And Olive would say, “I’m hungry.”

It was Galileo who said that “Wine is sunlight, held together by water,” and what better way to keep warm in these cold winter months? Grab a glass of red or white, warm up, and let us share with you ways to put an eco-spin on your wine.

First of all, what is eco-friendly wine? At times, it can be just as complicated as eco-food. There are organic certifications that differ from city to city, sulfite levels to consider, and a plethora of definitions for biodynamic. Some wineries use less paper in their office and then call themselves sustainable.

Why should we bother with eco wine when it is so complicated? Let’s focus on the major issues to consider, and you can decide.

The definition of organic varies regionally. Many of us choose organic food to avoid ingesting harmful chemicals, and wine is no different. Most organic wine will be labeled as such, but know that the definition of the organic process is unique to city in which the wine is made. If wine is labeled organic, at minimum you can be sure that it will contain fewer chemicals. We recommend trying organic wines from Italian regions like Piedmont and Tuscany, as well as Chile and California, for great examples.

What about biodynamic wines? Biodynamic practices are a relatively new phenomenon being embraced by the some of the top wineries of the world, including Domaine Leroy in Burgundy and Maison Chapoutier in the Rhone Valley. Biodynamic methods are some of the most interesting and bizarre in the agricultural world, yet they are credited with saving some of the most chemically ravaged regions in France. Biodynamic practices are essentially a method of caring for both the physical and spiritual components of the land. The result is natural, chemical-free wines that are as artisanal as artisanal gets. More and more, biodynamic wines are beating out traditional wines in taste tests. Look for the biodynamic label in French regions of Alsace, Rhone and California.

What are sulfites? Sulfites occur naturally as a bi-product of fermentation. They are also added as a preservative and antioxidant in wines and across the food industry. A small percentage of people are allergic or sensitive to sulfites, but, for most, sulfite levels in wine are not of concern. Though no wine will be sulfite free, you can look for low-sulfite wine if you are sensitive to sulfites or are opposed to additives.

Natural or sustainable wines? Unfortunately, these labels are not very well regulated. You will have to research the vineyard to know for sure. The goal is to find a vineyard that cares for the land they farm and the community it resides in. To complicate things, there are many wines that are organic but do not label, perhaps due to a lack of available certification in their region or an arduous certification process.

At the end of the day, wine should be consumed out of passion—enjoy whatever makes you happy. Look for organic or biodynamic labels, talk to your local wine expert, and do your own research. The options are plentiful, and we hope you find
the balance that’s right for you.

Yoga, like sustainability, is a practice. It is incremental, ongoing, and there’s no arrival at any particular end. Yoga is a practice of attention to breath and movement, originating in ancient India and associated with meditation. The practice of yoga calls for increased awareness about oneself and one’s connections to others and the world.

Through greater awareness and connection, yoga can empower individuals, and ultimately communities, to learn, discuss and engage in positive change.

In this sense, while yoga can be a divine personal treat, it doesn’t have to be a selfish act. The practice has tremendous ripple effects from several different sources. According to Kelly Quintia, Los Angeles-based yoga and wellness goddess, self-care can increase self-awareness and attention to basic physical things like eating, drinking and sleep, as well as larger things like one’s job and lifestyle. From there, questions about connections may begin to arise, such as the sources of one’s food and the impact of one’s job.

A more sustainable society arises from “creating sustainability in oneself, first through better health, better lifestyle habits and better choices in food and liquids,” says Kelly. “One starts to take that attention to others—and a greater point of view through politics and lifestyle,” says Kelly. She adds that this heightened awareness leads to greater learning and conversation, and that “conversation leads to action.”Several strands of yoga exist, but, in general, the larger goals of the yoga practice include attainment of greater spiritual insight and sustained well-being of the body and mind.

In yoga, through our breath and sweat, we burn out toxicity and stagnation, and we replace it with physical rejuvenation and heightened awareness.“We’re burning away emotional baggage, releasing where stagnation persists, and flushing in areas that haven’t been ‘touched’ before,” says Kelly. Through this process, yoga can help us work through negative emotions and baggage, improving our moods and, often, our interactions with others. Yogis can share with others the sense of balance, health and good vibes they find in class.

click thumbnails to view full editorial || photographer: Adam Levett | hair+makeup: Sheri Stroh of Plutino Group | assistant hair+makeup: Nina Farrauto of Plutino Group | model: Autumn of Ford Models | backdrops by Crown Wallpaper

Green Beauty (online retailer) : www.greenbeauty.ca | Crown Wallpaper : crownwallpaper.com

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