Style and Sustainability Can Co-Exist
Bamboo is a phenomenal plant. It grows at rates of over one meter per day, in as vastly different areas of the world as Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the southeastern United States. It is used as both a building material and a food source in many Asian countries. Increadibly, bamboo can also be made into silky-smooth fabric that is naturally anti-microbial, protects against UV, and is wrinke-resistant.
The first time I walked into Lucid Lifestyle on Whyte Avenue, I was impressed. Not only do they carry casual and athletic clothing made out of a variety of sustainable fabrics, including bamboo, but they haven’t sacrificed fashion to do it. I commented to Andrew Gonzalez, owner of Lucid Lifestyle, that I wished I could buy the whole store. His response was, “Please don’t. Seriously. Only buy something if you need it.” Not your standard response from a business owner
Andrew began Lucid Lifestyle as a street vendor with a tent on Whyte Avenue. He was so successful that he has now opened a store. Andrew has set out to provide organic clothing options to Edmonton and surrounding area, while being careful to chose items that are sustainably made and with an eye for social justice issues. While originally Lucid Lifestyle stocked clothing that was made internationally, they are now moving to feature as many Canadian companies as possible. When asked for the reason behind the switch, Andrew explained that buying from Canadian suppliers supports local economic growth. It is also easier to ensure that Canadian companies are not using child labour and are paying a fair wage to their employees. Even with transparent trade practices, it is hard to be sure that the international company you are dealing with is as honest as it says it is.
Lucid Lifestyle also does a wonderful job of providing mens and womens clothing at a reasonable price, no small trick for a niche-market business. What is the secret? Andrew sums it up: “Make it easy for the customer. Keep it affordable. Take the hit. We’re not in this to get rich.” Lucid Lifestyle is a store out to change the way we think about fashion. Clothing is about expression, and happily there is a way to balance style and sustainability. Lucid Lifestyle does a wonderful job of providing sustainable, organic and natural options for those looking for casual clothing and accessories.
Popular Pick: LT Bone Tech Jacket by LiViTY Eco-Textiles, made of 30% hemp, 70% recycled bottles
Andrew’s Pick: Anything made out of bamboo fabric
My Pick: the super comfortable Henley shirt by alternative earth
Check out Lucid Lifestyle at 10434 82 Avenue, Edmonton or find them on FACEBOOK
This post was written by Erika Elves, a student at The King’s University College in Edmonton, AB.
Posted: February 12th, 2009 under Elves, King's Students.
Tags: bamboo, clothes, clothing, hemp, lucid lifestyle, style, sustainability
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