What's Your Story? Eco-ethical
What's Your Story? features the different characters that roam the streets of Toronto. Every Monday and Thursday, a new person shares their story, likes and dislikes about the city, a little secret and more.
Name: Kerry
Age: 32
What neighbourhood are you from? Jarvis and Isabella
What do you 'do'? I own an eco-ethical clothing store on Yonge Street called, Green Is Black.
How long have you been in Toronto? 3 years
What's your story?
In high school, I made all of my clothing out of reclaimed material and also did some modeling. Post-secondary wise, I went into social services in non-profit and I just decided to make the switch to for profit. I felt like I could give people the choices that I thought were available and the ability to vote with their dollar for what they believe in. The store is a good combination of my interests.
Favorite thing(s) about Toronto:
The neighborhoods. I like how it's divided into neighborhoods. And the people.
Least favorite thing(s) about Toronto:
The pollution.
You have 24 hours to spend with someone who's never been to Toronto before - what do you do?
I would take them to brunch at Pulp Kitchen and then, I would take out an AutoShare car to visit all of my favorite neighborhoods like Kensington and Leslieville. For lunch, I would take them to Camros for BeauVega dessert. I would take them to dinner at Live and then, take them out dancing to one of the many neat clubs.
One thing that your friends/family don't know about you:
Sometimes, I might not go out if I have a really great book. I might say I'm not up for it.
Comments (66)
What's the difference between environmentally-friendly and Eco-ethical?
Is the former old-fashioned or the later is a new ethic's system in philosophically which also argues that there is a priory imperative that if you get featured on blogto you're totally out of touch and living in an utopian Toronto where people eat in fancy restaurants shop in eco-ethical stores and they all love Kensington market despite its utterly depressing atmosphere with Rastas and drug- addicts.
... But then again who really cares about blogto?
Sorry. :-)
You lost me Zack.
Eco-Ethical means you can autoshare around town apparently (i.e. it's greenwash bullshit). Environmentalists would walk, bike or take transit.
Zack, if you really didn't care about blogTO, you wouldn't keep coming back to troll blogTO, would you?
Gee, of all the eco-environmentally-friendly-ethical profiles I've ever read, this is the eco-environmentally-friendly-ethicaliest!
Me? I'm waiting for the next big thing: Ego-ethical.
Cool idea for a store. I visited the website...the stuff isn't bad, but I definitely can't afford to dress that eco-ethically.
Strange that something that minimizes transport and packaging costs can end up being so expensive. How does one explain $130 shorts and $42 100% cotton tshirts? Local labour is that expensive? Yikes.
Greg J. Smith 
on July 24, 2008 2:10 PM
@Zack
Wow.. that is quite the sentence. Clearly you either need a soapbox or a blog to get your important message out!
Can you please do a "whats your story" on Zack so we can all bash him?
but then again I don't think he would have an interesting story to tell.
some freaking environmentalist she is. Autho share when parking is a zillion dollars and TTC can get her to every place she wants to go? Why not bike? Walk? @ben is totally right. these greenwashed environmentalist are lying hypocrites.
ttc would definitely be a more environmentally friendly way to show friends around the city! autoshare is definitely better than owning a car, but getting from kensington to leslieville is cheaper, greener, and might even take less time by public transit!
but for the record, kensington market is the least depressing place in the world.
kensington market reminds me of the third world
not that it isn't a nice place to visit once in a while...
why wouldn't she just cook at home with recycled ingredients? and use cardboxes as tables and chairs?
Hey Anon!
I work for Kerry at her store. I don't think it's a good idea to jump to conclusions based on one sentence in one article about someone. Greenwashing IS a serious issue in our line of work, but bashing companies and person that try to be ethical isn't the best way to go. Were all in this together, let's build a community based on positivity instead of name-calling. Come into our store and see what we are about!
To Mego and Ratpick,
Shared cars have a time and place, but meandering around town is not a situation where one should be used.
who the f%*# are you to tear apart somebody who puts their life on display for all to see? if your life is so much greener (if your sh#$ don't stink) then why haven't we seen your profile up here (maybe it's over at Torontoist)? Otherwise, do us all a favour and stay inside your glass house. I've been in this store and Kerry was one of the nicest store owners I have met (refreshing from Queen West).
(and please, using neo-colonial phrases that do nothing but reinforce stereotypes only make your argument that much weaker. Ok, hot pants?! keep shopping at value village, a place which really destroys the environment and helps to keep this 'third world' that you talk about 'inferior' - if you don't know how it does this, keep your blissful ignorant existence to yourself.)
Green solutions aren't green if they are a niche market: aren't affordable to the half of Canadians who make less than $35K/yr, which is the average. Thus the sum of stores like this aren't green, because they are a miniscule part of the market, and effect little change, pollution or carbon reduction.
Solutions for the environment must be systemic at least, and speciest at best: get rid of the species causing the problem. Cringe as you like, but that will be the effect in the end: humans gone, and whatever's left will rebuild a diverse biosphere. It happened to the dinosaurs, lucky for us.
I totally agree with mego above. Why not focus your energy on doing instead of talking. We all can afford to improve some things in our lives so think about the things that you can contribute and you will find that a conscious mind can only become wiser.
One more note to Guy, I design sustainable fairly made clothing in Canada on both sides of the Coast so for one thing, this country is big and shipping costs are exponential. I also pay my small manufacturers prices that reflect fair wages. I know they are receiving good pay and benefits. The fabrics I use, on top of it all, are not cheap but the prices are getting better and better. I work with domestic suppliers and local contractors. We do what we can to make the prices affordable but you have to understand that the clothes you are used to buying are made by sweatshop workers for the masses. People get treated like dirt in these factories because there are always more to replace them. They get short weekly or monthly contracts that force them to obey so they can get signed on for another one. people have to migrate and leave their families so they can sleep on a dirt floor in Mexico. Green and compassion go hand in hand. Cheap unsustainable goods (not just clothes) are soon to be a thing of the past. There are different ways of making things without being hurtful to our earth and other sentient beings.
What bugs me about these stores, vegetarianism, and champagne-socialism, is the smugness. I'd like to see social-justice and a green Earth too, but I don't congratulatorily-masturbate when I pay a fortune for cotton goods, because it doesn't make a difference.
I was a conservative for years, because the odious smugness of the left put me off the 'better angels of my nature'. Were it not that neo-cons are more odiously smug than the left today, I might still have been conservative.
I like this section of T.O. Blog "what's your story".
Too bad that a lot of GUYS are PSM'ing hateful comments today. what a shame...
We've all taken our 'critical theories' classes, 'done with this', get over it. I was being tongue in cheek, though I admit it came off less funny than I imagined. (SORRY)
My point, anyway, is that Kensington is generally poorly maintained, smells funny, has buildings of questionable structural integrity and drug-deals in plain sight. These aren't attractive qualities for any neighbourhood, but Kensington generally gets a pass because this apparently goes hand in hand with its eclectic nature. It looks underdeveloped and it reminds me, in a way, of some third-world towns. It does have its positives though, it's friendly and interesting, which is why I said it's a decent place to visit.
As for the subject of this post, I didn't criticize her, I criticized the price of products at her online store.
I like this section of T.O. Blog "what's your story".
Too bad that a lot of GUYS are PSM'ing hateful comments today. what a shame...
I guess there's a little bit of "eco"-fatigue creeping in, especially when it's attached to comsumerism.
I voice my opinion in this blog and let the rest of you know that what you see posted here is insubstantial fluff which is like a bad air hanging over Toronto.
The real truth of Toronto is poverty, social disconnection, failing economy and aging infrastructure.
But then again these matters are far above the head or too strong for the noses of people who run blogto and get featured on it. To them what matters is their Starbuck's coffee in the morning and gap t-shirts or the new scarfs (kayfas?).
'Ratpick' put his finger on it. The myth that 'consumers' can effect change through their pocket book is bunkus, and people are waking up to it. For hope, we need a complete political/social/environmental revolution. Right... At this point our own extinction is looking good.
apetimberlake on July 24, 2008 4:53 PM
"The real truth of Toronto is poverty, social disconnection, failing economy and aging infrastructure"
Get a grip.
@Zack:
You must be one of those intellectuals man. That's awesome. You are just so concerned about humanity and social justice. good for you. That is probably why you are reading a blog that you condemn of not being relevant. good job, keep up the good work Chomsky.
@Zack:
Toronto has many pieces. You don't have to agree to like everyone of them, but railing out against the bright spots just makes you comical and a nuisance. Nothing more.
If you want to truly make a difference, and I feel that you sincerely do, bring your voice and lamentations to those folks who are in charge of effective change.
Here's the definition of Eco-ethical:
Eco-Ethical Practices
Fair Price:
Better price for premium agricultural products ? far above the artificially-low world market price for cotton which is a result of American and European government subsidies.
This ensures organic cotton and bamboo farmers receive a fair wage so they can better feed and educate their children.
Environmental Sustainability:
Encouraging small-scale farmers to invest in sustainable farming practices which ensure the long-term health of the soil and water supplies.
Also benefits the health of farming communities by eliminating the use of harmful chemical.
Working Conditions ? Ethical, Sweatshop Free!
* Domestic (current)
* Fair Labor Association (approved!)
* Domestic spot checks
* Passed social audit inspection by Fairtrade Labeling Organization
Environment
* All stationary made with post consumer waste fiber, made with wind power where possible
* Hangtags printed on FSC-certified recycled paper
* All stationary made in Canada
* All products made in Canada only yarn is shipped to Canada reducing fuel use. Largest shipping distance of product is from Quebec to Ontario
* Bullfrog powered
* Use Internet for online sales, communications, marketing and public relations
* We do not hand out many catalogues instead we hand out our coupon one page flyer.
* All orders shipped in pre-used recycled cardboard boxes without plastic wrapping
Sustainable Materials
* Organic Materials
* Bamboo (sustainable)
* Recycled Polyester
I wasn't going to comment, but what the heck... if you're not part of the solution - you're a part of the problem. I live in a bachelor apartment with my 4 year old, walk absolutely everywhere I go, haven't used a drier in over 10 years, eat an all plant based diet with as much local fair as I can muster (and yes, I use autoshare about 4 times a year for very special occasions). Anyone every read "Natural Capitalism" by Amory Lovins - it's a good read... I thought I would use my media opportunity and 'share the wealth', so to speak, by plugging some of the Toronto businesses who I think are doing beautiful things - not to promote mass consumerisms. And, yes, the clothing that I sell is not cheap... wake-up call: clothing isn't cheap to produce in an ethical fashion (you don't have to buy it - I do encourage people to have most, and if they can do it: all, of their clothing be second hand... which the dress I'm wearing in the picture is btw)... and to re-work their ideas about quantity. I'm always trying to source clothing that is as reasonable as possible without squeezing the small, independent artist... I guess that concludes my peaceful rant:) Peace!
Zack:
Please create and dedicate all of your time to running a misery-ridden website dedicated to poverty, social disconnection, failing economy and aging infrastructure.
Hang out there all day so that you don't have time to troll here anymore.
Christopher:
Eco-ethical is just another fancy marketing phrase to sell people expensive stuff and make them feel good about. I have no sympathy for those who fall for such snake-oil products but I do feel annoyed when practitioners of such practices are elevated.
IMO, the old ladies who sell vegetables on the street in Spadina are the true eco-ethical vendors, they don't even use electricity!
I'm off to Beeches Jazz festival (which this blog failed to even mention).
Peace,
There is so much bile in all these comments.
World to blogto.com, most rational people have given up on your comments section for these features. It's *embarrasing* to read them.
Seriously, I've giving up on this now too. The comments are always deep sixed by this useless garbage early on, and they never recover.
Boingboing uses disemvowlement sparingly, please consider it.
a family of 6 live in an apartment in hong kong the size of our bachelor apartment here, so not sure what'a the big deal about that... and toronto is third world, so of course kensington market reminds u of third world... judging by our current state, toronto is going to be a ghetto pretty soon...btw, i wonder why she wears makeup..hopefully they are not tested on animals
"I guess there's a little bit of "eco"-fatigue creeping in, especially when it's attached to comsumerism."
Yes @ Ratpick...
"The comments are always deep sixed by this useless garbage early on, and they never recover."
Yes, you're right, and it is very unfortunate that a handful of individuals continue to bring negativity and insult these well-intended pieces, week after week.
I've asked them both publicly and privately to reconsider their sabotaging and harrassing our writers and subjects, to no avail.
We are reconsidering our open commenting policy, which clearly gives people the benefit of the doubt, and apparently shouldn't.
I cannot believe some of the reviews and comments of this feature story.
This feature is not about how "ghetto" Toronto is becoming or the third world. It is about Kerry who is doing far more for the environment than most of us could ever commit to in our lifetime.
It's sad that some of you cannot simply accept that Kerry is doing something that many of us cannot do. I bet you cannot give up your SUV, cheap sweatshop clothing and daily meat diet. And you are contributing to the climate change, child labour and extinction of species, each and every day. Maybe you can live with who you are, but some people, selfless like Kerry, will put others before her needs and do what is ethical.
Kerry, you are an inspiration! I'm sorry you had to read some of these comments.
regardless of how much the clothing is, whether or not she drives autoshare blah blah blah. This woman and her business are in fact making more of a difference then the majority of people currently living and doing business in our city.
Like any other issue, in order for something to become systematic, the people involved must grow to numbers of citizens who are heard.
One or two politicians or hippies aren't going to stir things up enough for the 'system' to start making change. Change happens when you have a mass exodus of people changing their minds. People like Kerry help stir this up, get more people involved which eventually will start a systematic deconstruction of our current eco-situation.
Change doesn't happen overnight, it starts with individuals like this who learn to compromise and educate others on how to compromise for a better way for all of us.
To say anything along the lines of 'why bother?' is insane. You can wait for some sort of systematic change all you want (make sure you bring a bag lunch, you'll be here for a while) but don't be negative to others who take their thumbs out of their asses and do something about it NOW.
skimmed through most of the comments 'cause I'm just assuming (based on past experience) that most are just vitriolic anyway.
Wanted to say - cool shop and nice idea. I actually don't shop much but when I do I'll go and check it out. Thanks
Maybe you should disallow comments on features like this. If we aren't to debate the things they say (in a considerate way, which includes constructive criticism), what are we left with? A stream of unadulterated praise? I like positivity, but that seems dishonest.
guy - I agree. I think a debate about eco-consumerism would be great for example but some people make it a personal attack on the individual - that's what I can't stand.
The problem is, the majority of criticism hasn't been "considerate" nor "constructive".
It's basically commentators ripping apart these people because of what they're wearing, what they look like, where they live, and dismissing any sort of cause they're involved with as being disingenuous, because "they're hypocrites" or "haven't done enough" - a conclusion which they've aptly made, based on the 6 lines of answers provided.
I'd like to see these critics have their own profiles posted for everyone to see and comment on, so that they can show how utterly fascinating and selfless and perfect they are.
All in favour of Zack being profiled, say "aye" (I don't suspect that he's the type that has the kahones to take what he dishes out).
Please people, reserve your indignation, you see, these people like Kerry are profiled here with the knowledge that they'll be thrown to the Jackals (us) later on to be ripped apart. Its good for business because we keep coming back and posting comments - boosting traffic = generating ad revenue.
Jerrold, please don't give me the "big balls" argument, why don't you post more profiles of normal people like that window washer and no one will post negative comments.
Ooh they wouldnt put up my comment. Was no less offensive than any of the others. Thanx Blog To for blacklisting my opinion.
It's fair to ask why something costs what it does, but if there's a reasonable answer (which in Green is Black's case, I believe there is), the real question is to look hard at "how is everything else so cheap?" Then buy less of better.
I'm really glad Kerry opened her store. Trying to find well-made, environmentally responsible clothing (beyond organic cotton tshirts) in Toronto has been challenging-to-impossible for years.
I've already bought a couple of items from Green is Black, both of which I'm really happy with.
Thanks for putting yourself out there Kerry, and ditto on keeping up the good work.
Agreed Catherine, and anonymous and Kerry both gave me decent answers, though I have some reservations about the notion that everything not locally made must be from a sweatshop and their idea of a fair wage.
I think she has a specialty store that appeals to a certain niche, but a lot has to happen before it becomes a practical option.
I have read most of the comments to this profile and not a single one is truly offensive, they're critical yes but not offensive. People disagree with a certain trend and they express their opinion about it.
I don't know what sort of bubble some of these folks live in where no one questions them and offers them a varying opinion. I was also shocked by a post made by someone named "kimchi_lady" who literally prostrates to the lady profiled and analogizes for us!
Seriously, the problem is not us, the problem is with these people and their detachment from real people with opinions, the problem is this bubble that they live in and their inability to differentiate between criticism and abuse.
My comments are critical but not mean spirited.
ABC's of trolls.
A) They're only here for attention.
B) Don't feed that need by making them the center of attention / asking everyone to pass judgement on them.
C) Go watch super nanny.
There is nothing reasonable about the debate here, it's always a coveted attempt at self-aggrandizement flown under the flag of whatever bullshit they can convience people of ("I'm just telling it as it is").
Just get over this crap by disemvowling. They don't get the attention they crave, and like on super nanny they will likely have a hissy fit, but after all that it's over.
Seriously, the longer you let it go on the harder it is to shake this BS later on.
I'll have to side with Zack...sort of...on this. I'm not sure that characterizing this whole thread as trolling is fair.
Also, can you please please please stop saying disemvowelling.
This place seriously needs some sort of moderation... maybe not outright deleting of posts, but a way for registered users to mod posts up or down, like the commenting system at slashdot.org. They make it really easy to ignore the low-rated comments while preserving the entire thread.
I personally don't agree with disemvowelling or outright deletion of posts; let people's idiotic statements stand as they are (ie. "Man-love was invented by the Greeks!") but I do like the suggestion of using Slashdot's mod model. A little more democratic, and the Trolls get sent to the bottom of the heap.
You don't need to delete posts, just do what Gawker does... Have all commenters register and if they ever say anything insulting, offesnive, obnoxious, or just plain stupid: public executions.
Posting comments should be a privilege, not a right. The comments on blogto are generally way more thoughtful than the crap you see on The Globe or The Star, but the personal attacks that always show up on profiles are really obnoxious.
For Zack:
There are two types of criticisms. I welcome constructive ones but comments such as "these environmentalists are lying hypocrites" or questions " why wouldn't she just cook at home with recycled ingredient?" cannot be considered constructive. It is unnecessary, distasteful and immature.
Zack, people disagree all the time. But how they express their opinion is just as important as the message. Your comment about Kensington market and "its utterly depressing atmosphere with Rastas and drug-addicts" was unnecessary, distasteful and immature. And hence, negative comments surrounding you followed.
The problem is simple. Lack of respect.
we have all grown up wearing clothes made in far away countries and it seems to be affordable china philippines ... even my bag from MEC was made in vietnam
so when stuff is made in north america I don't know why but it is more expensive take American Apparell as an example ... I don't shop there because it is just too pricey ... why does it cost more if made here ?
and for the nasty comments ... just ignore them they are just negative people who don't have a voice anywhere else and can hide behind a keyboard and a website that let's them get away with it ... nobody is perfect
Kas, clothes cost more when they're made in North America because there are federal laws protecting workers' rights to make a minimum wage. No such laws exist in countries like China, the Phillipines and Vietnam, or the laws are ignored in favour of bringing corporate business to their economies. It's called "The Global Economy".
The person who made your MEC bag was likely paid under a dollar to make it. Are you comfortable with that? Does that sound fair to you? If it doesn't, then you can be grateful that people like Kerry are brave enough to say no to the Wal-Marts and Gaps of the world and force us to recognize that CLOTHES ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THIS CHEAP, and acknowledge that when they are, it means that someone, somewhere is being exploited.
RBeezy on July 27, 2008 1:46 PM
Zack, you like the sound of your own typing. I suspect it's a fetish thing.
everyone else, the fact that you are even responding negatively to this blog is a sure sign of the guilt you feel for your part in contributing to the environmental crisis this world is in.
oh you don't, do you? I guess your computer is made out of 100% renewable resources and didn't emit any effluvium during it's creation. and I suppose the energy it sucks comes from green sources too. and your last computer isn't sitting in a third-world e-dump getting its toxic parts dissected by old women and children.
my point is, get off your collective high horses and applaud someone who is making a career out of making a difference. it's not like she's clubbing cute bunnies for kicks - check The Star for that.
Hi Zack! (And everyone.)
Once again... stop making character judgments based on a few sentences. You're putting words in our mouths and that is not fair. You are projecting what you think we think or act, and making assumptions about a lifestyle I am not sure you may fully understand. Making up things in your head is not fact, and basing an opinion on such reality shuts you down and prohibits you from actually exploring the world around you. Remember- to assume makes and ass out of you and me. Hahahaha... that never gets old.
However, yes, there are snobby 'greenies'. Being a snob and looking down and insulting people you don't know- in any circumstance, based on any criteria- is douchie behaviour.
Once again, if anyone wants to know what we're about just come into the store!
Happy P.S. Kensington Everybody!
I'm glad someone FINALLY mentioned the amount our IT based society is contributing to our demise (RBreezy).
Hi Kerry
I just want to say that your shop sounds great and that you look like Sophie Ellis Bextor!
Thanks Jason, that was a solid reply.
A response to Guy Lafleur and a few other people out there. This is a simple analogy of the break down of the cost of t-shirt made today that is affordable to most people. A t-shirt costs, say, $22.00, break that in half, that is what the store makes and what the designer(s)/company makes, divide that in half and take away about 20%, that is what costs to make the garment, take about 40% of that and that is materials. Take the 60% and that goes to the factory. Usually the workers make about 0.08% of the final profit of that t-shirt. You know how much that is? Work it out. Take the time, please. Now every time you shop- think about that. Think why is this so cheap? or...why is this so expensive? No one is telling anyone to go out and buy all green/eco fabulous, whatever. Just THINK about it at least. DO THE MATH. Someone is being abused and I can promise you it ain't no on the design team or the sale staff or even the factory, lol. I worked in the mass garment industry for some time and I learned a lot. It also made me sick. I have seen it first hand (no not the factories in Hong Kong but others I know have). I am not saying every company out there is doing this but just look at the prices, break it down, do the math. And this is easy math. I now have an eco-friendly/ethical women's clothing line and I barely make a profit. I am constantly lowering my prices so that consumers can afford my goods, and this is what I get?!! All of these rants above from people who don't really know what they are talking about (a few of you excluded of course). I am appalled by the level of ignorance from you people. Oh and who was the one who said Value Village is a bad place to shop?? haha, that's so stupid it's funny. You know their profits go to charity? Where I live we have something called Frenchy's and it is a used clothing chain. It is fabulous. I find Prada, vintage Westwood and old retro finds that make my wardrobe more stylish and eco friendly than it would ever be if I just shopped at the Gap or better yet, Walmart. There are a lot of low-income families where I live and they all shop at Frenchy's. It is a very good second option for those of you out there trying to be more sustainable in your daily practices. There is nothing wrong with shopping second hand and then buying some items (for yes more money) that you use a lot like a great winter coat or a pair of boots. A little black dress, a purse, whatever. It's an investment. The items at Kerry's store are investments and if you can't afford them take the other route. Just please! stop bitching about our prices- this is just the beginning and when the whole industry changes for the better you will be forced to make better decisions, so why not start now? think about it.
Thank you AM. First of all, we cannot be eco-perfect - however, we are defining or deconstructing the terms. We can do the best we can do and at least we are more aware. To even have these stores will create the next step and these breakthrough ideas and concepts will have to be mainstreamed. I do agree that labels like edun etc. are a far reach for me and most people, but I buy vintage when I see something I like and have even have a few bamboo tops.
What I don't appreciate is people preaching to me about only buying organic or fair trade or whatever - yes, there are green snobs. The inaccessibility concept doesn't seem to penetrate. Those who can should, those that can't - try what you can do. For example, I usually try to buy one produce item organic when I'm veggie/fruit shopping and when the organic is equal or just a little more I'll buy it. I've been using organic skincare for most of life (many home-made and ayurvedic) and I'm vegetarian. But when I'm tired, I might just hop on the TTC instead of my bike or even take a cab because I haven't been feeling well. I feel white, upper class Canadians in the "environmental movement" sometimes forget that some people don't have the means or time to always decide the "right thing to do". The government, companies and other stakeholders need to make these options more viable, sustainable and most of all accessible in the long run. Also - please never use "Third World" again...it is totally old-school and ignorant.
I think it's a little counterproductive to buy ONE organic produce and the rest now. What you want to be buying is LOCAL.
Not organic...well local organic is the best and def. not the cheapest. Buying organic from California (and you are in TO or wherever) is ridiculous...don't we know this by now?
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