Island Girl Goes Sustainable

AROUND TOWN | CHRISTINE VAN TUYL

SHOPPING FOR GOOD PLANET-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

Coronado is almost completely surrounded by water, so we are continuously reminded of the beauty (and fragility) of nature. While most of us try to do our best to ditch the plastic, actively recycle and carry reusable shopping bags, sometimes we let things slip. Fortunately, many shops carry earth-friendly items, so we can support the environment as we shop local. Best part? Products that help Mother Nature also make the most thoughtful and unforgettable gifts. Check it out.

IT’S ONLY FAIR

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a store that stocks more unique, hand-crafted, environmentally friendly products from all over the world than Fair Trade Décor. You’ll find Bee’s Wrap reusable food wrap (use instead of plastic baggies), and you’ll be enchanted by the beautiful textiles repurposed from women’s saris in India and the leaf lights made with fossilized leaves from the Philippines. Items have the global ecosystem (and the human spirit) in mind, as the shop is dedicated to helping people lift themselves out of poverty in improved working conditions. • Fair Trade Décor, 828 Orange Ave. (619) 675-0072 FairTradeDecor.com

S E A S I D E T R E A S U R E S

Although this fetching and disarmingly sweet little boutique has a wide range of colorful, enthralling gifts, Seaside Papery also offers products for the environmentally savvy. Check out the festive printed Baggu reusable shopping bags and the eye-catching Blue Q zipper pouches made of 95% recycled material. Don’t forget the reusable straws in snappy “Strawsome” and “Sippity Doo Dah” packaging. (Did I mention the free gift wrapping?)

• Seaside Papery 1162 Orange Ave. (619) 435-5565 SeasidePapery.com

T H E U N E X P E C T E D A N D U P C YC L E D

This charming little shop is easy to miss, but once inside, you’ll delight in all the quirky and thoughtful finds. Adorn was created by the owners of the Attic to share unique and trendy everyday items from around the world. Check out the Pinky Up glass travel infuser mugs and the repurposed wooden home décor. The store also has a big selection of fashionable reusable cloth bags you’ll be proud to carry around town and stuff with (obviously) organic produce.

• Adorn 1011 Orange Ave. (619) 435-5432 AdornCoronado.com

M A S T E R F U L LY C U R AT E D

Walking into Bungalow 56 is like getting a warm, soft hug from your best friend. This shop is bursting with pillows, rugs and furniture, in addition to elegant home staples. You’ll also find fab Mother Earth-minded wares like brass “forever” straws from Murchison-Hume that elevate the look of everything you drink. (They even come with a chic linen zipper pouch and cleaning brush.) And don’t forget the classic Coronado shopping tote with leather straps made from 100% natural golden jute fiber, artisan-crafted in Bangladesh.

• Bungalow 56 Shop, 1016 C Ave., (619) 537-0236, Bungalow56.com

TA K E T H E N E X T S T E P

So, you’ve got your reusable water bottle, shopping bags and straws. It’s time to take your eco-smarts to the next level with the Emerald Keepers reusable utensil set. Made from bamboo, the set includes fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks. Buy online at emeraldKeepers.org. Proceeds help support the local non-profit organization – a volunteer-led grassroots effort to care for our community and ensure Coronado’s sustainability.