If you follow trends, I am sure you will have noticed all the attention that has been paid to green and organic living in the past couple of years. Toronto, as a modern city, is keeping up with what is fashionable, as well as what is good for its citizens' health, and therefore places offering organic goods are abundant in the city. Check out the best places to go if you want your life to be as "green" as possible!

It is good to start with a definition to make sure everyone understands what the word that is going to be used many, many times in this article means. In this article, “organic” refers to the way products have been grown and processed. No use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics, or preservatives is allowed. Natural fertilizers and composts are used instead.

Organic farming in Canada was “limited to small groups of producers, processors and consumers” for a very long time, but it has gotten immensely popular in recent years. During the last decade, sales of organic products have been rising by about 20 per cent a year. Such products are very easy to recognize — they all have the Canada Organic label; a maple leaf rising above two hilltops. In Toronto, most things organic are easy to find, and this article will help guide you where to find them.

Grocery Delivery

If you are too busy shop in grocery stores, this is not a problem at all. There are many organic grocery delivery services in Toronto that will make your life a lot easier. Furthermore, by staying home, you save your time and plastic bags, which are usually used in grocery stores, as well as your own carbon footprint. All you need is a couple of minutes of your time, Internet access, a list of goods you want to buy, and a credit card or cash.

Green Earth Organics (GEO)

Green Earth Organics (GEO)

The aim of Green Earth Organics is to provide its customers with “the freshest and very best organic products available.” GEO offers weekly or bi-weekly delivery of organic goods. You can choose from the three weekly changing bins full of seasonal selections of organic fruit and vegetables that GEO has in store, the $37 Regular Harvest Box, $47 Family Harvest Box or the $60 Super Harvest Box. All of these can be modified slightly, but you can also create your own bin to control completely what products you are going to get. Pick anything you like from the great selection of 100 per cent Certified Organic fruit, vegetables, dairy, and other grocery products. You can change your order until 9:00 am the day before the delivery.

Deliveries are made on the same day each week; the exact day depends on your location. The delivery time is always between 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Payments are made via pre-authorized debit or credit card, but it is possible to agree on other methods of payment as well. If you are not satisfied with some of the delivered products, do not hesitate: if you bring it to their attention, you can get a replacement. You can also have a good feeling about using the services of GEO: the products are 100% organic, they are delivered in reusable bins instead of plastic bags, and importantly, shopping there helps to support local farmers and local businesses.

Front Door Organics Inc. 

Front Door Organics Inc.

415 Horner Avenue
Since 1997, Front Door Organic (FDO) has been helping Torontonians to live better and healthier lives. It offers an unbelievable selection of goods — more than 500 certified organic and ecologically responsible grocery items. The choice is fantastic; and the quality is superb. Supporting local business is crucial, and Front Door Organics is very much aware of that, as it gives priority to Ontario grown organics, Ontario producers, and Ontario-based businesses.

Check out their webpage and choose your delivery schedule. Do you want your groceries to be delivered weekly, biweekly, or every three or four weeks? Do you want to skip some weeks? It is up to you. Again, the day of delivery depends on where you live. The time is between noon and 10:00 pm, and you do not have to be home to receive your delivery. You can also pick up the goods yourself if you live outside the FDO delivery area.

With regard to payment, it is necessary to pay by credit card or a cheque (mailed in advance) for the first delivery, but after that, it is possible to agree on paying by cheque or cash. Simply said, they FDO is trying to do everything to make their clients satisfied, and the hard work has been paying off, it seems. In 2010, it won the Organic Council of Ontario’s 2010 award for Outstanding Direct To Consumer Operation. Try their services and see whether the award is deserved.

Mama Earth Organic

Mama Earth Organic

Mama Earth Organic entered the market only recently, in 2007. Its main goal is “to provide a service where local farms are given priority and members are able to access the freshest organic items available at a fair price,” and it is doing a pretty good job, as the number of its customers keeps growing.

MEO offers a variety of goods, from organic fruits and vegetables to organic cheese, eggs, freshly baked organic breads, organic milk, and so on. You can choose from a few available baskets changing every week ($27.50-$55) or have it your way and create a special basket that suits your needs. Decide how often you want to receive your delivery. Do not worry: it is not compulsory to order a basket every week — everything is up to you. As for the financial matters, there is a $10 membership fee, but other than that, no pre-payments are necessary.

Places to Eat and Drink

Live Food Bar logo

Live Food Bar

264 Dupont St.
Live, one of the best known Toronto organic raw food restaurants was founded exactly ten years ago, in 2002. It began as Chris Italiano’s organic café and juice bar. With the help of his sister, Jennifer Italiano, the place has been transformed into what it is today. If you think that raw vegan food will not taste delicious, forget it: Live will most certainly prove you wrong. It combines healthy, fresh, high-quality ingredients with unbelievable taste. Its policy is simple; Live believes that “food should only be processed by the human body.”

Like all the aforementioned grocery delivery stores, the restaurant supports local farmers. Furthermore, to prove devotedness to organic lifestyle, Live promised they would cut back on their carbon footprint. Reusing and recycling is also very important in this restaurant. Do not hesitate to try one of the popular Organic Superfood Smoothes or healthy bowls. Get ready for a gourmet experience and to “cleanse your body, mind, and soul.” Live is waiting for you.

The Beet Organic Café

The Beet Organic Café

2945 Dundas Street West
Organic, local and green! These are the words describing The Beet Organic Café perfectly. When Certified Nutritionist Michelle Vella and Homeopathic Doctor Heather Osler started professionally advising people about dietary issues and nutritional protocol, they had no idea that their practice at the clinic would end up helping the whole City of Toronto to live a better and healthier life. That began in 2008, when the Café was opened.

Everything in this place is eco-friendly, from the fresh, organic menu to the 100 per cent biodegradable packaging and the sustainable interior design. Just like the other shops and restaurants we have mentioned, this lovely place aims to “support local farmers by providing fresh local produce whenever possible.” Whether you are in the mood for a smoothie or a milkshake, for a tasty breakfast or a burger, this cafe has it all, and more — absolutely everything organic. Kids love it too! Take them out for a nice afternoon, since this restaurant offers a special children's menu as well. Have fun!

Magic Oven

798 Danforth Ave. and 4 other locations

Even the most health-conscious people might want to spend an evening watching TV and eating pizza. Thanks to the popular family-run local restaurant chain called Magic Oven, one does not have to feel guilty about doing so from time to time. This place offers a wide variety of organic pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. There are a number of Magic Oven restaurants across our city. You can either choose to eat in or take your food home with you. Unsurprisingly, the packaging is enviro-friendly: pizza boxes are made of recycled cardboard and the plastic bags are degradable. Give yourself a little treat and try Toronto’s award-winning pizza.

Mix

Essence of Life Organics logo

Essence of Life Organics

50 Kensington Ave
Out of all the organic shops in Toronto, I have heard the most praise for this one. Essence is a very cute and friendly shop, the greatest positive of which is that it is very visible how passionate about organic products its owners are and how deeply involved they try to be.

The store offers a wide range of products — from groceries to beauty and household products. The selection includes purely vegan and gluten-free products, fresh veggies, prepared meals, baked goods, perfumes, soaps, vitamins, creams and a lot more. It makes no sense to make a list; there are just too many products to mention.

All this combined with reasonable prices, a convenient location, and helpful and friendly staff ready to help any time make this shop so special and popular. Pay a visit to Essence yourself. If you are into the organic lifestyle, you are going to fall in love — if you have not already.

Urb Organic Spa

701 Mt Pleasant Rd
Ladies and gentlemen, what would you say to forgetting all your problems and spending the day in a spa? Sounds like a good idea to me. You can even bring your green lifestyle into the relaxation of the spa! Urb Organic Spa offers absolutely everything you could possibly wish for in a spa. The only difference is that the products used are completely organic. Make sure to check the webpage regularly to be updated about the current monthly promotions. It will be worth it! Take a little time off and enjoy yourself; your skin and body are going to appreciate it!

Belmonte Raw logo

Belmonte Raw

1022 Queen St. East
Belmonte Raw offers a wide range of products in one place. Fresh, organic drinks and food (including unbelievably delicious, sugar-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free desserts) make it seem a little like a buffet restaurant, but it has a lot more in store. Give a chance to one of the three Cleansing Packages “designed to help your body to cleanse and detox through whole, organic living foods.” Would you rather learn how to cook healthy and easy raw meals? Attend one of the classes in the boutique. Come see, taste and learn!

Participate

If living a healthy lifestyle is not enough for you and you would like to do a little more not only for yourself but also for the people around you, apply for one of the organic agriculture and food-related study programmes or participate in an organization dealing with organic issues. What better way to learn more about green living than by being a part of it!

Food Security Studies, Ryerson University, Toronto

Ever since its establishment in 1994, the Centre for Studies in Food Security has been “working to promote food security through research, dissemination, education, community action, and professional practice.” For all those eager to know as much as possible about food security, it is possible to get a certificate in the field. The subjects include Introduction to Food Security, Urban Food Security, and Urban Agriculture Types. Interested? Check out the webpage and apply.

Organic Agriculture, University of Guelph, Ontario

With the increasing popularity of organic products, the Guelph Organic Program has been attracting an increasing number of people. As its title suggests, organic sustainability is what the program is mainly devoted to, however, eating sustainably seems to be becoming prominent as well. If you enjoy reading and talking about these topics, it is a good idea to apply. This university is the perfect location for this program as “Guelph is unique among Canadian universities in offering both academic and applied learning opportunities in organics on campus for a broad range of career directions.”

Canadian Organic Growers (COG)

As unbelievable as it may sound, COG, a registered charity, has been dealing with organic growing for more than three decades. Its aim is to create an “awareness of and appreciation for sustainable organic food.” The charity needs all your support; you can donate or become a member and participate in helping Canada achieve a more healthy and sustainable food system. You might not want to miss an interesting event taking place in Toronto on February 18th, the annual conference in Toronto entitled “Your Food, Your Choice: The Value of Organic”. See COG’s webpage for more details.

Related posts:

1. Green Living Show
2. Going Green – Making Your Home Environmentally Friendly
3. Toronto: A Green City

• ASKING PRICE: $635,000
• SELLING PRICE: $600,000
• TAXES: $4,867 (2011)
• DAYS ON THE MARKET: three
• LISTING AGENT: Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

The Action:

619 Avenue Road

More than a dozen buyers booked appointments to view this one-bedroom corner suite in the Lonsdale high-rise in Forest Hill across from Upper Canada College.

What They Got:

A few years ago, a 40-year-old rental building was converted to house upscale condominiums, including this 1,338 square-foot suite, which is just one of four units on the 14th floor.

Designer finishes include hardwood floors and pot lights in the principal rooms and carpeting in the bedroom off the foyer, in addition to granite counters, mirrored backsplashes and stainless steel appliances in the galley kitchen.

Floor-to-ceiling windows facing north and east illuminate the open living room and adjacent dining area.

A three-piece bathroom and en suite laundry facilities are part of the package, as well as a locker and parking spot.

There is a monthly fee of $1,149, including heating costs and recent renovation of the lobby, elevators and gym. Residents can also use a heated outdoor pool, car wash facilities and 24-hour concierge services.

The Agent’s Take:

“It was an oversized one-bedroom with over 1,300 square feet that had a beautiful view of Upper Canada College and Forest Hill,” says agent Elli Davis. “The building offers much larger units, so this is actually small for the building.”

The unit also benefits from having a sought-after address. “It’s in a luxury building that offers great amenities with valet parking,” says Ms. Davis. “It has easy access to downtown, right between Forest Hill Village and Yonge and St. Clair, so it’s really nicely located.”

From Friday's Globe and Mail, Jan 19, 2012.

Related posts:

1. Forest Hill Home Made Over Inside and Out
2. South Skyline View
3. Forest Hill neighbourhood guide just published!

Related posts:

1. 2011 Real Estate Roundtable Update
2. Post City Magazine Fall Real Estate Round Table
3. Florida Bound – Canadians buying Real Estate in the US

Related posts:

1. How to Buy a Condo in Toronto for Less: Elli Davis Featured on Global’s Real Investment TV
2. Elli Featured on CNBC
3. Elli Davis’ Blog

2012 is here and, as usual, a new year means new trends and styles. Do you know what they are? As I am not attempting to write a book here, I am not going to talk about everything that is going to be fashionable in 2012. If you are planning to change the look of the interior of your house and you want to know what colours will be hot this year, this could be helpful for you. Listen to the experts; they might well help you make your home a chic and super stylish place.

General Trends

Glamorous: that is how I would describe the look of 2012 interior design in one word. Apparently, the interior will be all about luxury and comfort in the upcoming months. According to some experts, this year, “adjacent colours on the colour wheel will be trendy. "The top colours for 2012 “include emerald, ruby, amethyst, sapphire, coral and deep cream,” some professionals say. There are those who are convinced that especially organic neutrals (that is, greys and beiges), golden yellows, grassy greens, and soft pinks are the hit this year, while others believe in the dominance of turquoise, cobalt blue, orange, maroon and fuchsia.

Regarding materials, those with “luxurious finishes, such as marble, wood, leather, and wool” are predicted to be the most popular. Textures will also be extremely in this year, with the combination of fabrics expected to be the most stylish. The predicted mix of comfort and luxury seems like a pretty smart idea, since everyone wants their home to be comfortable and glamorous at the same time. We all want a place we are proud to call our own, and we certainly want it to last more than one season. The two aspects predicted to define 2012 are therefore not likely to get boring any time soon.

Pantone

These were the basic predictions, but let me look at the current trends more in detail. One of the sources I believe we can trust fully is Pantone, perhaps the most “renowned authority on colour” in the world. Pantone has been in the business for nearly five decades, during which time it has gained great credibility. Check out its 2012 colour guide for interiors to know what is currently in. It identifies nine palettes that are and will be fashionable this year. Here they are, as described by Pantone:

Back to the Fuchsia

An intriguing palette represented by a “melding of dancing reds, purples, and pink, all highlighted by a variety of fuchsias. Jewel-toned peridot both accentuates and complements the hotter hues.” Those who love their décor a little bright are going to fall in love with this palette. Any of the shades is going to transform a room to a completely new, lively place.

Orange Wall by Karyn Christner

Resilience

 “There are nuances of the deepest browns, varietal mushroom tones, foliage green, and greenish yellow. A dash of flamingo orange adds an exotic touch to this otherwise organic grouping.” Where to use these colours? Flamingo orange walls in the kitchen could give it a lively spirit many kitchens lack, while oil yellow walls in the library might have a nice, soothing effect. I think many people will use some of these colours in their bedrooms or living rooms as well.

Nonchalance

“Pastel pinks, ethereal blues, and soft egret white wrap us in carefree baby blanket colours, harmoniously blending with the more mature taupe, gray, and grape tones.” I can just imagine a fantastic living room combining two of these shades — gray and blue, for instance. These colours from this palette fit together well, and those who do not fancy overly bright and extravagant shades in their homes are going to love it.

Transcending Time

This palette includes “elegant wine and plum, warm beige, and wood tones, as well as classic rose. A touch of frosted almond adds a soft and subtle glimmer to the atmosphere.” This palette is perfect to reflect and elegant atmosphere, as well as for a family's little princesses; it would be ideal for a girl’s bedroom.

Soft yellow green by Eddie

Subtleties

“Hazy coral, soft yellow green, faded rose, stonewashed blue, and tinges of gray and green artfully set against a tasteful brown earthy red.” One of these colours could well be used in a child’s room. Many girls and boys are going to find the shade they like in this palette. The colours are not too bright; they will make the room cosy and peaceful. Unlike some of the very passionate shades, none of these colours will hamper your children’s sleeping habits.

The Comics

“Ominous phantom black provides the backdrop for sulphuric yellow and fiery red. A flash of green provokes a strong blue while an inky cyan plays up to honeysuckle and primrose. It is quirky joy and spontaneity.” No room can ever be boring with one of these happy colours.

Indigo Effects

“The colours are variations on a blue theme — celestial and majestic blues, purpled and deep blue indigos — all deftly brushed with contrasting strokes of maroon, mauve, and moody gray.” Many boys dream of a bedroom decorated in one of these colours, but I can imagine these shades in every room.

Blue Moon by Hans Splinter

Reflections

“Included in this arresting palette are tones and tints that spark the imagination: Turkish sea, blue moon, garnet, beluga, cloud dancer as well as the classic silver and gold.” Not everyone is a fan of warm colours. If you are one of those people, you are going to find many of the colours on this palette appealing. Even those who prefer warmer shades might find what they are looking for, however. Whatever your preferences are, decoration in any of these colours is not going to go unnoticed.

Nouveau Neon

“Asian-inspired bamboo yellow-green plays with orange Popsicle® and berry purples, while citrus colours toy with pink and raspberry. A flavourful butter-rum tan is the unexpected accompaniment to all of the vibrant colours in the palette.” Go back to the ’80s using some of the shiny colours this palette contains. In combination with a soft shade, they could make a room bright and interesting.

Colour of the Year

And what is the colour of 2012 according to Pantone? It is “sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive Tangerine Tango." This mixture of orange and red is destined to catch the attention of everyone; it is impossible not to notice it. This colour will not only inspire fashion designers, but it will also be significant in interior design as well. I can just imagine how decoration in this shade will brighten up any room. Combining pillows, candles, and vases of this colour with beige, white or grey furniture looks amazingly stylish and sophisticated. Many will want to paint their walls in Tangerine Tango, however painting a living room or a bedroom in this colour might not be the smartest idea. As nice as Tangerine Tango is, it may well be a bit too energetic and passionate to use in a room designed for relaxation. Use it in the kitchen, though, and cooking will become much more fun. Just watch how it improves your mood.

Brentano

Brentano, a “leader in designer textiles in a range of beautiful colours” has predicted what will be hot in 2012 as well. According to Brentano Design Director Iris Wang, interior design depends on a couple of core neutral colours and the trends here do not change too frequently and too rapidly. Nonetheless, Brentano has chosen six top colours of this year.

Tangerine

Yes, Tangerine indeed does seem to be the hit this year. Seeing how striking it is, I think it is almost impossible not to like.

White by Orin Zebest

Paper White

Paper white is perfect for every room. Combine it with the right colour (which can be almost any colour, as white goes well with most of the shades) and the effect will be fabulous.

Marine

This shade was fashionable in 2011 and does not seem to be becoming any less popular this year. You cannot do wrong if you combine marine with a nice, soft colour.

Sprout

Do you want to brighten up a room? Sprout is just perfect for that. Give it a chance and watch everyone’s mood improve immediately.

Graphite

While graphite is a great shade for any room to make a room interesting, it needs to be combined with another colour. I can imagine it in combination with many shades. You choose what you like the most.

Linen

Another wonderful colour that is perfect anywhere in your home, linen is neutral and therefore easy to combine with almost every shade. I do, however, think it is beautiful by itself too.

Paint Quality Institute

As Debbie Zimmer, colour expert at the Paint Quality Institute claims, the outdoors is the inspiration for the 2012 interior design. A few colour trends for this yearhave been identified.

Blue, the Jewel of the Sea

Blue is not going to go out of fashion this year, as I already mentioned. As Zimmer states, this colour is loved by nearly everybody, and there is no doubt in my mind that it will play a big role in interior decor this year.

Purple by decodrama visuals

Green, From Farm to Forest

In the words of Zimmer, dining rooms and kitchens are ideal for greens. Personally, I think it looks good in any room.

Violet, Majestic Purple Mountains

This shade can add a special spirit to a room. While it is perhaps more often used as the minor colour in a room, with its rising popularity, we can expect to see some predominantly violet rooms this year.

Listen to Yourself

Are you following the trends or not? The vast majority of people do not change their interior every time the trends change. Luckily, a few styles will never get old. The black and white combination, expected to be popular again this year, beige or grey alone or, to create a striking effect, combined with a bright pastel colour, never disappoint.

No matter what is trendy, one should not forget that the most important thing is to feel good at home. It is not wise to use currently popular colours if you or the members of your family do not like them. If you do this, you will risk never feeling completely comfortable at home. Moreover, where should you be absolutely relaxed if not at home? If the colours that are in this year belong among your favourites then lucky you! Your home will be one stylish place this year.

Related posts:

1. Best Colour Combinations For Your Home
2. Make Your Office Comfortable
3. Canada’s Real Estate Trends