Heart on Your Sleeve

Natalie Stephenson, owner of Kingston Market’s (Toronto) Heart On Your Sleeve offers a delectable selection of ethical clothing brands like Grace&Cello, Bring Your Own Bag, Devil May Wear and Thieves.The store is sells only Made in Canada products, many of them locally manufactured.

Do you have an eco-sin or guilty pleasure or enjoyable indulgence that isn’t green?

I’d say that my eco-unfriendly guilty pleasure is going to theme parks. I had a seasons pass last year and used it a few times to blow off the steam and stress of small business. It truly another world. You can really forget yourself for a little while, recharge the spirit and get motivated to do what you need to do.

What is the most memorable eco-challenge your company has faced, and how was it resolved?

I don’t think that it’s resolved but I constantly find advertising in an eco-friendly manner very difficult. Posters are a proven boon to business here in Kensington Market but I have trouble justifying the paper usage to do it. I also refuse to print brochures and things of that nature, I just find them so wasteful.

Are there ways of being green that aren’t getting enough attention?

Vegetarianism! The UN rang in on this one with the report “Livestock’s Long Shadow,” but the majority of media and individuals just didn’t get the message. Animal rearing causes 18% more greenhouse gas emissions than ALL transportation worldwide! People are highly adaptable, and they can learn to subsist on vegetable foods. This would also ensure that there was enough food on the planet for everyone.

What are some tips that you recommend to people who would like to do their part but don\’t know where to begin?

Buy less stuff, and ask informed questions about what you are buying. Watch The Story of Stuff at thestoryofstuff.com

Do you have a favorite eco-designer/supplier?

Passenger Pigeon is my favorite eco-designer, especially because they are local, I love the whimsical prints that they create, and I absolutely love picking up new stock on my bike!

What environmentalists have influenced and why?

My grade 8 teacher was the first one to explain recycling to me and make it important. I’m influenced by Dr. Suzuki, of course, because his body of work is so broad, and really inspires a philosophical understanding of the issues. & James Lovelock for the Gaia theory, very spiritually satisfying.

What does green mean to you?

Green is a lifestyle for me that involves a lot more than just environmental impact. I guess I would equate the word with “Fair” and that is fair to the environment, people, animals, community, and self (healthy mind and body).

Did you experience an eco-awakening– a moment when you realized you wanted to be more involved in raising awareness about environmental issues?

I can’t recall an eco-awakening of that nature, I think that compassion has always been one of my strengths. I got an “A” in “Environmental Studies” on my grade 2 report card, which I think was actually more like Social Studies & Animals at the time. I went on to get a degree in the subject, it’s really a lifelong situation for me, I’ve always been quite active.

Is there an environmentally friendly thing you do in your life that sometimes feel absurd?

I think it’s only absurd if you are concerned with what others think. I certainly do things that others might think are too far, like bringing containers/plates to put take out food in, or bringing home litter, used batteries, or recyclables because I can’t find proper disposal for them. It’s probably a fairly large list, actually.

CONTACT

Natalie Stephenson, Heart On Your Sleeve
416.999.2197
natalie@heartonyoursleeve.ca
61a Bellevue Ave
Toronto, ON M5T 2N5