Organic chemistry in the air in Saanich

Festival's philosophy of sustainability extends beyond food products

Matt Hartley, Times Colonist

Published: Sunday, July 09, 2006

Organic is not just for food anymore.

For people like Laura Matthias, organic is a way of life.

"It's permeating every aspect of culture these days," she said. "It's not just about food, although that's the first thing that people think about when they hear organic. People are now thinking about where the food is coming from, how long it has to travel, and [about] pesticides."

Matthias is the owner of Phoenix Organic Farm Bed and Breakfast in Saanich, where everything from the food served at breakfast to the shampoo in the shower is organic. She even has written a vegan cookbook, ExtraVeganZa, which features recipes created using natural ingredients grown at her farm.

Canada's West Coast, especially Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, has become a mecca for producers and distributors of organic and fair-trade products. Many of the industry's leading companies call British Columbia home.

Vendors from all areas of the industry were on full display at the festival on Saturday, their kiosks loaded with everything from naturally dyed bed sheets and soy-based clothing to evironmentally friendly investment options and fair-trade soccer balls.

Living on the coast affords more options for people looking to lead a more natural, back-to-basics lifestyle, Matthias said.

"I guess we're more open to that way of thinking," she said.

"We're all busy, and we're all working, but I think that people are looking to do something. We only have one planet, and people are looking for ways to contribute."

Organic farmers use only natural products to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers and other plants, rather than deploying pesticides and other chemicals.

But for many people, the term "organic" has expanded to include more aspects of a lifestyle that promotes a consciousness of sustainability and a return to more holistic and natural ways of living.

Jenny Graham is the owner of Shelter Apparel, a Sooke-based company that produces organic clothes from hemp, soy fabric and organic cotton.

"People are looking for options to regular lifestyles," she said. "I think people want something that was made by human hands. Something someone has put their heart and soul into."

Deb Morse launched the festival last year with the help of her husband, Stuart, to bring together businesses and individuals who share a vision of a more sustainable, and organic, future. Last year, the event attracted almost 2,500 visitors and judging by the crowds on Saturday, the festival is on pace to draw even more this year.

But Stuart Morse said that as more companies begin targeting the organic market, not everyone will be happy with the results.

"There's a lot of tension because some of the largest organic producers are actually big corporations," he said. "The true organic people don't like that. They think the value system should involve local and small-scale operations only."

Companies like Wal-Mart and Nike have jumped on the organic bandwagon, a trend likely to continue, Morse said.

"I'm just happy that organic is getting exposure," he said.

"Wal-Mart is a worldwide company and is going organic, so now there will be outlets where people in large cities can shop and buy organic produce. And that's a good thing."

The festival continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

© Times Colonist (Victoria) 2006