Fiber Options began as exactly that - a way to give the world more options about the kind of fiber we use to make our clothing, paper, and furniture. We want people to be able to choose high-quality products made in ways that do not damage the earth, and we want businesses to be able to choose harvesting and manufacturing processes that are both ecologically and socially sustainable.
At Fiber Options, we pursue this goal by offering natural clothing (made from sustainable fabrics such as hemp, organic cotton, recycled pop-bottle fleece, and Merino wool), natural body care and aromatherapy products, tree-free paper, and other eco-friendly products. Each time you choose one of our products, you make it possible for more businesses to choose environmentally friendly practices. You can think of it as a way of voting with your dollar for a better future - or you can just think of it as a way to take home some of the best natural products around.
When you come to our stores, we won't tell you how to live your life. But we will show you products that speak for themselves.
Our planet -- Because it's all we have. We only carry goods made from natural materials, grown without pesticides or herbicides, and manufactured in environmentally sensitive ways. We do not oppose commercial harvesting of renewable resources - but we want to promote healthy businesses based on the best possible environmental practices. We also contribute to conservation and sustainability initiatives in our communities.
Our communities -- Because everybody should have the opportunity to pursue enjoyable, fulfilling work in safe and healthy conditions. We work hard to make sure that all our suppliers are socially responsible and uphold the principles of fair trade. We extend the same principles to our support for the businesses and individuals who have chosen to make a livelihood creating ecologically friendly products. And we offer our employees a respectful, collaborative, and enjoyable work environment.
Our customers -- Because consumer choices can save the world. We offer only the highest quality products, and the very best of customer service. Our knowledgeable staff are able to provide information about the materials and manufacturing practices behind each of our products, so that our customers always know what they are choosing.
Our colleagues and competitors -- Because we're all in this together. We want to help build a vibrant eco-friendly economy. Through secure purchasing arrangements and fair pricing, we offer our suppliers a stable base from which to pursue their own goals for new eco-friendly product lines. We also offer our support, encouragement, and ideas to other retailers (and would-be retailers) of eco-friendly products. At Fiber Options, we know that the lively and expanding eco-friendly marketplace is the surest sign of our success.
In the summer of 1994, Gord Johns was a young business student headed to Asia to launch a career in finance. Along the way, he stopped for a quick holiday in Clayoquot Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. He never left - but he hasn't quite got around to his holiday, either.
At the time, logging companies and environmentalists were locked in battle over the future of the rainforests of Clayoquot Sound. Looking out at the forests from Tofino harbour, Gord began asking questions. How can we take the pressure off ancient forests to supply the world's fiber and pulp needs? How do we meet the demand for quality goods without damaging precious ecosystems? How do we encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices - not just in Clayoquot Sound, but around the world?
As he asked these questions, Gord found himself changing his mind about his own future. Rather than join an economy that was based on exploiting natural resources, Gord decided to put his energy into building an economy based on promoting ecological sustainability.
With the support of a progressive local investment company, the first Fiber Options store opened in Tofino in 1997. Gord partnered with Peter Skeels of Whistler, B.C., to open a second store in Whistler in 1998. A third Fiber Options store opened in Victoria in 2000. From the very first, all of our stores have had tremendous support from our communities, and from our team of talented, enthusiastic and dedicated staff.
The premise behind Fiber Options is a simple one: where there is a market, the economy moves to meet it. When customers choose eco-friendly products, the businesses that make these products can grow and expand, and other businesses will change their practices to become more environmentally friendly. In turn, as more businesses enter the eco-friendly market, the range and quality of products increases, leading to more consumer demand.
Or so we thought.
In practice, getting started was a little more difficult. When we first opened our doors just a few years ago, the market for hemp and organic cotton clothing, natural body care, tree-free paper, and other Fiber Options products was so small that many suppliers could not stay in business. This made it harder to offer a range of high-quality products to our customers. As Fiber Options and other eco-friendly businesses have grown, consumer awareness has increased, the market has become steadier, and small suppliers have found a more stable footing. More recently, we have been thrilled to see a shift towards eco-friendly products taking hold among mainstream suppliers, as larger companies such as Patagonia introduce their own lines of recycled pop-bottle fleece jackets and organic cotton clothing.
In 2000, Fiber Options was nominated for an Ethics in Action award. The nomination was based on our work to advance public awareness of eco-friendly products, our commitment to eco-friendly business ventures, and our dedication to environmental and social sustainability. We are very proud of our record - but we also want to share the praise with all the other individuals and businesses involved in building the eco-friendly marketplace.
Today, you can find Fiber Options stores in Tofino, Whistler and Victoria. You can probably even find Gord or Peter at one of them. Just don't ask them about that holiday.
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In Canada -- Our regular Canadian shipping is handled by Canada Post. A flat rate of $9 Canadian includes shipping, handling, insurance and tracking. Shipping can take up to 10 days. If you would like your goods to be shipped more quickly, please send us an e-mail telling us what you are purchasing and we will provide you with a quote for an express courier service.
US Customers -- We deliver anywhere in the United States through Canada Post. A flat rate of $9 US covers all shipping, handling, and insurance charges. You will be provided with a tracking number so you can follow the status of your package. Shipping can take up to 10 days (sometimes longer with the higher border security). If you would like your goods shipped more quickly, please send us an e-mail telling us what you are purchasing and we will provide you with a quote for an express courier service.
International Customers -- Send us an email telling us what you are purchasing. We will provide you with a quote for shipping.
Customs -- Outside of Canada, you may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once a shipment reaches your country. Additional charges for customs clearance must be borne by you; we have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country; you should contact your local customs office for further information.
Exchange Rates -- US customers please note that our prices are listed in Canadian dollars. Our US $ function provides you with an approximate value of your purchase in US $, based on current exchange rates. Our US $ function is only a guide to help you with your shopping. Your credit card company will apply its own conversion rate to your purchase. If you want to know the precise conversion rate that will be applied to your purchase, you must contact your credit card company. The amount you are charged may vary slightly from our own on-line converter due to variations in the exchange rates applied by individual credit card companies.
Ordering something Out of Stock -- You are only charged for items that are shipped to you. Back ordered items will be shipped upon arrival and charged to your card at that time. Orders are shipped in no more than two instalments. You are not responsible for the shipping cost of the back ordered item.
Fiber Options will provide a full refund for any purchase as long as the item has not been used or damaged. Returns will be accepted for up to30 days following the date of purchase. If you are returning an item by mail, please e-mail sales@ecoeverything.com of your intent to return the item within 30 days of its purchase to ensure that you qualify for the refund. Sorry, no refunds after the 30 day period, exchange only. To qualify for exchange, merchandise must be in original resale condition, complete with tags and must show absolutely no wear. We suggest trying on and walking in purchased shoes indoors so they will not get dirty or damaged. The customer is responsible for all shipping costs associated with returning products to Fiber Options. The cost of shipping exchanges back to the customer is limited to one free exchange per order. Credit card refunds will be applied within one to two billing cycles.
All returns must receive a Return Authorization Number prior to returning merchandise. Returns received without the appropriate RA number will be refused. Email us to receive a RA number. Sales@ecoeverything.com
Please send all returns to: ATTN: RETURNS RA# (enter the # provided here) Fiber Options 9 - 4122 Village Green Square Whister, BC V0N 1B4 Canada
If sending from outside of Canada, please mark your package as Returned Items for customs.
We value and respect your privacy. Any information you provide to us will be held in strict confidence and will be used only by Fiber Options to handle your account. YOUR INFORMATION WILL NEVER BE SOLD TO A THIRD PARTY. EVER. Period. We don't like that, and we don't expect you to.
When you have completed your shopping and you are prompted to enter your Credit Card number, a lock icon will appear on your computer task bar, and "http s" will appear on the navigation bar. The "http s" indicates that you have entered a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and that no other operator can see what you are typing into your computer. If you prefer to shop by telephone, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-381-2138.
