Epic, the largest sustainable consumer tradeshow and eco-marketplace in western Canada, kicks off tomorrow; however, this year I have an extra special reason to attend the Vancouver Sun’s sustainable living expo. My friend and entrepreneur Regina Landim Noppe  will unveil Green Sapphire Imports, an importer and distributor of eco-friendly Brazilian products in Canada. Green Sapphire Imports is the realization of Regina’s dream of sharing eco-friendly and sustainable Brazilian products with Canadians.

Even though she is very busy with the last Epic arrangements, Regina took the time to quickly answer my questions about Green Sapphire Imports. Regina’s passion is contagious and her dream of contributing to Brazil’s development is another reason to become one of her customers. Enjoy!

Veronica: Why did you decide to bring Brazilian clothing and accessories to Canada? Why do you think that your products are special?

Regina: As a Brazilian-Canadian, I’ve always wanted to bring some part of  my mother country to my new home so Canadians could also experience some of the beauty and passion that beats in every Brazilian heart. Having been living in Vancouver for 5 years, I’ve also been learning a lot about respecting the environment. It has been pleasantly surprising to see how much Canadians care and do their best to contribute to a better, more healthy world.

I am bringing two prominent Brazilian brands to Epic. Eden Organic Fashion and Patricia Moura Biojoias. Eden Organic is a clothing label inspired by elements of nature and made of 100% cotton coloured with natural and chemical free dyes. Patricia Moura is a Brazilian-born designer who has been internationally recognized for her outstanding talent. Her eco-jewels are made of raw materials from Amazon rain-forest, Pananal and Brazilian Cerrado. Do I need to say more?

V.: Why did you choose to represent these two brands is Canada?

R.: I decided to represent both Eden Organic and Patricia Moura Biojoias because of the contribution of their products in building more sustainable communities in Brazil.

By using the açaí berry in her design, Patricia Moura is also encouraging the cultivation of the açaí berry rather than the harvesting of the tree, helping to prevent further reduction of the rain forest. Patricia Moura eco-jewelry infuses the local economy with profits from açaí jewellery sales, giving a real reason for people to protect the forest .

On the other hand, Eden Organic not only produces eco-friendly clothing but is also social responsible. Eden Organic supports over 200 families living in the city of  Juquiratiba, in the State of São Paulo, and have planted over 1,000 trees in their Eden Garden.

V.: What is Sapphire Imports planning for Epic?

R.: We will have both Eden Organic and Patricia Moura eco-jewelry represented at Epic Fashion shows (Friday 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm – Saturday 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm – Sunday 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm). We will also have our products displayed at booth FH12.

Regina has kindly offered one admission to Epic and a Patricia Moura Biojoias açai berry necklace to my readers. Here’s how to enter to win:

Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
Post the following on Twitter (1 entry):  

I entered to win Green Sapphire Imports’ contest @MadameHeringer http://ow.ly/1qysMN

I’ll will draw the Epic admission winner tomorrow, May 28th at noon. The winner of the Patricia Moura Biojoias açai berry necklace will be announced on Wednesday, June 2nd at 3:00pm.

UPDATE – May 28th: Caroline (@SexyinVancity) won the Epic Expo ticket. Caroline, Regina will contact you shortly to arrange the pick up!

UPDATE – June 1st: Anna is the winner of Green Sapphire Imports’ açaí berry necklace. Anna, Regina will contact you shorthly.

Thanks everybody for your nice comments and tweets!