Green in the City: Ron Mann
This indie filmmaker picks his top green spots in Toronto
Documentary filmmaker Ron Mann has made a career of bringing the marginal into focus in his internationally acclaimed films. An undisputed ambassador for the pop culture fringe—his latest doc, Know Your Mushrooms, is an inspired look at the fabulous world of fungi—he’s also a great source for under-the-radar recommendations in Toronto. Here are Mann’s top green spots.
You’re a yogi. Do you use eco-friendly yoga gear when you practice?
I own a yoga mat and bag made from hemp, and I try to bike to my yoga studio.
What’s your favourite eco retailer?
Living Libations has an online store for natural food and beauty products—I can’t live without their shaving cream! I also can’t live without Sarah Nixon’s flowers (My Luscious Backyard), which she grows in several residential backyards in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood.
Do you shop organic—and where?
Organics on Bloor (468 Bloor St. W. page 16) because I’m averse to pesticides. They also stock Ruth’s hemp Chia Goodness, which I have for breakfast, mixed in with David Wolfe’s Sun is Shining green superfood.
Do you ever buy from CSAs or farmers’ markets?
Green Earth Organics delivers to my house year-round, but during the summer I will buy fresh produce from my local market.
Where do you like to grab a bite to eat?
Live Organic Food Bar (264 Dupont St.). The mushroom miso burger is yummy!
What’s a green service you can’t or won’t live without?
My gardener, who is pesticide-free for a healthy community.
What environmental charity or organization do you support?
The David Suzuki Foundation continues to inform and enlighten.
Your favourite green building materials?
Mushrooms. Did you know they can be used for insulation? Neither did I!
