In the chilly waters off Canada’s Pacific coast, the towering temperate rainforests on land are mirrored under the waves by lush kelp forests swaying in the strong currents. Swimming through one of these kelp forests on a sunny day can feel as if you are under a canopy of golden stained glass. The sun beams sparkle through the undulating fronds casting a golden light on the sea life below as you swim through the strong stipes. It is unquestionably my favourite place to be and is what I consider the most beautiful place on this blue planet.
These forests are not only beautiful but are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world providing food, nursery grounds and complex, critical habitat for many marine species. They also reduce coastal erosion by absorbing wave energy during storms, and are important carbon sinks absorbing an estimated 20 times more carbon dioxide than terrestrial forests per acre.
This species, Nereocystis luetkeana (commonly called bull kelp) can grow over 20 m tall in a single year sometimes growing up to 25 cm a day. Their graceful shape makes me think of a forest of women standing together with their long hair flowing in the currents.
Each scarf is produced from a custom-milled fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and diverts 3 bottles from the waste stream. The scarves are soft and flowy and feel beautiful around your neck. They are sustainably produced here in Canada and are developed and manufactured employing the highest ethical production standards.
10% of the sale price of each of Tiare’s ‘Golden Kelp Canopy’ scarves is donated to the
Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition (COLC) – Ocean Week Canada
