Between maintaining our careers, social lives and relationships, life can get pretty busy. Factor in the added responsibility of attempting to lead a sustainable lifestyle, and suddenly we've run out of hours in the day. We love shopping at ethical grocery stores in Toronto, but it can be tricky to get everything we need in one outing.

The Big Carrot has been a stalwart on the Danforth since 1983, but two years ago, the worker-owned community food market announced that they would be opening a second location in the Beaches. After much anticipation, the 6,000-square foot store second location at Main and Kingston Road is finally open, giving conscious shoppers another place to purchase local, organic, non-GMO and sustainable food.

The best part about it (and trust us, there are plenty to choose from) is that it's a one-stop shop. Meaning you can grab meat and seafood, groceries, toiletries, natural remedies, healthy meals, juice and smoothies all under the same roof. Since The Big Carrot is committed to providing quality produce to its customers, you can feel good about helping the Ontario organic market, protecting farmers’ rights and knowing exactly what's in your food when you shop there.

Something of a pioneer in fair-trade practices, the community store was Ontario’s first retailer to certify to the Canada Organic Standard and one of the founding members of the non-GMO project – and it doesn't stop with your shop. As well as a commitment to sourcing high-quality products, the community store's staff provide friendly and informed service, competitive prices and ongoing public education to make natural food selection easy.

A portion of The Big Carrot's annual profits is also donated back to the community through donations, gifts and sponsorships. Plus, in 2001, they launched the Carrot Cache foundation, to help support local, organic food and initiatives in the area.

Next time you're in the Beaches, head into the purple-accented store (modelled on the colour of an heirloom carrot) and make prioritizing goodness a part of your daily routine.

The Big Carrot Beach Community Market, 125 Southwood Drive,
The Big Carrot Danforth Community Market, 348 Danforth Ave,
416-466-2129, thebigcarrot.ca