Mom to Follow: Green Guru Manda Aufochs Gillespie

This week’s Mom to Follow is Vancouver mom Manda Aufochs Gillespie, a consultant, writer, environmentalist, mother, and the author of Green Mama: Giving your child a healthy start and a greener future. In her 20 years as an ecological designer, she has worked to green institutions and families all around the world and has been dubbed the “green guru” by the media, appearing on HBO, ABC, and CBC.

Manda’s Favorite Spots

Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie

My fave place for #datenightinVancouver is BaoBei. Local, interesting, delicious, organic and hip.
163 Keefer St, Vancouver, (604) 688-0876

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

One of the only truly classic Chinese gardens in Canada, there is also a free section that is always interesting, quiet and great for kids. #urbanoasis
578 Carrall St, Vancouver, (604) 662-3207

Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge

With a tiny little ecology centre never crowded and a suspension bridge, hiking, big trees and all free, this is my fave North Van treasure.
3993 Peters Rd, North Vancouver

Vancouver Waldorf School

Wish your kid learned to knit and read, play music and calculate, garden and get familiar with history? That’s why I love the VWS.
2725 St Christophers Rd, North Vancouver, (604) 985-7435

My local playground

Stay home. Let your kids play alone. It’s like the old days: start a play REvolution.

South False Creek Seawall

City views, green space, fresh air, water taxis…. it’s a play land for grownups and kids!

Bloedel Conservatory

Want warmth, exotic birds, and sunlight in February? Vancouver has your answer, and it’s never crowded.
Queen Elizabeth Park, off 33rd Avenue between Cambie and Main Streets, 604-257-8584