Wine · Eco-Chick

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Mapu in Barcelona

Mapu, with its wide-ranging array of organic and biologic products, and focus on mother´s and women, is a must-stop spot for the environmentally minded eco-chick tourist while in Barcelona.

Mapu is tucked away in the maze-like Bari Gotic — the old quarter of Barcelona. If you weren’t looking for it, you most likely wouldn’t find it. It is run by the friendly Puri Gomez and her helpful hijo (son).

The storefront displays everything from eco baby toys to rice milk. The inside is cramped, but all of your organic needs can be met. Organic vegetables, biologic wines, Weleda cosmetics, earth-friendly cleaning products, and a wide assortment of flavored tofu choices line the tight shelves.

Looking for products that may be of interest specifically to women, Puri introduced me to the Moon Cup. It is a reusable menstrual cup that is made from soft silicone rubber. Apparently it is all the rage in Barcelona. Initially only enviro-friendly consumers were asking for it but now girls are coming in by the dozens seeking this alternative to tampons. Along the same lines, she showed me Sea Pearls. These Atlantic sea sponge tampon alternatives are safe, natural and reusable.

Go There: Mapu; Desarrollo Sostenible Magdalenes 7 08002 Barcelona

Call: +34 93 317 55 25

Baby, cleaning, cleaning products, cosmetics, Eco-Chick, Milk, Organic, skin, Wine, women

Organic in BCN

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by Jennifer Cross · 01/28/06

Spain is the world’s #2 tourist destination following France. In 2003, 51.8 million vacationers descended upon Sunny Spain to bask in the Mediterranean rays and bathe their brains in the best sangria the world has to offer. Not to mention the food — Paella, Jamon Iberico (Iberian Ham), tantalizing tapas, and more olives than you can shake a branch at.

That is all fine and good for carnivorous vacationers eager to slap some fresh salami on their pan (bread) and call it a day. What’s left for those who elect a more organic existence and opt out when it comes to flesh eating carne time? A week-long sustenance on wine from a box and some nuts? Perhaps a few years ago, but even in a slow-to-change country that clings dearly to its three hour lunch break — things are changing.

Spaniards are slowly becoming more open to wholesome living as evidenced by vegetarian alternatives popping up on even the most traditional menus, organic storefronts squeezing their way between carnicerias, and strictly vegetarian restaurants cropping up.

Over the next few postings we will take a look at eco-friendly stores and restaurants in Barcelona. We will focus specifically on Barcelona because it is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in Spain, (those who hail from Madrid will beg to differ), and it is where your faithful correspondent currently resides.