Eat Organic? Why Not Wear Organic?

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Many of us choose organic foods when we visit the supermarket because we believe they are better for the environment and better for our health. However fewer of us consider whether the clothes we buy are made using organic processes. But choosing organic textiles doesn’t have to be difficult and offers many environmental and health benefits.

 

Non-organic fabrics, even natural ones like cotton, are usually grown and processed using a multitude of pesticides, insecticides and other chemicals. By choosing organic fabrics, we can really make a difference to both the natural environment and the farmers and workers who produce materials.

 

Why choose organic fabrics:

• The manufacturing process is free from chemicals which could damage the health of workers and local wildlife


• Where fabrics are made from animal wool, organic producers tend to have high standards of animal welfare in place


• Organic producers generally operate in a more ethical manner ensuring that the farmers and workers within the supply chain are treated fairly


• Organic textiles are kinder to our skin as they are usually free from allergens and irritating chemicals which is good news for anyone who suffers from skin conditions


• Organic cotton is GM-free

 

If you’d like to switch to organic fabrics, you’ll find lots of products available online. Alternatively, when buying clothes or fabrics in high street shops, check the label to see if it has an organic or fair trade logo.

 

For more information about organic fabrics, visit: www.soilassociation.org

 

 

Categories: chemicals, choosing organic, fabrics, health, nbsp, Organic, organic fabrics, organic producers, organic textiles

Nutrition: The Missing Link in Your Anti-Ageing Regime

When it comes to anti-ageing wellness, there seems to be a moisturiser for every body part and more “miracle pills” than you can shake a stick at, but still something is missing. Surely, there’s a more natural way to live for longer and look good while you’re doing it.

 

The answer? Nutrition.

 

Think about it: are you getting the minimum level of nutrition your body needs from your diet? Of course not. Not only does this make you age prematurely, but it opens up your wellbeing to a whole host of health concerns, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. The reason why you’re at risk to these problems is all the processed foods you eat. The commercial industry needs 16 nutrients to grow a whole lot of plants, but your body needs 26 nutrients to thrive. This means that artificial fertilizers are created using the 16 necessary for plant growth, and so you miss out on the remaining 10.

 

Plus, there are all those pesticides to consider. According to a study published by the National Research Council, the major source of exposure to pesticides for infants and children is through diet. Pesticides have an impact on the nutrients in food; namely, vitamin C, B vitamins and beta-carotene. Your body needs these nutrients to fight an onslaught of toxins. This means that – for your wellness as well as your children’s – you need to choose organic foods which haven’t been genetically modified. The evidence to prove the nutritional superiority of organic foods over conventionally-grown foods remains to be seen, but you can’t deny the the amount of pesticide residue each category contains.

 

If you want to get the wide range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals your body needs to maintain good energy levels and wellness – and to live for longer – you need five servings of organic fruits and vegetables a day in a variety of colours:

 

• Blue/purple: Purple cabbage, blackcurrants, raisins, plums, purple grapes


• Green: Spinach, beans, peas, green pepper, celery, broccoli


• White/tan/brown: Banana, dates, garlic, ginger, radish, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions


• Yellow/orange: Pumpkin, lemon, papaya, peach, melon, pineapple, sweet corn, mangoes, oranges, yellow pepper


• Red: Apples, tomatoes, berries, pomegranate, red pepper, beetroot, cherries.

Categories: anti ageing, body, Colour, foods, nbsp, nutrients, nutrition, Organic, organic foods, Pesticides, vitamins

Organic Gardening in Five Easy Steps

Whether you’re a keen gardener or a novice when it comes to planting, you’ll know how much pests can ruin your produce. Weeds, fungi and bacteria live in the soil which can often lead to your plants becoming rotten or inedible. You don’t need to rely on pesticides though – there are ways to embrace the natural way and still get great looking plants and produce. Here are some reasons why pesticides might not be the best way to go when it comes to your garden.

 

1 – Not all pests are bad for your garden, which is why you should avoid even the natural options, such as garlic or cayenne to discourage them. There are helper species such as ladybirds, frogs, wasps and toads which can be beneficial, as they feast on the less desirable species.

 

2 – Weeds may look unsightly, but they aren’t necessarily something you want to avoid. Weeds make great places for insects to survive in – so while you’re not likely to leave them in those neatly arranged beds, you don’t have to worry about taking them out of the edges of your garden. If you want to see plenty of bees and butterflies in your garden, weeds are the way forward.

 

3 – Don’t separate your plants – plant things together to create a great variety in small spaces. Why? Well, not only does it make for a more visually interesting bed, but it also discourages pests, as they build up according to the quantity and availability of their favourite foods. If you plant different things together, it confuses them so they’ll be less likely to feast in your garden.

 

4 – Healthy plants don’t attract pests in the same way as unhealthy plants, so feed the soil as much as you can. Make sure you water them enough too, so that they are better equipped to fend off the enemy.

 

5 – Lastly, let some pests live. Nature dictates that for every pest, there is a predator that will keep it in check, so let the cycle run its course. After a while, you’ll notice that those pests you’ve been trying to get rid of have managed themselves.

Categories: garden, Organic, pests