Talc raises risk of ovarian cancer

It is really of no surprise, but women are now being warned to stop using talc, especially around the genital area. A recent study has found that using talk in this area can raise the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 40%.

According to the studies talcum powder can move up to the ovaries and cause inflammation that lets cancer cells breed. Harvard Medical School studied more than 3000 women and found using talc once a week raised the risk of ovarian cancer by 36%, rising to 41% for those who use it every day

Ovarian cancer, otherwise known as the silent cancer, kills more than 800 Australian women per year so it makes sense when when the CEO of the Cancer Council of Australia says that women should avoid using talcum powder on their genitals. He went on to say "It doesn't make the case definitively, but given we have no way of screening for ovarian cancer and it's difficult to pick up the symptoms, this is something women can do to reduce their risk...".

This is a scary thought, very scary, and especially as talcum powder is so often used on babies. There are alternatives now days though for mums and babies in the way of certified organic corn starch powder which is safe and gentle on your skin.

Corn starch powder is free from talc, sulphates, petrochemicals, artificial colours and fragrances, mineral oils and animal.

We endorse the following brands of corn starch powder:

• Gaia Natural Baby Powder
• Baby Organics Talc Free Baby Powder
• Little Joey Organics Baby Powder

If anyone has any feedback regarding this issue I would really like to hear about it.

Andrew

Tick Green Now Makes Us Carbon Neutral

I would like to say that as of last week our ecommerce website, www.downtoearthorganics.com.au, became carbon neutral thanks to Tick Green (go to bottom of homepage and click on the logo you see the with the green tick, same as the one shown here). Certified Carbon Credits were bought on our behalf and used to offset our CO2 output for the year. It's something small to do our bit for the environment and we feel we have a corporate responsibility to act.

To learn more about how carbon credits works click here.

Think locally, act globally.

Andrew

Nuby BPA Free Baby Bottle Easy Grip

Nuby recently launched this fantastic non-toxic, bisphenol (BPA) free baby bottle that comes with an easy grip, straw, and silocone teat. To see all Nuby product click here.

This brilliant Nuby BPA free baby product is a stage 3 baby bottle and is 260mls in size. This Nuby baby bottle is very durable and will last you years.

Verdict

Nuby have made an excellent bottle here that is safe, non-toxic, practical and that also comes in a few cool colours. With the bisphenol scare running so hot at the moment this type of bottle is a cheap way to ensure the safety of your babies and kids.

RRP - $16.50

Andrew

Carbon Footprint|Reduce Lighting

A large proportion of electricity we use in the home is for lighting. Take advantage of natural sunlight and new technologies for brighter ways of lighting your home.

Maximise Your Use Of Natural Light

• Paint walls inside and out light colours
• Keep curtains and blinds open during the day
• Keep your windows clean

Light and Switches

• Avoid incandescent bulbs
• Use low-energy fluorescent bulbs
• Use a dimmer if using halogens bulbs is light is needed

Did You Know?

• Australia will ban the use of incandescent bulbs in 2010, and the UK 2011
  
• If every household in the world switched to energy efficient globes the effect would be so dramatic that, it's estimated, that 250 coal fired plants would need to close
• The average energy efficient globe will pay for itself within a year

Its easy being green.

Andrew

Cloth vs Disposable Nappies

Cloth vs Disposable Nappies

Walk through the door of your home for the first time after giving birth and getting home from the hospital and you will know doubt have an idea as to what direction you are taking with regards to nappies. If you are have indeed decided hopefully this blog will give you a better idea of what is to come, if you are yet to decide brace yourself for some hard nappy facts - given that you are likely to use 5000+ per child. What baby bonus?

The Process Of Making a Nappy

Most disposable nappies are made from plastics, paper, and array of chemicals, dyes and fragrances.

Roughly 40% of a nappy is made up of wood pulp. The outer layer is made up of polymers made from precious fossil fuels, which made up 23% of the weight, and there is a absorbent core made from a chemical called sodium polyacrylate (SAP). Most nappies are then washed in either hydrogen peroxide or chlorine - scary.

New age cloth nappies are made from hemp, bamboo, fleece, polyester or organic cotton. Cotton is a water hungry crop that requires considerable amounts of fertiliser, unless it's organic, herbicides and pesticides to grow.

How Many Nappies Will I Use

It's estimated that most babies will go through 5000+ nappies from birth to potty training, while users of organic cotton nappies may only go through 20 nappies.

The 20 organic cotton nappies though have to be washed, painful as it may seem - not to forget soaking time and scraping number 2 into the loo. Over the nappy wearing life cycle that means around 44 extra loads of washing, 24 KWH of electricity, and 3000L of extra water.

Landfill

Over the 2.5 years your baby is likely to wear nappies the equivalent of 1/4 of the of the average car is likely to be produced in waste, ultimately going to landfill. Most disposable nappies will never decompose, especially while surrounded by other rubbish. Disposable nappies represent 4% of the total rubbish in landfill.

The Nappy Cost

Simple:

• Disposables up to $6000
• Fitted around $1000

The Result

There is no definitive answer to that yet, so the jury is still out. However, is seems clear to me that although fitted nappies do use considerable more water in the end it's felt that the benefits to the environment and your baby far outweigh the benefits of disposable nappies. Furthermore, no one study has ever looked at this issue and further considered the long-term health impacts of chlorine & petrochemicals on your babies skin - perhaps the time has come.

My advice of course is to do what suits your family best. We opted for a combination of fitted nappies with chlorine & petrochemical free nappies.

The Meatrix Part 2

I could not give you The Meatrix Part 1 without also showing part 2.

Be warned that this film, in parts, can be quite confronting.

The Meatrix Part 1

I came across this little short film/cartoon recently called the Meatrix (if you have seen the Matrix you will notice some of the characters but in animal form like Moopheus played by a cow). The short film is about the realities of animal cruelty and how, as consumers, we are aiding that cruelty, even if we don't know it.

Be warned that in parts the film can be a little confronting, especially part 2.

Krinkelwood Semillon

Krinkelwood is a certified in-conversion (essentially on it's way to becoming certified organic) biodynamic in the Broke Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley. Biodynamics considers the farm in its entirety as a living system, the soil is seen as an organism in its own right. Therefore the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides is prohibited. Instead Krinklewood uses a series of special preparations to enhance the life of the soil, which are applied at appropriate times in keeping with the rhythms of nature.

Biodynamic viticulture is the most natural agricultural ‘farming’ philosophy. The effect on the wine that you are drinking is that it is the most pure replication of the individuality of the vineyard.

Seeing that Krinkelwood is in-conversion it is not allowed to be recognised for any medals. However, don't think that this means the wine is not a pure and pristine Hunter Valley superstar.

CHARACTERISTICS

A pale green wine with a fragrant floral bouquet of citrus & pineapple entwined with a hint of passionfruit. The palate is crisp and lively with a long clean citrus finish enhanced by the balanced acids and intensity of fruit characteristics.

RRP - $18.00

Think green.

Andrew

Beetroot Chips By Absolute Organic

Imagine a piece of beetroot, sliced finely, shallow fried in organic palm oil, then sprinkled with a pinch of salt and you have an organic taste sensation.

Absolute Organic Beetroot Chips have a really defined sweetness, are crisp and are very deep red in colour. Absolute Organic Beetroot Chips are great for a snack or have them with dip, Absolute Organic Beetroot Chips are fit for any occasion.


Absolute Organic Beetroot Chips are made in Sydney and are certified by the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA).

RRP - $3.50-$4.00

Andrew

Mountain Goat Organic India Pale Ale

Mountain Goat Organic India Pale Ale (330ml), was first produced in 2002, in Melbourne, and comes with an Australian Certified Organic certification. This fine brew was made long before organic beer became sexy or even fashionable.

Mountain Goat Organic India Pale Ale has a floral and hop's aroma, has a cloudy look and a very fine after taste.

Mountain Goat Organic India Pale Ale employees get a bonus in their pay if they ride to work, 100% of the packaging is made from recycles materials, the company offices run of solar power & all water used comes from the SKY - not in brewing process.

It's easy being green.

Andrew

Ways To Stay Bisphenol A or BPA Free

How To Live a Bisphenol Free Day?

• Eat fresh or frozen organic fruit or vegetabes and not canned
  
• Buy all your food stuffs in glass jars
• Buy all drink in PET plastic or glass jars
• Use powdered milk instead of regular milk for you baby
• Don't think you have to give it all away - everything in moderation

Andrew

BPA - Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A is, yet again, a piping hot topic worldwide and it's impact on you and your baby.

What is Bisphenol A ?

Bisphenol A is a common chemical used in the manufacturing process of polycarbonate plastic. It is now being linked to a vast range of health related issues which include cancer, heart disease immune problems and of course estrogen and puberty problems.

Who can Bisphenol A come into contact with?

In short, pretty much everyone. It's estimated that 95% of Australians have detectable levels of Bisphenol A in their bodies. The study also found that Bisphenol A affected animals with substantially lower levels in them.

Where can Bisphenol A be found?

Bisphenol A is found in a larger, in fact most, polycarbonate bottles, which also includes most plastic baby feeding bottles - scary thought. Bisphenol A can also be found with the following products:

• Most children's toys
• Reusable drink bottles
• Biking and sporting helmets
• Most takeaway food containers
• Sunglasses
• The lining of food and drink containers
  

What options are out there for my baby?

• Do not heat baby food in microwave in any plastic unless it is BPA free
  
• Do heat baby bottle in microwave unless it is BPA free
• Use BPA free feeding bottles which include Happy Baby, Green To Grow, Milk and Tickles, Boon & Adiri
  

For a full list of BPA free products click here.

Andrew

Can Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Cause Cancer?

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) are basically chemicals that help your soap, toothpaste & shampoo lather up.

There is no one definitive study to prove whether or not either SLS or SLES are cancer causing. However, it is well known that both are irritants and especially to those who have sensitive skin, babies or people with eczema or psoriasis - it actually strips the skin of it's natural oils.

Confused even further? Given that SLS is used in engine degreasing sprays and in many other harsh ways surely use over some time would have an impact on your health, your skin, or even our precious waterways.

Andrew

7 Ways You And The Earth Can Stay In Shape

1. "Hand me downs": make the most of old sporting clothes, when you finish playing a sport be sure to give your kit or anything else to team members
2. If you are heading to the game, or the oval, get a lift with a team mate
3. Walk, ride or get public transport to the game
4. Reduce your waste by taking your own water bottles to games and events
5. Involve yourself in nature-based activities like bush walking
6. If you are a member of a club see if you can introduce a member to become an environment officer, visit Sports For The Environment for help on this issue
7. Research what your favourite sporting team is doing to lower their carbon footprint

It's easy being green.

Andrew

Carbon Footprint - Dogs vs Cats

Did you know that a dog produces 1.75 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, while a cat only produces 850kg's. However, cats are much more likely to kill native animals, whereas dogs do not. Dogs produce more waste than cats, but cats need kitty litter even though it can be made from recycled material.

Vote the CAT for the best carbon paw print.

Andrew

Footnote: Statistics gathered from Easy Being Green

Battle Of Bosworth Shiraz- Mclaren Vale SA

For a lot of wine makers, and wine drinkers alike, the attraction of not using herbicides, pesticides and fungicides is as much about the environment, as it is about taste & care for your body.

Battle Of Bosworth Shiraz

The concept is simple - take away the nasty chemicals thereby allowing the grapes to better take on the flavour of the soil, the local and natural climate and as importantly the season.

Check Battle Of Bosworth Shiraz for yourself, it's and organic beauty with vibrant, soft, red fruit, lively, spicy, earthy and it's a Mclaren Vale. Great drop.

RRP - $24.00

Andrew

Is Organic Bread Fattening?

Eating organic bread as a part of a well balanced diet definitely will not make you over weight or fat, although make sure you choose to eat the right sorts of bread and also watch what you put on it.

Organic wholegrain breads are low in fat content and high in fibre, also they have a low GI count. Organic wholegrain foods have a lot of health benefits and when used in conjunction with a diet, a recent study found, members of the study were more likely to lose weight.

Example:

• Organic wholegrain toast, with organic tomatoes & low fat ricotta = 1090kj & 5g of fat
• Regular toast with bacon & eggs = 1430kj & 24g of fat

If you live anywhere from the Sunshine Coast to Byron Bay I would highly recommend trying Sol Organic Breads.

Food for though.

Andrew

Lavera Self Tanning Lotion

Try getting a tan, safely, with Lavera Organic Skin Care Self Tanning Lotion - without any exposure to the harsh sun. Active ingredients like soy extracts and DHA from sugar cane will give you a smooth, all over body tan evenly.

Other ingredients, in Lavera Organic Skin Care Self Tanning Lotion, like jojoba oil, calendula, aloe vera and rose water will act as an amazing moisturiser for your skin, while leaving it feeling refreshed.

Lavera Organic Skin Care Self Tanning Lotion actually won a special innovation prize in Europe in 2002. Perfect for all types of skin.

This is a really fabulous natural skin care product that gives surprisingly effective results. It's safe for all types of skin and is very effective in giving you a summer glow. It's also worth noting that all Lavera products are paraben free and are certified by EcoCert which is the equivelent to Australian Certified Organic.

If you would like to know more about Lavera Organic Skin Care Self Tanning Lotion click here.

It's also worth looking into Lavera Faces if you like the look of this product as it is designed specifically for your face.

RRP - $28.00

Miami Organic Farmers Markets - Gold Coast

Miami Organic Farmers Markets, held on the Gold Coast, is one of the few true farmers markets in Australia with only only fully certified organic products allowed to be sold there.

At Miami Organic Farmers Markets you can expect to find:

• Certified organic vegetables
• Certified organic fruit
• Certified organic eggs
• Certified organic chicken and red meat
• Organic dry goods
• Organic bread
• Organic skin care products
• Organic herbal teas
• Organic dairy products

At Miami Organic Farmers Markets there is truly something for everyone. There are also public toilets, plenty of parking and Miami Organic Farmers Markets are child and pram friendly.

Where: Miami State High School, 2137 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami, Gold Coast
When: Every Sunday (rain, hail or shine) 6.00am - 11.30am

If you are interested in local farming and reducing your food miles click here for some tips.

Andrew

Lavera Faces Summer Glow

It's time to give your complexion a summer glow with Lavera Faces Summer Glow moisturiser. Lavera Faces Summer Glow is a gentle, face and skin friendly self tanning and moisturising lotion for your face. Lavera Faces Summer Glow is light, non-oily and has a beautiful citrus and calendula smell to it.

Lavera Faces Summer Glow tanning properties come from active ingredients like soy extract and DHA, a common tanning additive coming from plant sources like sugar cane.

I tried this Lavera organic skin care product the other day, as it was free with my purchase of Green Magazine, and I was surprised at how effective it was, and how quickly it worked - one sleep will do it. Great moisturising qualities too.

RRP - $29.95
* Vegan friendly

If you would like to learn more about this Lavera Faces Summer click here.

Andrew

Recycling

• Recycling 1 tonne of paper can save 13 trees, 2.5 barrels of oil, 4,100 kWh of electricity, 4 cubic metres of landfill and 31,780L of water
• Making 1 can from recycled material (aluminium) uses 95% less energy than making it from raw materials
• Plastic takes 500 years to decompose
• Australians put 35 printer cartridges into landfill every minute
• 9 out of 10 pieces of paper from the average Australian office block go to landfill instead of being recycled
• It takes 125 recycled 2L milk bottles to produce a 140L wheelie bin
• In Australia, 67% of aluminium cans are recycled
• We recycle 35% of all aerosol cans, even though they are 100% recyclable

It's easy being green.

Andrew

Kingscliff Markets

Kingscliff Markets bring a unique range organic and conventional produce, gifts, organic skin care, flowers and general interest things to Kingscliff every second Sunday of the month.

Unlike most markets, Kingscliff Markets has plenty of parking and public toilets are very easy to access.

Kingscliff Markets are child friendly but expect some bumps if you are using a pram. Furthermore, if you are heading down to Kingscliff Markets in the summer months be sure to don some 'boardies' as the markets are pretty much on the beach in Kingscliff.

Andrew

Is the Organic Industry Overrated?

I was sitting outside my shop today feeding my baby some organic baby food, Ella's Kitchen actually, when a lady with a baby in pram and her husband walked past. I only caught a small part of the conversation but the lady ended by saying "it's overrated...".

At first I was a little hurt, but once I got that monkey off my back I pondered what she had said and it in a small way reminded me of a visit I made to a friends recently who had a 10 month old baby. Who, by the way, both lives 2 minutes walk from one of the best organic supermarkets in Syndney (About Life) and who I have heard once say "oh, I would never use natural or organic products...".

Upon arrival I was struck at the welts of eczema all over the face of my friends baby and how she was scratching them endlessly, but it wasn't until she had her nappy changed that the whole scenario unfolded, so to speak.

Once the Huggies nappy was taken off the true extent of the babies condition became evident, notwithstanding the obvious pain. She was simply covered in nappy rash.

After a quick dip in a Johnsons and Johnsons filled bath, the mum covered the baby in a steroid cream, splashed a little talc, then donned bubba in another Huggies nappy - I'm seriously not exaggerating.

Are these two mothers any different?

You see I didn't have to know much about the mother that walked past the shop today but there is a possibility that if her baby ever gets eczema, has allergies or pretty much any other health problem she is likely pay a visit. I have seen it all before at least 100 times.

So I ask the question again...is the organic industry overrated?

Andrew

Kikkoman Organic Soy Sauce

I was sitting watching t.v tonight and for the first time ever, I think, I have finally seen an advertisement for a certified organic food product - what a treat! I was really quite shocked to be frank but proud in another way.

The product I saw advertised was Kikkoman Organic Soy Sauce. Kikkoman has been committed to using non-GM products for quite some time.

Kikkoman Certified Organic Soy Sauce is made from Certified Organic Soy beans, combined with Certified Organic wheat, Certified Organic Salt and water - that's it.

As I understand it Kikkoman Certified Organic Soy Sauce is fermented naturally making a fresh and clean taste.

I have tried numerous soy sauces and think they are all great. It is, however, fabulous to see a big company, like Kikkoman, taking on such an awesome product.

Green Beer By Cascade

Environmental beer anyone? Drinking beer recently went GREEN. Aussie brewer, Cascade, just produced the first Australian carbon neutral beer, aptly named Cascade Green. The larger has a certified "Greenhouse Friendly" label by the Australian's Government's Department for Climate Change.

The carbon offset was achieved by hand picking hops, bottling in lightweight, minimum 50% recycled glass, using biodegradable vegetable inks on the packaging.

If you would like to learn more about this groovy green beer click here.

Cascade Green Beer - Verdict

This is really a great beer. After trying it last weekend I was surprised at how smooth and easy to drink it was and it tasted even better knowing it was carbon neutral.

I do think, however, it would taste even better if they made the bottle in either a 750ml or 1L version thus cutting back even further on raw materials.

Be green & drink Green.

Andrew

Make Herbal Tea? Tulsi

The Stress Go 'Getter' - Tulsi

"Queen of the herbs", as it's know in India, Tulsi is one of the most revered in Ayurveda. Due to it's adaptogenic qualities this sensational herb will help you deal with stress. It helps to support the immune and adrenalin systems, increases your stamina, helps with blood sugar levels and is very rich in antioxidants.

Flavour

Tulsi has a sweet and slightly peppery flavour, and a refreshing clove-like aroma.

How To Use

You can buy Tulsi tea at most organic food stores health food stores and usually in loose leaf form. Can also work well with Chai Tea.

Headlice Blitzer Review, Essential Health

Back To School Does Not Mean Back To Nits

Essential Heath Headlice Blitzer is just what Mum's need to tackle stubborn lice naturally.

• Contains safe and effective Pure Essential Oils
• Effective after 15 minutes
• Easy application
  
• Oil base makes it simple to comb the yucky eggs out

Contains: Macadamia Nut Oil, Pure Essential Oils of Thyme, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Tea Tree and Lavender. To learn more about this product click here.

Now you can finally fight headlice naturally.

This is a really effective product that really works on those stubborn headlice and nits.

RRP - $18.00

Andrew

Why Should I Go Organic?

Better For the Environment

As a certified organic farmer, you are simply not allowed to use fertilisers as they pollute rivers and contribute to algae blooms in most Australian rivers. Certified organic farmers use more natural measures to fertilise their crops, these include:

• Planting crops to enhance soil quality
• Rotating crops
• Composted manure
• Weed companion planting

Pesticides are also not allowed due to their impact on us, the environment and native species. Furthermore, certified organic farmers are not allowed to use genetically modified crops.

Great For the Organic Farmers

In my opinion someone who buys regular produce is, in a small way, promoting the bad health of Australian farmers, the people who work for them and their next door neighbours - scary thought.

Farming produce with the use of toxic fertilisers and fertilisers is dangerous. Farmers who use convectional farming methods have:

• An increased chance of prostate cancer
• Birth defects in children
• Have a better chance of having a child with a hyperactivity disorder

If you are interested in this point you may also be interested in the impact of chemicals in the dry-cleaning process.

Better For Your Babies & Children

Put simply, babies are more susceptible to toxins that adults. Babies that eat organic food, as mine does, are found to contain less than 1/6 the amount of pesticide residue in their urine than babies fed on regular non-certified organic food.

Incredible as it may seem but these disturbing results can even inhibit your babies physical and mental development and as scary weaken the immune system. All this and we are yet to even mention the words additive and preservative.

Preservatives, food colouring & other food additives have been closely linked to a wide range of disorder in children, including ADHD.

Babies, toddlers and young children need healthy, organic & clean food. The benefits will last a lifetime.

What About The Poor Animals

Certified organic animals are treated better, lead more wholesome and involved lives and certainly taste better.

Animals brought up on organic farms have a greater outdoors experience, are not genetically modified, are not injected with growth hormones and antibiotics and live in less stressful conditions.

The whole ethos behind organic animal farming is that animals be well managed and lead health and nutritious lives.

Organic Produce Tastes Better

I begrudgingly bought some bananas, or 'nanas' as my baby daughter calls them, from a local supermarket the other day as I simply had no choice.

Driving south on the Pacific Highway to meet the grandparents later that day I passed the 'nana' back to my bubba, in some way to stop the crying and make the drive easier. Still crying 'nana', some minutes later I quickly turned back to see what all the fuss was about, and it wasn't that she wanted another.

To my great surprise most of the 'nana' had ended up on the floor, or the once clean floor of the car, together with the toys, spilt milk and enough crumbs to keep a colony of ants happy for a lifetime.

I peeled the second banana and decided to take a bite myself and the penny dropped - what 'nana'? Had it not been for the brilliant yellow sheath and that mushy texture I may have found it hard to decipher what it really was - hence the persistent tears in the back.

You see, my daughter has been spoilt with organic bananas for the last year, they really do taste better and even she knows it.

Have you tried organic produce lately? Is it worth the extra cost? Does organic farming really do any good? Take a bite of an organic banana or organic apple one day and see for yourself.

Andrew

Water Saving Tip - Water Wizz Toilet Saver

Water Wizz Toilet Saver

Try buying a installing a Water Wizz Toilet Saver. This super cheap water gadget will drop your toilet flush from 12L to 4L, depending on how long you hold the flush down. This groovy, easy to install device, simply fits into single-flush toilets in less than a few minutes.

This is a brilliant & practical water saving device that that could save you up to 20,000L per year - surely it's worth the effort. Furthermore, a duel flush system will set you back a minimum of $200.

RRP - $10.95

It's easy being green.

Andrew

Dietary do's and dont's,vital greens

Dietary Do's

If you didn't know organic beans, organic barley, organic oats & organic red or green apples are all a great source of soluble fibre, which in turn lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Increase your intake of certified organic garlic, onion and celery as these will also help to reduce your blood pressure. Certified organic fruit and vegetables are a must as they are also a vital fibre source as well as being high in potassium which is great for your arteries.

Vital Greens make an amazing superfood fit for any person.

Vital Greens works as a:

• Detoxifier/Cleanser - detoxifying and gently cleansing your colon, liver and working on every single cell in the body. The unique combination of nutrients will help your body progressively eliminate waste which builds up on the bowel walls, cleansing the liver which is the body's main filter organ and emulsify fat helping to maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels
• Energiser/Alkaliser - Vital Greens contains many superfoods to help give you more energy, feel more vibrant and less sluggish and stressed. Alkalinity is promoted which results in feeling more balanced and alive
• Well-Being Promoter - Vital Greens contains potent antioxidants, adaptogenic herbs boosting stamina, endurance and the immune system. Powerful phyto-nutrients building health from the very basics of the cell. There are no less than 2 pro-biotics in Greens.
• Mental Acuity Sharpener - Vital Greens contains Lecithin, Rosemary and Co-Enzyme Q-10 which may help increase mental acuity, focus and concentration

If you would like to know more about Vital Greens click here.


Dietary Dont's

Avoid fats and oils, although organic olive oil may help to lower systolic pressure.

Andrew

Natural Anti - Ageing Secrets

Quick Detox

Selenium is a trace mineral with profound cancer fighting qualities. It can reduce the chance of prostate cancer in men significantly. Selenium reduces that rate of tumor growth and helps natural killer cell activity. Furthermore, detox pathways in the liver are opened up by selenium, therefore the more selenium in the body the greater the detox power of cancer causing molecules.

Source: legumes, eggs, organic fruit, organic vegetables, sunflower seeds, whole grains, Brazil nuts

Eat green, look lean, and feel clean.

Stay tuned for many more anti-ageing secrets.

Andrew

Lavera Organic Skin Care & Cosmetics

Lavera, Lavera, Lavera - the talk of Hollywood and now in Australia, finally. Hmmm, the stars of Hollywood are wearing Lavera, perhaps we should take a look ourselves.

Lavera's mission, and I like the tone of their language, is "to provide 100% natural cosmetics, our main focus is on tolerance for even the most sensitive skin. Lavera is the only natural cosmetics manufacturer that offers a complete system of skin and body care specially formulated for allergy sufferers and sensitive skin..." I like Lavera's focus, as, let's face it (excuse the pun), most consumers do not have normal skin, they have skin more susceptible to allergies, eczema or psoriasis.

Lavera is a company that makes truly natural organic cosmetics and skin care that have proven effectiveness. Lavera used plant based liposomes that holistically repair aged and damaged skin without the use of chemicals. Lavera also uses hyaluronic acid for sensational moisturising of sensitive & dry skin.

Lavera is the only organic cosmetic and skin care company in the world to manufacture a 100% mineral based sunscreen. In fact, Lavera received a prestigious "Innovation Prize of the Year" award in Europe at the worlds largest natural product expo called Biofach.

Lavera make a very comprehensive range of skin care products to suit every occasion, skin type & even for vanity - for a chemical free SUN TAN!

Lavera is very transparent in disclosing it's organic ingredients on each product. It is approved by the BDIH foundation in Germany to comply with the strictest standards in the natural skin care industry.

Lavera products are:

• Designed for sensitive skin & dry skin
  
• Made from pure, organic plant oils
• Made from organic herb and flower extracts
• Free from parabens and synthetic preservatives
• Free from fragrances, emulsifiers and petroleum ingredients such as Mineral Oils
• Free from irritating detergents e.g. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
  

I really rate Lavera products highly. They are affordable, innovative & have an admirable company ethos.

If you would like to know more about Lavera organic cosmetics, skin care and even tooth care click here.

Andrew

Natural Air Freshener,Lemon Myrtle Fragrances

If you hadn't guessed already air fresheners are full of chemicals that, once sprayed, we all happily breathe in - our babies too.

I believe we go about getting rid of smells the wrong way. It makes more sense to seek the source of the problem, improve ventilation, rather than mask nasty smells with chemical filled quick fixes.

There are a number of ways you could go about getting rid of unwanted smells in the house. One way is flowers - a bowl of rose petals, lavender, geraniums, rosemary or even mint. Placed in the bathroom, kitchen or living area these gorgeous smelling flowers and herbs will give a constant, chemical free, pleasant aroma to your home & they are cheap too. Eucalyptus oil will also do a great job, effectively and cheaply.

If you didn't know indoor plants are a super way to soak up unwanted odors too. They are relatively cheap and obviously look great too.

There is also another way and that is to get a natural air freshener. These products contain:

• No animal by-products
• No petro-chemicals
• No mineral oils
• No artificial colours or fragrances

The most popular one on the market in made my Lemon Myrtle Fragrances (Australian made).

Stay clean, stay green.

Andrew

Organic Meat ,beef,queensland

The future is look great for organic beef in Queensland, both nationally and internationally.

Recent figures indicate that organic beef sales have grown 80% in the last 4 years.

The nation's largest organic beef project says its optimistic about the future of the organic food sector both in domestic and international markets.

What does this say about the organic meat industry? Does it say much about the perception of organic meat to the average person?

Food for thought.

Andrew

Orbit Baby to launch new 'green' bassinet

Unlike regular prams and strollers, Orbit Baby's new limited 'green addition' bassinet is one of the first on the market to be 100% PVC free with the packaging made from 100% recycled materials - cool and amazing say!

Orbit Baby has decided to donate a portion of the proceeds to The Nature Conservatory- whose mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities - in addition to introducing a recycling programme for outgrown products.

"We are committed to being the first baby gear company to rid our supply chain of PVC, chrome-plating, and oil based packaging inks, along with deletions of reductions in a host of other bad-for-us, and bad-for-our-world, chemicals and materials," a spokesperson commented.

Celebrities such as Tori Spelling and Marcia Cross are reported to be fans of the Orbit Baby Travel System.

Features:

• Organic cotton interior fabric
• Natural wool exterior fabric
• PVC & phthalate free materials

This is a very cool and eco-friendly product, I just hope it hits Australian shores.

Andrew