Organic Skincare lovers will be interested to know that a letter popped through my door a couple of days ago from WWF – The World Wildlife Fund that brought to my attention the problem that is being created by Palm oil production in tropical countries.

Palm oil is used in around half of all packaged food products sold by supermarkets – you may find it listed as ‘vegetable oil’, in anything from bread to shampoos. Mostly sourced from Malyasia and Indonesia, it is produced from plants grown on land that was previously rainforest.

This threat to the rainforest also threatens the animals that live there such as the Orang-utans, Tigers, Elephants and Rhinos. Not only are the animals affected, but also local communities that rely on the same forests for food and shelter. Knock on effects also include global warming and climate change.

The WWF has been active in producing a round table on Sustainable Palm
Oil (RSPO) which is the only multi-stakeholder initiative of its kind that's committed to promoting sustainable production of palm oil across the world. With over 400 members, including palm oil growers, processors, traders, manufacturers, and retailers, RSPO

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Organic mattress lovers will be interested to hear about a recent article claiming some organic mattresses contain fire retardant chemicals. What a shock, surely the whole point is to get away from chemicals and sleep on a pure surface! Just so you know this is catagorically unacceptable at buyOrganics!

These companies site the reason for using fire retardants in their organic mattresses as due to fire safety regulations and law. This is actually not accurate, in the UK anyway. In fact what is required is that any mattress pass a flame test, the surface should not smolder if a light is held to it for a designated amount of time. This flame retardency can normally only be achieved through use of flame retardant chemicals, however it can also be achieved through natural means, some companies just don’t have the know how of how to do this naturally and without chemicals.

We can proudly say that our Organic mattresses have achieved fire safety tests and have the BS7177 test naturally without the use of any fire retardent chemicals and are Soil Association certified also

Studies have shown that flame retardants migrate into the blood

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Just before Christmas Inika launched its new product range, full of vibrant colours for 2010. The collection was an instant hit with natural mineral lipsticks, eye shadows and blushers, and some new treats to add. New to the already best selling range of pure Mineral foundation powder makeup is the mineral liquid makeup, which gives you total coverage and flawless perfection that’s even ok for the most sensitive of skins. The Inika collection now boasts a luscious new lip whip which provides colour and hydration in one swoop, as well as a light reflecting crème and fantastic new shades in the range.

So if you’re looking to update your natural makeup bag this spring, check out some of Inika’s new colours. The latest looks this season are inspired by Nicole Farhi’s 2010 Catwalk of Green and Purple colours. Here are some tips on how to create the same stunning look

Get that flawless matt look with Inika’s Mineral Foundation; pick the shade closest to your skin colour. Make sure your brows are shaped and coloured either using Inika Brow baby pencil or using a mineral eyeshadow, I use Coco Motion from Inika’s new

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Natural Hair care enthusiasts will be interested to know why conditioners are so important for our hair and why they work on keeping our hair looking fabulous when used properly.

The use of natural hair conditioners will keep your hair looking naturally shiny and glossy, while keeping locks strong and also helping to prevent damage. No amount of hair conditioner can actually repair damage, however, ‘Conditioners smooth the cuticles, reduce static electricity, protect against UV damage and enhance overall appearance," says Dr. D'Anne Kleinsmith, a dermatologist in West Bloomfield, Mich
Conditioners also help keep the hair's cortex hydrated. "Dry, out-of-condition hair lacks moisture, and without enough moisture, the number of hydrogen bonds may be reduced," explains John Gray, author of The World of Hair. "Conditioning allows reestablishment of the hydrogen bonds and improves the moisture content of the hair by improving the weatherproofing of the cuticle."

The actual way you use conditioning treatments on your hair, depends on your hair type as well on its length and your usual hair care routine. All types of natural and organic conditioners are available now that can combat problems associated with your hair type and give

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New In Store! fantastic new organic Anti Aging skin care range by Logona. ‘Age Protection by Logona’ is an elegant value for money high performance skincare line that ticks all the boxes when it comes to keeping you looking young looking and beautiful naturally. Tried and Tested by buyOrganics Founder Sonia Kalia-Sagoo, watch out for the full review coming soon. For free samples and product info contact mail@buyorganics.co.uk today!

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Organic Mattress lovers will be delighted to learn that their investment in getting a good nights sleep is well deserved as an article out today in a U.S newspaper warns us that lack of sleep can have serious side effects.

Getting the optimal level of sleep is essential to a persons mental and physical health. The ideal amount is 7 to 8 hours and not getting enough sleep can have serious effects to your health, your ability to concentrate, and minimize personal productivity due to fatigue. Resulting poor health may include signs of irritability, high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, emotional mood swings, lack of concentration or hyperactivity.

If we followed our natural body clock, we would wake as the sun rises and sleep as it gets it darker in the evening, but our busy lifestyles mean that we sleep according to the tick tock clock our society follows instead.

Common ways to treat sleep disorders include sleep studies which help treat sleep aponea and snoring, whilst Mattresses and pillows play a big part in our sleep. If a mattress is too soft or too hard, a person will be unable to get comfortable.

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Organic pregnancy fans will be interested to hear the latest research from an American Ob-Gyn expert in Chicago this week.

It seems that babies who are born at 39 weeks are likely to be healthier than those born earlier at 37 weeks. Although 37 weeks is considered full term, that extra little time sheltered by mummy seems to help them in the long run.

Mum’s who love Organic pregnancy products will no doubt be keeping their legs well and truly crossed in order to do the best for their little ones!

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Natural hair care lovers will be intrigued to know what leading Trichologist Phillip Kingsley thinks of natural hair care treatments that you could find in your kitchen.

Unfortunately his take isn’t too promising. Amongst the old wives tales, Beer, Eggs, mayonnaise, olive oil, green tea, rainwater, lemon juice, chamomile tea, witchazel, banana, fabric softener, tomato ketchup, vodka and artificial sweetener have been suggested. I don’t know about you, but some of these products don’t really seem old enough to be amongst an old wives tale suggested item. Maybe more like something someone has poured on their head in experimentation perhaps...!


It seems that most of the above have their downfalls, and amongst the top downfall is the smell they leave in your hair. No surprise there! For instance, Beer does leave hair looking fuller due to the hops and barley, but you’ll smell like a brewery! Vinegar will leave you hair looking shiny whilst also leaving an equally unattractive stink and also re-distributing the oil along the hair shaft. Egg is just as good as any cheap conditioner but stinks like an English breakfast if it’s washed out with hot water-Mmm! Not so

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Natural Hair Care lovers and especially men looking for natural balding treatments will be savoring a new meaning of binge drinking with the latest natural hair re-growth treatment from Michael Winner!!

Michael Winner uses Regaine on his head to re-grow hair and swears by it, he has recommended it to Hollywood actors and loads of famous people all who’ve had winning results! Not exactly natural I hear you say, but the trick is in what he does before he applies it. Firstly, he shampoos his hair , then he warms up a can of beer in a bowl of hot water until its warm and then pours it over his head (one can is sufficient). Without washing the hair he leaves his hair to dry naturally, and just dabs off the excess that drips on his face. Once his hair is dry he applies his regaine as usual.

“Thanks to this routine, not only did my hair grow back, it was also thicker. It was lustrous. But it was yellowish (nothing to do with the beer; it just sometimes happens to people with white hair)”

Maybe you could use a natural

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Natural pregnancy product loving mama’s to be will be interested to hear the latest news in a leading publication today.

According to experts, Pregnancy is the most important time to stay fit and healthy, not by trying to loose weight, but rather by eating healthily and staying fit.
Fitness expert Jane Wake says that “Your body will respond to good food and exercise."

Instead of eating for two you only need an extra 300 calories a day. So choose healthy snacks and not sugary foods. Make sure your diet is balanced and avoid food fads. Get plenty of leafy, green veg like broccoli, lettuce, cabbage and spinach, which are packed full of folic acid. Try to eat these with a fat source like a salad dressing or some cheese, as your body will absorb nutrients more effectively. We recommend organic foods as they maintain the nutrients and haven’t got the chemicals. As a rule, the darker the leaf the better it is for you. You can't risk some foods as they can be harmful to your baby - these include uncooked meat, un-pasteurised cheese, eggs and pate. Avoid nuts if your family has nut

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Natural health lovers will be disappointed to hear the latest news that excess Antioxidants can have a harmful effect on our health. But not for long! Mainly highlighted is the creation of breathing difficulties in elderly people. Excess doses of Antioxidant were found to have caused an imbalance of Pro-oxidants in the body (these are normally known as the evil twin of Antioxidants). The research is based on studies from Kansas State University in the U.S. where they tested animals with different doses of antioxidants. Now not to sound a sceptic, I fully support scientific research but it’s likely that these animals were probably given really, really high doses of antioxidant and that too in an artificial format.

Natural forms of Antioxidant come in the form Broccoli, Blue berries, Sweet potatoes, Lentils, Goju berries and Yogurt amongst other things and are essential as part of a balanced diet. These antioxidant rich foods are meant to combat aging, harmful effects of environmental pollution, smoking, stress and disease. In addition, all those that are dedicated to natural skin care will know that anti-oxidants are important for keeping us looking young.

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C&A - The major high street organic clothing retailer have said in a statement issued in eco textile news that “C&A remains committed to being one of the leading textile retailers in the market for organic clothing,” as they continue to believe that “a growing number of our customers are interested not just in up to date fashion that offers value for money.

“The high demand for textiles made from organic cotton also shows the customers’ high regard for a sustainable quality of textiles as well as a sustainable development in the cotton growing industry.”

This commitment comes following the claims made in the German Financial Times about contamination of Organic Cotton with Genetically Modified Strains. C&A also revealed that it was currently undertaking an in-depth investigation into the allegations made in the paper.

“We have contacted the certifying authorities and are actively investigating the validity of the details of the report. We will conduct an immediate in-depth-investigation on site in India,” the company said.

Certified standards for organic or ‘Bio-Cotton’ as it is known in certain European markets require that no genetically modified cotton seeds are used in its cultivation. “Accredited certification

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H&M the high street clothing chain, have come under fire for reports that their eco conscious organic clothing may be contaminated with GM strains of Cotton from India.

According to German Independent lab Impetus, roughly a third of cotton samples tested contained genetically modified cotton. This was traced back to India, which is responsible for more than half of the global supply of organic cotton which is used by H&M and many other clothing manufacturers worldwide.

Monika Buening of the Federal Consumer Affairs Agency has said that although H&M are not to blame directly they should have been more vigilant. This is an issue now for the entire organic cotton industry and will need to be addressed by all manufacturers in order to retain confidence of the market. buyOrganics will be issuing requests to all its organic clothing suppliers requesting further information and clarification on the matter. This may involve checking samples from other labs to substantiate whether the claims are true, and having more independent tests done. The majority of clothiing at buyOrganics is Bamboo with very few lines being made of organic cotton.

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A recent article posted by DANIELLE ROSE in northjersey.com points out the difficulties that pregnant women face in trying to avoid toxins, eat healthy and take care of their developing baby.

A firm follower of using natural products, Danielle often makes up her own blends and potions to ensure that she stays well and healthy. What’s wonderful is that the type of things that she blends herself, are mostly made of products you would use to cook with. That is the true beauty of using natural products. However creating safe makeup is not something that can easily be created from home.

Danielle points out that although most women will switch to organic foods, quit drinking and leave toxic jobs such as painting the nursery to their husband, they often don’t realise that what they put on their skin can be just as important to baby's health. So natural skincare products should be picked carefully. Daily moisturizers, makeup, foundation all sit on the skin for hours.
Danielle points out that the skin is a porous organ and it absorbs lotions and makeup into the body, along with the

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The latest research from a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) has for the first time linked thyroid disease with human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

This chemical is a persistent organic chemical used in industrial and consumer goods, including nonstick cookware and stain- and water-resistant coatings for carpets and fabrics. It is also used during the process of making common household and industrial items, including nonstick pots and pans, flame-resistant and waterproof clothing, wire coatings, and chemical-resistant tubing. PFOA can also be formed by the breakdown of certain other highly fluorinated chemicals used in oil- and grease-resistant coatings on fast-food containers and wrappers and in stain-resistant carpets, fabrics, and paints. Some of these products are everyday items that are used in our home.

Numerous animal studies show that PFAAs can affect the functioning of the mammalian thyroid hormone system, which is essential for maintaining heart rate, regulating body temperature, and supporting many other body functions, including metabolism, reproduction, digestion, and mental health

This latest study revealed that people with higher concentrations of PFOA in their blood were more likely to report a history of thyroid disease.

Tamara

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