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  Why Organic?     Why Not?

We talk about the reasons behind choosing organic for good...

I’m still shocked, fascinated and horrified all at the same time when I visit my local supermarket on the rare occasion. It literally is a toxic haven and I am angered and frustrated at the inability to find even a miniscule array of true organic products that are not detrimental to me or my environment.

The extreme over consumers that we lovely humans have become accustomed and even a slave to is ridiculous and embarrassing. Let me ask you this…

What do you intend to tell your children or your grand children when they cannot swim in the ocean or any water way for that matter because it is completely unsafe? When it is too hot to go outdoors without 60 plus sunscreen or the fear of a third degree burn? When the amount of weird and wonderful diseases that they will face cannot be explained (though could have been prevented and cured) due to overstuffing them with a cocktail of who knows what both internally and externally for a vast number of years?

Are you smirking at these remarks and thinking to yourself that this is an impossible notion. Is it really?

If you have read a newspaper or listened to the radio recently you would realise that this is not so impossible anymore. The chemicals in your skincare and your food are absorbed directly into your system and passed directly into your immediate environment. Have you ever heard the saying ‘Little Hinges Swing Big Doors’. It only takes small mistakes to cause catastrophic damage yet it only takes a small amount of effort and change to cause the opposite. So which side of the fence are you on?

Kevin Farrow (The Alchemist Natural Skin Care Range) in his latest book ‘Skin Deep’ talks about our society being the first to choose commerce over health. He seems to be right as we all knowingly poison ourselves everyday. He also discovers in detail the real truths about chemicals and their testing, the political arena surrounding this industry, the big companies and in detail, every chemical you should be scared of and need to take out of your daily regime. Kevin also mentions that there are now over 200 synthetic chemicals found in our bodies that weren’t even invented in 1900. For a list of toxic ingredients please visit my website.

So what I’m wondering is, do you actually know what the jargon is that is placed on the behind of your ‘beauty’ & ‘cleaning’ products? Are your truly aware of what you lovingly lather all over yourself and your home everyday? More importantly, are you taking action and choosing sustainable products?

Whilst on the subject of chemical nasties and the under regulated big industry giants who line their pockets at the expense of your health… how is it that the Organic and Bio Dynamic Farming Industry who produce our goods naturally and how they once originally were have to pay large sums and undergo a lengthy test process to prove themselves to be ‘Organic’ when the companies producing products full of toxic chemicals, additives, fertilizers and antibiotics don’t pay a cent and don’t have to label their goods to any suitable standard?

Why are we not all asking for the latter to label their products for exactly what they are…UNNATURAL, INORGANIC, DANGEROUS FOR YOUR HEALTH, NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERYBODY. Where is the common sense?

What the real issue is here is changing our lazy ways and taking responsibility. I could moan about this for hours but I don’t. I take action. I trot off to my local Organic Farmers Market and buy my goods. I shop for my healthy whole foods, natural beauty products, fantastic eco friendly cleaning products and my medicinal herbs all at my local health food shop or my healthy supermarket. I can do this because I am lucky to have it available to me and I allow time to educate myself and make an effort.

Is it more expensive to shop this way… sometimes but generally not if you shop smart? Is it worth making the effort for my health, the taste, the feel and a clear conscience that I am doing what is best for my body, for future generations and my environment; ABSOLUTELY! In fact I quite enjoy it.

I won’t continue to lecture or enlighten you. All I am asking you to do is use your common sense and awareness and make an effort for the benefit of YOU and for a sustainable future for our planet. Its just little hinges….

For those of you who are not able to jump around the corner to grab your organic goodies, browse through our product directory here at Healthspot and find the best online selection of every Health, Wellness and Sustainable Product in Australia. Everything is reasonably priced and all of our suppliers deliver to your door so you will save loads of time and effort, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!

Happy & Smart Shopping!

Heidi Shannon

P.S.

I would also love to hear from you. Email me your thoughts and feedback HERE

Nature and Health Magazine Uncovers:
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The Ugly Side of Beauty Products

Are the chemicals in your cosmetics taking a toll on your health? Jane Carstens goes in search of safer choices.

Elizabeth 1 was considered one of the world's greatest beauties, yet she was finally destroyed by her trademark white make up - it gave her lead poisoning. The intervening 400 years haven't seen much of an improvement in our beauty care habits. We still slather prettily packaged poisons on our faces and bodies, and pay a queens ransom for the privilege.

Clever promotions, free samples, enticing promises and endorsements from (very well paid) celebrities all keep the cosmetic industry churning along. And with unscrupulous companies eagerly using works like 'organic' and 'natural', you still have to read and analyse the ingredient list carefully before you buy.

What you don't want in you beauty products...

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate: A detergent and Emulsifier which strips the skin of its natural oils, interfering with the skin's barrier function and making it easier for other chemicals to get through.
Formaldehyde: A preservative used in many cosmetics, especially in nail hardeners and nail polish, which causes negative skin reactions. If it isn't listed as Formaldehyde then look for formaldehyde-derived imidazolidinyl urea diazolidinyl urea, 2-bromo-2nitropane-1, 3-idol, DMDM hydantoin, and quaternium 15.
Isopropyl Alcohol: An antibacterial solvent derived from petroleum.
Paraffin: Used in cold creams, wax hair removers and eyebrow pencils. Often derived from petroleum or tar.
Methylisothiazolinone: A preservative responsible for allergic reactions and skin reactions.
Propylene Glycol: Used to provide texture and stability, this is the same chemical found in brake fluid and anti freeze.
Methyl Paraben: Preservative that can trigger irritation, as can it's derivatives butyl-, ethyl- and propyl-paraben.
Synthetic Fragrances: Can include up to 200 ingredients which don't have to be labeled separately. Many are petroleum based and can cause dizziness, skin irritation and hyper-pigmentation. The words 'fragrance free' aren't a comfort either, as smell masking chemicals may have been added instead.
DEA and MEA: Very toxic nitrosamines known to cause liver and kidney tumors in mice.
Artificial Colors: Look out especially for FDC Red 4, FDC Red1 or Food Red 1. These are banned in all food as they are known causes of urinary bladder polyps and wasting of the adrenal glands. But they can still be used in cosmetics!
Coal Tar: Often shown on labels as FD&c or D&C colors, it is derived from petroleum and linked to asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, fatigue, nervousness and lack of concentration.
Chemical Emulsifiers: These are just about in every personal grooming product to keep the texture uniform and prevent the ingredients from separating. Common ones are glyceryl monostearate, stearic acid and triethanolamine. These are known skin irritants, while the latter is a contact allergen that causes eczema. Ethoxylates are also used, often abbreviated as PEG-something, such as PEG-20-stearate. A byproduct of this substance was used during World War 1 as a toxic gas.
Tallow: Used in soap, lipstick and shaving cream, it is made by boiling the organs and tissue of sheep.
Mineral Oil: This is a mixture of refined liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It coats the skin like plastic wrap, which interferes with the skins natural immune barrier and limits the skins ability to breathe and release toxins. It also slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature ageing.
Aluminum: Found in deodorants and anti-perspirants. It has long been associated with Alzheimer's.

Article written by Jane Carstens

Scared???

I certainly was when I first checked the back of my beauty bottles!

If you are in search of safer products for your skin including deodorants, cosmetics, skin and body care, toothpaste etc etc Please click here to view the the fantastic product range of our advertisers who only use the best natural ingredients in the production of their goods.

You can read and be informed by articles just like this one in the Nature and Health Magazine by subscribing to them here.

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