You know how it is, you see that something is organic and
you are drawn to it, it's just a nice feeling knowing that
it is real, not tampered with. Then when you use it, comes
the knowledge that you've done something true and right ~
and goodness only knows in this day and age ~ we all need
to feel that from time to time.
There is the cautionary tale of course, that the term can
and is frequently used , loosely, by manufacturers and the
like, to lure people into buying goods that are not in fact
truly organic, but rest assured there is organic treasure
out there, it's just a case of knowing where to look.
My quest was to find skin care that happily, beautifully
and reasonably~ (I had to stay in harmony with my bank
manager as well as nature!)~ reduced my biological
footprint on this planet, and so with a number of key
questions in the blueprint, the research began.
What defines Organic? 70% organic products, which are
produced under very strict guidelines, are the minimum
count that you should accept. Better to seek out 95%
organic content, which is then categorized as Certified
Organic, and give yourself not only peace of mind, but the
maximum benefits.
Is Natural the same thing? No, it really isn't. An item
can be labelled as natural, which might mean it is
processed as little as possible, but can also mean it's
been heavily processed. What it does not mean is that it
has been organically grown. There is no official regulation
in place for use of the term 'natural'.
Will labels confuse me? You bet they will! The whole
labelling law thing needs a major overhaul ~ manufacturers
only need use one organic ingredient to be able to boast
that term, and then they can pop whatever else they want in
there ~ often to the detriment of our precious skin. The
average person uses around 9 different care products each
day ~ as you step into your shower, start counting..., then
sit on the end of your bed, and read those labels. It will
come as no surprise now, when I reveal that you have
rubbed, smoothed and slathered a potential 126 toxic
chemicals into your body.
What benefits should I be looking for? Well we all want the
very best for ourselves, and when you consider that our
skin is the largest organ we possess, absorbing all we put
on it, then it really makes sense that what we choose is as
natural and nourishing as possible. Why subject our skin to
harmful toxins, when Mother Nature can provide us with a
pure alternative?
Does Organic really equal 'Green'? Undoubtedly! We are all
aware now of the impact and responsibility we have for our
world. At last an ethical approach is permeating our
consciousness, and consumer demand for organic industry is
steadily rising as we realise we are part of a Global
community, who need to put the Earth first.
My search for true organic products had to include issues
such as sustainable agriculture, the guarantee that damage
to the environment had not occurred with the poisonous
chemicals used in conventional agriculture. I had to be
sure that not only were the ingredients pure, the products
free from synthetic preservatives, colours and fragrances
but that any packaging may be recyclable or biodegradable.
After many weeks of reading, research, and dead ends, it
was an unassuming handout on decorated card, included in
the local school newsletter which would provide answers,
solutions and the path to a cornucopia of authentic organic
body care. This line of certified organics embraced the
bounty of nature and was as gentle on my purse as it was on
my skin! This range was so safe and pure that apparently,
should the urge take you, you could eat it! My sceptical
heart was stirred and I decided to investigate.
The handout had taken the form of an invite. There was a
promise of an aromatic cup of (organic!) coffee, an
explanation and showing of wonderful certified organic
products, along with a bit of a social get together. I was
ready to experience what sounded like a decidedly agreeable
and comfortable method of reviewing this range. So on a
sunny Saturday morning, in a pretty suburban cul de sac, I
rang the bell of an unpretentious house and was warmly
greeted by Stephanie. The coffee smelt great ~ and it
wasn't long before we were having a good chat about the
skin care products, which were invitingly arranged on a big
table, lids off, readily pokeable and slatherable! The
camaraderie that comes when a few people get together with
the same aim makes for such an easy atmosphere and
Stephanie was a mine of information about the goodies
tempting us. It was instantly apparent that these were
beautiful preparations soft, genuinely natural and
containing 100% organic ingredients. The claim that they
were as safe as to be edible, was absolutely true, and
whilst certain shampoos, lotions, and lip balms did smell
good enough to eat, everyone was too busy pampering
themselves to test the theory!
So far, the claims, the products and the prices were all
adding up, and I had gathered a small arsenal of lotions
and potions not only for myself, but for my husband and my
dedicated organic seeking daughters! But I needed to find
out about the company who provided the umbrella for this
plethora of nature's offerings. There were still questions
that had to be asked to convince me that this was the end
of my search. Hopefully Stephanie would come through for
me, because I can tell you now, I was more than eager to
get these babies paid for, get them home and get them
working! Ten minutes, and a potted history later about a
visionary company that cares for the environment and me, I
was satisfied, and happily stashing my haul into the boot
of my car.
With a wave and a smile Stephanie saw me off, and I drove
home with my harvest, eager to share the good news with my
family. I chuckled to myself at her last words, which
unwittingly underscored my original criteria:- 'Don't
forget to throw the packaging on the garden and water it ~
it's not just bio degradable ~ it's compostable!' Mission
Accomplished.
----------------------------------------------------
Written for Stephanie Hopkins. Independent Representative
for ONE Group
http://www.origanon.com
http://www.origanon.miorganicfuture.com
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