Do you support fair trade products? I started learning about fair trade few years ago when I was in a flea market in New Zealand. Honestly, I never quite understood that term in the beginning. As I knew was, I like artisan stuff as they are usually eco friendly and eco natural by nature.

Wikipedia defines fair trade as “an organized social movement which promotes standards for international labor, environmentalism, and social policy in areas related to production of Fairtrade labeled and unlabeled goods.” The fair trade movement focuses in particular on exports from developing countries into developed countries. Fair trade also supports and promotes safe working conditions for artisans as it hleps to sustain livelihoods for communities in developing countries. This in turn helps to improve social and humanitarian conditions for those communities at the same time ensures workers keep earning uninterrupted wages.

AS the fair trade movement grows, some organizations even expand further to recuit jobs in sales to help with the cause. Perhaps it’s time to look at fair trade products the next time you need to buy eco natural gifts for someone. With the increase of online eco friendly stores in the web, you can find categories in jewelry and accessories such as handbags, purses and tote bags; toys; crafts or handcrafts; clothing and apparel; bedding, home linens and other fabric items.

The computer has been more than just an office equipment for me these days. I have gathered alot of ideas on environmental issues and it’s great to know that many people are beginning to recognize the importance of being eco friendly.

As I was checking out some insurance quotes a while ago, I saw lots of advertisements on eco products shopping sites. I suppose many people had caught the wave and begin to promote environmentally friendly products and spreading this message. Caring for the earth is our responsibility. We can witness the climate change in where we live and we should learn to be aware of it.

When at home, try not to switch on that many lights if you aren’t using them. Conserving energy is one of the effective and easy ways to be eco friendly. We should pass on this principle to our younger generation to make our earth a friendlier place to live, for the good of our future. If you haven’t explore on energy saving lights, it’s time to look into it too.

My journey to embark on an eco living is getting more exciting each day. Last week, I did my first batch of aloe vera enzyme for my home and I can’t wait to see how it turns out! Finally I found a great way to utilize those precious cactus plants in my yard. I never thought I could use them to forward my eco friendly interests!

I started growing these aloe vera plants few years ago and didn’t expect them to multiply so rapidly. They grew so fast that I stopped replanting them as they will continue to multiply and outgrow my pots! Making aloe vera enzyme is really simple. If you intend to make a Litre of enzyme solution, all you need is 300g grams of aloe vera (crushed or it will too long to ferment!), 150g of brown sugar or molasses. Add some lemon or citrus peel for zest! Screwpine leaves are good too. Mixed them with a litre of water and leave it to ferment for three months. Remember to keep the cap loose to allow enzyme activity to take place.

With the above simple information, you too can begin your eco living journey from home. Ok for now, I would need to get some life insurance matters settled before heading to my garden and snip off some aloe vera for the precious gel. Did I mention that the gel is a great healing salve and wonderful toning moisturizer for the skin?

In about two months’ time, we’ll be celebrating our ten wedding anniversary. Looking back, it’s amazing how fast time flies! Since we have never quite celebrated our wedding anniversary, I’m thinking of an eco travel holiday this time.

When the topic ‘eco travel’ is mentioned, we often think about the sun, beach, less traffic, no crowd sort of location. Eco travel is preferred by those who like things simple, no hassle and out of the beaten path options. I have various tastes when it comes to traveling for a vacation. Since we always travel with our young child, I prefer to go to someplace that is child friendly. A city holiday is nice but it won’t be much of an eco travel. Slow travel, as the term suggests, means the pace will be slow… no rush as you take time to absorb the local culture. Personally, I think any kind of vacation can be eco in nature if you make choices that are good for the environment. Whether it be Branson vacations or city holidays in Asia, they can be meaningful as you get close to nature.

What are your thoughts about eco travel? A slow and easy one that allows you to get in touch with your heart and nature or one that brings you closer to the great outdoors?

Who would mind a little glitter gift on Valentine’s day? I just heard about eco friendly gold and am wondering what is this all about. Melt old gold, recycle it and get a new piece of jewelry out from it? Probably!

After reading more about it, I am right about the recycled gold and the company takes a step further by doing its part in being socially responsible. With more jewelry designers catching on the eco friendly movement, more are recycling metals and turning them into creative jewelry pieces. This is indeed not a new trade or practice but it’s certainly a growing industry for those who want to play their part in being kind to the environment without sacrificing on style. Perhaps you too can be eco friendly and request for your loose diamonds to be set on recycled gold the next time you want a new piece of jewelry.

So that’s one gift ideas for Valentine’s day. Otherwise, there are lots of ideas you can peek from our Eco Natural Store for that special someone.

Last week, I came across another website that carries eco natural products for the home. That was good news for me as I am always on the lookout for new products, brands and information on the eco friendly movement.

I have been using natural cleaning products for the home and personally, I enjoy the peace of mind of using products that are free from those harsh and harmful chemicals. This matters to me as I have a little child at home who is prone to allergies and using eco friendly and natural products prevents toxicity and the inhaling of these chemicals present in the products. All natural home and laundry products are safe and effective alternatives to petroleum based ingredients found in name brand detergents. Choose those that are free from artificial fragrances and color brightening chemicals.

Whether you are looking for natural products for your vehicles, natural cleaning products for your home, furniture and even your ps3, natural laundry detergents, all natural dishwashing cleaners, essential carrier oils, you can find the answers to your needs by clicking on the banner above.

Many of us may have already know thatn honey is famous for its health benefits. Before I embark on an eco natural lifestyle, I have been taking manuka honey from New Zealand. I like active manuka honey for its antibacterial and powerful healing properties. I use it for a daily maintenance and increase my intake when my immune system is compromised.

Feeling tired? Eating honey products can help boost your energy. Honey also helps in the formation of enzymes and has distinct germicidal properties. Healthy bee related honey and products are available such as, royal jelly, bee pollen, venom, wax and even medical honey. Not too long ago, my hubby got a cut after fixing the wireless security systems and after applying some UMF Manuka Honey, the cut recovered speedily.

UMF® Manuka Honey, which has special UMF® antibacterial property, is highly sought-after for its health-giving qualities. The higher the UMF® factor, the higher the level of anti-bacterial properties, the more active, that is. All you need is to take 1-2 teaspoons before your meal to help promote well being. You can even apply to burns and wounds as required to help promote healing.

In the last post, I wrote about an eco natural lifestyle with aromatherapy oils. In this post, I would liek to highlight a few of my favourite essential oils which are common ones used in the home.

Essential oils provide a fantastic natural alternative to common ailments we see at home. The actions of essential oils are broad, ranging from topical antiseptics and anti-inflammatories to analgesics, digestive system tonics, and anti-depressants. While essential oils should not be a substitute for professional medical care, they can be successfully employed for many minor complaints, and as adjuncts to other therapies.

1: Tea Tree Essential Oil

When first examined for it’s antiseptic properties, Tea Tree essential oil was found to be 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid ñ the medical standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely broad range of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties that have been confirmed by modern scientific research. Often used topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found in oral hygiene preparations, and can also be effectively employed for Candida, athlete’s foot and acne, among other things.

2: Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender has often been called the ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ for its broad range of applications. Every home should keep Lavender on hand, even if no other oil is used, as it is so very effective on burns. It’s anti-inflammatory action is responsible for the beginnings of modern aromatherapy. Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stress in a variety of situations – a commonly used technique is to apply Lavender oil (undiluted) to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment.

3: Peppermint Essential Oil

An excellent digestive tonic, Peppermint essential oil can sooth many stomach complaints. For the traveler, itís effectiveness on calming motion sickness can be of great help. Further, at least eight controlled studies have shown Peppermint oil to be effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painful condition of the intestines. Beyond it’s support of the digestive system, Peppermint is delightfully stimulating to the mind, brightening and sharpening mental focus. My business plan writers friends can stand a claim to this! Finally, Peppermint is considered by some to be a more effective insect repellent than citronella when used on the body (rather than in the surrounding air).

As you embark on an eco natural lifestyle, you will soon find that nature has the answers to many things. I’ve been a long time fan of aromatherapy and has enjoyed the benefits all-natural, pure essential oils all these years. Nature holds various useful resources which can be put to several uses. And this is what aromatherapy makes the best use of. Aromatherapy blends are a natural way to cure your problems.

Aromatherapy uses natural extracts, botanical essential oils from plants, leaves, seeds, and flowers as a healing art. Aromatherapy blends refreshes and relaxes the skin while soothing the mind by helping to induce a sense of well-being and reinforce the freshness.

Aromatherapy blends can be used in oil diffusors, or blended into a product base such as massage oil, or bath salts. Finest blends of essential oils in quality base oils are what aromatherapy blends is all about. Enjoy the uplifting power of essential oils; find relief from menstrual cramps, headache and congestion by using aromatherapy blends. I once gave an aromatherapy gift pack to a friend who does cad drawings and she became a convert not long after.

Have you been pampering your skin with the artificial products that contains harmful chemicals? If yes, it’s time to embrace an eco natural lifstyle. Aromatherapy blends are available in wide variety, use them and give your skin an opportunity to benefit from it. Relaxation, stress relief, energizing, healing, meditations, sinus relief, citrus passion, romance, and headache relief are some of the commonly found aromatherapy blends.

I have been a little stressed past few days cos some bad person exploited my site and deleted it completely! I don’t understand why people do such things but I’m thankful that my host had been kind to restore this site. As such, I can still continue my posting on eco living and share my stories on this new found passion.

It seems that many brand retailers are riding on the eco bandwagon and started using the word ‘eco’ just on everything. Sad to say, the labeling can end up deceiving many ignorant buyers who don’t even try to read the labels properly. The term ‘eco’ is seen used from household products to food and beverage. It is important to find out why is it ‘eco’ in the first place and how is it contributing to the environment. Hoteliers are also walking this eco living path and I was told that some las vegas hotels are also embarking this trend too. It is rather common to spot eco friendly amenities in the hotel rooms in some of the hotels.

Eco living can start at home and you can do that by avoiding as much chemicals as possible. It may take some efforts but it’s definitely better for your family, your health and the environment.