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.
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.
Very soon, we will be entering the new year. By then, we would have finished our Christmas turkeys, honey baked ham and pudding. I’m sure some of you are already setting goals for the New Year and perhaps endeavoring to build an eco natural home for the family.
I’m planning to get a few items for the house as far as eco living is concerned. I told hubby about getting a new water filter, an air filter and perhaps look into humidifier filters for our bedroom. With more chemicals in the living environment, it is necessary to do whatever we can to keep the air in the house clean in the most eco natural way. It can also mean a lifestyle change and adjustment for some of us but everything in life comes with a price, isn’t it?
So as you enter the New Year, think about what little you can do for a more eco natural home. It can be for yourself or your family but once you start thinking and getting the ball rolling, the influence can be contagious. Have a blessed Christmas.
There was a discussion on the Christmas wish list during our girly gathering few days ago. This year, many of the ladies are getting real eco natural when it comes to gifting during Christmas. But our dilemma continue as we wonder what would make good gifts for our other halves.
It can be hard buying a Christmas gift for the men who have it all. I mean some of their passions can be beyond reach when you consider the gift options. If your man is a Ferrari fan, you may think about gifting him with Ferrari parts. But sometimes, the gifts can cross your budget. The truth is, men aren’t big on eco natural stuff so if you are thinking about gifting him with something eco friendly, try to find something that interests him. If he’s a sports fan, an organic tee shirt may be a simple gift that will delight. Or perhaps an eco bag made of recycled material can be a good gift too – just make sure it’s manly enough!
Shopping for eco natural gifts this Christmas will certainly make your christmas gifting list more creative and wonderful. So it’s time to get creative with wishlist options!
With Christmas bells ringing in a few weeks’ time, many will be busy with gifting, home decorating, dinner parties…etc. I’m not that big on Christmas dinners and parties but I’m surely looking forward to shopping for eco natural gifts for my list of loved ones.
Eco natural gifts can include so much, from home ware to clothing to eco jewelry. It all depends on who the recipient is and what is appropriate for him or her. Eco gift ideas are plentiful and they don’t have to be expensive. If you want to get creative with your hands, try making crafts from recycled material. Sew a bag, make a card or do something unique with all the scraps you have collected.
How about painting on an organic tee shirt or using recycled materials to string a nice jewelry for mom or your sister? Eco gifts can be made from home and if you need a head start, there are lots of information in the web that can lend you ideas. As for me, I am making a cover for my hubby’s bluray dvd our of some left over material from the curtains!
So start putting on your thinking hats and list down all kinds of eco gifts and ideas you can use this Christmas. For once, make this an eco Christmas!
With the holiday season leading up, this is a busy time for many people. Those who are working are busy clearing their work before the holidays began. Families are busy with holiday planning and many of us will be busy with gift shopping for our loved ones. With so many choices in the marketplace, it can be hard deciding what to buy for the long list of recipients! Perhaps this year, you want to do things abit differently – to shop for eco natural gifts for those you love and care about.
If you are looking for fashion tees, have a look at some of the unique and cool ones online. T-shirts are such versatile gifts and they are great for any occasion. They are affordable and most of the time, they fit well into a tight gift budget. I used to search for gift ideas in free web directory when I need to stretch my mind a little.
Whenever I run out of gift ideas, a fashion tee is what I would go for. If tees are not your cup of tea, choose an eco bag to encourage the recipient to do his or her part for the environment. Other eco friendly gift ideas include planting a flower pot for a friend, sending an organic fruit basket or even getting a wellness gift for the ones who are passionate about eco living! Shop for more eco natural gift ideas here!
Eco living for the home has been made easy with today’s advanced technology breakthroughs. Whenever I get a chance to speak to mothers, there’ll be someone who will be sharing about her child’s allergies and sensitivities. In fact, more children are diagnosed with asthma and breathing problems and that’s why it is necessary to look into some simple steps in keeping your home environment eco natural and allergy free.
1) Hygiene is key so wash bedding regularly in hot water.
2) When buying pillows, avoid feather ones.
3) Put a dust mite cover on your child’s mattress and pillows.
5) Replace heat and air-conditioning filters regularly.
6) Use an exhaust fan when cooking.
7) Keep curtains and blinds dust free by washing them regularly.
Get rid of dust and dangerous allergens with a quality filtration system vacuum cleaner.
9) Invest in a quality air filter for your home or bedroom.
It seems that many people would invest in expensive entertainment equipment for the home. Buying bigger LCD TV screens, getting a Slingbox, get a playstation..etc. All these are great to enhance family bonding but in the midst of your family enjoyment, don’t forget the vital attention to your health by following some of the above eco natural home principles.
