Intensive farming: the potential risks to human health

As opposition to the proposed mega pig farm in Foston, Derbyshire is mounting, local MPs are pondering over whether to give the go ahead. The farm would house 2,500 sows and produce 52,000 pigs each year. Although plans have been rejected by South Derbyshire District Council, the verdict from Derbyshire County Council is yet to come. If the plans go through, it will set a precedent: a significant move towards the kind of large-scale farming found on the other side of the Atlantic. We have already highlighted the animal welfare issues surrounding intensive pig rearing. It is also worth remembering that there are potential risks to human health as well.

The main issue in intensive farming is the prevalence of disease. Because of the confined conditions which animals are kept in, disease spreads quickly through the group. Furthermore, animals in these cramped conditions tend to be less healthy than their free range counterparts, which makes them more susceptible to disease in the first place. There is often pressure to achieve very high yields and so routine antibiotic treatment is the norm. Low-level but continual antibiotic use is an ideal setting for bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics.

The problem of untreatable “superbugs” may seem to be an unrelated problem that begins and ends in hospitals. In fact, livestock association MRSA is an established source of the disease. This issue is therefore inextricably linked with our farming systems and the treatment of our animals.

There are concerns, therefore, about the proposed mega pig farm in Foston and subsequent ones increasing the risk of new strains of multi-resistant bacteria emerging. The brunt of antibiotic use in farming is for pigs, at around 60%. The likelihood of new strains of bacteria passing from pigs to humans is thought to have been underestimated in the past. At least one strain of C. difficile, a superbug found in hospitals, has been found in British pigs. In addition, a new form of salmonella which is highly resistant to antibiotics is thought to have developed in pigs and has been recently described as “epidemic” by the European Food Safety Authority.

The consequences of ineffective antibiotics would be incredibly severe. To remedy one source of antibiotic resistance would be to bring in much stricter controls of antibiotics in farming. However, modern farming methods do not lend themselves to this kind of change and whilst British farming continues to move towards intensification on a large scale, the liberal use of antibiotics will not be stemmed. The cost of cheap meat, therefore, now lies beyond animal welfare and at the very heart of human health.

Reducing Pesticide Use Through Organic Farming

Organic farming is becoming the most innovative form of agriculture across the world. It is a rejection of the notion that in order to have a high yield of produce, pesticides are needed. Farmers are not just going back to a traditional way of farming, using methods such as crop rotation which were utilised long before synthetic pesticides were even invented, but they also have to come up with innovative ways of dealing with pests and insects without pesticides or herbicides.

For many farmers, this is an empowering switch. The organic system allows the farmer more control, problem solving without chemicals. The benefits of the lack of chemicals are obvious; less exposure means fewer health risks. The high toxicity of the pesticides in use at the moment results in an estimated 18,000 deaths each year. Long term health effects of occupational pesticide exposure include respiratory disorders, cancer and neurological deficits.

However, it is not just health benefits that are an improvement; farming organically opens up new markets for farmers, giving them a new opportunity for business. The implementation of organic farming also improves the overall quality of the soil and allows for a more sustainable approach to their production.

0.9% of the total world farmland is now organic. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation describe organic agriculture as a ‘holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.’ Organic farming is often described as ineffective, losing much produce to weeds and insects. This is absolutely not the case. A number of studies attest organic farming methods can produce even higher yields than conventional methods. After a period of a few years, the opportunity with organic farming to increase food production levels is huge, the lack of pesticides means reversing the degradation of agricultural soils and increasing soil fertility and health. It is a sustainable system, which would increase food security, especially in developing countries where self-sufficiency is key. A reliance on petrochemicals is neither renewable nor sustainable. The switch to organic farming is a logical one.

Have you considered bamboo?

Rawganic will soon be making wipes from bamboo. Bamboo is an incredibly prolific plant which, through modern manufacturing processes, can be made into a very strong and soft fabric. The raw material has been used for centuries for housing, flooring, furniture and ornaments; we have only just begun to unlock its potential as a fabric. Bamboo is used in clothing as an environmental alternative; it is strong, durable, biodegradable and versatile – in short, an ideal fabric.

Good for the environment

Farming bamboo is very good news for the environment. Bamboo is a grass and so grows quickly and spreads rapidly; it reaches its maximum height in just three months. It requires barely any human intervention to thrive and produces very high yields. Not only this, but bamboo consumes much more carbon dioxide than other plants.

Pesticide free

Bamboo naturally contains an agent called “bamboo kun” which means it can be grown without pesticides or chemicals. This means no harmful chemicals can leech into the local ecosystem or waterways. The anti-microbial properties of the bamboo plant are actually retained in the bamboo fabric, meaning they are naturally bacteriostatic and so require fewer preservatives to maintain the quality of the wipe. The material is incredibly soft and 100% biodegradable.

Good for your skin

The result of this wonderful resource is an incredibly soft but strong wipe, which feels luxurious against your skin. The natural antimicrobial effect gives your skin a deep cleanse and helps prevent breakouts. On top of this, all our wipes are parabens, SLS and alcohol free. They never have been and never will be tested on animals.

Certified

Our bamboo wipes are certified bacteriostatic and carry the Oekotex certification.

Organic Ethical Fashion - More Than Organic Cotton

Often associated with being throwaway, cheap and frivolous, fashion is usually thought of as anything but sustainable. However, there is a growing market for ethical fashion, where solutions are being found for harmful synthetic materials and the unethical way certain materials are being produced. We talked previously about organic cotton, as cotton is a material that accounts for most of the world’s material needs. However, if you felt like spreading your wings further into the organic world of fashion, there are plenty more ethical materials to be found.

Bamboo clothing, like organic cotton, is better for the environment as it is 100% naturally grown without pesticides or herbicides and is 100% sustainable. It thrives naturally; being the fastest growing plant in the world, it spreads rapidly across large areas, improving soil quality in eroded and degraded areas of land. Because it is a grass, bamboo is cut, not uprooted, helping soil stability. It’s not just good for the environment, but good for you too. Bamboo clothing is perfect for those with sensitive or allergy prone skin. The smooth, round fibre produced without harsh chemicals makes it non-irritant, breathable and naturally soft.

Check out Bamboo Clothing for affordable, ethical clothes made from bamboo.

Hemp is another material that is organically grown and sustainable. Although banned for many years because of its association with marijuana, the hemp plant is used solely for textiles, and super soft ones at that. Organic hemp is hypoallergenic and non-irritating to skin. It actually nourishes the soil in which it is grown leaving nutrient rich farmland for pollution crops. Hemp cloth is much stronger and more versatile than other fabrics as its tensile strength actually increases with age. Hemp is becoming more and more fashionable, with brands such as Armani and Ralph Lauren using it in recent products.

For more affordable hemp products, as well as other ethically sourced materials, check out Brain Tree.

If you want to do more than simply buy organic clothes, take a look at the clean clothes campaign which is striving to improve working conditions in the global garment industry. Read about current campaigns and how you can make a difference. So next time you shop ‘til you drop, think about trying something more organic in your wardrobe.

Learning from Planet Organic and The People's Supermarket

Last week we attended a conference in Oxford where the country’s organic pioneers gathered from all over the country. Speakers included Renée Elliott, the founder of Planet Organic, Arthur Potts Dawson from the People’s Supermarket, Nick Barnard from Rude Health and Paul Moore, Head of Marketing at Community Foods Ltd, who is spearheading the "Why I Love Organic Campaign". It was a group of people truly passionate about healthy living, ethical business and sustainability.

Renée Elliott kicked off the day as Keynote Speaker with her experiences of setting up Planet Organic. Launched in 1995, it is the first organic supermarket and the first Soil Association certified supermarket in the U.K.. Not only can you breeze through the aisles with a feeling of security from the certification and Planet Organic’s unique dietary symbols, they also provide service above and beyond the average supermarket. Planet Organic has a rigorous training programme for all staff, which includes time working on suppliers’ farms As a result of this, customers can get in-depth information about the product range and the supply chain direct from the shop floor.

Arthur Potts Dawson has taken customer interaction even further. The People’s Supermarket, of which he is founder and chairman, opened in 2010. Becoming a member costs £25 a year, which gives you 10% off all food, a £1 share in the company and the right to vote on company policy in meetings. They also ask for 4 hours of your time a month to work in the supermarket yourself. The customer therefore becomes a member of staff and part of the management. It is built on belief in a fair price for the producer as well as the customer. Although its primary focus is on ethical business practices, a significant proportion of the products are organic.

Sustainability was the name of the game this year. Organic products are natural partners with this concept; after all, organic farming promotes environmental sustainability by maintaining the nutritional quality of soil and waterways by prohibiting the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Sustainability in business is the next step.

With Rawganic, that’s exactly what you get – our cotton is grown organically which leaves soil untainted and waterways clean. Sustainability is our business philosophy; we believe in giving a fair price to our producers for quality ingredients with good environmental provenance.

A piece of (organic) land to call your own

No longer just the preserve of flat-capped old boys, the allotment is taking the country by storm. The desire to connect with the land can be indulged by spending a few hours a week pottering about a vegetable patch. Gardening has been proven to be therapeutic and calming, even a defence against depression, not to mention the pleasure that comes from a glut of seasonal, organic fruit and vegetables gracing your kitchen table.

As many of us live in towns and cities and are unable get our thumbs green at home, allotments offer a solution. Under Section 23 of the Allotments Act of 1908, local councils are obliged to provide allotments to meet public demand. The Independent began a campaign in May to preserve this right after it was feared that the government would begin to sell off allotments. The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has since promised that the service will not be scrapped. Despite councils creating new allotment sites, however, they are struggling to meet soaring numbers; last year’s review showed that for every 100 plots in use, there are 57 people waiting for plots.

Just looking around your local area shows there is plenty of available land to be grown on, both public and private. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, chef and campaigner, began encouraging communities to start growing collectively on disused public land. He took a step further by creating a landshare website. With over 60,000 members and counting, the scheme connects growers with no access to land to those with a bit of land spare. Both parties benefit; growers can feed their passion and owners enjoy a share of the bumper crop.

Eating seasonally means you eat a wider range of foods and it encourages you to be more creative and thrifty in making your food go as far as possible. And best of all it’s virtually free; with the main ingredient being good old-fashioned elbow grease. Growing your own vegetables allows you to use piecemeal techniques to look after the health of your produce and the land you’re growing on. Here are some top tips for growing organically:

-          Get to know your soil. Grow plants that suit the soil conditions, rather than trying to adjust the soil with improvers too drastically.

-          Practise crop rotation. This means not planting a crop from the same family in the same site for at least three years. This improves soil fertility and reduces pests and disease.

-          Use natural fertilizers and manure instead of strong chemical fertilizers. Synthetic chemicals penetrate the skins of plants and stay there - even if they have been scrubbed.

-          Grow your own compost from garden and kitchen waste. The compost can be used to enrich your soil and for potting mixes and you’ll be reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill at the same time.

-          Prune your plants and check for pests regularly, removing them physically if you can. Use natural traps such as beer bait for slugs.

For detailed month-by-month advice for going organic in your allotment, visit the Soil Association’s Grow Organic website.

You Are What You Wear

There is no more important journey than the one from field to fashion. The textiles industry was worth $46.05 billion worldwide in 2009 and cotton fibre makes up half of this market. There has long been a focus on the working conditions of sweatshop employees in developing countries. There is an equally important area - often overlooked - not only how clothes are manufactured but how the raw materials are grown.

The market for organic clothes is small but rapidly growing. It increased by 35% from 2008 to 2009, from $3.2bn to $4.3bn. Despite these figures, the importance of going organic in the textiles industry somehow often fails to convince the average consumer. Cotton has been seen as a pure and natural product and choosing cotton avoids using oil-based synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester. But the consumption of traditionally produced cotton in some ways actually reinforces rather than breaks our reliance on polluting and non-renewable fossil fuels. The systemic use of oil-based fertilisers and pesticides on temperamental cotton crops is not sustainable, for example. The more sustainable techniques used in organic farming rely on natural yield-increasing farming methods.

Livia Firth, wife of actor Colin Firth and Creative Director of Eco Age, has highlighted not only the potential of recycling fabrics but also the importance of sourcing new ones carefully. She has been the embodiment of ethical fashion in recent years. From red carpet event to red carpet event, Livia has wowed the world’s press with her combination of reworked vintage and organic clothing. When Colin’s star was put down on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame at the beginning of this year, she donned an entirely organic outfit for the occasion. Eco-fashion has failed to make the leap from ethics to aesthetics in the past; organic cotton persistently conjures up images of unflattering cuts, dull colours and drab customers. Livia has transformed this into an innovative and sophisticated way of living.

However, you do not necessarily have to have designers at your beck-and-call in order to inject a little green into your wardrobe. Although the high street has begun catering to the organic clothes trend, these products are still mostly found in shops’ nooks and crannies.  The internet is a saving grace here, for it nurtures small brands to become the next Big Thing. The fantastic Offset Warehouse, runner-up in this year’s Observer Ethical Awards, not only offers a wide range of clothes and accessories but also lengths of raw material. At Rawganic, there’s nothing we love more than getting stuck-in ourselves, so blow the dust off your sewing machines and feed your creative side. With prices that won’t break the bank, Beaumont Organic will fend off those fashionista cravings. This kind of retail therapy not only reaps personal rewards but also sends a clear message to the fashion industry. And don’t forget Rawganic organic cotton facial wipes, with organic green tea and aloe vera; by having a gentle cleanse you can make an immediate switch to organic cotton and with a retail price of £ 2.55 per pack of 25, they don’t cost the earth.

Indulge with Rawganic

Going organic doesn’t need to be a chore, or even something to think twice about. Add a little indulgence into your skin cleansing routine and see the difference it makes to your skin.

After a long, hard day, there is nothing better than nourishing your city wearing skin. Whether it is cold and windy or you’ve been blasting air conditioning in a heat wave, everyone’s skin needs a little pampering. Taking proper care of it is essential and there are different ways to revitalise your skin.

For a refreshing, thorough cleanse, try Rawganic cotton facial wipes. They lift all traces of dirt and grime as Aloe Vera soothes and moisturises skin, and Green Tea, known for its anti-ageing benefits, will make your skin glow as you wipe the day away.

For a deeper cleanse which is thoroughly moisturising for tired skin, try Rawganic cleansing balm. Packed with essential oils, this luxury cleansing balm will rejuvenate skin to luminous hydration. For the ultimate skin restoration, why not try this balm as part of a facial massage routine? The smooth, moisturising texture mixes well with water to provide the perfect base for a massage to stimulate facial muscles, rejuvenating skin and give lift. Perfect when used in conjunction with the increasingly popular Japanese massage Gankin. The subtle fragrance of the essential oils will help promote relaxation and de-stress your skin.

If your skin is crying out for nourishment, try indulgence the natural way: organic products and a simple massage to give you all the benefits of a natural glow, renewing and restoring your skin.

Organic Pork - The Best Choice?

We are supporting the Soil Association’s ‘Not in My Banger’ campaign, and discovering why organic pork could be the best choice.

The Soil Association is currently campaigning against Midland Pig Producer’s plans for an indoor pig factory for 2,500 mother pigs and around 20,000 piglets. This would introduce one of the biggest indoor pig factories to the UK. Although raising pigs on such an enormous scale could have an impact on human health, it is the welfare of the pigs that is the more immediate concern.

Although pig farming on this scale is worrying, the proposed pig farm at Foston is committed to meet or exceed RSPCA welfare standards. It is claimed this would mean an improvement in indoor pig farming conditions, a move towards higher welfare farming. However, it also shows the farmers are being driven in this direction through market pressures which are ultimately created by demand from consumers for ever cheaper meat.

We believe that each individual has the ability to impact on such a large-scale system; by choosing responsibly, buying free-range and organic products, it is possible to affect the increasing intensification of the meat farming industry. We live in a society where meat is relatively cheap and readily available. Is it worth compromising the lives of thousands of animals in the UK so that everyone can eat meat every day? Certainly, meat should not be just for the wealthy, but is it time to reassess how often we need to eat meat?Why not pay a reasonable amount for free-range or organic and then learn how to stretch what we buy as far as possible or opt for cheaper cuts?

Intensively farmed pigs live in pens only a few inches bigger than their own size. Without straw for comfort, with their tails docked and teeth clipped, these are deprived conditions. If they are not used for breeding they are sent to the slaughterhouse after only a few short months of their life. They are overfed in appalling conditions so that as many pigs can be bred and killed as quickly as possible. This system is in place for most of the pig farming in the UK because of price discounting. Few farmers can make a profit even when a pig is produced in a cage on the cheapest feed possible in these deprived conditions, due to the low prices being achieved in the market place.

Ultimately, it is the consumer who has the ability to change what kind of meat is supplied. It is important to understand what you are buying as labels are often misleading. For example, there is no legal definition of free-range pork, meaning a pig that spent only 10 weeks of their life outdoors can be called free-range. To avoid intensively farmed conditions, organic is a label you can trust, especially if the Soil Association logo is anywhere to be seen.

What can be done?

• Why not buy pork, ham, bacon and sausages that are organic or outdoor bred and reared?
• Have you thought of speaking to your butcher or the manager of your local supermarket and request they stock higher welfare pig products?
• Why don’t you encourage your friends and family to avoid intensively farmed pig meat?
• Be aware of what you are buying and look for organic in all of your produce, especially meat and dairy. Organic milk and eggs are inexpensive ways of making a difference.

Living with Rosacea

Recent studies show that whilst the root cause of Rosacea may not be known, many sufferers believe that environmental and lifestyle factors seem to trigger the symptoms of redness or flushing. It is therefore important to understand and respond to what makes Rosacea worsen for each individual. According to the National Rosacea society, 85% of people said their Rosacea is affected by change in seasons, notably with the arrival of warm weather. This is one of the most common triggers, along with certain skin care products that can irritate the skin and worsen flare-ups.

Consequently, understanding products that you use on your skin is vitally important. They should not contain harsh chemicals or strong fragrances. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, ‘fragrances cause more allergic contact dermatitis than any other ingredient.’ By avoiding these, you can avoid possible irritation, which leads to weakening your skin even more.

Different products affect people differently, so it is important to test a product on another area of your skin before applying to your face - to judge whether it causes a reaction. Simple organic products are best for skin, as they usually contain fewer irritants such as SLS or Parabens.

Using minimal products is also a way to avoid irritation. Sufferers should reduce the number of items they use on their skin by choosing products with multiple functions, for example a moisturising gentle cleanser. Any products that cause unnecessary rubbing to the skin, including exfoliants, should be avoided. Products that have been adapted for use on sensitive skin are often appropriate for people with Rosacea, as gentle products will lessen triggers of redness.

An example would be Rawganic 3-in-1 organic cotton facial wipes, which are formulated for people with sensitive skin and may be suitable for inclusion in the cleansing routine of people with Rosacea. The soft cotton is gentle on skin; cleansing without being harsh. Dermatologically tested, with no added fragrance and no nasty chemicals, you can trust the ingredients used which are all approved by the Soil Association. These wipes cleanse, moisturise and remove make up in one go, reducing the amount of products needed on the skin and thereby helping reduce the chance of any irritation.

Top Tips for an Organic Lifestyle Without the Expensive Price Tag

How do you maintain the organic lifestyle when you are on a strict budget? Organic products needn’t be a luxury - organic is available to everyone seeking a healthier lifestyle and the enjoyment of quality products. Read our top tips for an organic lifestyle without the expensive price tag.

• Getting your fruit and vegetables from an organic box scheme means you can get fresh, local produce delivered to your door, paying a lot less than you would in a supermarket whilst supporting British farmers and growers.
• Cooking meals from scratch with this fresh fruit and veg is a lot healthier and usually a lot cheaper than processed, ready-made meals.
• Eating less meat is the inexpensive way to eat organically, or when you do buy it choosing lower cost cuts such as belly of pork.
• Make your meat last as long as possible; for example boil your left over roast chicken carcass and scrapings for stock to make soups and as the basis for other meals.
• Avoid wastage and plan your meals ahead and write shopping lists. We tend to throw away a lot of food, so by being selective it will be easier to afford organic.
• The best way to eat organically is to grow it yourself in your garden-the freshest, most local produce that’s free!
• To look after your skin, avoid expensive formulas with tons of unwanted chemicals and make your own basic facemasks and moisturisers. Avocado is a natural, nourishing facemask for dry skin, whilst strawberry is excellent for brightening. Oatmeal and water is a perfect natural cleanser with no artificial nasties.
• For removing make up and for an easy cleanse try Rawganic cotton facial wipes- kind to skin and not likely to break your bank at £2.55 a pack.

So next time you think you can’t afford organic, think about small changes that make a big difference!

Organic Cotton - the Ethical Choice

People are increasingly turning to organic cotton as the more responsible, ethical choice. Switching to organic cotton can have a beneficial impact on the lives of cotton growers.

The most marked characteristic of organic cotton is the way that it is grown without synthetic pesticides. The obvious health benefits for the farmers are clear; their health is vastly improved due to stopping their exposure to these hazardous pesticides. Described as ‘extremely toxic products’ by the field agent for the Beninese Organisation for the Promotion for Organic Agriculture, these pesticides are known to cause serious lung and stomach problems and burns. Indeed the World Health Organisation reports 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning annually. Many of these are attributed to cotton production as cotton farming uses 32% of the world’s pesticides and insecticides despite the fact that cotton plantations take up only 2.5% of the world’s farmland.

The benefits of this method of farming does, however, go beyond being beneficial for health. Instead of using synthetic pesticides, organic farmers use natural methods such as crop rotation. Not only does this allow for better yield without the use of chemicals, but also brings about greater food security, as food crops can be grown without the worry they are being contaminated by pesticide residues. Organic farming in the developing world has shown a marked increase in food crops, the production of beans and peas in particular. Similarly it allows opportunities and income for women growing the cotton and food crops, who under conventional cotton systems are often not permitted to register their own plots.

The switch to organic production for farmers is usually down to the benefits of income as well. In the traditional cotton production system, there is a growing vicious circle of indebtedness amongst farmers as they are forced to purchase expensive farming inputs such as pesticides and fertilisers on credit at the start of the season. The fair price at which organic cotton is bought is one of the real benefits for farmers; it gives them an overall better net income, despite the lower yields at the start of organic cultivation. It is a much more reliable system for farmers as the organic supply chain is much more committed to paying the farmers on time in contrast to the disorganisation of the conventional one. Organic farmers have also achieved a greater level of consistency of produce outputs throughout the year, whilst also having the benefit of gaining skills and training through organic farming associations.

Agriculture is responsible for a massive amount of employment in developing countries, and the consumer can choose to encourage this ethical, healthier, more responsible mode of production. Buying organic significantly improves the lives of farmers, the effect on the environment and the cotton industry in general, as well as making a quality product you can trust at the end of the process. 

New Look Rawganic Facial Wipes

Rawganic likes products that actually work, without compromising on ingredients. What you put on your skin matters because it is absorbed into it. You wouldn’t eat a ton of chemicals, so why put them on your face? Your skin is your largest organ, so you should treat it with respect.

Facial wipes are the ultimate beauty essential for a quick, deep cleanse, but they should not be irritating or drying to the skin.

Rawganic’s new wipes, containing Aloe Vera, are the definitive luxury that is organic yet utterly nourishing and beneficial to sensitive skin. You can trust our wipes as they are approved by the Soil Association, who have strict guidelines about the ingredients in organic products. They remove all traces of make-up (even stubborn mascara). The pure organic cotton wipes moisturise while they cleanse, leaving your skin dewy and supple. They come in a handy travel friendly resealable pack, meaning you can get the benefits of organic cleansing wherever you are. Although for sensitive skin, these wipes still deliver what they promise- a deep clean leaving you fresh faced everyday.

You Are What You Eat and Apply to Your Skin?

Many people have made the switch to organic food due to growing concerns about how what we eat affects our health. The increase of preservatives and toxic additives in food since the 1990s has been linked to food and diet related diseases as well as the growing prevalence of food allergies. Organic food seems an almost essential choice for people worried about these artificial chemicals in food, becoming a staple in many households. There is a growing concern they cause not only diseases and allergies but also changes in behavioural patterns, such as loss of concentration and Attention Deficit Disorder.

‘You are what you eat’ seems to be more of a concern now than ever, and therefore choosing organic food, free from artificial ingredients, seems like the rational option to take. What we put in our body clearly matters, as does what we put on our skin because it is claimed that 60% of it is absorbed into our bodies. Therefore the harmful chemicals in our skincare products may be just as much a risk to our bodies as the ones in our food.

Rawganic believes skincare should be just as much a concern as food is for our bodies. If you choose organic food, you should also consider organic skincare. As your skin is your body’s largest organ, the leap to organic skincare does not seem that giant. Just as the chemicals in food are causing diseases such as asthma, so can the chemicals in your skincare products be causing ailments such as eczema. Bupa Healthcare claim one common cause could be the harmful chemicals in detergents, soap or shampoos. Allegedly harmful ingredients such as Parabens and Sodium Laureth Sulphate are common in these products and the latter is known to have skin irritating qualities.

Rawganic organic products are completely free from these chemicals and being accredited by the Soil Association means you can trust the ingredients inside them. Made with organic ingredients where possible, our ingredients are beneficial to skin rather than harm it. For example, the Aloe Vera in our facial wipes is known for its beneficial skin properties, promoting healthy, glowing skin with gentle cleansing. It is important that skincare contains honest, natural ingredients that are included in the product because they are useful for your skin’s health. When buying organic you can be far more assured that this is the case and that the ingredients will work with your skin, avoiding potentially harmful chemicals that work against it.

Call For Clearer Labelling

As mentioned previously, the Center for Environmental Health in the US has recently filed a lawsuit against 26 cosmetic companies due to false labelling of their products as organic. Although the lawsuit is largely aimed at American brands, similar issues are now a real problem in the UK. We are calling on the UK authorities, in particular DEFRA, to deal with this issue. Not only did some of the brands mentioned have an unsatisfactory percentage (or none at all) of organic ingredients, but also many of them actually included unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients, such as Sodium Laureth Sulphate and Parabens.

Rawganic believes that all products labelled as organic should be free from these chemicals, which are unnecessary and potentially harmful. Our range of organic products is certified by the Soil Association, as we believe this accreditation is necessary in distinguishing our products as honest, legible and justly organic.
We believe brands should not be able to make false organic claims as they are completely misleading the consumer and also detracting from brands that work hard to keep their products healthy, environmentally friendly and honest.
Rawganic believes that as well as having accreditation from a certification body,
organic products should only be labelled so if they adhere to guidelines concerning their ingredients. This means they should contain a minimum percentage of ingredients that have been produced organically.

We support calls from the Organic Trade Board for a strict policy for the labelling of products as organic. In France, such a situation already exists following action by the French ARPP. We wish to see this policy established for personal care products in the UK that make organic claims; they should be substantiated in the following ways:

For the product to be considered ‘organic’:
• It should contain 100% organic ingredients, or
• It must be certified by an accredited certification body (such as the Soil
Association)

For the product to be described as containing organic ingredients:
• It must contain the stated percentage of organic agricultural ingredients, or
• It must be certified by an accredited certification body to an independent standard that defines such claims

For example, we use pure organic cotton in facial wipes. We believe organic is hugely important for cotton growers as cotton accounts for about half of the world’s fibre needs.
We want to see cotton grown with a minimum of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides or other similar chemicals. Organic cotton is important for enhanced health and security of farmers bringing about an improved economic situation. The quality of the cotton is more easily improved and managed and gives increased credibility to the industry.
Organic improves social sustainability by creating a healthy product with clear standards and labels. It is not only beneficial for the environment but for the livelihoods of the producers, giving farmers training and education as well as a much safer environment to work in. We use organic cotton because we believe organic cotton is the more ethical and sustainable choice.

Environmental Company Files Lawsuit over Bogus Organic Claims

Reported recently in the Daily Mail, The US Center for Environmental Health has filed a lawsuit against 26 cosmetic companies over claims that products were falsely labeled as Organic. The brands are said to be violating a Californian law which states that Organic products must contain at least 70% ingredients grown without pesticides or chemicals, and are making unsupported claims as Organic products.

Rawganic is proud that their labels are simple and legible. The new facial cleansing wipes are certified by the Soil Association and are made with pure Organic cotton. The packaging states clearly which ingredients are organically grown.

Rawganic believes there can be no compromise with the word ‘Organic’ and it does not mean sacrificing any of the benefits of the product. The pure Organic cotton wipes are simple and effective; made with nourishing Aloe Vera, they gently cleanse and remove all traces of make-up, even waterproof mascara, without leaving your skin dry or irritated. Just honest ingredients that do the job they state.