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Organic Abundance - Beauty with a Conscience
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
labeled 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 labeling 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 realize 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
the products named Miessence, 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 Miessence 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, I was satisfied, and happily stashing my
haul into the boot of my car.
ONE Group is a visionary company ~ only 5 years old, who are already
making a huge contribution to the ecology of our world. Their ethos
is to minimize the environmental impact that running their whole
business has on the planet. They achieve it in a number of ingenious
ways, one of which is paying for renewable energy like wind and
solar power to be fed into a grid to replace the fossil fuel once
used. In this way, the ONE Group production's facility's carbon
emissions are neutralized. Their awareness of following through and
keeping true to their dictum of organic commerce is quite awe
inspiring, even to the extent that they have an organic fruit and
veg supplier who visits the offices twice a week to supply staff
with fresh produce. And only organic coffee beans are used in the
staff coffee machines. I suppose it is this dedication to their
original dream of healthier people and a healthier planet, which
shines through in the unique products. Not to put too fine a point
on it ~ this was the Holy Grail! Miessence is the world's first skin
care range certified organic to food standards. All the products are
shipped quickly after manufacture, from the facility, which ensures
maximum potency and freshness. The potent products contain active
levels of botanical ingredients. This company obviously cares about
the future, the environment, and (comfortingly), it cares about my
health and me!
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.
About the Author:
Words by Rebecca Commons for Stephanie Hopkins, Independent Represetentative for ONE Group www.origanon.com www.origanon.miorganicfuture.com.
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