| Love your Planet, Choose Organic |
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Soil Association Organic Fortnight is a nationwide campaign bringing
together individuals, communities, retailers, restaurants, schools and
organic farms for the UK’s biggest celebration of all things organic.
Supporters will be hosting events all over the country from organic breakfasts at work and farm open days to organic cookery lessons in schools and organic fashion shows. The message this year is ‘Love Your Planet, Choose Organic’. Amidst growing concerns about climate change and food security, Organic Fortnight provides a chance to look at why organic production - fashion, beauty, food and farming - is better for the planet. The fortnight starts on 6 and runs until 21 September. Organic Fortnight is yours to make the most of. To get involved why not stage your own event and log the details online? For more information and ideas to get you started look at www.soilassocation.org/organicfortnight. Visitors to the website will be able to access an interactive map which they can click on to see what’s on in their area. Campaign materials, such as posters and stickers, can be ordered and an events guide and Organic Fortnight logo are available to download. ORGANIC FOOD - Five reasons to eat organic: 1. For health. On average, organic fruit and vegetables contain higher levels of vitamin C, essential minerals and cancer fighting antioxidants. 2. No nasty additives. Amongst the many additives banned by the Soil Association are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate. 3. Avoids pesticides. Over 300 chemical pesticides are routinely used in non-organic farming. Pesticides are often present in non-organic food. 4. Care for animals. No system of farming has higher levels of animal welfare standards than organic farms working to Soil Association standards. 5. Good for wildlife and the environment. Organic farming is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprayers and produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas. ORGANIC HEALTH AND BEAUTY - Five reasons to be an organic beauty: 1. Safety. The association’s precautionary principle means that if there is any doubt about an ingredient - it is banned - so no parabens, no phthalates and no GM ingredients. 2. Avoid irritation synthetic fragrances which have been found to cause one third of all cosmetic allergies and irritating foaming agents like sodium laureth sulphate. 3. ‘Cocktail effect’. Cut down on the products that you and your family use. Much of the concern is about the ‘cocktail effect’ of the chemicals in the different products that we use. Many women are using over 20 different products a day, bombarding themselves with hundreds of different chemicals - is that eyelash conditioner really essential? 4. Trust. Look for the Soil Association symbol on organic products to ensure that they meet our strict organic standards. 5. No need to compromise. Delicious balms, gorgeous lotions and beautiful baby products are all available and perform so well that there is no need to compromise on performance to become an organic beauty. ORGANIC TEXTILES - Five reason to cotton on to organic textiles: 1. Better for people and the environment. The absence of harmful chemicals is better for the future of our planet. Non-organic cotton farming uses one quarter of the world’s pesticides causing damage to the environment and causing illness and deaths among cotton workers. 2. Avoid hazardous chemicals. Over 8000 chemicals can be used to turn cotton into a T shirt or duvet cover - the Soil Association standards ban the use of any chemicals that are hazardous to the environment or our health. 3. Campaigning for labour rights. Organic cotton farmers in developing countries report higher incomes and better health. Non-organic cotton workers often live and work in poor conditions and are forced to work long hours for little reward. 4. Avoidance of GM. GM cotton is grown commercially in many countries so choosing organic cotton is the best way to avoid buying GM. 5. No need to compromise. Stylish organic clothing and household textiles are now widely available so there is no need to compromise on style and organic integrity. |
| Your Nappy Cakes |
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