Fruit today, including fruit recognised as a vegetable – such as tomatoes are often picked well under developed and unripened and stored until they are needed often for months at a time. Ethylene gas is often used to ripen fruit when it is needed for sale in Supermarkets.

From the moment a seed is planted in the ground it is subject to dozens of synthetic additives to enhance growth and to kill pests and weeds. Chemical based fertilisers, Pesticides, Herbicides and Fungicides are pumped into cropping land to the point soil microbes, earthworms and other insects and animals are driven out of a soil preventing the natural cycle of organic matter breakdown which becomes the normal feed source for plants.

Depending on the laws in the country the food was grown the seed itself may well be a synthetic version of a natural plant with various DNA added or removed to enhance a specific growth trait.

The only way we can get real fruit and vegetables is to look for heirloom seed producers and grow as much of our own fruit and vegetables in our own garden as we can.

Seems rather ironic that Science is creating synthetic ways to feed an expanding world and in the process half of the food is thrown out in waste.

Organic Farming is a huge, ethical industry where the emphasis is placed on producing a healthy viable crop to deliver to a consumer market with less emphasis on the profit margin. That is not to say Organic Farmers do not look for and try to make a profit. All business needs to run above the bottom line, but with Organic Farming the profit is made as a result of focusing on providing a quality, ethical consumer focused product and not profit regardless of quality or ethical practices.

To ensure you are buying quality organically grown fruit and vegetables consider these important points:

1. Look for Certified Organic growers or processors.
2. Synthetic Fresh Fruit and Vegetables are grown to deliver specific taste and shape quality to a demanding consumer market. Smooth fruit with no odd shapes looks nice on the shelf but not if shape is at the detriment of organic nutrients and an overall long lasting quality product.
3. If possible buy direct from the grower.
4. Look for Organic Food swap and sharing groups in your area. If there is none consider starting one.
5. Avoid buying fruit and vegetables not grown in your local area. The further food has to travel the more likely it is to be treated synthetically to survive the trip or artificially ripened when it reaches its destination.

Additives are usually synthetic or derived from a natural source and manipulated in such a way that they do a job they were not originally intended to do.

Combinations of additives in a single food product could include – Colouring, Preservative and Flavour with one or all additives being from synthetic sources.

Living Naturally requires an on going commitment to reducing the chemical load we consume within food. We can do this by continually researching product ingredients and perusing labels on commercially produced foods.

The alternative to perusing product labels is to choose brands you recognise and consume as much as you possibly can of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat that have not been processed. You would also benefit from seeking food from Certified Organic growers.

Eating Healthy Organic food is a large part of maintaining a healthy Lifestyle but being physically active is an important part as well. Moderate activity such as brisk walking goes a long way to benefiting our overall health. We can also achieve both a high quality nutritious food and maintain a moderate activity level by growing our own Organic and Natural Fruit and Vegetables in our own backyards.

A good eating plan will also include a Natural and Organic Supplement that is high in Antioxidants to assist in eliminating toxins from the body.

Tips for Living an Organic and Natural Lifestyle:

1. Avoid commercially produced food products. Products manufactured in bulk usually contain additives and preservatives to extend shelf life and add colour and flavour to a commercially dull product.
2. Read product Labels and get to know the names of the ingredients that should be avoided. A long list of numbers is usually a good indicator that there are many synthetic additives in the product.
3. Consider growing your own fresh fruit and vegetables. Strawberries, Raspberries, Herbs, Silverbeet, Beetroot, Rocket, Alfalfa, Wheatgrass and many more nutrient rich foods can easily be grown in even the smallest backyards.
4. Look for Certified Organic Farmers and growers in your area. Join a local organic garden club or a community gardening program. If there is not community garden in your area, write to your local council about the possibility of starting one.
5. Use supplements to maintain nutrition and Antioxidant levels, Use a Certified Organic Supplement whenever possible. Ask your pharmacist or Dr for their recommendations.

When buying fresh organic products the debate goes a little deeper because the further fresh produce has to travel, the more likely it can become contaminated and its freshness slowly declines. Processed organic products are also a subject of concern. Organic products are often manufactured to order or supplies are made based on predetermined order schedules. Organic products often have a lower shelf life due to reduced or no preservatives. This also depends on there manufacturing process.

What’s wrong with organic products bought in Supermarkets?
Well, there is nothing specifically wrong with them. Organic is Organic whichever way you look at it but there are some challenges with its supply and the carbon footprint larger stores can cause.

• Manufactured organic products are ideally made no more than a month in advance to retain freshness and increase shelf life. Organic products bought in Supermarkets are likely to have some form of shelf life extender (preservative) added.

• Supermarkets hold fresh food products in warehouses for considerably long periods of time. Fresh food we find in the supermarket could have been there for months or more. Fruit is often picked immature or green and stored until needed, when it needs to be ripened the storage bay is filled with ethylene gas to force ripen the fruit.

• Supermarkets and smaller shops use a considerable amount of power to operate. Lights are often kept on in large stores at night to assist with security by deterring would be intruders. That’s a lot of power being used.

So what are the best options?
Fresh food should be ideally bought from local organic growers and suppliers. Less transport is always better for fresh food products. Local Farmers Markets are a good option as you can often speak directly with the grower about the organic methods they used to grow the products. I wouldn’t recommend buying fresh food from a Supermarket unless there is no alternative option.

Manufactured organic products such as dried fruit and nuts, olive oil, soymilk, oat milk, cereals, health bars etc, would be ideally purchased from the manufacturer and delivered to your home. However, there would be no reason not to purchase these products from the local supermarket.

Organic Skin Care and Organic Cosmetic Products are ideally bought directly from the manufacturer or supply channel and delivered to your home. These products are usually made fresh sometimes to order and delivered direct to the store OR consumer. There is a shelf life date on many of these products that gives them up to a couple of years but buying from the supermarket they could already be 6 months into the Use-by date. Most organic products have a “Use within “x” months of opening” label, the x usually represents 6 months.

Considering there is no requirement for certification of skin care or cosmetic products to meet Organic food grade standards, receiving food grade organic certification is a major achievement for any skin care or cosmetics company.

The BFA (Biological Farmers of Australia) has recently made a positive step forward in the certification of Personal Care Products with the introduction of the “Certified Organic ‘Beauty’ Logo”. Personal care products that contain more than 70% Organic Ingredients but less than 95% chemical free ingredients can now apply for this logo which, will give better consumer confidence in choosing a genuine organic product over a “proclaimed organic” product that may contain less than 50% beneficial synthetic chemical free ingredients.

Organic Certification is available on food products where 95% or more of the product is made with organic ingredients. Muesli for example may contain several ingredients that are chemical free with 3 or 4% of the product made with an inorganic or uncertified product. The Muesli would still be Certified Organic because more than 95% of it is made with Organic Ingredients. On the other hand, A packet of mixed dried fruit containing 4 types of fruit with 3 being certified organic and the fourth conventionally grown, could not be Certified Organic because it only contains 75% Certified Organic Ingredients.

The Certification Logos are not something that can be bought. They are achieved through strict testing and record keeping practices by farmers and manufacturing companies committed to the elimination of toxic chemicals from the environment and ultimately from our own bodies, leading to improved personal health.

To assist you when looking for Food or Non-Food organic products:

• Always read the label and pay careful attention to the ingredient list. If an ingredient sounds like it’s unhealthy, it probably is.

• Look for an Organic Certification logo, especially if you find a product including the name  “organic” on the label.

• Natural does not mean Chemical free. For example, Strawberries are natural, but when commercially grown they are contaminated with chemicals that humans can not consume. Natural and Chemical free often have 2 distinct meanings. If a product is called “Natural” continue looking for an Organic Logo.

Certification of Organic Products becomes an important part in ensuring the consumer receives ethically organic and chemical free produce and manufacturers using organic ingredients are assured they can label their products as Organic or Certified Organic.

The importance of Organic Certification should not be underestimated. Organic growers go through painstaking processes to reach a Certified Organic status and they need to ensure there efforts are not undermined or belittled by growers and manufacturers labelling products as Organic through loopholes or flaws in a system.

New laws introduced around the world prevent the labelling of a product as Organic unless it has certification to prove it is in deed an organic product through its cycle of growth and not just because it contains carbon.

Certification bodies, which exist in many countries around the word, are designed to set standards relating to farming practices which can include the sale, transportation and storage of produce and farming inputs.

Certification requires a planning of the complete growing process. Accurate records beginning from the time soil was prepared, through sowing of seed and fertilising to crop rotation, pest control and harvesting methods including how the crop is to be stored.

Farmers must ensure their farms comply with production methods outlined in approved plans based on the standards set by the certifying body. In many instances, farming practices and facilities will need to be adapted to suit the change to organic practices.

Comprehensive documentation is required which shows how a farm was used historically (prior to certification) and outline the current set up of the property. Documentation will show results of testing of soil, water stored on the property or in creeks or dams.

There are quiet substantial fees involved in the Certification process. It can cost from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the set up and overall size of the operation.

Certification bodies will undertake inspections and testing each year on the property. They will peruse any paperwork you have kept through the year and will ask you questions relating to your management of the property.

Certification is important because it ensures the end consumer that the food they buy marked as Certified Organic is in fact Organic and not just labeled as such out of a misguided or ill informed opinion of what Organic truly is.

The process of Organic Certification can involve many levels in the growing, processing and distribution process. It also includes strict policies relating to Storage, Packaging and shipping.

Seed growers, seed suppliers, farms, processors, wholesalers, retailers and food preparation areas such as restaurants can apply for Organic certification.

Gaining certified organic status is a process and not something that can be bought.

Each country has its own standards for certification. The International Federation Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) provides an umbrella and a basic Organic Standards Criteria for certification bodies around the world.

Around the world leading Certification bodies include:

• In Australia, Australian Certified Organic (ACO) is perhaps the most recognised. According to the ACO, they currently certify 55% of the Australian Organic Industry.

• In the USA, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets the standards for Certification.

• JAS in Japan

• Agriculture Biologique (AB) in France

• In Europe the EU has its own Certification body and in early 2010 launched its new logo depicting the stars of the EU in the shape of a leaf on a green background.

Certification bodies provide guidelines and on-site inspections to ensure compliance with the Organic Certification code.

Inspectors check farms and properties and peruse reports to ensure growers, processors or distributors have adhered to the strict certification process.

Inspectors will check to ensure:

• Farms have been free from chemicals for 3 or more years (this may alter between certification bodies but the average is 3 years)

• Detailed reports have been recorded as to what has been brought into the property and other operating and processing data.

• No Synthetic Fertilisers, Herbicides or pesticides were used or acquired for use on the property.

There is no exact International Certified Organic Code. Each certifier sets there own standards and criteria.

The International Federation Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) sets a basic framework and oversees the certification bodies. It is probably best described as the international certifier of the country and local certification bodies.

There are many debates centred on whether products certified as organic truly are synthetic chemical free. Even with strict book keeping measures it’s easy to omit something from the books. These debates usually dry up after the huge cost a farmer goes through to reach certification standards. It’s an expensive process in both transition stages and ongoing expenses relating to keeping certification.

Rose hip seed oil is made from the Rosa rubignosa. Rosa rubignosa grows wild in the Southern Andes.

The most prized Rose Oil is produced from the petals. Rosehip oil is made from the seed capsules.

Different extraction methods are required for each oil type. The manufacture of Rose oil is a very labour intensive task. The petals are collected early in the morning of the same day it is processed. Steam distillation is the most common form of extraction of the oil of rose petals.

Rose hip oil is a pressed oil made by pressing the seeds to extract the oil. Rose hip oil is high in Vitamin A (retinol) and Vitamin C. Rose hip oil is also high in the Fatty acids Omega-6 and Omega-3.

Rose hip oil is commonly found in many skin care products.

Rosehip Seed Oil is common in skin care products because of its Vitamin A content. Vitamin A helps to delay the effects of skin aging and assists with cell regeneration. It also promotes the increase of collagen and elastin levels.

Rosehip oil also contains Vitamin E.

Rose hip oil is safe to use by anyone of any age. All types of skin can benefit from Rosehip oil.

When used as a preventative measure Rose hip oil can reduce premature aging and when applied daily may reverse the damage caused by wrinkling. When applied regularly, Rosehip oil will make the skin appear healthier.

Research has shown Rose hip oil to be effective with:

• Scarring (from wounds, Chickenpox, eczema, acne and psoriasis), Burns, Dermatitis and Skin damage caused by Sun Exposure
• Premature aging, Fine lines and Wrinkles and Stretch marks
• Hyper-pigmentation, Skin elasticity and resilience
• Dry Skin and Skin tone

The application of Rosehip oil is by gentle massage into the affected area of skin. Depending on the size of the area being treated it can be applied by the palm of the hand but is more generally applied with the tips of the fingers to avoid wastage.

Estimates show, over one million blooms are used to make one kilo of the highly prized Rose oil. No wonder it is referred to as the Cleopatra of rose oils.

5 Powerful Organic Skincare Ingredients:

Aloe Vera

The Aloe Vera plant has been used for centuries to heal infection and treat burns. Evidence exists showing Ancient Egyptians, Arabs, Africans and Indians used it. The Chinese have used aloe vera gel for treating various skin conditions for centuries. Quality Organic Skincare products use Aloe Vera as a substitute for water. It has moisture content as high as 95%.

Though used as a Skincare product Aloe Vera is used in drinks and can be used in Medicines and Supplements the aloe vera plant has been hailed as a medicinal plant with many a beneficial property. It is a common plant in many home gardens around the world and is virtually maintenance free. In Skincare the sap from Aloe Vera is used to speed the healing of wounds and reduce inflammation.

Organic Aloe Vera can be found in: Most skin care products. Aloe Vera is a common substitute for water in Quality products.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang oil provides several skincare benefits. It delivers a stimulating effect on the skin. Ylang Ylang oil helps to correct the production of sebum in the body and is often used in hair care. It is known to deliver beneficial results in combating anxiety, stress, depression and hypertension.

Organic Ylang Ylang can be found in: Body wash, Shampoos, Baby care, Massage oils and Body creams and lotions.

Calendula

Calendula officianalis (Pot Marigold, English Marigold) is a common plant found in gardens around the world. Particularly common in Cottage Gardens. Calendula is an anti-fungal and antiseptic. It contains hormone and Vitamin A to help soothe, heal, and restore skin.

Organic Calendula can be found in: Skin conditioners, Moisturisers and Baby products

Yucca schidigera

The Yucca plant is a native of the south-western deserts of North America. Native American Indians used it for washing, shampooing, and for several medicinal uses. Research has shown that natural saponins, such as those found in Yucca, can repair damage to cell membranes of the skin and scalp that can cause a loss in nutrients.

The plant itself is an the agave from the family, Agavacea.

Organic Yucca schidigera can be found in: Shampoos, Shaving creams and gels, Baby products and Cleansers

Sunflower Oil

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) can retain moisture in the skin. Many other plant based oils act in a similar way. Sunflower oil comes from sunflower seeds. It has a very high level of linoleic acid (averaging 40% to 75%), which offers superior skin compatibility and increases the moisture content of the skin. Skin hydration is proportional to the level of linoleic acid in the skin).

Organic Sunflower oil can be found in: Massage oils, moisturises, foundations and lip balm.

1. According to the dictionary Organic basically means ‘of or containing carbon’. Therefore anything that is or has lived could (and should) be considered Organic. By that definition.
2. To an Organic grower and consumer, Organic means ‘Not contaminated with any synthetic pesticide, chemical fertiliser or growth stimulants.

This does cause confusion with people changing to organically grown products to eliminate chemical pesticides and growth stimulants.

The Dictionary definition has often been used by companies labelling their products as organic simply because they were produced from something that could be considered organic based on the dictionary definition of it.

As a consumer, when buying organic products there a several things you should look for to determine if you are buying what is considered organic by dictionary definition or whether they are chemical and synthetic stimulant free.

1. Look for the Logo – There are several certifying bodies around the world that undertake stringent testing procedures to ensure strict farming practices. In Australia ACO (Australian Certified Organic) is the Certification arm of the Biological Farmers association of Australia. There are also a handful of other certifying bodies in Australia.
2. Look for a direct supplier – If possible buy directly from the farm. Observe the farming practices first hand by buying directly from the grower. If the seller does not allow sales from the farm (for legal or privacy reasons). Ask if you can book a time to visit the farm and see how their farming processes work.
3. If you grow your own food look for seed producers offering Open pollinated, non-GMO, chemical free seeds from registered growers. This sounds like a hard to do task but there are several Heirloom seed sellers, growers and producers around the world. You can safely collect seeds from these varieties and sow them knowing they will grow true to type. You can not guarantee what you will get from commercially grown seed producers due to cross breeding practices. Seeds collected will generally revert back to either parent species.
4. Look at the Label – The logo is just a small part of the Label. The product ingredients should be carefully considered when making buying decisions.
5. Talk to your kids – Tell your kids why you buy organic products and what they should look for. Take your kids shopping with you and make the selection process fun.

Also, don’t be put off by odd shapes or colours in fruits and vegetables. This is how nature intended them to be. The smooth even fruit and vegetables you see in the supermarket were probably bred to look that way. The shape only looks better. It doesn’t change the taste.

Whether organic or synthetic fertilizers are added to soil plants do respond with brilliant green growth. Much of this transfers through to the edible portion of a plant making the plant more nutritious. But which is more nutritious?

Much research has pointed in the direction of synthetically grown produce being more nutritious. Other research points in the direction of Organically grown produce being better for us.

One thing research rarely takes into consideration is the additional pesticides and herbicides the synthetically grown plant is exposed do in its growth cycle. While the nutrition level of Synthetically may be higher according to some studies, the added Chemicals used in the growth process are not taken into account.

The way a plant absorbs and holds chemicals sprayed on it can be likened to soaking a sponge in oil and trying to wash it out with water. While many chemicals in use do break down in a short period of time others are persistent and can hang around for much longer.

Unfortunately labelling on packaging tells us if a product is Organic it doesn’t tell us if a product is syenthtically grown nor does it list the Chemicals the plant was exposed to in its growth cycle.

Certified Organic products are a good choice. They ensure a product was produced through a strict certification process. Looking for the certification logo is your best choice.

Certification is an expensive process used by an Organic grower to ensure the consumer they are using strict growing practices.

Many companies proclaim to be “Natural” or “Organic” simply because they use a plant derived product in the manufactuing process. While this does meet with the Dictionary definition of Organic being “…of or containing carbon…” it does not in any way guarantee the plant or animal was grown or raised in a Chemical Free Environment.