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 labelled 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 labelling 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 realise 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 wonderful certified organic products, 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 skin care 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 about a visionary company that cares for the environment and me, I was satisfied, and happily stashing my haul into the boot of my car.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.