Whats new with 'Organic Babies'?

'Organic Babies' enjoy strong endorsements from influential organisations (you'll have read about TIPS on other postings) - and this Summer we are really pleased to work alongside the UK's biggest parenting charity, NCT. If you read their regular magazine, please look out for the 'Organic Babies' Chamomile Baby Wash free with a copy coming soon, or browse our ranges in their online shop.


Earlier in the year some products in this range gained official certified status from The Fairtrade Foundation. 96% organic Soothing Baby Salve is rich in Omega-3&6 fatty acids essential for healthy skin. It is great for nappy rash and designed to provide quick relief for baby’s sensitive skin. 98% organic Nappy Cream Baby Balm is suitable for babies with nappy rash, and those particularly prone to eczema. Baby’s discomfort is eased by the healing affects of Zinc Oxide.

Ultimately, this means that parents can protect their baby’s skin at the same time as helping third world communities, and be reassured that those involved in the production of ingredients receive a fair price for their labour. (Fairtrade Shea Butter is packed with natural vitamins, and is a natural anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritant too).

Green People Founder, Charlotte Vøhtz explains,

'We have been developing certified organic baby products for over 13 years, and it has always been our mission to source ingredients that are 100% natural and organic and that are equally beneficial to the local growing communities ... We are delighted to work closely with the Fairtrade Foundation to recognize this commitment, and can offer parents baby care products which are just as good for the skin as they are for the livelihoods of the producers.'

Pressie-wise, we heartily recommend the Mum and Baby Gift Box Green People’s products are available online or call us to discuss using the range in office hours on 01403 740350. You can also find fabulous parenting tips and free advice on our micro site too.

We always like to note feedback about our pioneering all natural brand ‘Organic Babies’. Can we invite all fellow Bloggers, Mumtrepreneurs (is it true that these fabled creatures are at home, in class, at work and quite probably pregnant while also Blogging in just the one lifetime?) and, dear loyal customers to crack on share your product experiences with us? It is always great to hear from you all x

My own tip?
I don't have any kids so didn't initially think about buying into this range, however a tester fell magically into my hands, and before i knew it, i began using Lavender Salve on my rather grown-up knees, heels and elbows to keep the drier areas supple and youthful. The rapid results and deep moisturisation are a complete revelation, and it also give calves a model like sheen for those flipflop outings. Best of all - it lasts for an absolute age.

Ethical Accreditation renewed

The Good Shopping Guide has become the world's best selling ethical shopping reference book, and Green People are delighted to be featured in this directory with our high performance natural and organic skincare.

Green People have just passed the annual audit, and our Ethical Accreditation has been renewed for the next twelve months.

We consistently perform well within the research, and are proud of maintaining an outstanding score of 92, at the top of the tables. We’ll be putting the 2011 certificates up around the office shortly!

Today, our portfolio of 140 products includes personal care for women, men, teens, children and babies, and most are Certified Organic by The Soil Association, Organic Food Federation or EcoCert. The company philosophy has always included fairly traded ingredients. ‘By gaining official Fairtrade status in 2011, our producers also get to profit from the growing interest in organic lifestyle’ says Charlotte Vøhtz, who founded the brand in 1997.

‘The Good Shopping Guide’ is a part of The Ethical Company Organisation who also work for animal welfare, human rights and the environment by providing clear information on companies for ethical shoppers. They also run the world's leading online ethical shopping tool, which is well worth a bookmark too.

5 tips to get natural happy feet!

1. Foaming Hand Sanitizer can be used on the feet at any time to keep odours down and enjoy a cooling effect on hardworking skin.
2. Sun lotions are vital to prevent painful and unsightly bands of burnt skin when wearing sandals and other footwear which leave areas of the feet uncovered. Our Award Winning, high performance organic formulations come in handy travel or family pack sizes, or why not get a free sachet with any online order, if you'd like to test it before buying?
   
3. Sugar Scrub has a strong exfoliating action, and leaves the skin well nourished from the oils that it contains - give those feet a rub to remember!
4. For very dry skin, particularly on heels prone to cracked skin Body Butter is ideal. Apply it at night to freshly washed and dried feet, and wear a pair of socks overnight. In the morning, the skin will be super-soft and all set up for the day ahead.
5. Skin brushing eliminates cellulite and stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps to flush toxins from the body, so refresh the skin on calves and legs too - when these look great, your toes are even happier!

Why not tell us your favourite footcare rituals, and if you are brave, foibles!?

Junky Styling and 'Good to Go' for travellers

Junky Styling have created a sustainable wash bag to celebrate the new, limited edition 'Good To Go' Organic Homme travel kit by Green People.

The joint project is a natural offspring by two fashionable companies with a shared stance on sustainability. The results are an understated, stylish addition to a man's green lifestyle, and high performance travel-sized organic skincare essentials.

Self taught designers Annika Sanders and Kerry Seager founded Junky Styling in 1997. Inspired by the prevalence of recycling in San Francisco and Tokyo, and the resourceful people of Vietnam and Thailand, they set up the innovative design-led label using textiles sourced from the best quality second hand clothing.

The materials get deconstructed, re-cut and completely transformed into new products. Garments are made in house or carefully outsourced locally, and the focus on individuality ensures that no two are the same, even if cut from the same pattern. So, a man’s suit jacket radically can transform into a women’s halter dress or a nest of carrion crows!

The entrepreneurial spirit of '97 influenced Charlotte Vøhtz aswell, as she adds;

‘I met the founders of Junky Styling about four years ago, and loved both the people and the products they are making.

So, I wanted to be involved with them on a long term basis - the collaboration between Green People and Junky Styling is good for both of us, as we have a similar outlook, and enjoy making products that people love and need.’

‘We love Green People too!’ say Junky Styling;

‘It is always a pleasure to work with Charlotte, as her energy is infectious and always positive. She has great input and we LOVE the products. We promote Green People with our logo on bags because they go so well together - while making sure not to be ‘greener than thou!’

Output in small, exclusive batches of only 20, the first set of wash bags are lined with a gorgeous ikat (a water resistant fabric remnant in the sombre, livery colours you'd expect from the Organic Homme brand). They also hold enough products to satisfy a gentleman's grooming, whether carrying larger or airline approved 50ml travel size products.

You can collect this limited edition 'Junky Styling Organic Homme Wash bag' and ‘Good To Go’ Organic Homme travel pack for just £35 when purchased together. They will launch at the Junky Styling shop, on 16th June, and the duo go on sale thoughout the friendly preview evening, where we'll be throwing in a fantastic SPF15 Moisturiser with natural organic actives (worth £16.30, but free for every Good to Go and washbag customer) and a glass of complimentary Pimms!

'Good to Go' contains four hero products from the wider range, with pure, natural actives that work for all skin types (including sensitive and those prone to acne, eczema or psoriasis).

'Scrub it' exfoliator - Smooth your features with help from Bamboo Extract and Cranberry Powder to remove dead skin cells. Natural Clay draws out toxins and any skin impurities – all without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Fairly traded Shea Butter soothes the facial skin.

'Shave now' wash & shave - For the ultimate close shave try this 2-in-1 active face wash and shaving gel. It lifts the hair shaft to help prevent ‘razor burn’ and reduces nicks and cuts! Aloe Vera and Seaweed both condition to keep the skin, leaving a smooth and supple feeling!

'Cool style' shower wash - Energising and refreshing, this shower wash is perfect for waking you up in the morning and for use after sports. Made without SLS/SLES, Parabens, Phthalates and Artificial Fragrances to bring you the purest shower gel that nature can offer.

'Itch away' shampoo - Blow away an itchy, flaky scalp with this organic and natural shampoo made with Tea Tree and Pineapple Extract, to prevent any skin irritation and guard against any drying of the scalp.

Charlotte says,

'The average man uses 7-8 grooming products a day which may contain hundreds of different synthetic chemicals that can often cause irritations, blemishes and dry, flaky skin. Organic Homme is created exclusively to meet the everyday grooming needs of men and combines powerful organic and natural actives chosen for their soothing and calming properties – it’s just like organic food for the skin!

Green People believe in the value of Junky Styling's work and will continue to act as their sponsor throughout 2011. In addition we are proud to have been able to supply the Mineral makeup for recent catwalk shows in London, Paris and Milan.

If you are looking up certified organic treats for Fathers Day or are seeking an exclusive contemporary gift, this combo is a perfect winner – luxurious, sustainable and great for the skin.

View the full range or call Green People on 01403 740350.
Kindly ring Sarah Morgan in PR if you would like to attend our launch!

***

Our charitable giving ; Penny Brohn Cancer Care

On Tuesday 10 May 2011, Prince Charles hosted a lunch reception at the Orchard Room of Highgrove House, for Penny Brohn Cancer Care 30th anniversary celebrations.

As long term Penny Brohn supporters, Green People were invited to attend. Sue, Ian, Charlotte and Sven Erik all enjoyed a guided tour of the gardens.

We are proud to have raised £60k for the organisation over the years, as well as supplying personal care shampoos and shower gels for the rooms, and natural organic gifts for fundraising events.

As our many customers are aware, Charlotte Vøhtz founded the brand in 1997 to create natural products for her daughter Sandra, who suffered from severe eczema and allergies. Charlotte says;

'As soon as the business took off, we started give 10% of net profit away', she continues; 'We chose Penny Brohn Cancer Care because of the complementary, whole-person system of care they deliver - ‘The Bristol Approach’.

It transforms the lives of people living with cancer through a unique combination of physical, emotional and spiritual support, with tools like complementary therapies, lifestyle information and self-help techniques. We have been raising funds since 2006, and hope that this will continue for many more years ...'

Sue Losson works in Sales and Marketing, and she notes that

‘Cancer sufferers are advised to avoid chemicals in their diet, but they are not always aware that the toiletries they are using are full of toxins which should be eliminated from their skin care regime aswell’.

Green People only use - 100% gentle, 100% vegetarian, 100% cruelty-free ingredients. Certified Organic plant oils, herbal infusions, essential oils and fair trade ingredients. We don’t use - Sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, Parabens, Lanolin, Phthalates, Propylene glycol, Synthetic fragrances, Irritating emulsifiers, PABA-sunscreen, Petrochemicals, Colourants, DEA, TEA, PEG’s or Urea.

We donate 30p to Penny Brohn Cancer Care from the sale of these 8 personal care products; Aloe Hand & Body Lotion, Sun SPF 15, Aftersun, Self Tan, (on offer right now), No Scent - Cleanse, and Hand & Body Lotion, plus Rosemary Deodorant.

You can also help people living with cancer, and make your own donations to support care givers and family members. The Prince of Wales summed it all up perfectly when he said;

“When it comes to compassion in healing, Penny Brohn Cancer Care’s work is second to none.”

Do you have healthy skin?

by Amit Verma

The face is the front part of the human head, encompassing the area from the forehead to the chin, and from ear to ear. Providing this area with routine care is beneficial because it keeps the facial skin healthy and looking its best.

Proper care of the facial skin involves gently washing the skin to remove dirt, sweat, cosmetics and oils, maintaining proper hydration, and avoiding products that cause irritation. Soaps and moisturizers are skin care products commonly used on the face. People may benefit from knowing the type of skin they have because a number of facial skin products are designed for use on particular types of skin. Skin types include dry skin (skin lacking water), oily skin (skin with excess amounts of oil), balanced skin (skin that is neither oily nor dry), combination skin (skin consisting of oily areas as well as dry or balanced areas) and sensitive skin (skin that is easily irritated). People's skin type may also dictate how often they should wash their face.

Proper facial skin care also involves seeking medical treatment from a dermatologist when skin problems develop, including acne, severe rashes and unusual growths. Dermatologists are physicians that specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, mouth, hair, nails and external genitalia. Most facial skin problems can be treated by a dermatologist with a minimum amount of pain and risk. Dermatologists can also recommend which facial care products are best for different types of skin.

Diet:-

Diet plays an important role in maintaining the health of the skin. Diet should supply all the nutrients needed to build health, namely, protein, carbohydrates, fats, essential fatty acids and all the essential vitamins and minerals. Such a diet will consist of liberal quantities of seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits, supplemented by special protective foods like milk, vegetable oils, yogurt, honey and yeast.

Nutrients play an important role in maintaining a healthy skin.

Examples:

Your skin is unusually dry and rough. You have blackheads and whiteheads. You are probably lacking sufficient vitamin A. You could also be suffering from the deficiencies in iron, iodine and the B Vitamins. Adequate amounts of protein and vitamin C are also important.
The vitamins of the B group are important in producing beautiful skin.

Vitamin B1 aids skin health by helping to keep the circulation normal.

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin deficiency can lead to brown pigmentation, or liver spots on the skin. These ugly spots usually disappear if generous amounts of vitamin B2 are given over a period of six months. Severe riboflavin deficiency can lead to oily skin and hair and small deposits of fat under the skin of the cheeks and forehead and behind the ears. More severe deficiency of riboflavin causes the skin under the nose and at the comers of the eyes and mouth to crack and become sore.

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine deficiency can result in dermatitis or eczema.

Niacin deficiency can also cause an eczema type of skin eruption with brown pigmentation, largely on the face, forearms and legs.

Deficiency of pantothenic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid, and biotin: This also leads to types of eczema. The symptoms will go away completely when these vitamins are generously added to the diet.

It is clear that Vitamin B plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy skin. So, diet that is rich in Vitamin B can go a long way in skin health. One of the important food in this connection is brewer's yeast. Even the person whose skin seems smooth and healthy usually notices improvement in texture and glow, a week after adding two or more tablespoons of brewer's yeast to the daily diet. Persons with eczema should, for an entire month, take a tablespoon of yeast stirred into citrus juice or water after each meal, between meals, and before retiring. If the diet is adequate in all other respects, the eczema is usually cured in a month 's time.

Anemia and Pale Skin: Anemia results from lack of protein, iodine, calcium, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, cobalt, copper, and iron. Take diet rich in Vitamin B. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are especially important.

Visit NaturalLabs.co.uk to know more about skin brightener or skin care

About the Author

The face is the front part of the human head, encompassing the area from the forehead to the chin, and from ear to ear. Providing this area with routine care is beneficial because it keeps the facial skin healthy and looking its best.Proper care of the facial skin involves gently washing the skin to remove dirt, sweat, cosmetics and oils, maintaining proper hydration, and avoiding products that cause irritation.