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Five ways to embrace Organic Living with Neal’s Yard Remedies

Neal’s Yard Remedies is officially a Founding Partner of Earthed, and since 1981 it has been leading a movement towards holistic, responsible beauty and wellbeing. 

Their organic products not only nurture skin, body and mind, but also preserve the biodiversity of our planet.

In alignment with Organic September, Earthed travelled to Neal’s Yard Remedies eco-factory and organic gardens in Peacemarsh, Dorset, to talk all things biodiversity, and to shed light on what it means to choose organic – both for us and the environment around us.

Here are five simple steps from Neal’s Yard Remedies to help make choosing organic easy for a safer, healthier and fairer world.

Brush up on the term

The label ‘organic’ means a lot.

The word ‘organic’ is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘natural’, ‘pure’ and ‘eco-friendly’, but they don’t mean the same thing. 

A lot of work goes into ensuring something is certified organic and made in a way that safeguards our ecosystem. That includes our soils, animals, wildlife, plants and people, too. Let’s take organic food, which must meet strict legal requirements, with the growers and makers being inspected at least once a year. 

Other industries (like fashion and beauty) that don’t have organic legislation rely on certifiers like the Soil Association, with extremely rigorous organic standards, to accredit their products. 

Knowing what organic means and why it matters can help you feel confident about your decisions when opting for organic produce. 

Choose organic beauty & skincare

Swap your non-organic beauty favourites for formulations that use organically farmed ingredients. Look for those with logos like the Soil Association on the label. That way, you can be sure a product has been made using sustainable, ethically sourced and biodegradable ingredients. Without animal testing and controversial chemicals, and packaged with maximum recycled content.

And the great news is, with more developments in the industry, you don’t have to sacrifice efficacious, performance-led skincare for going organic. Take Neal’s Yard Remedies most recent collection, the Skincare Boosters. These are a powerful selection of certified organic ‘Boosters’ such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Rosehip Oil that have been carefully formulated to adapt to any skin type or routine whilst providing results. Take the Hyaluronic Acid Booster, of which 97% agree their skin is intensely hydrated. Based on a consumer trial with 72 women using the product two times per day. You can have it all!

Rethink the way you eat

Embrace an organic lifestyle by rethinking the way you eat.

Food is the first thing people tend to think about when they hear the word ‘organic’. In a way, it’s the low-hanging fruit for transitioning to an organic lifestyle. Many organic food options readily available on supermarket shelves. 

If you’re beginning to branch out, start with swapping your daily brew for an organic alternative. We collectively make around 100 million cups daily in the UK –nearly 36 billion a year! So, if we all switched to an organic cup of tea, it would make a world of difference.

Wherever you are on your organic journey, supermarket own-brand organic ranges are a great way to stock up on cupboard essentials. They’re good value for money and provide many benefits for the people behind the produce, the planet and our wellbeing. Organic milk, for instance, has up to 50% more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and ensures British farmers receive a good return. 

There are plenty of other ways to get involved with organic food. From eating seasonal produce to growing your own herbs, supporting independent organic shops to signing up for weekly fruit, veg or meat boxes from local farmers. The bottom line? Get stuck in! 

Opt for an organic getaway

Another way to live more organically is to opt for an organic getaway. Next time you’re due a holiday, why not visit an organic farm complete with delicious food and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Numerous certified organic farms remain hidden treasures, nestled in picturesque landscapes, embracing coastlines, rivers, rolling hills, and lush meadows. (They’re havens for wildlife and perfect for activities like bird watching.) 

These idyllic havens not only provide sanctuary for wildlife but also cater to activities such as bird watching. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious 5-star cottage amid ancient woodlands, a tranquil campsite nestled within bountiful orchards. Or even opulent yurts for those with a taste for extravagant glamping, this sustainable approach to holidaying offers something to enchant everyone.

Campaign for a greener future

Campaign for a greener future by supporting causes you care about. Speak to your local MPs and sign petitions for issues you want to reach parliament. It’s a great way to have your voice heard and build a community of like-minded people. There are many who want to see positive change just as much as you. 

Neal’s Yard Remedies co-owner Anabel Kindersley launched a parliamentary petition calling for the government to set a national target for reducing pesticide use, cutting toxicity levels and supporting farmers transitioning to nature-friendly alternatives. Find out more about how you can take action at standbybees.co.uk

Find more from Neal’s Yard Remedies and their organic products on their website.

Explore our series with Founding Partner, Neal’s Yard Remedies, where we discuss all things organic.

What can I do?

In the face of climate change, diet related ill-health and widespread decline in wildlife, the need to change our agriculture systems has never been greater. A transition towards ‘agroecological’ farming systems, like organic, can make a world of difference.

Many organic farms use practices such as no dig growing, composting, and providing habitats for natural predators. These are all skills you can learn within Earthed. Check out our course on No Dig Gardening with Charles Dowding, Biodynamic Farming with Thea Maria Carlson, and Food Forests with Manisha Lath Gupta.

Feel passionate about organic growing? Start a discussion in our community area!

Charlotte Akers

26/09/2023

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