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	<title>Well Cultivated Blog</title>
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	<description>This blog is all about how we are getting on at Well Cultivated and our thoughts</description>
	<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:57:29 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Taking Care of your Bamboo Towels and Robes</title>
		<link>http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/2009/01/taking-care-of-your-bamboo-garments/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/2009/01/taking-care-of-your-bamboo-garments/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:16:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[latest news]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[some useful info]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bamboo towel]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bamboo towels]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[dressing gowns]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[eco laundry]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[snagging]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[threading]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[washing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/?p=260</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[


The new bamboo fibre that every one is talking about it, the natural, green, renewable and eco-friendly textile of the 21st Century. Bamboo thrives naturally without the use of pesticides and requires significantly less water. Bamboo is a cellulose fibre which is converted into yarns without the addition of toxic chemicals, and is 100% biodegradable [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/towel-header.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/towel-header.jpg"></a></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/towel-header.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-261 aligncenter" title="Bamboo Towels" src="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/towel-header.jpg" alt="Bamboo Towels" width="500" height="213" /></a></p>
<p><span id="more-260"></span></p>
<p>The new bamboo fibre that every one is talking about it, the natural, green, renewable and eco-friendly textile of the 21st Century. Bamboo thrives naturally without the use of pesticides and requires significantly less water. Bamboo is a cellulose fibre which is converted into yarns without the addition of toxic chemicals, and is 100% biodegradable in soil by micro-organism and sunshine, causing no pollution to the environment.</p>
<p>Well Cultivated have done a great deal of research on bamboo clothing, finding a threading problem on towels and dressing gowns. During our investigation we have find out that snagging is not only common on bamboo terry towels but is also a common issue on other organic fabrics use on towelling and dressing gowns.</p>
<p>During our investigation my husband Dave and I tested a great number of towels from M&amp;S, Debenhams, John Lewis and other bamboo towels suppliers. With surprise all these towels have the same snagging problem. Snagging is a major problem for retailers with the emergence of new softer fabrics and the new <strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #5b8b1f; font-family: Tahoma;">understanding needed by customers on how to care for these new organic garments.</span></strong></p>
<p>When you first feel a bamboo towel you will be surprised by how soft it is, that is what we first noticed. You will also notice the towel is not as thick as a normal cotton towel despite being heavier per square metre. However, the bamboo towelling can absorb up to three times more water than a cotton towel. Bamboo towels have micro gaps that provide for this high absorption.</p>
<p>Even more unique is the fact that bamboo towels are naturally anti- bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-static. This is not an added property; it is a natural capability of bamboo fibre. It will not wash out even after years of use. You can leave a damp bamboo towel in the washing basket, a gym locker, on the floor or the bottom of your backpack and it will not have that funky gym sock smell.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #5b8b1f; font-family: Tahoma;">Wash</span></strong><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #5b8b1f; font-family: Tahoma;"> and Care Instructions for Your Bamboo Towels</span></strong></span></p>
<p>It is recommended to wash these bamboo towels dressing gowns and all other bamboo garments before use as this helps prevent snagging of the loops. Wash at 30 Degrees C, preferably in an eco friendly detergent. Then line dry or tumble dry at a very low setting.  <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #5b8b1f; font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fabric softener should never be used as it clogs up the fibres in the yarn, which can reduce absorbency and retain any odours present.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></strong></span>You should wash your bamboo towels before first use. We recommend careful handling when washing your new bamboo towels. To prevent snagging of the loops and towel shrinkage carefully follow these simple steps:</p>
<p>1. Place your towels in a washing bag prior to its first laundering to protect the towel in the wash.</p>
<p>2. Launder towels with lukewarm water on delicate wash with like colours (do not add bleach) and thoroughly rinse.</p>
<p>3. Hand dry or tumble dry on a very low temperature.</p>
<p>4. We recommend using a very delicate detergent or bath gel to freshen up the bamboo garment. Alternatively, plain warm water will be enough to keep the towels clean due to the special washing properties of bamboo.</p>
<p>5. We do not recommend the use of fabric softeners as they tend to block the micro-gaps in the fibres leading to reduced absorbency.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #5b8b1f; font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><strong>About the Fibres:<br />
</strong></span>The bamboo fibre is filled with various micro-spaces and micro-holes that give it a moisture absorption rate that is <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #5b8b1f; font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><strong>3 times higher than cotton!</strong></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> They have an ultra soft feel and are woven using bamboo for the pile (loops) and organic cotton for the backing (70% bamboo, 30% cotton)</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Men and Women’s Dressing Gowns, the Perfect Luxury Gift – and they&#8217;re eco friendly !</title>
		<link>http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/2008/12/men-and-women%e2%80%99s-dressing-gowns-the-perfect-luxury-gift-%e2%80%93-and-it%e2%80%99s-eco/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/2008/12/men-and-women%e2%80%99s-dressing-gowns-the-perfect-luxury-gift-%e2%80%93-and-it%e2%80%99s-eco/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:09:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[some useful info]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[anti-odourising]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[antibacterial]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bamboo]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bamboo bath towels]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bamboo dressing gowns]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bamboo men]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bamboo yarn]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bath towels]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bathroom decor]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[birthday gifts]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[breathable]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[carbon footprint]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[christmas gifts]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[dressing gowns]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[durability]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[eco friendly]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[gift]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[low temperature wash]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[luxury dressing gown]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[luxury dressing gowns]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[matching bath sets]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[organic cotton]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[perfect luxury gift]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[saving you money on energy bills]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[sensitive skin]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[softer towel]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[softness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[unisex dressing gowns]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[wedding gifts]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[women’s dressing gowns]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/?p=207</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
 
At last, the most luxurious eco friendly gift has arrived at our doorsteps.

In comparison to other gifts, the www.wellcultivated.co.uk luxury dressing gown is the perfect luxury gift for those who are looking for something new that others haven’t seen before and it is equally wanted by men and women. The long term benefits that these [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="mceTemp"><a href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/eco-friendly-gifts.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-219" title="eco friendly gifts" src="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/images/product/Eco Friendly Gifts.JPG " alt="Eco Friendly Gifts" width="560" height="237" /></a></div>
<div class="mceTemp"> <br />
At last, the most luxurious eco friendly gift has arrived at our doorsteps.</div>
<p><span id="more-207"></span></p>
<p>In comparison to other gifts, the <a title="www.WellCultivated.co.uk" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk">www.wellcultivated.co.uk</a> <a title="luxury dressing gown" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/home-garden/bathroom-bedroom" target="_blank">luxury dressing gown</a> is the perfect <a title="luxury gift" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/home-garden/bathroom-bedroom" target="_blank">luxury gift </a>for those who are looking for something new that others haven’t seen before and it is equally wanted by men and women. The long term benefits that these <a title="dressing gowns" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/home-garden/bathroom-bedroom" target="_blank">dressing gowns</a> bring to your loved one’s health is certainly unbeatable, preferred by many with sensitive skin.</p>
<p>The cost of keeping these <a title="unisex dressing gowns" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/home-garden/bathroom-bedroom" target="_blank">unisex dressing gowns</a> clean is very low compared to standard cotton gowns. <a title="bamboo dressing gowns" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/home-garden/bathroom-bedroom" target="_blank">Bamboo dressing gowns</a> amazingly require no detergent or softener, just a warm wash. They are naturally breathable and anti-odourising therefore bamboo <a title="Mens and Women's Dressing Gowns" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/home-garden/bathroom-bedroom" target="_blank">men and women’s dressing gowns</a> keeping fresher for longer and are kinder to the skin.</p>
<p>These <a title="luxury dressing gowns" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/home-garden/bathroom-bedroom" target="_blank">luxury dressing gowns</a> require a low temperature wash and can be left to hang dry again saving you money on energy bills, 50% in fact on drying alone. Leaving you the extra cash to go towards shopping for those who are important to you.</p>
<p>• Discover the remarkable characteristics of bamboo. Bamboo yarn is softer than normal cotton and has a natural sheen than helps enhance your bathroom décor. It also has amazing antibacterial qualities, which make them hygienically ideal for bathroom environments.</p>
<p>• Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest growing plants. It is an eco friendly resource. Bamboo&#8217;s microscopic holes quickly absorb water and wicks away moisture from the skin. Amazingly, bamboo is actually a grass, not a tree and creates more oxygen and less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, great for reducing your carbon footprint.</p>
<p>• Due to regular demand we have introduced matching coloured <a title="bamboo towels" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/home-garden/bathroom-bedroom/bamboo-towels" target="_blank">bamboo towels</a> for those wanting to have matching bath sets. We have found the sets popular for people looking for special Christmas gifts, birthday gifts and wedding gifts because they are so very different ! Combining the best of both fibers, bath towels made of bamboo and organic cotton introduce unparalleled softness, durability and fashion to the bathroom. We challenge anyone to try and find a more <a title="soft towel" href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/home-garden/bathroom-bedroom/bamboo-towels" target="_blank">soft towel</a>, we haven’t found one yet.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Eco Fabrics – Sorting the Truth Out from the Hype</title>
		<link>http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/2008/12/eco-fabrics-%e2%80%93-sorting-the-truth-out-from-the-hype/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/2008/12/eco-fabrics-%e2%80%93-sorting-the-truth-out-from-the-hype/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:37:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[latest news]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[some useful info]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[alpaca]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bamboo]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[bamboo charcoal]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[eco clothing facts]]></category>

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		<category><![CDATA[what is an eco fabric]]></category>

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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/?p=140</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

At Well Cultivated, we stock many eco fabrics and clothing and have had to look at each in turn to see if they really are eco or are they just a passing fashion fad. As we personally visit many manufacturers we try and sort out the truth from the rubbish and what constitutes classing a fabric [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/001-eco-fabrics4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-179" title="Eco Fabrics" src="http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/001-eco-fabrics4-300x123.jpg" alt="" width="502" height="206" /></a></span></span></p>
<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><a id="top"></a><br />
At Well Cultivated, we stock many eco fabrics and clothing and have had to look at each in turn to see if they really are eco or are they just a passing fashion fad. <span style="font-family: Tahoma;">As we personally visit many manufacturers we try and sort out the truth from the rubbish and what constitutes classing a fabric as eco.  Below, we give a list of popular fabrics as well as a few lesser know fabrics coming soon to you.  We then mention at the end some brief eco facts, for you to take away with, about clothing and how a few choices can make a big difference.<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">The first question is :- <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;">What is an eco fabric?</span>  It is not a simple case of man-made fibres or natural that makes a fabric eco, there are a lot more factors that need considering:-</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">   •  Is growing the raw material good for the environment?</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">   •  The harmful manufacturing processes to the planet and the workers.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">   •  The eco-harmful dyes used.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">   •  Is it grown close to demand (low shipping miles) or flown in by air?</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">   •  How long the fabric lasts before needing replacing</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">   •  The heat of washing and drying it required.  </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">   •  Finally, the methods of disposal or recycling the clothes.  </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff; font-family: Tahoma;">Glossary of Eco Fabrics<span style="color: #000000;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">(click below)</span>   </span></span></div>
<p><span id="more-140"></span></p>
<div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #006600; font-family: Tahoma;">         1.   <a href="#menu1">Alpaca</a></span><br style="font-weight: bold; color: #006600; font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">         2.   <a href="#menu2">Bamboo</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">         3.   <a href="#menu3">Bamboo Charcoal</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">         </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">4.   <a href="#menu4">Eco-Spun</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">         5.   <a href="#menu5">Hemp</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">     </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">    6.   <a href="#menu6">Ingeo</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">         7.   <a href="#menu7">Cotton / Organic Cotton</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">     </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">    8.   <a href="#menu8">Sasawashi</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">         9.   <a href="#menu9">SeaCell</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="color: #006600;">    </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">    10.  <a href="#menu10">Somalar</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">        11.  <a href="#menu11">Organic Silk</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">    </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">    12.  <a href="#menu12">Soya</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">    </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">    13.  <a href="#menu13">Tencel</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #006600; font-family: Tahoma;">        14.  <a href="#menu14">Wool</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff; font-family: Tahoma;">Summary</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #006600; font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="#ecofacts">Eco-Facts About Clothing</a></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff; font-family: Tahoma;"><a id="menu1"></a>Alpaca</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                         </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">    </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                         </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">&lt; <a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">This funny looking animal produces a thick, full coat that makes incredibly warm jackets, sweaters, hats and blankets.  Alpaca fibre is stronger, lighter and more resilient than wool.  It is also finer than cashmere and equal to the warmth of Gortex.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  •  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #666666;">Properties of Alpaca</span> :-  Warmth, strength, lightness.  Extra fine fabric</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff; font-family: Tahoma;"><a id="menu2"></a>Bamboo</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                         </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                         </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">&lt; <a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Bamboo is the world’s fastest growing plant.  Some bamboo species grow one metre per day and the mature 20 metre tree can be harvested every three to four years!  In fact, it is nature&#8217;s most sustainable resource, grown without pesticides or chemicals and is 100% biodegradable after disposing of the clothing.  Bamboo takes in more carbon dioxide than trees and breathes out more oxygen than trees as well.  As well as the 1000s of uses of bamboo around the home and in wood products, it is also being spun into luxurious fabrics and is leading the charge for eco fashion with bamboo clothing. It is regarded as a highly eco fabric that is very healthy to the wearer.  There are some doubts about the quite intensive production process converting the hard bamboo into the soft “bamboo viscous”.  It is called viscous by testing agencies because it is an extract of part of the plant and not the complete material like silk or cotton.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  •  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #666666;">Properties of Bamboo</span> :- Stretchy, Breathable, hypoallergenic, soft as cashmere, absorbent and anti bacterial properties means it is good for towels, robes, underwear and socks as well as sports wear.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu3"></a>Eco-Fabric Made from Bamboo Charcoal</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                       </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                        </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">    </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">&lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">This bamboo is the Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens), the world&#8217;s most porous bamboo from the Jhushan &#8220;Bamboo Mountain&#8221; region of Taiwan.  Eco-fabric does not contain any added chemicals that kill bacteria and fight odours, all the benefits are simply from the bamboo. The bamboo contains many tiny holes, making it excellent for absorbing odour-causing chemicals, controlling temperature, and wicking away moisture &#8212; an ideal fabric for footwear or undergarments.  Particularly as the charcoal stops even more odours.  The bamboo, although burnt still keeps it’s ability to naturally stop the growth of bacteria and fungi. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  •  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #666666;">Properties of Bamboo Charcoal</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>:- Same as bamboo plus greater anti odourising action due to the charcoal.  </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu4"></a>Eco-Spun</span>     </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                         </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                      &lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Learn to love Eco-Spun!  It is a high-quality polyester fibre which is made from 100% certified recycled PET (soda/pop) bottles, that is capable of keeping about three billion plastic PET bottles out of the world’s landfills each year.  It saves over half a million barrels of oil and eliminates 400,000 tons of harmful emissions which contribute to global warming, acid rain, smog, etc.  In fact, the amount of petroleum saved annually by using post-consumer bottles instead of virgin materials is enough to supply power to a large city </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Eco-Spun can be found in many textile products. This includes eco friendly clothing, blankets, wall coverings, carpets, auto interiors, and various home furnishings.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">It takes 6-20 bottles to make a sweatshirt, depending upon the weight, size and blend of the garment. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu5"></a>Hemp</span>    </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                         </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                            </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                 &lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Okay, get over the Hemp stigma of attaching it with marijuana and come out of the 70’s into modern times.  Hemp is a great material for organic clothing.  It requires no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides to grow and it replenishes the soil with nutrients such as nitrogen.  It is also very adept at converting CO2 into oxygen.  Hemp also yields about three times more fibre than cotton per acre.  The hemp plant has many uses in such things as textiles, beauty and nutritional products.  You can even find it in a Mercedes-Benz where it is added to various interior panels. And did you know that the American Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper? </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  •  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #666666;">Properties of Hemp</span> :- Most eco fabric, very water resistant, light airy fabric, ease of washing, wrinkles easily, doesn’t like creasing over time, not as soft to touch</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu6"></a>Ingeo</span>                              </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                              </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                     </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                           &lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Which is pronounced “in-gee-o” is a relatively new fibre on the market that has begun to catch on. It can be found in such things as pillows, duvets and from carpeting to dresses, socks and other clothing items.  The name literally means “ingredients from the earth.” It is the first commercially viable man-made fibre which comes from corn and it’s the first natural-based synthetic fibre to meet the performance requirements of traditional petroleum-based fibres; it is like a natural version of polyester.  The environmental benefits include a significant reduction in greenhouse gases and use of fossil fuels.  It is also biodegradable meaning that the complete life cycle of production, consumption, disposal and reuse if neatly closed.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu7"></a>Organic Cotton</span>               </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                  </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                           </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                   &lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">First, a word about traditional cotton.  Cotton is the second most pesticide-laden crop in the world.  Five of the top nine pesticides are that used on cotton in the U.S. (cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite and trifluralin) are known cancer-causing chemicals.  It takes approximately 1/3 of a pound of chemicals to grow enough cotton to make just one t-shirt.  Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown in certified pesticide-free and herbicide-free soil, using organic farming methods, which produce healthier fabrics, preserve the quality of our water and prevent toxins from entering the human food chain in the form of cottonseed and other by products.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  •  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #666666;">Properties of Cotton/Organic Cotton</span> :- cool (if pure), soft, absorbent, irons easily, breathable, wrinkles easily</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  •  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #666666;">Properties of UV Cut cotton</span> :- protects from the sun </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  •  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #666666;">Properties of early cut organic cotton</span> :- much finer to the feel than standard organic cotton.  Similar to feel of cashmere.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu8"></a>Sasawashi</span>          </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                     </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                              </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                            &lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Is a fabric made of Japanese paper and the kumazasa herb.  We just know that it’s eco-friendly, looks like linen and is starting to be used by clothing designers.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu9"></a>SeaCell </span>  </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                         </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                               </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                    &lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Is a fabric made out of Lyocell (a 100% wood pulp fiber) and seaweed.  Here’s the fun part; supposedly, the nutrients from the seaweed are absorbed by your body when you wear it, creating a sense of well-being.  It is available in two versions “Pure” and “Active,” the latter of which has been enriched with silver.  Silver has been known to have antibacterial properties which help to neutralize odours and provide the fabric with a clean feel. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu10"></a>Somalor</span>                     </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                     </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                 </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                    &lt; <a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">This amazing fibre is made with Dupont SoronaTM polymer.  The PDO (PropaneDiol) material inside this polymer, is extracted from Corn.  Somalor fibre can bring to fabrics softness, good stretch and recovery and easy dyeability.  While at the boiling point, it can be fully dyed and the colour is vibrant, with colour fastness in the wash. It will be a new kind of synthetic fibre for the 21st century.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu11"></a>Organic Silk</span>                    </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                   </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                    </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                               &lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Come on…we all know what silk is…that soft elegant cloth that feels cool in the heat and warm in the cold.  It also absorbs moisture without feeling damp.  Here are some things you may not know:  Silk is a natural sustainable fibre. China still produces the finest silk.  It takes a silk worm 3-4 days to spin a cocoon around itself, which is made out of a single continuous thread between 2000 and 3000 feet long (that is upto 1 kilometre).  It takes about 110 cocoons to make a tie, about 630 cocoons to make a blouse and about 12,000 cocoons to make a silk-filled comforter. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Organic silk is organic because the silk worm is not killed in the production process, standard silk kills the worm.  If put into perspective, millions of silk worms die in the production process of standard silk.  This is a debatable subject to some because the silk worms are blind and have been bred over many centuries purely for silk production and serve no natural purpose in the outside world.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  •  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #666666;">Properties of Silk</span> :- luxury fibre due to expensive production costs, very light, heat regulating, good to colour, one of the strongest natural fibres, good absorbency.  Wrinkles easily, recommended to be dry cleaned</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu12"></a>Soya</span>                                             </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                       </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                 </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">&lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">This fibre is made from tofu manufacturing waste. The soy protein is liquefied and then extruded as filaments (long continuous fibres) that are cut and processed. It is incredibly soft and feels similar to cashmere.  It was neck and neck in popularity with bamboo before bamboo became quite a fashionable fibre to use.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu13"></a>Tencel</span>                                     </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                 </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                          </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  &lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Tencel is a natural man-made fibre.  It’s natural because it’s made from the cellulose in wood pulp which is harvested from farmed trees.  The tree farms are established on land unsuitable for food crops or grazing. The fibre is produced via an advanced ‘closed loop’ solvent spinning process with minimal impact on the environment and an economical use of energy and waste.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff;"><a id="menu14"></a>Wool</span>                                    </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                         </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">                                                 </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">       &lt; </span><a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Wool is a great fibre because no animals are killed in the process…just given a shave. Australia, China and New Zealand produce most of the sheeps wool in the world.  There are ethical issues with the common practise of “mulesing” sheep by removing skin from the around the backside to stop diseases spreading from flies.  The RSPCA are against the practise and is due to be phased out in the coming years.  The fibre derived from the fur of animals, such as sheep, goats, llamas and even camels, has protected mankind for over 25,000 years. Wool has an abundance of natural attributes, like inhibiting bacterial growth (body odour) and it has built-in UV light protection, protecting skin from the sun’s rays.  </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  •  <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #666666;">Properties of Wool</span> :- It is soft, yet strong and durable, and is wrinkle, dirt and fire resistant (it will smoulder rather then burn or melt), making it a good textile for carpeting, home furnishings, bedding and, of course, sweaters!   </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #3333ff; font-family: Tahoma;"><a id="ecofacts"></a>A Few Final Eco-Facts About Clothing to Consider</span></span></div>
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</span>The biggest impact from clothing is how much washing and drying it needs over its lifetime.  Choosing low temperature fabrics is the most eco option here so read the label, if it is above 40o (or preferably 30o) then leave alone.  <br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Hemp is regarded as generally the most eco of all as it can be sourced in the UK, the fabric can be made using environmentally friendly methods.  It is easy to wash, and being hard wearing it lasts a long time.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Just a quick word about the disposal of clothing, (and any other biodegradable item for that matter).  The highly non-eco friendly gas methane is 24 times more potent than CO2 and is emitted when food, packaging and clothing rots (biodegrades).  Throwing clothes in the bin goes to landfill and produces methane, albeit strictly controlled there is leakage.  The best and perhaps only option is to recycle clothes by passing them on to charities or the needy abroad.</p>
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<div><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">&lt; <a href="#top">Go to Top</a> &gt;  </span></div>
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		<title>What you should &#038; shouldn&#8217;t buy organic</title>
		<link>http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/2008/11/what-you-should-shouldnt-buy-organic-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.wellcultivated.co.uk/blog/2008/11/what-you-should-shouldnt-buy-organic-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:44:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[latest news]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[some useful info]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[fruit]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[green living]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[meat]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[milk]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[non organic]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[organic]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[pesticide]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[vegetables]]></category>

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Organic food may be the better and a safer choice when it comes to feeding your family; however it can also be costly and cause heavy damage on your wallet. Follow these guidelines on what you should and shouldn’t buy organic. 



things you can buy safely (non-organic)
fruit avocado: Their thick skins that protect the fruit [...]]]></description>
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<td style="font-family: Tahoma;"><big><span style="font-size: medium;">Organic food may be the better and a safer choice when it comes to feeding your family; however it can also be costly and cause heavy damage on your wallet. Follow these guidelines on what you should and shouldn’t buy organic. </span></big></td>
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<div><big><span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">things you can buy safely (non-organic)</span></span><br />
<br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">fruit</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">avocado:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #91bd3b;"> </span>Their thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">how to buy it:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> You want an avocado that is slightly unripe and is firm tot he squeezes; they will ripen in a few days of sitting on your kitchen counter. Store at room temperature. Even though you won’t be using the skin of the avocado, be sure to rinse it anyway before you open it up.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">bananas:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> The banana peel isn’t eaten and it’s where the pesticide stays.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">how to buy it:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> You’ll want to think of how you are going to use the banana before you choose it.  If choosing green (where the peel is pale yellow and the tips are green) their taste will be somewhat tart. You will want to use these for frying or baking in a pie. If choosing where the peel is mostly all yellow, the pulp will still be firm but their starch content will have started to turn to sugar. These, as just as the green ones, work best in pies and tarts. If choosing banana with signs of brown spots with the peel a deeper yellow colour, the banana will be sweetest in taste and work well mashed and added to baked goods like banana bread recipes. Store at room temperature. If they’re unripe, you can place them in a brown paper bag to ripen. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">pineapple:</span> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">It has a rough and spiny skin that protects it from pests and pesticide residue.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">how to buy it:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> Although the sweet smell of pineapple can be alluring, you don’t want to use your nose on this one because it usually means that it is overripe. Like any fruit, avoid soft spots and also avoid damage to the rind. Store in the refrigerator or on the counter if you plan to use with on a day or two. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">kiwi:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> Its fuzzy skin acts as a barrier to pesticides, but be sure to still give them a rinse before use.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">how to buy it:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> When buying kiwi, you have to use your nose. Sniff out kiwis that smell good. The kiwi you choose should be plump and yield to a squeeze like that of a ripe pear. Don’t pick any with moist areas on their surface or any skin bruising. If unripe kiwi are all that are available, simply take them home and place them in a paper bag at room temperature with other fruits that need more time, such as bananas or pears. Store in the refrigerator vegetable drawer.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">mango:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> Another fruit that has thick skin that protects it from pesticides, but you still want to rinse before use. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b;">how to buy it:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>There are different varieties of mangoes, but in general look for those that are bright in color such as red, yellow, or orange. You can use your nose again here because it should have a significant fruity smell, if not don’t buy it. They should be slightly firm but yield to your touch somewhat. (Usually the sweeter mango is the one that is softer to the touch.) However, if it is too soft, it could be rotten inside, so choose carefully. They are best stored in the refrigerator fruit or vegetable drawer. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">papaya:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> Pesticide residue stays on papaya skin, but gives them a rinse before using.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">how to buy it:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  Papaya colors come in colors ranging between yellow and green. Choose one that is slightly soft and show no signs of bruising or that don’t appear shriveled. If their not fully ripened you can put them in a brown bag once you get home. If they are ripe, store in the refrigerator. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">vegetables</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">asparagus:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>This vegetable faces fewer threats from pests, therefore needing less pesticide.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b;">how to buy it:</span> You want firm spears with purplish or bright green tips. Buy about 1/2 pound per person. Try to choose spears that are similar in size and thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator vegetable drawer and rinse before using (even if you’re going to boil them). </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">broccoli:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> Conventional broccoli crops face fewer pest threats, like asparagus, so they require less pesticide use. </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">how to buy it:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> It should be deep green in color and the stalks should be firm and not rubbery. Wash in cool water while changing the water a couple of times in the process before use. Store in the refrigerator, vegetable drawer.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">cabbage:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">  Like asparagus and broccoli, it doesn’t need a lot of pesticides while it is growing.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">how to buy it:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>You want a cabbage head where the leaves are tight; you also want it to be heavy for its type and firm. For most cabbage varieties, you’ll want to make sure the outer leaves are shiny and crisp. The exception to this rule is savory cabbage, as it forms a looser head and the leaves grow crinkly naturally. Don’t buy any heads whose leaves are yellowing. Bok Choy should have deep green leaves with their stems a crisp-looking white. Make sure to get remove the outer leaves of a cabbage before using it. Cabbage can be washed or spun, just as you would lettuce. Store in the refrigerator vegetable drawer.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">Onions:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b;"> </span> As many others listed they don’t see as many pest threats, which mean less pesticide use.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">how to buy it:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> You want an onion that is firm and has a distinct onion smell but not but not too strong. You also don’t want to choose one with signs of damage or soft spots. Keep in a cool dry place, or in the refrigerator.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">things to buy organic</span> </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">fruits and vegetables: </span> </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">With fruits and vegetables, many of them contain thin or edible skins than cab contain pesticide residue. In addition, some of them have to be heavily sprayed due to their high level of pests.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Check here for </span><a style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;" href="http://www.foodnews.org/">organic fruit and veg</a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> fruits and vegetables ranks in order of most or least pesticide.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">(arranged in order of highest to lowest pesticide load)</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">fruits:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> Peaches, Apples, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Grapes, Pears, Raspberries, Plums, Oranges, Tangerine, Cantaloupe, Lemon, Honeydew, Grapefruit, Watermelon, Blueberries.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">(arranged in order of highest to lowest pesticide load)</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">vegetables:</span> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Lettuce, Spinach, Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Hot Peppers, Cucumbers, Cauliflower, Mushrooms, Winter Squash, Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #91bd3b;">other:</span> </span><br style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Tahoma;" /><a style="color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;" href="http://www.transfairusa.org/content/WhereToBuy/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">fair trade</span> </a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">certified coffee beans: Check out this site to find out where to buy them.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">milk:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> Check this site for a rated list of organic milk and other </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="http://cornucopia.org/dairysurvey/index.html">organic dairy products</a>.</span></span><span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #91bd3b; font-family: Tahoma;">meat:</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Organic meat is free of antibiotics, added hormones, and human growth hormones (GMO). These animals are raised more ethically and humanely, meaning they are allowed to range freely and not confined to pens. In addition, the land that they eat from and live on uses no or less chemicals as well.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Search your local paper to find a local farmers market or organic farm.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Hope this helps! And remember, if you can’t afford organic food try to at least buy things that are lower in pesticide loads.</span><br style="font-family: Tahoma;" /><small style="font-family: Tahoma;"></small></span></big><big><span><small style="font-family: Tahoma;"><big><br />
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