The Green Familia

TGF Rated Review: Re-Fresh Ayurvedic Herbal Tea

Brenda — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:16 +0000

What is it?

Ayurveda Pura’s Re-Fresh™ Ayurvedic Herbal Tea is a unique blend of 100% natural ingredients, hand selected from around the world. It helps pacify excess, anxiety and stress in the body giving you a clear and calm, yet focused mind and body. It also helps detoxify the body and balance thePitta (fire & water) Dosha and is suitable for all body types, persons and ages.

Who is reviewing it?

My husband has claimed this one!

Set Up

The 40 tea bags come in a recyclable jar, which means they are kept fresh. The minute you open the lid the aroma of the herbs used instantly can be smelt and it already gives you a calming influence.

Easy to use like any other tea bag, the various herbs have different uses. Included in each bag is Fennel, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Cloves and Saffron. All of which can help pacify excess anxiety and stress and can detoxify and balance the body. They are suitable for all body types, persons and all ages.

Any negatives

None that we can report. My husband did feel more relaxed and would have one before he went to bed at night.

Price and availability

Available to buy from Ayurveda Pura for £5.95 (normal RRP is £6.95).

Overall

If you are looking for a natural tea, which will help de-stress you and is full of natural goodness, then this is a great product to try.

TGF Rating

5/5

Celebrate The Chelsea Flower Show with Fabulous Florals from JĀSÖN

Jo — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:00:39 +0000

Here at TGF we are in a flowery mood! The RHS Chelsea Flower Show starts on Tuesday 22nd May and runs until Saturday 26th May and with this in mind we have been thinking about our favourite floral products.

For hundreds of years, beneficial properties found in plants and flowers have been used in alternative medicine, wellbeing and beauty. Natural pioneers since 1959, JĀSÖN have harnessed the powers of plant extracts from day one and continue to ensure they create wholesome, naturally effective products. Here are some floral favourites that could leave you reaching for your garden gloves….!

If you need to add body to fine hair, JĀSÖN®’s VOLUMIZING LAVENDER SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER is the answer. Using lavender’s natural powerful properties and mixed with sweet almond extract to weightlessly strengthen and fortify your hair , with wheat protein amino acids to add all-day volume. 473ml RRP £6.29

As well as smelling divine,JĀSÖN®’s INVIGORATING ROSEWATER HAND & BODY LOTION uses rosewater to tone and purify, while natural aloe vera gel and sunflower oil refresh and nourish dry, over-stressed skin. The perfect addition to any beauty regime, be warned, the smell is truly addictive! 250g RRP £6.99

Renowned for its calming effects, Chamomile is often used to combat stress, anxiety and depression. JĀSÖN®’s RELAXING CHAMOMILE HAND SOAP, uses natural botanicals to gently wash away daily residue while chamomile and wheat germ oil calm and moisturise. 480ml RRP £5.69

Follow in the footsteps of JĀSÖN®’s celebrity fans including actresses Reese Witherspoon and Bryce Dallas Howard and fashion designer Stella McCartney and look after yourself and your family from head to toe the natural way. The brand is devoted to using only ingredients from the rich source of goodness that is earth’s garden and its natural resources. There are no artificial colours or animal by-products; the packaging is bio-degradable and packaged in recycled and/or recyclable containers, and all products are certified Vegetarian.

Flower power is here again!

Recycling Fundraising Celebrates Donation Milestone

Jo — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:36 +0000

" src="http://thegreenfamilia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/TerraCycle-recycling-300x161.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="113" />Congratulations to TerraCycle, the London-based recycling company. Their recycling fundraising programmes recently passed the £100,000 mark in terms of donations made to schools, charities and non-profit organisations across the UK.

Launched in 2009, TerraCycle has since offered individuals, schools and organisations nationwide the opportunity to collect previously unrecyclable waste through various ‘Brigade’ collection programmes, where they can collect used baby wipes packaging, baby food pouches, coffee refill packs, coffee machine t-discs, mobile phones, yogurt pots and bottles, pens and oral care waste. Participants can download free postage labels from the TerraCycle website for each Brigade they join.

Two TerraCycle points are earned for the weight of every waste item that is sent in. Each point can then be redeemed for a one pence contribution to the charity or non-profit organisation of the collector’s choice. TerraCycle has made over 1,000 payments to charities to reach the £100,000 donation milestone.

Currently over 311,000 people in the UK are participating in the scheme, helping to save over 8 million units of waste packaging from entering landfill. The collected waste packaging that TerraCycle receives, which cannot be recycled through local council recycling services, is either recycled into generic plastic products such as plant pots, garden benches and waste bins or ‘upcycled’ into new products such as pencil cases, baby bibs or tote bags.

Chris Baker, General Manager of TerraCycle UK, commented: “It is wonderful to see the dedication and commitment to recycling people across the UK are demonstrating. Not only are our collectors helping the environment by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, they have managed to raise over £100,000 for UK schools and charities whilst doing so. This is a fantastic sum and we encourage as many people as possible to join a Brigade for free so that we can keep the figures growing and continue to keep as much waste as possible out of landfill.”

Check out the TeraCycle website if you would like to find out more, or to get involved with TerraCycle’s fundraising schemes.

TGF Rated Review: Daily Replenish Face Cream

Brenda — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:00:26 +0000

What is it?

Ayurveda Pura’s 100% Natural Daily Replenish Face Cream has a non-greasy formulation that balances the Vata (air & space) Dosha, making it particularly suitable for dry skin.

Who is reviewing it?

Me a busy Wife and Mum of 3.

Set Up

Comes beautifully presented in a 30ml pot that looks good on your dressing-table. As soon as you open the lid, the gorgeous smells of the aromatic oils used in creating this moisturiser wafts out. The 100% natural moisturiser contains an unique blend of Aloe Vera, Almond Oil and Essential Oils of Lemon, Neroli and Frankincense.

Any negatives

None, I love it. It goes on my face like a dream and does not leave a greasy aftermath.

Price and Availability

Available from Ayurveda Pura for £17.50 for a 30ml pot.

Overall

I am always on a crusade to find natural products which work with your skin and not against it. This company not only make gorgeous products they also offer consultations on finding natural remedies to your health issues which is an integral part of the TGF ethos. So do your skin a favour and try these products next time you are looking for a natural alternative.

TGF Rating

5/5

Ethical Fashion Essentials: Goodone Everyday Collection

Jo — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:25 +0000

It is sometimes difficult to make ethical fashion choices when looking for wearable, everyday items to add to your wardrobe.

Goodone is an eco-friendly award-winning independent fashion label based in London that takes an intelligent approach to design, specialising in up-cycling and innovatively combining new British and sustainable fabrics with reclaimed textiles. Goodone is known for its use of bold, colour-blocked styles, and by using reclaimed fabrics in every possible part of the design process, they create fashion-forward collections, reinventing the potential of what up-cycled garments can be whilst causing as little damage to the environment as possible.

The Goodone Everyday Collection features a range of wearable and casual wardrobe essentials, all custom-made in the studio. The basics consist of jersey separates, which are all reclaimed or end-of-roll fabrics, with a lower price than the mainline seasonal collections.

We love this casual oversized T-shirt with an adjustable drawstring hem. Wear it tucked in or hanging loose over a pair of jeans.

The cropped sculptural gillet with a curved quilted peplum is made from reclaimed wool jumpers and new British wool made in Huddersfield.

Their oversized T-shirt dress hangs gracefully from seamless shoulders. Wear with or without a belt.

Finally our pick from the Goodone Everyday Collection is the Grey marl jersey cape sweatshirt with a contrast hood and front pocket. Great for a casual cover-up, the main body of the cape is made from loopback sweatshirt jersey from a UK mill, with the hood and pocket details cut from reclaimed sweatshirts and T shirts.

Goodone was founded in 2006 by Nin Castle and Phoebe Emerson, with the aim of designing and making fashion garments with a difference. Their first studio was an old car show room where the pair lived and worked till moving the business to London, and since then Goodone has led the way in sustainable fashion.

Goodone is definitely the place to source your recycled stylish and ethical fashion essentials.

Luxury Organic Fragrance Brand Launch Japanese Range

Jo — Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:21 +0000

Inspired by the life, culture and tradition of Japan, luxury organic fragrance brand Florascent has launched a range of five new fragrances, all but one of which is unisex. It is amazing how the same scent smells completely different on a man than it does a woman, bringing out the masculinity on a man but smelling light and feminine when worn by a woman.

Florascent is a premium German perfume brand which uses only 100% natural and organic essential oils. Their new Japanese Range consists of five new scents to complement its existing range of handmade fragrances.

The making of every fragrance is the work of Florascent’s perfumer-in-residence, Roland Tentunian, who weaves together the art of traditional 17th century perfumery with the technical know-how and ecological concerns of a modern day master perfumer.

Conjure up the smell of sweet floral cherry blossoms or the heady scent of the beautiful Geishas! Each individual scent is evocative of a different aspect of Japan.

Choose from:

IKI – Aromatic, woody and mild. Classical Japan – urban yet sensitive, encapsulating the mood of the mysterious and beautiful Geishas. Unisex.

HANA – A sweet, feminine, floral fragrance of cherry blossom. The sweet smell of art, performance and culture. For women.

KI – Citrus, green, natural and fresh. A young, lively scent, inspired by the cutting edge aspect of Japanese life. Unisex.

SHIBUI – Subtle and modest yet unmistakably irresistible. Citrus, green and aromatic, reminiscent of the charming Japanese tea culture. Unisex

TANE – Balsamic, spicy and woody. TANE is the name of an ancient Japanese province where tradition and values are still as important today as they ever were.

Florascent’s new Japanese inspired fragrance collection is available from Pravera and at all good independent health and beauty stores nationwide.

30ml eau de toilette RRP £39.50.

Organic Tampons – Kinder to Women and the Environment

Jo — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:12:03 +0000

Organic tampons are not just the tampon of choice if you are looking for something that is kinder to your body, but if you want to remove as many unnecessary chemicals from your life and from the environment then it makes sense to use something that doesn’t do any harm when it comes into contact with the delicate tissues of your body on a regular basis. Did you realise that the tampons you use could contain harmful synthetic substances and chemicals, such as bleach and SAPs (super absorbent powders), that can cause internal irritation?

Organyc has a range of tampons that are kinder to women and the environment that are made from 100% organic cotton and, importantly, are also biodegradable which means a reduction in waste for our already overflowing landfill sites.

It has been estimated that every year, in Britain alone, a staggering 1 billion tampons and sanitary towels are used and disposed of. That’s a lot of tampons, many of which end up in sewerage systems and in landfill sites. Many tampons are bleached with chlorine, a powerful irritant and polluter of rivers and waterways. Organyc tampons are treated with naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide (formed by the action of rainfall) and are much safer for intimate areas than chlorine bleach.

The range comes in a choice of absorbencies and the tampons are hypo-allergenic, so even those with sensitive skin can be assured of irritant-free protection.

Women the world over are turning to Organyc tampons as they consider the impact of harmful substances on their bodies. The Organyc range is an effective and ethical option for both you and the environment, perfect for women who lead an active life. So make a healthy and informed choice and choose Organyc. What’s not to like?

Organyc tampons are available from www.organyc.co.uk and at all good independent health stores nationwide.

Organic Cotton Tampons with Applicator – Regular 16 per pack £3.09

Organic Cotton Tampons with Applicator – Super 14 per pack £3.29

Organic Cotton Tampons with Applicator – Super Plus 14 per pack £3.09

Organic Cotton Tampons – Regular 16 per pack £2.59

Organic Cotton Tampons – Super 16 per pack £2.79

Organic Cotton Tampons – Super Plus 16 per pack £3.19

A Natural Approach to Allergies

Jo — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:08:45 +0000

It’s that time of the year when many of us are suffering badly with hay fever and allergies to pollen. The symptoms can be really horrible and although there are a wide variety of remedies available over the counter, many of us would prefer to use a natural approach. The ancient practice of Ayurveda uses 6,000 year old proven remedies and embraces nurturing and natural measures to prevent and treat hay fever.

Dr Prasanna, the Ayurvedic Physician at Ayush Wellness Spa, in Jersey, says that Ayurveda is an ancient science of life that originated in India which focuses on the importance of living in tune with nature. At its simplest, ‘dosha’ is your individual bio-energy which needs to be maintained in balance for health.

Dr Prasanna’s top tips on how to survive the allergy season the natural way include eating light, freshly cooked and easily digestible food, avoiding excess dairy and wheat and eating fruit and vegetables like Indian gooseberries, oranges, radish, peppers and garlic.

He advises that you make your own herbal teas containing Ginger, Turmeric, Cumin seeds and Cinnamon and sip 5-6 cups all day long, alternatively a glass of warm water with a piece of lemon and teaspoonful of honey is a useful drink. Avoid frozen, cold, processed food and ice cold beverages including alcohol. Dr. Prasanna also advocates applying a thin barrier of almond oil, coconut oil or sesame oil around the nasal area.

Breathe easy by practicing Pranayama/ (breathing techniques) that enhance the flow of prana/life force which will help to bring balance back.

Ayurvedic treatments like Nasya (nasal & sinus treatment), Shiroabhyanga (head massage) and Hot stone therapy can also be beneficial when you are suffering with hay fever.

If you would like to find out more about these natural remedies that can help ease your hay fever and allergies, or if you want to book an Ayurvedic treatment, contact the Ayush Wellness Spa.

Sustainable Fabrics – Perfect for Summer

Jo — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:07:42 +0000

Sustainable fabrics are better for the environment, but do you take this into account when choosing fashion items, or is it always about style? Did you know that Tencel and Rayon are ethical and sustainable fabrics that are fast becoming more commonplace on the British High Street?

Komodo, the UK’s number 1 organic clothing and ethical fashion wear site for women, has the perfect Spring Summer collection for 2012 featuring these sustainable fabrics that are just the thing to pack in your suitcase for that Summer holiday.

Tencel is an award-winning eco fibre made from tree cellulose farmed on wasteland. Highly economical in its use of energy and resources, Tencel is beautifully light-weight, biodegradable and anti-bacterial making it the perfect fabric for sensitive skin.

Rayon is made from sustainable tree cellulose – it is not synthetic! Clothing items made from Rayon (derived from a word meaning ‘Ray of Light’) are bright and colourful without the need of hard dyes and softeners. The fibres of materials such as Tencel and Rayon have a high absorbency which heightens colour intensity.

Check out the Komodo site for our top picks. We love the Taly tunic, a tribal print rayon tunic which can be worn in 3 different ways, the FLO organic cotton check dress, and EDA,, the short leaf print 3/4 sleeve Tencel dress.

Komodo have been creating beautiful clothing made from ethical fabrics for over 20 years. All of the cotton used in their SS12 collection is organic cotton, which means it’s free from pesticides making it better for the environment and the people that work to produce it. Komodo journeys from the shores of Bali to the streets of London, bringing a tactile collection of eco-friendly fabrics crafted in fair trade factories, creating a relaxed collection for the modern urban traveller.

For stylish, eco-friendly fashion, have a look at Komodo. You will be surprised and delighted at what you can find.

Organic Skin Care Brand geoskincare Launches in the UK

Jo — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:06:20 +0000

Healthy and beautiful skin is something that we all strive for, no matter what our age! Premium certified organic skin care brand, geoskincare, is new to the UK and is definitely one to check out if you want beautiful skin without ugly chemicals. It offers skincare products that use only the purest ingredients, including key ingredient geothermal silica that is found only in New Zealand.

The geoskincare range offers a wide range of benefits to every skin type leaving you with healthy, pampered skin. The natural minerals, essential oils and pure extracts found in every product enhance skin health whilst offering chemical-free solutions to skincare.

The range includes everything needed for a complete skincare regime including cleansers, moisturisers and masques for different skin types, as well as Eye Renewal Gel and Eye Makeup Remover.

A key ingredient is silica, which can only be obtained from New Zealand’s geothermal regions and which has a high mineral content, softening and hydrating the skin while providing all-important protection from UV rays.

Another favourite ingredient, Organic New Zealand manuka honey, has an impressive list of health benefits and its enhancements to the skin include assisting moisture retention as well as soothing and calming irritated or dehydrated skin.

geoskincare’s essential oils include jojoba, supplying essential nutrients and vitamins to the skin, as well as calendula, which has powerful yet gentle anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for irritated or inflamed skin. Aloe Vera is long-renowned for its soothing and anti-ageing properties, while organic shea butter penetrates the top layers of the skin, protecting and soothing.

All geoskincare products provide effective solutions to help you nurture and care for your skin. The company’s belief in ethical products extends to their stylish packaging with sleek lines illustrating their commitment to effective no-nonsense skincare. The geoskincare range also includes hand and body care, as well as a men’s range with cleanser, moisturiser and after shave balm.

The geoskincare range is available from The Natural Skincare Co. and at all good independent health stores nationwide.

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