The Organic House

Many of us have been made aware of the detrimental short-term or long-term health effects that chemicals in our modern day food supply can cause.

It is also widely acknowledged that chemicals in skin and hair care products can be absorbed through our body’s biggest organ – our skin.

If we sleep for 8 hours each night we sleep for around a third of our lifetime and it is important that we consider the safety of the environment in which we sleep. Our sheets, bed-linen and clothes would ideally be free from allergens, toxic residues and harmful chemicals that could contribute to allergies, ill health and disease.

A single cotton plant may have as many as 200 types of chemicals applied to it in one season. Cotton is then mostly chlorine bleached, causing dioxins to further pollute the environment, adding to the increasing numbers of estrogen imitators we have to contend with.

Finally, cotton is frequently coloured with toxic solvent-based dyes and treated with formaldehyde, a chemical that is hazardous to your health, as both a dye fixer and to create wrinkle resistance in the cotton. Dyes in cotton garments have been linked to allergies in some people. In addition, the dyeing process consumes scarce clean water and energy reserves. *

If all cotton was grown organically, we could reduce the world’s insecticide use by up to 25%. Organic cotton farming uses biological methods such as hand weeding or planting cover crops to suppress weeds. Organic fertilizers and composts as well as crop rotation ensures nourishment of the plants and enrichment of the soil. Importantly, seeds must not be genetically modified which protects the cotton crops from unnatural and unknown organisms.

Chemicals in our bedding and clothes potentially exacerbate conditions such as eczema and allergies.

Most people consider cotton a safe alternative to the man-made fabrics and so it can be. However, conventionally grown cotton is an extremely environmentally devastating crop.

Of course, these problems will be substantially reduced globally as the support of organic and biodynamic farming increases and we convert to organic food and non-food products. Another benefit of organic cotton products is that certified organic cotton is GE-free (ie. free from genetically modified organisms).

By choosing organic bedding and clothing, you are not only better supporting your health but contributing to the overall reduction of pesticides in use today.

2/3rds of a kilogram of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are used to produce an average queen size set of sheets?

Children are at greater risk for pesticide-related health problems and millions of U.S. children already receive their lifetime dose of some carcinogenic pesticides by age 5. **

Children are often our primary concern in deciding to reduce the amount of toxic substances we bring into our homes.

Exposure to dangerous chemicals in their environment are accumulating in our children with side effects leading to behavioural and learning difficulties, multiple sensitivities, hormone and fertility problems and serious disease.

The quality, strength and softness of organic cotton is far greater than the chemically grown cotton and is often the simplest reason why people choose organic bedding and clothes for their children and against newborn baby’s delicate skin. Conventional cotton products are often weakened by the amount of chemicals used in growing and processing it, with an inferior cotton product being the end result.

Residues of laundry detergent in clothes and bedding also compound to increase our exposure to synthetic and chemical substances. It is important to use natural detergents when trying to reduce such ingredients.

We all love the feeling of hopping into a freshly made up bed, but there’s nothing quite like slipping into crisp, organic cotton sheets with the knowledge that we will be kept safe from harmful toxins as we sleep. Good night!

Conventional: Synthetic pesticides and herbicides that pollute the environment.

Conventional: Finishes often include synthetic resins, which may contain formaldehyde.

Our homes can be one of our highest sources of toxic exposure. Take a look in your kitchen, laundry, bathroom, toilet and garage and count the containers of chemical products you are storing. These will include all-purpose cleaners, carpet treatments, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergents, personal cleansers, pet & garden products, bathroom & toilet cleaners, insect spray, window and oven cleaners, air fresheners, fly sprays, bleaches, floor cleaners and furniture polishes to name a few.

We absorb cleaners through our skin or by swallowing or inhaling them. They are stored in our bodies for many years and can result in nausea, headaches, giddiness, allergies, respiratory problems, chemical sensitivity, disease and, at worst, cancer.

Shopping for cleaners in the supermarket we have the choice from a vast array of literally hundreds of items. Many of them are uneccessary, not biodegradable, can be irritating, toxic and very unsafe to use. Be careful if the cleaning aisle in your supermarket is placed in an aisle next to food, whether food for us or our pets, as this could be a source of contamination. Report this problem to their management. Even with the lids closed these bottles of chemicals will leach and off-gas fumes which contribute to ill-health and indoor air pollution as indicated by the extremely strong smells that emit from this particular aisle. This also occurs in our homes and careful storage of cleaning products is necessary.

Demand for natural cleaners has rapidly increased in the last few years as we recognize the effects chemical cleaners are having on our health, our family and our environment. When you buy any cleaner, choose as natural as possible. Be careful of those labeled ‘Natural’, ‘Green’ or even ‘Organic’. Check the ingredient list on the back of the container to be sure. Be wary of code numbers, chemicals, synthetic ingredients, derivatives (e.g. derived from coconut) or unnatural substances, or if it doesn’t have the ingredients listed at all. Look for products that contain only natural plant extracts, essential oils, are biodegradable and environmentally safe.

If truly natural cleaners are not available in your supermarket, they can usually be found in eco-friendly stores, organic grocers, by mail-order or internet retailers. When buying any organic product, look for the logo of a registered Australian certifying association on the container eg. BFA, NASAA, Demeter, OHGA. These are a great guide that the product is truly natural.

Of course you could also use things like vinegar, bi-carb soda, lemon juice, borax, pure soap and ‘elbow grease’. These were the only available cleaners to previous generations until chemicals were deemed more ‘effective’ and ‘efficient’. Commercialisation and strong advertising has convinced many of us to take the easy way out by using the ‘latest’ and ‘greatest’ products, giving no thought to the ultimate consequences. Unfortunately it has taken more than 50 years for us to realize such products are not good for us, our homes and our earth, but it is never too late to change!

As an example, let us take a look at one of the simplest cleaners of all – soap. A majority of the soaps available today are not pure and contain artificial colours and synthetic fragrances.

“Unfortunately, 99 percent of all soaps and related products available today are made in huge automated mills, using pre-fabricated and processed soap chips from refined, bleached and mostly hydrogenated oils. They also contain synthetic lathering agents, chelating agents, fillers and animal fats.

Furthermore, most commercial soap products, but especially shampoos, liquid soap and gels contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or one of its 24 derivatives, which are synthetically manufactured and defined as detergents. Certified Organic products have given a new impetus to traditional soap making.” *

Pest control is another source of chemical contaminants in the home. We use sprays for flys, mosquitos, fleas, head-lice and mouse and cockroach baits without considering that if they are dangerous to animals, surely they must be dangerous to our family too? These pesticides may have disastrous side affects. They accumulate in our fatty tissue, are linked to hormonal and reproductive problems, skin irritations, respiratory illness and disease.

Fly screens will keep out most insects and a good old fashioned fly swat won’t harm the environment. A clean house discourages pests as there are no food sources for them to be attracted.

Remember, everything you bring into your home whether food, cleaners, the wrapping they come in or fresh produce ultimately end up back in our environment in waterways or landfill.

10 EASY WAYS TO NATURAL CLEANING

Carefully dispose of all chemical cleaners (not down the toilet or drain!)
Make an effort to only bring truly natural or organic products into your home.
Reduce – keep your cleaning products to a minimum and cut down on how much you use.
Clean more regularly (with less cleaners) to reduce the likelihood of attracting insects and pests
Get back to basics - use old fashioned, natural remedies and a bit of elbow grease. There are many helpful books to get you started.
Check the ingredients in every product. There are guides now available on decoding chemicals, synthetics, colours, flavours and additives which will help you in making an informed choice.
Remember to allow adequate ventilation to keep the air you breathe clean too.
Deodorize rooms using essential oils or vanilla essence and remove any potential source of odour.
Keep cleaners, even natural ones, away from main living areas and bedrooms and store safely out of children’s reach.
Check the ingredients in your personal cleaning products e.g. soaps, hand wash, face cleaners, toothpaste, shampoos and body washes. This is most important as these products are applied directly onto our body and absorbed through our skin into our bloodstream where they can manifest as allergies, skin disorders and potential serious disease.

Chemicals are easily absorbed through the skin into the blood stream where they are stored in our major organs. They can manifest as allergies, illness, and disease such as cancer. The combined effect of chemicals in almost everything we use is yet unknown, but have you ever wondered why there are so many diseases such as cancer, allergies, hormone disruptions and chemical sensitivities?

By committing to an organic lifestyle, not only do we support safe farming practices, but we also eat or use safe, natural produce and the subsequent wastes in landfill and waterways are not toxic to the environment.

The food we eat

The food in our supermarkets, unless certified organic, may contain residues of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilisers, additives, colours, flavours and preservatives. Fruit and vegetables may have been treated after harvest. For example, potatoes may have been treated with a chemical shoot suppressant to slow the formation of shoot growth. Fruit may have been treated with a wax coating to make it look glossy and we happily give it to our children in good faith that they are eating healthy food.

You can peel fruits and vegetables (especially if waxed) or wash them with a mild solution of organic dish detergent or diluted vinegar to remove surface residues (although nothing can be done to remove pesticides absorbed into the food).

Did you know that coffee is one of the highest chemically-sprayed crops in the world? Coffee is best brewed in its pure crushed state and preferably only certified organic beans used. Tea is also chemically treated and offered in bleached teabags for convenience.

Cows and chickens are often indiscriminately treated with antibiotics in conventional farming practices. Certified organic meat is the only way to ensure what you are buying does not contain toxins. Growth hormones and antibiotics in chickens are suspected to cause hormonal problems in men, women and children.

The clothes we wear

Next to coffee, cotton is another of the highest chemically-treated crops. Residues left in the clothing we buy directly contact our skin. Cotton is certainly preferred over synthetic, non-environmentally friendly materials, but we can only be sure it is truly safe if the cotton was grown using organic methods.

Personal care products

Most of the commercially available shampoos contain ingredients such as sodium laurel sulphate. The side effects from just this one ingredient may be – cataracts; possible blindness and improper eye development in infants and young children; corneal damage; liver toxin; heart, liver, lung, brain, thymus gland and immune system damage; dry skin; skin allergies; dermatitis; mouth ulcers, impaired hair growth and corrosion of hair follicles; headache; cough; nausea; vomiting; laboured breathing*.

These side effects are from just one ingredient and there are dozens of ingredients in just one product. Did you know this ingredient can be found in cake mix, dried egg products, shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste, liquid hand and body wash, bubble bath, moisturiser and emollient creams?

Most commercial toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride has known side effects to be cancer; hypothyroidism; osteoporosis; hip fractures; carpal tunnel syndrome; birth defects; stress fractures; liver toxins; dental fluorosis; impaired brain function and skeletal fluorosis*. It can also be found in many products containing water, e.g., soft-drink, cordial, fruit juice, etc. Substances are absorbed very quickly under the tongue directly into the blood. We are assured by the manufacturers that such small quantities will not harm us. That may be correct for a single dose. Again, however, the combined effects of daily use of hundreds of products over the long term could be disastrous.

You would probably expect that formaldehyde can cause cancer, eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, skin rashes, liver toxin, contact dermatitis, asthma, shortness of breath, nose bleeds, nausea, vomiting, headaches, chest pains and dizziness. But did you know that it can be found in mascara, nail hardener, nail polish, soap, hair restorer, shampoo, anti-aging cream, bubble bath and deodorant? Over a lifetime, women may swallow many kilograms of lipstick and we should endeavour to use only those with edible ingredients in them. Lipsticks are now available using a natural wax base and colorings.

Cleaning our homes

Some forms of toxic chemical detergents are used in the production of paper, oil, synthetic and natural materials, paints, cosmetics, plastics, pesticides, contraceptive spermicides, household cleaners and personal care products such as liquid laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaners, soaps and shampoos. These chemicals end up in our sewage systems where they form a highly toxic by-product which then flows into our waterways confusing the hormone system of our fish which may be caught and then eaten by humans.

Home cleaners are serious chemical contaminants. Generally, a rule of thumb is if you can smell it you may be ingesting these products through your nose, mouth, skin and into your eyes. Only truly natural cleaning products which are safe and environmentally friendly should be used.

The organic garden

Gardening is another potential source of chemical poisoning with the use of artificial fertilisers, snail baits, chemical pesticides, fungicides and weed killers. These poisons contaminate our fresh food sources and get into our waterways which flow into the sea. The fish we eat live in this polluted environment. Use natural gardening methods. Weeding can be maintained by hand, gardens should be mulched to retain moisture, adding compost will help to improve soil, companion planting will help control pest infestations, or you could make your own natural garden remedies. Refer to books on organic, biodynamic and permacultural practices if you are unsure where to start.

Our family

A form of pesticide may be used in head lice treatments for children. To reduce this risk, avoid chemical-based head lice shampoos for humans and flea shampoos for pets. A fine-toothed comb with petroleum or plant-based jelly can be used to treat head-lice. Follow with an antibacterial, non-toxic herbal shampoo.

Hormone disrupters are commonly used in the production of polyvinyl chloride plastics (PVC or vinyl) and can also be found in paints, inks and adhesives. They can accumulate in fat and have been found in birds' eggs, seals, fish and human fat and breast milk.

Food should not be microwaved in plastic containers or in plastic wrap. Glass or ceramic containers should only ever be used. Do not wrap food in plastic that contains PVC and reduce consumption of fatty foods that are wrapped in plastic and heat sealed containers. Where possible only choose children’s toys that are PVC free and do not allow your children to chew on plastics. Wood or natural fibre toys are preferable.

There are many books that can guide you in living the organic lifestyle – from baby care, home care, beauty, cooking, gardening and even building a natural house.

Consider the types of products you are bringing into your home each time you shop. To start living a healthier, more natural lifestyle it is as simple as refusing to bring any more chemically-laden or synthetic-based products into your home. There is no need to rush out and replace everything all at once. As you run out of items, simply make an informed choice on the replacement product based on whether it is organic, natural, its list of ingredients and packaging. Any ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ product should be certified organic by a national certifying body such as Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), National Association for Sustainable Agriculture (Australia) Inc. (NASAA), Organic Herb Growers of Australia Inc. (OHGA). Look out for genetically modified products (GMOs), excessive packaging and definitely no animal testing when making your purchase. Good manufacturers make sure packaging is recyclable or, better still, refillable.

Admittedly, the organic lifestyle is currently a little more expensive than the chemical counterpart, but the choice is simple. When buying organics we are paying the REAL cost for REAL products. Trips to the doctor may decrease and the long-term effect may be that we live a healthier, happier lifestyle.

In line with the current high demand for organic products, there is a small number of Australian manufacturers developing safe and healthy alternatives and, although not everything is available organically, it is exciting to be part of this new ‘green revolution’.

By making a conscious and informed choice about the type of products we buy we will ultimately influence the future direction that all manufacturers must take. By buying organic and natural products we are supporting the organic industry, small farmers and sustainable living practices. Large companies will be pressured into recognising and supporting our real needs.

What chemicals you could be using in your home, and how to replace them
Here is an example of what we may be consuming without even realising.

**Breakfast may consist of coffee, one of the world’s most chemically sprayed crops. We may have cereal possibly contaminated with GMO (genetically modified) ingredients or perhaps wheat that has been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Milk on our cereals may come from cows that have eaten chemically sprayed, fertilised or GMO food sources or been given antibiotics which can flow into the milk.
Alternative: Look for organic cereals, bread products, fruit, coffee, tea, juice, milk, sugar in you local or organic supermarket. Organic and Biodynamic milk can be found in the milk section and if there are none left on the shelf (they don’t seem to put too many out for some reason) ask if they have any more and can they increase their supply. Supermarkets will be forced to stock more organic products if the demand calls for it.

Morning tea: Perhaps fertilised and pesticide/fungicide/herbicide sprayed fruit from the supermarket which may have been treated to make them look ‘healthier’ and shinier with a wax coating.
Alternative: Try growing your own small orchard. If you don’t have the room or live in an apartment, try a few fruit trees in pots and place on a sunny balcony. Dedicated organic grocers are a good source of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Lunch: Sandwiches made from bread filled with preservatives and carcinogenic additives. Spreads filled with unnatural additives, colourings, flavourings or salads which again have been contaminated during their growing process. A cup of tea made with a teabag that has been bleached and tea that has been chemically treated.
Alternative: Organic Peanut Butter and Jams are readily available in supermarkets, however, you still need to check the ingredients in them. Try and avoid e.g. jam with sugar listed first as there will be more sugar than fruit. Ingredients, by law, should be listed in order from highest to lowest ingredient content. Choose breads without preservatives and additives and freerange/organic ham from a good organic butcher.

Afternoon tea: biscuits/slices filled with preservatives, bleached flour or highly processed and refined, unnatural food, e.g. cake and pastries.
Alternative: Make your own healthy (or naughty) snacks using organic ingredients – the safest alternative!

Dinner: Chicken which may have been given antibiotics and hormone growth supplements, fed with food sources contaminated with residues of herbicides and pesticides or GMOs. Also consider their poor quality living standards, confined spaces and unhealthy environment. Vegetables, salad, pasta or rice could have been sprayed or chemically farmed.
Alternative: Free-range/Organic/Biodynamic beef, chicken, lamb, pork and eggs are available from specialized organic butchers and selected supermarkets.

Bath time: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, shaving cream, toothpaste, skincare, personal-care – all filled with chemical substances which are quickly absorbed by the body. A hot shower opens the pores of the skin and allows for easier absorption of all of these substances. Perfumes are generally made completely from synthetic substances. Hundreds of chemically-based scents are used to create the aroma. Try natural perfumes or essential oils – less harmful to you, your family and friends and the environment.
Alternative: As certified organic and truly natural hair-care and personal-care products do not contain preservatives they are not readily available in supermarkets due to long storage requirements. These products are generally available through mail-order or internet outlets. If the ingredients have not been listed in the catalogue or on the website, request the list and check for unnatural and synthesized substances. Be careful of those ingredients that say ‘derived from’ as these have generally been chemically modified.

Cleaning the house: These products are typically filled with synthetics, chemicals and toxic ingredients that can result in severe side effects, allergies or illness. We are also subjected to toxins in fly sprays, off gassing from synthetic materials used in furnishings and throughout the home, perfumes, make-up, etc.
Alternative: Look for certified organic or natural spray cleaners, laundry, kitchen and home-care products made with essential oil and plant extracts – again check the list of ingredients before you buy.

Pets: Pet shampoos often contain pesticides to rid them of fleas and tin or dry food is often made from unhealthy by-products and fillers.
Alternative: Use certified organic and natural products which do not degrade the quality of life for our pets. Look for certified organic or natural shampoos, rinses and soaps and enhance their health with natural supplements. By not subjecting them to harmful chemicals they are free to enjoy a healthier life.

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The Organic House, an Australian secure-online/mail order retailer of Certified Organic and natural body, home, pet, garden and lifestyle products, have just introduced a range of natural, organic candles.

Handcrafted in Australia, these organic candles contain only 100% natural ingredients. Each candle is hand dipped at least 50 times. They contain 100% Natural Palm Wax, Bees Wax, Lavender Essential Oil, food grade colouring and an unbleached, cotton wick.

The candles come in four different colours and scents. Each candle's scent permeates the room to create an ambiance suited to either Romance, Concentration, Celebration or Relaxation. Using 100% natural ingredients these candles do not contain or release synthetic substances. The burning time is approximately 7 hours and they retail at $9.00 for a pack of two tapered candles.

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Fashion: The Timeless, Classic White T-shirt is Now available Certified Organic!

The Organic House, an Australian online/mail-order retailer, is pleased to announce that the timeless, classic white t-shirt is now available Certified Organic. The cotton used in these t-shirts are not grown with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or synthetic fertilizers. The fabric is not processed with synthetic chemicals, bleaches or dyes and the finished product is soft, chemical-free, non-allergenic and safe to wear.

Certified Organic cotton products help reduce the load on both us and our environment. Organic cotton farming methods incorporate the use of unmodified cotton seeds, beneficial bugs to eat harmful insects, hand weeding and cover crops to control weeds and compost, natural fertilizers and crop rotation to nourish the plants and soil. Conventional cotton farming and processing methods can leave residues of chemicals, synthetic dyes or bleaches within the cotton fabric. They also degrade our soils and can be disastrous for our environment.

The t-shirts come in both white and a natural colour in a Medium-size fitted-T style or Medium, Large and X Large Basic-T style, retailing at $29.95 each. The Organic House also have a complete range of Certified Organic cotton bed sheets and towels available. Contact The Organic House (03) 97000233 or secure order online at www.theorganichouse.com.au

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Books: Organic living, beauty, cookbooks, gardening Garden: Fertilisers, natural pest control, seeds, charts

Health: Natural Sunscreen, chemical free products Pets: Shampoo, soap and tonics

The Organic House, an online and mail order retailer, is pioneering the way as one of Australia’s leading suppliers of Certified Organic and truly natural personal, pet, house & garden products.

Wendy Duyker, proprietor, established The Organic House with a focus on bringing together the best selection of safe, healthy and organic products. The products are totally chemical-free and natural and can be sent anywhere in Australia by parcel post. She hopes to also help create public awareness of the ingredients and processes that currently affect our food and basic necessities.

Wendy was initially astounded to learn there were chemicals in almost everything she and her young family ate, used and brought into their home. From fresh food and drinks to cleaning, skin, haircare and clothing, almost everything contained chemicals, artificial or synthetised ingredients.

“We are unconsciously conditioned during our lifetime not to think twice about our most basic necessities being chemically contaminated or modified,” she says. “The toxic ingredients in them are literally making us sick. Allergies, illness, disease and cancer have become so prevalent in our society since chemicals have been introduced. There are statutory limits put in place on what is a ‘safe’ amount of toxic substances allowed in a product but the combined effect, when we add the total daily intake of all these products together, is unmeasurable and potentially disastrous.”

She warns us to stop and look at the ingredients in everything we buy. “It is in our best interests to eliminate the use of those products that contain chemicals, artificial substances, additives, colouring and genetically modified ingredients. It is important to look for an organic certifier's logo on a product to guarantee it meets strict organic specifications.

Wendy suggests people be wary of items that claim to be ‘green’, ‘natural’ or even ‘organic’. Unless certified by an organic certifying association, products should not be considered truly safe. Ingredients may have been synthesized or chemically changed in some way or artificially created. Plant based ingredients may still contain chemicals absorbed during the growing process or the plants may have been genetically modified to include chemicals in them.

The demand for organic food and products has rapidly increased over the last number of years as people become aware of the link between chemicals and serious illness. The most popular products in The Organic House range is the natural sunscreen, Miessence Certified Organic skincare, all natural washing powder, Certified Organic cleaners and the Certified Organic pet & garden-care range.

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Wendy Duyker is proprietor of The Organic House which aims to create awareness about potential modern-day health hazards, chemical ingredients and unsafe processes.