By Larry Marragay

Dairy products are high-energy-yielding food products that the vast majority of people consume at least once during the day.  Milk, cheese, ice cream, and butter are some of the dairy products most commonly found in people’s refrigerators, so it goes without saying that they have become important for people’s diets.  Throughout the years, however, several health issues have arisen around the consumption of dairy products; people have begun taking their health more seriously, and because of this, they have turned to organic products (which of course, includes dairy products).  Organic dairy products are believed to be healthier than non-organic dairy products, and so the demand for this kind of products has increased dramatically in recent years.  Having said this, why is it that organic products are healthier than non-organic products, or better yet, what is it about organic dairy products that make them organic?

Organic foods are foods produced using methods that involve absolutely no synthetic inputs, such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers, chemical food additives, etc.  In other words, organic foods are foods producing through completely natural means, without resorting to any manmade technologies or techniques.  Having said this, it follows that organic dairy products are those which are produced following only natural means of production, which involves allowing animals to behave in a natural, healthy manner.  Now, this is not to say that no technology goes into the production of organic dairy products, because standard hygiene and safety procedures (which, of course, include pasteurization) are always followed. However, it does mean that animals are not forced to behave in an unnatural way, nor is any chemical or synthetic element used in the production process.

So, organic dairy products are organic because they are produced in an entirely natural environment, using only 100% natural processes and inputs.  So far so good, but if you are shopping around and you decide that you want to get organic dairy products, how can you tell for sure that you are getting the right kind of products?  Well, it does help to know that organic dairy products must be certified (they are issued an organic certification).  Organic certification guarantees that dairy farmers feed their cows 100% organic feed (which must also be certified), the cows must graze on land that has not been treated with fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides for at least three seasons.  In other words, if you want to get organic dairy products you must make sure that the dairy farm where the products were made is also certified. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be healthy, with wanting to procure only organic products.  Throughout the years, the demand for organic products has increased dramatically, and this has naturally affected the demand for organic dairy products.  Organic products are extremely beneficial for people, but notwithstanding this, it is important that you know what makes organic products organic; what is the point of eating something you know nothing about?  Organic dairy products are 100% natural, and that is exactly what the body needs to remain healthy and always be able to function correctly, so next time you go out grocery shopping, you will know why it is that you are going with organic products instead of non-organic.

By: Kristie Hayes

When looking at what ingredients are in perfume, one will see a lot of synthetic chemicals, many of them derived from petroleum and phthalates which are known hormone disruptors and can have many negative effects on the body.  But with organic perfume, the three basic ingredients-natural essential oils from plants and flowers, distilled water and alcohol-are derived from sources grown organically. Local health stores sell the ingredients will often allow people to create their own fragrance, which can be done through classes the store offers or at home. Several recipes for organic perfumes can be found online with valuable information about each ingredient’s properties and benefits. There are also many manufacturers that sell organic perfume online.

Rich Hippie sells ½ an ounce of various scents for $235 and justify the price by claiming to obtain organic flowers from every corner of world and the alcohol from organic grapes grown in California where the company is based. The site also boasts of having a celebrity clientele so for those who want to smell like star without doing too much damage to their wallet, a small vial can be purchased for $15.

Another company that makes and sells organic perfumes is Manhattan-based A Perfume Organic. In addition to being organic, people who purchase a bottle get real flower seeds that they can plant and they claim that all the material used to package the bottle are environmentally-friendly. Prices on the site range from $22 to $65 and can be found  at American Apparel, Urban Outfitters and many other retailers.

With conventional perfumes, scents and alcohols are made in a lab and produced in mass quantity. But with organic perfume, the flowers, plants and alcohol sources are grown on organic farms that do not use pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides. None of the ingredients are genetically modified and the process does not require harmful chemicals nor does it produce them. Small batches of organic perfume are made by local perfumers and hand-poured to ensure it is of the highest quality.

From the way organic perfumes are made, from the way the ingredients are grown to how they are processed prevent harmful chemicals from ending up in the bottle and on the skin. Using natural fragrances eliminates allergic reactions due to the synthetic chemicals in conventional perfume. People can be allergic to essential oils, but the solution to that is to simply create a perfume that is free of the problematic oil or oils. Essential oils have a wide range of benefits such as relaxation, improved concentration and increased energy which is good reason to smell them all day long.

By David Hewitt
          People are becoming more aware that we live in a finite and fragile world. There are constant natural disasters, wars over valuable resources, and environmental catastrophes. These things are all indicators that we, as consumers, need to be more environmentally responsible. We cannot continue to strip mine, cut down the precious rain forests, fight horrible wars over oil reserves, pollute and contaminate our precious drinking water, without it all having disastrous consequences. The first step we all can take is to “BUY ORGANIC”. Organic is not just about food anymore; it also applies to the home improvement materials we buy.

            Organic is naturally sustainable living. Everything made with chemicals is not organic. Our living environments are literally filled with chemical-laden materials. One of the biggest polluting chemicals is PVC, or poly vinyl chloride, in our home vinyl flooring. Science has proven that PVC outgases micro-vapors of this highly toxic chemical compound. Most modern carpets are made using a chemical called chromate copper arsenate (CCA), which contains the arsenic compound. Arsenic has long been used as rat poison! Who wants to breathe in rat poison? Many homes use flooring, carpeting, and wall materials that contain formaldehyde, another deadly chemical. Modern paints are filled with lead, a very deadly toxic substance that causes neurological disorders.

            Organic home improvement materials are those that are biodegradable and do not outgas toxic vapors. You may already have good organic materials in your home. Natural fiber wool, jute, or sisal rugs are organic materials. Board and lumber that are UN-treated are good, organic, home improvement materials. Treat your building boards with natural, organic oils, such as tung, hemp, or linseed oil. Mineral spirits will have harmful chemicals, especially if there is the “skull and crossbones” label on the can!

            There is an entire industry devoted to “green building” materials and techniques. Whole books are written on how to build or add on to a home using straw bales (using organic straws like wheat, rye, or oat), and using clay, sand, and manure to form bricks or cob. The Orientals have used bamboo flooring for centuries. Bamboo is a beautiful, organic, and sustainable building material. People may not know that while bamboo is technically a grass, it is actually harder than maple wood! It is tougher than many hardwood floors, moisture resistant, and because of its natural growth patterns, can add incredible warmth to your home.

            There are so many diverse areas where the eco-conscious home builder/buyer/remodeler can add to and improve their homes with biologically sustainable, organic products. There is tough “paper stone”, tumbled glass (which looks like crushed gravel, but is smoothed recycled glass that can be used on walkways, mosaics, garden mulch, and more), rammed earth, LED lighting, pellet stoves, and so much more.

            Let’s all do our part in building a sustainable future. The first step is becoming environmentally aware of the diverse ecological issues facing us as a global community. Then take direct, individual action, by buying organic whenever possible, whether it is food, clothing, or home improvement materials. A biologically sustainable future is really the only sane choice we have!

By Larry Maraggay

Actually the word organic refers to something natural which has core value. And organic music is the music which gives positive vibes and by listening this type of music our soul really feel good and soother. Now a day’s music is recorded in studios and the natural instrument’s voices that are the real instruments for this kind of music, as its instrumental voices can be manufactured  on keyboards or this can also be done by some computer software too. And now almost every musician use drum machines, software for instrumentation, electronic keyboards etc. But majority of the people more enjoy music that is played through natural instruments then the recorded ones. Even there are organic music festivals that are appreciated and enjoyed by people very much. Many people wait for these festivals as they are crazy about these kind of festivals. And specialty about these festivals are they are not the recorded one, Natural instruments are used to play the music. That’s why people like it more.

Most practice places for organic music are Africa, Brazil. And this kind of music is enjoyed and appreciated almost in the whole world. There are number of natural instrument that is used to play organic music  some of them are goat hoof shaker, Moceno flute, Multicultural, Kinder Harp, rain stick, scraper, Pacay shaker, Sampona Flute and many more. Let me introduce these instruments with you in more details. Goat Hoof Shaker:- this instrument comes from Bolivia’s agricultural communities. To make dry, big crackle sounds, hooves are relieve from boiled, milky herds then it thread together to make hand rattles and ankle. Moceno Flute:- This flute is carved and handcrafted carefully with cultural icons, offers 2 octaves. Its length is 23 inches usually. Pacay Shaker:- When Pacay fruit’s skin is left to dry with the large seeds that is inside it then this instrument born. It’s very much easy to hold and play. And its length is 17 inches approx. Rain Stick :- This stick is Chilean rain stick which has diameter of minimum 2 inches, the stones jog through and pass off immense sounds. And its length is 16 inches usually.

Another type of natural instrument is Sampona Flute:- This is a traditional flute and this flute is from Bolivia and its longest tube comes in 9 inches size. There is one more type of natural instrument i.e. Scraper, that is founded in Peru. This instrument is washed, dried and sanded after that it is carved for designs and washboard for some scraping sounds. And it’s length is of 12 inches approx. There are many more natural instruments from around the world. And these instruments really helpful for kids so that can learn something about these traditional things and get inspired. Each and every instrument has some kind of historical view and particular culture. Each and every  natural instrument is handmade. All the above instrument discussed are specially for kids so that they get inspired and get to know more about traditional music. This kind of music is very much popular in Brazil and there are many musicians who play this music. There are some  original and unique styles that is opted by Brazilians  some of that styles are samba, frevo, choro, lambada, maracatu, sertanejo, axe, brega, Brazilian, bossa nova and many more.

This type of music should be encouraged because recorded music and artificial instrumental music can’t be compared with organic music. Music is something that play a very important role in our life. So it is very important that what kind of music we listen as it affect our life for sure. As people use to listen some good music when they are feeling low. And people enjoy with dancing on some hip hop music when it’s about festival or some special occasion. So I can bet that you will enjoy more when you listen organic music. People usually feel relaxed and get entertained by listening this kind of music. They feel like dancing when they listen to this music, there foot start dancing itself when they heard about this music type. We should listen to this kind of music more as it will be our more contribution towards our tradition and let me tell you that recorded artificial instrumental music affects at our health too. As some scientists prove that there are some harmful vibes that comes from artificial produced music through new technology’s instruments. As they fasten human’s blood circulation and effect heart beat too.

And there is one more point to listen this kind of music is what kind of music we listen our kids will follow the same, so if we listen music that is produced by some natural instruments then this music will go on and on with our kids. This type of music is environment friendly. Even birds feel good when they listen music played by these natural instruments as it seems that it is playing naturally. There are many cities specially in Africa and Brazil who organize special festivals for this kind of music, there are huge variety of music that is played by these natural instruments and people waits for these festivals from long time. As they got a chance to enjoy such kind of music which is very rare now a days. So only we can make it popular and only we can start it again to that old peak.

New technology music over taken this kind of music very quickly, but natural instrumental music is having its impact on people always as they are always more curious about natural instrumental then the new technology’s music. People enjoy new tech music for sometime only but natural music that is produced by some natural instruments are evergreen. So we should encourage natural instrumental music then the new technology’s music. There is no doubt that these new tech music has its own importance as they come with some new features but nothing can replace the music that is played by these natural instruments. Educate your kids about this and feel proud to born on this earth which produce these kind of unique antiques.

By Nida Rasheed
Carpets have become a staple part of home décor or interior design for many years now. There is something about walking on such component or material which enhances the overall experience of the person. Likewise, carpets can also be associated with the idea of affluence and good taste in design. Carpets create a certain kind of ambiance like no other.

In the same manner, there are many types of carpets that people can choose from. From varying styles, colors, designs and materials, people can surely find an array of products to choose from. Nonetheless, one of the most important or initial considerations when choosing the right carpet is whether to go for a synthetic or natural one at that.

Composition of Synthetic carpets

Synthetic carpets, as the name implies, make use of artificially produced materials. One of the most prominent benefits of getting a synthetic carpet is that it is comparatively cheaper than wool carpets or those made from natural fiber. Since synthetic materials are easy to produce and acquire their production costs are comparatively lower than getting natural fibers.

Two common types of synthetic carpet are nylon and acrylic. Acrylic is very resilient to stain and has very low absorption rate of moisture. This makes acrylic carpet very easy to clean and maintain. Acrylic carpet can also be used under direct sunlight because it does not wear out upon direct exposure. Nylon, on the other hand, is well known for its exceptional strength. It is very resistant to matting.

Composition of Natural carpetss

Since natural carpet uses genuine fibers, there is a certain value in them that synthetic carpet cannot achieve despite the latter’s inexpensive and practical nature. Just like how rare gems provide a certain aesthetic and overall appeal, the same goes for natural carpet. There is nothing quite like the look a wool or other genuine materials all put together for an extraordinary floor ensemble.

Natural carpet also has a certain kind of durability which many synthetic carpets cannot achieve or perfectly mimic. Synthetic fibers are often finer and translucent which make them vulnerable to another number of things that natural carpet is not. Natural carpet also has a bounce factor. Just like how you press a ball and it returns to its original shape, the same goes for wool carpets – they do not easily get distorted unlike many synthetic carpets. Natural carpet is not easily flattened.

Making the Choice

The choice of which carpet to use ultimately depends on the preferences of the individual. Each type offers certain set of advantages and incurs a range of disadvantages. It is up to the person whom set of advantages and disadvantages they are more amendable to.

Likewise, the design value of a carpet also mostly relies on the person and how he or she will use it. The wise choice will have to be the type of carpet that accommodates the person’s budgets as well as preferences. There are many designs to choose from that it should not be problem finding the most appropriate one for your living space.

By Kristie Hayes
Organic clothing is made from natural resources that were grown in accordance with agricultural practices that must be met for a product to be considered organic. Other than that, most material that is used to make clothing can be considered organic if cultivated in a certain way.

·         Organic Cotton- Similar to conventional cotton but grown in accordance with organic farm practices. Any product made of conventional cotton (clothing, bedding, etc.) can be made with organic cotton.

·         Organic Bamboo – From bamboo grass, it has become known for being very soft, lightweight yet durable. It also has antibacterial properties and wicks moisture making it an ideal material for sportswear. It is also hypoallergenic and a good alternative for people allergic to hemp and wool. It also helps people stay comfortable in hot or cold weather.

·         Organic Soy- It is said to be stronger than wool, silk or cotton. Like bamboo, it wicks away moisture. Superior to cotton in ventilation, it is very good at retaining warmth and does not shrink or wrinkle.

·         Organic Hemp – Comes from the Cannabis genus and is known for being soft and durable. It is used to manufacture biodegradable plastics, textiles, jewelry, paper and healthy food. It is a tough plant and does not need pesticides to fight off insects. The texture of hemp clothing can be compared to linen. Hemp use in the United States in currently illegal.

·         Organic Wool-Similar to conventional wool except the sheep are raised according to organic farming standards. Any wool item currently manufactured can be made with organic wool.

·         Organic Silk- Originates from protein secretions of silkworms that are raised in an environment free of pesticides and herbicides. They are allowed to live out their natural lives. Raw silk is a biodegradable product.

·         Jute- A vegetable fiber that is long, soft and shiny from plants of the genus Corchorus. It is the cheapest natural fiber available.

The standard begins on the land where the animals are raised and the seeds are planted. Seeds cannot be genetically modified and pesticides and herbicides and hormones are banned from being used on land where organic products are grown. Animals such as sheep cannot have antibiotics, hormones and other additives put into their diet and are raised humanely and have enough land to graze on so they stay healthy.  Animals on an organic farm cannot be treated with chemicals such as pesticides and antibiotics. These practices prevent the land and other organisms on the land from being exposed to harmful chemicals, either through direct application or animal waste, which are often very toxic to an ecosystem.

Chemicals are not usually necessary to make the clothing and the process does not produce harmful chemicals that are released into the environment. One exception is bamboo in which the pulp is soaked in sodium hydroxide or a natural enzyme, but these chemicals will not harm the environment or people exposed to it. Not only is the consumer not exposed to harmful chemicals, but the employees who work in the organic clothing factories are not exposed to them. Synthetic dyes are not to be used in organic clothing but natural ones from flower blossoms, berries, bark and roots can be used to give the fabric color and still be considered organic. When the life of the product is ended and it is thrown away, chemicals do not leak into the earth.

Part of the reason many people buy organic clothing is that they do not want to be exposed to harsh chemicals, so it makes sense that the same standards applying when cleaning it. For organic clothing that is naturally dyed, it should be washed before even wearing it and by itself the first 1-3 times since it is likely that the dye will come off the first few times.  Turn the item inside out, use the delicate cycle, remove it as soon as it is done and dry it on low or let it air dry. Do not take organic clothing to be dry-cleaned and do not bleach it and be careful using other stain removing products. There are organic detergents available that are free of harmful chemical, dyes and scents. Detergents with plant- and vegetable-based ingredients instead of petroleum-based are more environmentally friendly. Organic clothes are more expensive than non-organic clothing because the farms’ crop yields are typically lower due to not using pesticides and herbicides and they have fewer animals, so it is important to take care of them so they have a long, chemical-free life.

By Kristie Hayes

The first thing any woman learns about makeup is that goal is to create as “natural” a look as possible. But taking a brief look back in the history of cosmetics, the products were quite dangerous including compounds such as lead, mercury and arsenic that often lead to poisonings and death. Society has come a long way from those days but typical cosmetics currently sold by major retailers contain many synthetic chemicals such as petroleum, plastics, silicones, parabens and artificial dyes and fragrances that can lead to allergic reactions and have been shown to have adverse health effects in laboratory animals. Although cosmetics are typically applied in small amounts, women often use them for most of their adult life on a regular basis.

In addition to following the Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines for cosmetics, organic cosmetic manufacturers have to follow the agency’s rules for what constitutes organic; compounds put in organic cosmetics have to come from crops that were not genetically modified or treated with herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides and manufactured in a way that does not add or produce harsh chemicals.

Organic cosmetics come from natural sources that are grown organically and harvested and manufactured in a way that eliminates the aforementioned chemicals from being put into the product even before they are put on the shelves. Saffon Rouge, a retailer that sells different organic cosmetic lines called has what they call a “black list,” chemical that would not be considered part of organic makeup. Afterglow is a line of cosmetics that sells a range of products and like many organic cosmetic brands they tend to be more expensive than conventional make up as are many other organic products. But like other organic cosmetic manufacturers, they use natural oils and extracts from organically grown fruits, barks and plants to give them a wide range of beautiful colors that women expect to find when they are shopping for makeup.  After searching the internet, it is obvious that the majority of organic cosmetics contain ingredients are minerals and some of the mineral ingredients typically found in organic cosmetics are as follows:

Titanium dioxide- major component of mineral makeup and sunscreens since it protects the skin from UV light and reflects it and helps the makeup stay on.

Zinc Oxide-Similar to titanium dioxide in that it protects the skin from the effects of sunlight and helps it stick. An added benefit is that it alleviates skin irritation due to conditions such as rosacea.

Magnesium Stearate- Combines the metal magnesium which is found in nature and a component of vegetable oil, stearic acid. Adds to the consistency, opacity, texture, and increases the ability of the makeup to stay on.

Serecite Mica-Typically found in organic foundations and mineral eye shadows. It does not have a lot of luster, reflects light and masks enlarged pores and fine lines. Some people are sensitive to mica and there are mica-free based cosmetics available.

Talc-Although harmful things can be found in talc, there are processes that remove them and studies linking it to certain cancers and other health issues no studies to date have confirmed those concerns. It gives cosmetics its silky feel.

The goal of makeup should be to enhance natural beauty and using organic cosmetics allows beauty to be enhanced by nature.

By Daniel Harri
Organic shampoos are each distinct in their own ways. Actually, contrary to popular belief, not all organic shampoos are the same. You should keep in mind that organic cosmetics are not regulated by the government. Furthermore, consumers are advised to read the labels to ensure that they are really purchasing organic shampoos. Listed below are the 10 best organic shampoos.

1. Tasmanian Lavender

Tasmanian Lavender is the best shampoos as it has combined the great factors found in other shampoos. It has a spicy lavender scent and it really foams up during washing. Additionally, it does not leave any accumulation in the hair.  It leaves your hair feeling light and silky.

2. Carrot Juice

This is a fun shampoo that has a floral scent and it rinses easily. This particular shampoo is made from organic carrot, pumpkin and sweet potato. These ingredients function like potent antioxidants for cleansing and moisturizing the hair.

3. Lavender Rosemary

Produced by a leading organic cosmetic company called John Masters, Lavender Rosemary is a thick shampoo. As such, it is not recommended for daily use. It contains licensed organic components and it is additionally cruelty-free.

4. Teatree Mint

This shampoo retails for $6 and is therefore the best deal for your money. It has a great mint scent that lingers on. It also leaves hair with a clean and soft feeling. It contains milk proteins for moisturizing the hair and peppermint oils as well for balance and hydration.

5. Aveda Hair Detoxifier

With a camphor scent that simply perks up the user, Aveda Hair Detoxifier is a great shampoo. It is amazing how silky and smooth your hair feels after using this shampoo. It is made using organic aloe without any artificial reducing agents.

6. Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet

This shampoo smells precisely as you might imagine – a sugary and grapefruit scent. It requires that you follow it with a conditioner because it is quite thick. Nevertheless, it leaves hair feeling refreshed and clean.

7. Alba Botanica Clarifying Shampoo

With an appealing fruity scent, this particular shampoo is definitely the best for young consumers. Since it is somewhat thick, it takes time for it completely rinse out of hair. It is manufactured from 100% organic vegetarian ingredients.

8. Big Body

Consumers found this particular product to have a fruity and complex scent. The other great value is the fact that it is produced using organic ingredients such as rosemary water, lemon and chamomile. It does not comprise of any unnecessary chemicals or artificial colors.

9. Nurture My Body Volumizing Shampoo

This shampoo adequately lathers and leaves hair healthy. It contains honey and oat extract to assist in strengthening the hair. It is designed to be free of fragrance, but it possesses a light vitamins scent.

10. American Crew

This product is designed for men and it has received high ratings from consumers. It rates highly on most online stores as it refrains from potentially harmful ingredients. This shampoo also receives high scores for improving the overall hair health.

Through avoiding chemical use, the above organic shampoos can prevent eye damage and skin damage caused by other artificial shampoos. Try one organic shampoo today to get these benefits.

By David Hewitt
        Few people would dispute the statement and observation that we live in a highly stressful society. There are so many different things that must be accomplished throughout the day, that there can even be a perception on the part of some people that time is actually speeding up! But discussions about the nature of time aside, the introduction of the World Wide Web, the Internet, cell phones, personal computers, various electronic media, have all contributed to a fast-paced lifestyle, and the consequent rise in stress levels.

            Our bodies are the one thing we take with us everywhere we go, no matter what we do. Those organic bodies contain blood, organs, nerves, muscles, eyes, ears, and that precious thing called a brain! In a sense, our bodies are organic machines; and just like a mechanical machine, our biological machines have to be in optimum working condition to function properly and efficiently. And that is where organic foods enter the picture. It is the old adage of “You are what you eat”; or, to use computer lingo, “Garbage In, Garbage Out” (GIGO). To use the machine analogy further; how well would you car engine run if you added sugar to the gas tank? The answer is the engine would seize up within seconds or minutes, completely destroying it. The same thing applies to our bodies.

            Scientific research shows that the human body can only handle about three teaspoons of sugar at any given time. Eat a sugary breakfast, and your immune system will be shut down for the next six hours! One can of cola equals about seven teaspoons of sugar. Most research indicates we should only intake about 10 teaspoons of sugar a day! Yet sugar is everywhere in our diets (non-organic), oftentimes hidden. The psychological effects, as well as physical, of sugar-substitutes, such as aspartame and high fructose corn syrup are well known.

            There are some 350,000 different varieties of edible plants on this planet. How many of these ‘rainbows’ do you consume? The different types and colors of fruits and veggies are important for overall mental focus, concentration, and stress-reduction. A strong nervous-system can get a big boost from organic ‘oily’ fish, rich in omega-3’s (think tuna and herring, etc), plus pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and bananas (rich in potassium). Try as much as possible to go “fresh” food first, then frozen. Be sure it is marked as organically grown, since even a delicious appearing apple may be full of pesticides and herbicides, not to mention fertilizer organophosphates.

            Unfortunately we sometimes reach for the wrong things to boost energy levels. Chocolate may give an initial sugar and caffeine ‘rush’, but then there is the letdown. The same can be said of salty snacks, which can dehydrate the brain and body. If you must use salt, try the organic sea salt, which is superior to the processed table salt variety. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of pure water throughout the day will also help you deal with stress (although some plastic bottles contain a chemical which outgases—manufacturers are turning away from these).

            Some health experts are recommending not going more than four hours without eating, as your body’s metabolism will start to slow; and eat before you get hungry! These simple steps eating organic healthy food will go long ways in reducing your stress levels.

By Kristie Hayes
On the surface, organic toys look like conventional toys and for the most part both are made with the same materials such as plastic, wood and cotton. But choosing to purchase organic toys for children allows parents to reduce their children’s exposure to chemicals that are potentially harmful to human health early on. The differences between materials used to make organic and conventional toys lie in how they are grown and manufactured.

Materials such as cotton and wood are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides fertilizers and the crops are rotated to keep the soil healthy. Animal products such as wool come from animals raised on organic farms that were not treated with antibiotics or hormones. The products are not taken from crops and animals that have been genetically modified.

In the factory, peroxide is the only chemical used during the manufacturing of organic toys. It is completely safe because it breaks down into water and oxygen, so no harmful chemicals are released into the environment. Vegetable oils, milk-and oil-based paints are glazed on them. Because of the rigorous standards from beginning to end, there is no chance that harmful chemicals will end up on the product, in the environment, the home or the child.

Most organic toy manufacturers comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines, an international organization that sets standards for the design and manufacturing of many products, including toys to ensure they are safe. Manufacturers can choose to follow the guidelines or not but most toy manufacturers do. And in August 2008, the United States passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act which limits the levels of phthalates and lead in all toys for kids up to 12 years of age and is believed to be one of the strictest toy safety laws in the world.

The makers of organic toys often comply with voluntary and mandatory standards in addition to meeting the ones that make their product organic. Many of the materials used in organic toys are made in the USA, which has very rigorous standards for being considered organic and will inspect manufacturers and farms to ensure. While organic toys are made in countries outside the U.S., the criteria can differ and toys that are not organic may be sold as organic.

Organic toys are important for a number of reasons. Parents with infants and toddlers who enjoy putting things in their mouth will not have to worry about what chemicals they might be ingesting. It eliminates allergies caused by synthetic chemicals which in laboratory animals have been shown to disrupt normal hormone regulation and cause cancer.  People are exposed to a number of chemicals over their lifetime beginning from the moment they are born, many of which persist in the environment and in the body. Organic toys allow children to explore their world through fun and education in a safe and natural way.