TOP 5 TIPS FOR CHEMICAL FREE LIVING
We have 60 years of arable soil left on planet earth! If that is not reason enough to start considering what you put on your plate, then below are some more reasons. Caring for ourselves, the planet and the next generation means we need to fundamentally change the way we think. We need to understand that everything we eat, medicate ourselves with, clean our homes and bodies with and embellish our homes with is inspired by nature. Don’t chose chemical, artificial versions of these ingredients, because they are in reality not cheap. They have expensive consequences — expensive in the way of our health, the farmers you farm them, the environment as a whole and our daily vitality which is responsible for how you live your life and relate to all life around you.
At The Urban Farmer, we are passionate about helping people take steps to reduce chemicals they encounter every day. For this reason we have put together our top five tips on cutting back on your chemical exposure by simple lifestyle changes.
1 FOOD WHICH NOURISHES
We know that the food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. That’s why this quote stands outside our door! We want to remind people that eating seasonal, whole, organic, unprocessed food helps not only our own health but also that of our planet.
Adopt a zero-tolerance policy for GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and if you eat meat and dairy, make sure it’s pasture-fed and free of hormones and antibiotics. Organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, accelerated aging and infertility are only a few of the thousands of scientifically proven reasons why we should follow a non-GMO diet.
At The Urban Farmer, we only source from small farms who follow ethical and sustainable farming practices. This allows our shoppers to make sure that the delicious meals they prepare from our store nourishes their bodies and has a minimal impact on the environment.
2 CLEANER AND GREENER
A simple way to reduce chemicals is to switch our everyday cleaning supplies to earth-friendly, chemical free brands. There are numerous products available that can make your house sparkle and shine without damaging the earth it’s on. Chemical free washing powder brands like Greenman and Triple Orange are some of our favourite brands that clean better for you and the environment.
3 LOVE THE SKIN YOU ARE IN
Be kind to your skin by treating it to natural skincare ranges like Heart Tree, Dr Hauschka and Pradiance. The majority of natural skincare products contain all of the essential ingredients that make your skin happy rather than the chemicals found in cheap alternatives that could potentially cause free radicals that age your skin. You should specifically avoid ‘fragranced’ products, the phthalates found in them are known to interfere with our hormone levels and production.
4 OH BABY!
Your new-born baby is the most precious thing in the whole world! Make sure your new-born gets all of the love from nature they deserve. So why not ditch the commercial baby products and try organic coconut oil? It’s antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a great all-rounder for your baby. The best part is that its not only better for the environment and your baby’s skin but it’s also much more affordable!
FUNCTIONAL AND PRETTY PLANTS
Greenify your home! Plants are proven natural air purifiers and stunning additions to any living space. We love this article by Earth Easy that explains how pollutants contribute to “sick building syndrome”. According to the article, through studies conducted by NASA, scientists have identified a staggering 50 different houseplants – from lilies to ferns – that remove many of the pollutants and gasses that cause allergies, headaches and fatigue as well as nervous system disorders, cancer and even death! Make sure you add some green to your home for the sake of your wellbeing.