Organic means produce, or products,
grown or made entirely without the use of synthetic chemicals; including
herbicides, fungicides, artificial fertilisers or hormones.
Keep it ‘clean': unleash your ‘natural' beauty
For some, it's only natural to munch on a bag of chips
packed with preservatives, or cake on cosmetics mixed with harsh chemicals; but
`living clean and looking lean' doesn't need to be difficult; particularly in
South Australia. We uncovered just `how good' going organic and supporting
local produce and products can be...
Organic truth or tale ?
Organic food tastes better ... While it comes down to
individual taste, the majority of experts claim organic food does in fact make
our Tastebuds dance more than conventional foods as it has more antioxidants;
apparently triggering flavonoids.
Organic food
Organic food is better for the environment ... Mother
Nature will thank you later as organic food production does not disrupt
eco-systems; eliminating potentially harmful synthetic pesticides, herbicides
and fertilisers.
Stop `whining'; have a bottle of organic... Few too
many reds last night ? As your head pounds like a jackhammer and
you wince at the sight of sunlight, cracking open a bottle of organic wine may
have saved you the pain. Rumour has it; organic red wine hangovers are less
intense due to lower levels of sulphur dioxide. Any truth to the theory ? Only
one way to find out! Go organic with McLaren Vale's Gemtree Wines.
Show off your green thumb!
South Australia's organic gardening guru and award-winning
author, Lolo Houbein, says all she needs to do is visit her garden if she wants
fresh fruit and veggies daily.
Lolo believes we need to be "self-sufficient" in
Australia, and encourages anyone with a backyard to grow at least some of their
own vegetables.
Reminiscing of her early days growing up in Holland, she
insists all vegetables used to be organically grown before World War 11 when
chemicals started to trickle in.
"I then moved to Australia and began growing some of my
own food and started to apply fertilisers. I had no idea what it was," she
admits.
The organic movement was already underway, according to
Lolo, who says she soon realised she needed to return to her roots, and again
began doing what she does best - growing her own produce.
"The freshest food is always what you grow yourself.
It's the most local and it has no carbon footprint," she says.
And as for any health benefits from decades of organic
living, Lolo laughs, telling us: "Well, I'm 78 years old and still working
full-time!"
Lolo's organic magic gardening tips:
* Amateur organic gardeners should start by growing a
variety of produce on a small patch of soil, rather than plant only one type of
veggie on a large area. By doing so, you will have choice and will be able to
cook up a variety of yummy, organic meals.
Lolo's organic
magic gardening
* Plant a short row of whole onions (which you can buy from
the shops), about six or seven centimetres apart. Doing this will produce onion
greens for months on end; becoming a "wonderful standby" when cooking
omelette, stir-fry or making a fresh, crisp salad.
* There's more to organic gardening than not spraying. Lolo
says taking care of your soil is important; meaning you need to feed it organic
matter, such as compressed straw.
TIP: Best foods to grow in winter include beans, beetroot,
broccoli, carrot, lettuce, cabbage and celery; just to name a few...
Keeping it natural... or unnatural?
Those embracing an organic lifestyle
generally lead holistic and clean'lives ... but exactly bow clean'are we
talking?
The ‘breast' flavour is... Forget classic chocolate, creamy
vanilla and even neapolitan, a London ice-cream parlour last year introduced a
new - slightly ‘unique' flavour to its dessert menu - organic breast milk
ice-cream! Named `Baby Gaga',the breast milk is blended with Madagascan vanilla
pods and lemon zest, before being churned into ice-cream. Whether ‘yum' or
‘yuck', this `different' treat is supposedly as natural, fresh and free-range
as it gets!
Celebs living the 'organic' life...
The lives of the rich and famous can
be indulgent and luxurious, but these celebs prefer to keep it simple and
natural...
Miranda Kerr is an organic-beauty buff. From organic greens
to her very own organic beauty line, this Victoria's Secret angel uses only the
highest-quality, plant-derived, organic ingredients.
Angelina Jolie credits her post-twins figure to eating
organic food. The sexy mother of six reportedly once had a diet of organic
salmon and veggies.
Angelina Jolie,
The sexy mother of six reportedly once had a diet of organic salmon and veggies
Stella McCartney, fashion designer and daughter of Beatles
Paul McCartney, grew up on an organic farm; so, unsurprisingly she launched Care;
described as the first 100 per cent organic luxury skincare range.
Buying organic on a budget
Next time you think you can't afford that luxury
chemical-free cleanser or basket of locally-grown veggies, keep these tips in
mind...
Try shopping online for organic produce and products. It's
generally cheaper, and some retailers even offer free shipping if you buy in
bulk.
Pure organic products are best, but there are some
non-organic produce, such as bananas and avocados which are lower in
pesticides.
Grow your own produce. Slip on the gardening gloves, pick up
the watering-can and get planting!
