At Gecco Interiors we have spent the last few years gathering all the fabulous, sustainable, chemical free products in our eco-friendly product range to help you to create wonderful design schemes for your own ‘green’ homes. We are often asked for information and ideas about how to create a safe, toxin free nursery or kids bedroom – after all the increase in asthma and eczema has its roots in off-gassing of new furnishings and children’s immune systems are much less developed than ours. We thought it was time to create a section on the website just for kids.

So how do you create an Eco-friendly, natural nursery? Here are the main things to think about:

Flooring – the main culprit in asthma and eczema is the dust mite, which lives in normal house dust. To keep this to a minimum choose a wooden, cork, rubber or vinyl flooring and then soften the look with rugs that can be washed regularly. Failing that, look for natural wool carpets in natural shades that have not been dyed, even though they will still have been treated with pesticide and often stain repellent.

Walls – there really is no excuse to use anything but natural paint these days as there are so manylovely shades to choose from. The natural paints are made using a mixure of plant oils and not petroleum. They have zero VOC emissions, are easy to apply and  smell fantastic! The best news is that the air will not be polluted by off-gassing for the first years of your baby’s life.

Furniture – look for wooden furniture that has been finished with natural oil or non VOC paints

Mattreses – there are many different natural and organic mattresses on the market today and the woollen fleece layer wrapped around them reduces the number of dust mites, whilst also regulating your baby’s body temperature (as recommended by FSID)

Bedding – look for bedding made of certified ‘organic cotton‘, in the UK the Soil Association has certified many gorgeous bedding ranges to fit all sizes of bed

Curtains & Blinds – don’t go and ruin the overall natural design by buying curtains made of fabric using chemical dyes and finishes, as they too will off-gas for some time. There is now a huge choice of organic and sustainable fabrics in vibrant or pastel shades that would compliment any kids room scheme.

For more inspiration, why not check out our new nursery and kids section, or call our in-house eco interior designer Angie Kraft on 01494 565459

Gecco Interiors Limited is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

With the sudden drop in temperature over the weekend, hope that most of winter might be behind us has been abandoned, and the fight to keep warm is back on.

Here at Boys&Girls, we thought we’d put together a brief guide to help you keep your kids warm this winter, the ethical way.

1- Layer up

Dressing your children with several layers instead of just a thick one is the key to keep them warm. Layers help trap warm air between each item, which acts as further insulation from the outside cold. Wearing layers will also help them regulate their body temperature better, by opening or taking off one layer when overheating, and putting it back when they’ve stopped running around. Tuck vests into trousers rather than pulling over the outside, and make sure that the layers are not too tight and don’t restrict movement so blood flow is not impeded.

2- Prefer natural fibres

Layering is even more effective if the layers are made of natural fibres, like cotton, silk or wool. Because natural fibres let the skin breathe better, if your kids work up a sweat, they won’t be cold later on.

It is even better if you go for organic clothes: with no harsh chemicals used in the production process, their skin won’t get irritated, which is especially important in the winter when they will be wearing more layers for several months.

3- Don’t forget their extremities

Remember that up to 40% of body heat is lost through the head, and that feet and toes usually get cold quicker than the rest of the body. Gloves, a hat and thicker socks are therefore indispensable in colder weather, and also allow you to add splashes of colours to outfits that tend to get a bit dark in winter.

At Boys&Girls, we createcool clothes for kidsthat are bright and cheerful, but also made of 100% organic and fairly traded cotton. With our range of colourful long-sleeved t-shirts, hoodies, leggings and sweatpants available on sale, you will be able to keep your kids warm with an on-trend, funky look that doesn’t cost the earth. And for extra coziness, all our Autumn/Winter hoodies and sweat pants are made in our SuperSoft fabric, a brushed sweat providing ultimate comfort.

Boys&Girls is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

We all know that vitamins and minerals are good for our body when we take them in our diet.  They are also outstanding for our skin when applied topically.  Many natural beauty products contain vitamins and so are a great source of nourishment for the skin.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and plays a role in helping to reduce the signs of skin ageing, such as wrinkles.  Many natural beauty products contain Vitamin E for this very reason.  Vitamin E is highly recommended for healthy skin because it also helps to reduce damage caused by UV rays and the environment.  Without sufficient Vitamin E you may find your skin becomes dry and cracked, and more prone to damage.  Therefore it is important to ensure your skin receives a good amount, and using natural beauty products containing Vitamin E are an ideal way to do this.

Another key vitamin is Vitamin C, which is also an antioxidant and one of its key roles is to make collagen which helps to increase skin elasticity and strength.  Vitamin C promotes skin hydration and is also an antioxidant.  When it is applied topically through natural beauty products, Vitamin C is easily absorbed by the skin and can bring benefits to it quickly.  Another benefit of Vitamin C is that it can help the skin to recover from sun damage, so is especially recommended if you enjoy spending a lot of time in the sun.

Cleansers, toners and moisturisers are an essential part of a good skincare routine.  Because natural beauty products are designed to nourish your skin you will often see that pure natural extracts containing these key vitamins and minerals are included within them.  With natural beauty products you can rest assured that your skin is being well taken care of and nourished.

Lush Duck is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Thinking about what to get your loved ones for Christmas? Want to remain green & ethical at the same time? Have a look at these gift suggestions, and fret no more!

What are you treating yourself to this Holiday season? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

If she loves lush, smooth, sensual and feminine fragrances, enchant her with MuLondon Organic Rose Moisturiser. With 100% certified organic ingredients and precious Rose Otto oil, this cream will pamper her skin like nothing else. If you add the Organic Rose Face Wash to it, she’ll be over the moon!

For young and sensitive skin of all ages, make sure you treat it right and use mild products from the start! MuLondon Organic Lavender Moisturiser and Cleanser soothe and protect with 100% natural, relaxing ingredients.

Dry, ageing and mature skin will benefit from MuLondon Organic Marigold, Frankincense & Myrrh Moisturiser. Its healing base of Shea butter and Jojoba oil is enriched with extracts of Blue Chamomile and Marigold and essential oils of Frankincense & Myrrh – to soothe and repair. Be as wise as the Three Wise Men, and give the gift of (Mari)Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh!

MuLondon – Natural Organic Skincare is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

We are delighted to add a wonderfully natural soap to Charcoal People’s product range.

Enhanced with super-fine charcoal powder, our handmade natural soap offers excellent cleansing and leaves a beautiful feel on the skin.

For further details please visit our website.

The Charcoal People is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Cold winds and central heating can play havoc with your hands at this time of year.  Rescue them with these soothing natural treatments from The Natural Works Company.

	Trevarno Olive & Almond Hand Cream £11.50 Protect hands against the elements with this rich nourishing cream. With healing comfrey & almond oil to keep even the driest hands soft & supple.
	Ecosoapia Rose Geranium Organic Liquid Soap £6 Ideal as a handwash – this rich liquid soap cleanses gently but thoroughly.  Won’t leave skin feeling tight or dry.  Also available in Almond, Tea Tree & Peppermint.
	Comvita Nourishing Hand & Nail Cream £14 Intensively nourishes and conditions hands & nails. With the anti-ageing properties of Manuka Honey and moisturising Argan Oil, this cream will strengthen nails while keeping hands soft & supple.
	Trevarno Nail Conditioner £6.90 This rich treatment strengthens nails to reduce splitting and ridging, while also protecting and conditioning the cuticles.
	Trevarno Nail Conditioner £6.90 This rich treatment strengthens nails to reduce splitting and ridging, while also protecting and conditioning the cuticles.
	Trevarno Calendula Ointment £9 A soothing ointment for hands which are extremely dry or chapped, ideal for treating eczema on hands.

Shop online @ www.naturalworkscompany.co.uk
The Natural Works Company is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

for quality there is no other choice

10% off Just enter GBGEO11 at checkout valid until 30/11/2011

A selection of the newly available products:

	NEW! Geoskincare natural aftershave balm (100ml) - £19.95 Geoskincare Aftershave Balm for men – a cooling aloe vera gel, that contains a unique combination of organic ingredients to soothe and calm the skin and help to eliminate post shaving roughness more info
	NEW! Geoskincare natural multi action cleanser (100ml) – £19.95 Geoskincare Multi Action Cleanser for men – the multi action cleanser has been formulated to cleanse and tone the skin. A unique combination of organic oils and geothermal silica help to calm your skin before and after shaving. more info
	NEW! Geoskincare natural daily moisturiser (100ml) – £19.95 Geoskincare Daily Moisture for men – a light yet super-effective cream that moisturises and protects. Organic olive oil, manuka honey and jojoba oil restore suppleness to the skin. more info
	NEW! Geoskincare natural face scrub (100ml) – £19.95 No need to throw toxic waste over your skin to achieve results……. Geoskincare Face Scrub for men – a mild face scrub that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and smooth. more info

For more products, moisturisers, shampoo etc… go to our health & beauty section

You will find more information on Geoskincare in the product info page. More Geoskincare Products due to be released.

Green Bear UK Limited is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The Magic of Natural Hair Care

It really is amazing that, while people are generally so careful about what ingredients their food contains, many do not look at the ingredients of hair care products, many of which are actually absorbed into the body through contact with the skin.  Perhaps if they did they might be shocked to find that their favourite shampoo contains substances which could cause skin irritation and other bad reactions.  The good thing is, if you use natural hair care products, you don’t need to worry because you can be sure that all the ingredients are naturally sourced and beneficial to both hair and body.

The synthetic chemicals commonly used in hair care products, which can be responsible for itchy, flaky scalps and other reactions, are not essential; the fact is that they are cheap for the manufacturers.  The benefits they bring such as foaming and cleaning the hair can be replicated, and in many cases done far better, using natural ingredients.

For hundreds of years we have known about the healing properties of plants and essential oils and they are still used today in medicine, skin and hair care.  No synthetic ingredients can come close.  Those who know that choose natural hair care products in order to benefit from this knowledge.  Products such as Kitoko Oil are packed with vitamins, oils and minerals which come from ingredients including argan and karité shea nut extracts, which have been used for their medicinal and soothing properties in Africa for thousands of years.  The history and knowledge of these outstanding natural oils is now easy to use in your own home, and creates a hair treatment unparalleled in adding shine, strengthening and maintaining healthy hair.

How do people that use natural hair care products always seem to have shiny, gorgeous, healthy looking hair?  There really is no magic behind it, just good quality, natural ingredients.

Lush Duck is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

GREAT NEW PRODUCT RANGE! After Susan Ma’s success on Apprentice where Sir Alan Sugar complimented her achievements in the Natural Cosmetic industry, we are happy to present the Tropic range on Green Bear UK. Created and produced by Susan, this range is the ultimate in luxurious cosmetics at a very affordable price. All the product production in the UK, sourcing the highest quality natural and sustainable ingredients. 100% purely plant derived skin care range. Free from artificial preservatives, colours and perfumes 10% off introductory price Just enter TROPIC09 at checkout valid until 30/11/2011 A selection of the newly available products: Tropic Body Smooth (80ml) - £11.95 It contains natural sea minerals that gently buff away dead skin cells and Vitamin E to rejuvenate & revitalise, leaving your skin feeling unbelievably smooth & soft. Expertly blended essential oils of top notes of Lemon Myrtle, mid notes of Bergamot & base notes of White Patchouli invigorates & refreshes your senses. more info Tropic Lip Love Multi-purpose Balm (10ml) – £4.95 For normal to dry & sensitive skin. With fine plant-derived oils, certified organic herbs and uplifting rosemary essential oil that gently cleanses skin; this natural facial cleanser effectively removes dirt and impurities to leave skin soft, smooth and fresh. more info Tropic Polishing Mask (80ml) – £9.95 Tropic’s Organic 2 in 1 Polishing Mask is a skin staple. It contains powerful Acai berries to brighten and gentle alpha hydroxy acids to stimulate skin renewal. It works to cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturise all in one. more info Tropic Vitamin Boost (120ml) – £6.95 Tropic’s alcohol-free Vitamin Boost Balancing Tonic is enriched with skin loving vitamins & antioxidants that detoxifies, refines pores & clarifies complexion for instant skin radiance. Specially formulated to promote optimum skin pH & moisture for naturally refined & glowing ski. Suitable for ALL skin types. more info Tropic Skin Revive (50ml) – £15.95 Tropic’s Skin Revive Firming Nourishing cream is packed to bursting with vitamins, antioxidants & pure plant actives that visibly firms & intensely nourishes for instant skin radiance. improves skin elasticity & helps to smooth fine lines more info Tropic Smoothing Cleanser (170ml) – £14.95 100% Natural Smoothing Cleanser with a FREE Microfibre face cloth. This luxuriously indulgent smoothing cleanser gently cleans and coupled with our microfibre face cloth, buffs to reveal soft, hydrated & radiantly smooth skin. Tropic’s rich & creamy Smoothing Cleanser is enriched with pure plant actives that effortlessly melts away all makeup & impurities – even waterproof mascara! Suitable for ALL skin types. more info For more products, moisturisers, shampoo etc… go to our beauty section You will find more information in the product info page. Check back as we are currently updating pages on Susie’s Tropic Skincare Range. www.green-bear.co.uk

Green Bear UK Limited is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

There’s no question about it: shiny hair is always the most healthy looking hair, and it’s something all of us strive for.  But how can you get shiny hair for yourself, naturally?  Well, thankfully there’s a simple way to achieve it in the comfort of your own home and that’s by using Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Shampoo.

Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Shampoo is the result of expert research into just what are the best ways to make hair healthy looking and glossy and because it’s from Burt’s Bees, it’s an ethically manufactured product made from natural ingredients so you can feel good about using it too!

One of the main ingredients in the shampoo is betaine, which is actually made from sugar beets.  This natural plant extract helps to repair even damaged hair and add shine.  Burt’s Bees have cleverly combined betaine with soy protein in this advanced formulation for maximum hydration.  Soy protein is a source of minerals and B vitamins which work in harmony with the betaine for a maximum gloss effect.  Because betaine and soy protein are natural moisturisers, Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Shampoo  locks in moisture and prevents hair from drying out, so not only does your hair look nourished and moisturised after using this shampoo, it actually is!  And if that wasn’t enough, this shampoo also contains honey, which of course Burt’s Bees are famous for.  Honey is not only delightfully sweet but it’s also an exceptional moisturiser.

Used daily along with the matching conditioner, Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Shampoo will give an unbeatable shine and strength to your hair, leaving it smooth, manageable and beautiful.

Remember that the natural moisturising ingredients in Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Shampoo are not only great for glistening locks, but they also help moisturise your skin, which is great news for your scalp as well.

Lush Duck is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more