Misconceptions about henna as a hair dye are common – that it only dyes your hair red; that it won’t dye your hair well or cover grey; that it contains metallic salts or other harmful ingredients. We want to set the record straight with a bit more information to help henna be understood.

100% pure organic henna powder has absolutely no artificial ingredients. This means no PPD, no metallic salts, and no other added chemicals at all – it is purely the ground, dried leaves of the henna bush. Some products marketed as henna have actually had chemicals added to them – so be careful, check the ingredients of any henna before you buy it. We have been really shocked by how many products claiming to be henna actually have seriously damaging chemicals in them.  To be completely safe, we will only sell Certified Organic hennas, so you can be sure it contains nothing unnatural.

Pure henna powder with a high lawsone content (2-3% is very good) is a very powerful dye. Some natural dyes, or just cheaper, weaker henna, might not be as good as chemical dyes at colouring your hair, or might wash out sooner – this gives natural hair colourants a bad name. In fact, if you use high-lawsone henna (ideally Body Art Quality Henna, which is stronger and a finer-quality powder), you can get really powerful tones that really last a long time. This even applies to grey hair, which is known for being hard to cover. In the twelve years we’ve spent becoming natural hair dye experts, pure henna is by far the most effective solution to grey hair that we’ve found.

When you think of henna, you think red – but henna can actually be used with other leaf-based dyes to create a broad palette of colour. Combining henna with indigo in different proportions gives every shade from chestnut red, to warm brown tones, to jet black, even achieving a natural-looking and grey-covering effect on Asian hair. At the other end of the spectrum, henna can be mixed with cassia (sometimes called ‘neutral henna’, though it is from a different plant). This gives anything from a golden tint, to strawberry blonde shades.

Now to a quick myth about hair dying in general – that it has to be bad for your hair. The chemicals in commercially available dyes strip your hair’s natural defences and nutrients, leaving it dry and damaged. Henna, and the sister products mentioned here, actually have the opposite effect, improving the health and condition of your hair and scalp. It’s worth noting that henna loosens hair curls, which some people like; if you don’t like it, though, you can use amla powder (again, it’s completely natural) to tighten the curls up again, and give your hair greater body and strength.

In short, 100% Pure Organic Henna Powder dyes your hair safely, leaving it in better condition with no risk to your health or the health of your hair, and you can use it to get a great range of effective, intense shades.

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Green Nippers were asked on many occasions if we could provide a range of organic cotton underwear and pyjama’s for their babies and children … so let us introduce our fabulous range.

We conducted extensive market research into what organic children’s underwear and sleepwear was available (or lack of it)! It was clear what little found was not fashionable, pretty, trendy for the little ones. There is no need for organic not to be as pretty and cute as non-organic!

Organic cotton clothing is very important for your baby or child, especially those suffering from eczema. Organic cotton doesn’t have the nasty chemicals & pesticides which are found in conventional cotton. So underwear and sleepwear (which is closest to your little ones delicate skin) is especially important for them to wear.

Organic baby underwear
We have designed some very cute baby bodysuits, which can either be worn as an undergarment, simply on their own, or with a pair of trousers, leggings or a skirt. The bodysuits are available in 3 sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short sleeve and long sleeve. They are also available in 3 colours: white, pink stripe and toffee stripe.
The organic cotton baby bodysuits are available in sizes new born to 2 years.

Organic cotton children’s underwear sets for girls & boys
The girls organic cotton underwear is available in 3 pretty pastel shades: vanilla, rose and apple green. The fabric is simply gorgeous too; it’s made from 100% organic cotton jacquard interlock with an all-over hearts. It’s so cute. The girls underwear is available from ages 12 months – 5 years. Perfect for when you little one starts potty training or for the younger worn the knickers can be worn over a nappy.

The boy’s organic underwear sets are available in white a navy blue. Both colours are proving to very popular! The sets include a sleeveless vest and pants. The boy’s underwear is made from super soft 100% organic cotton jersey. They are also available from 12 months to 5 years.

Organic cotton boys and girls pyjama’s
Green Nippers boys and girls pyjama’s, available from newborn months to 5 years, have been really popular!
We have 2 all-in-one pyjamas which are available in toffee stripe and pink stripe (new born to 5 years). These are great for little ones suffering from eczema or chicken pox. They have fold over scratch mittens and feet, perfect to stop them from scratching!

We also have some 2 piece pyjama’s sets available in long sleeve and short sleeve, in toffee stripe and pink stripe:

Organic Cotton Nighties
The girls organic nighties have been very well received. Our customers have liked them so much that they have bought them for a summers dress! The nighties are available in 3 pretty pastel shades: vanilla, rose and apple green. The fabric is 100% organic cotton jacquard interlock with an all-over hearts. The girls nighties are available from ages 12 months – 5 years.

Green Nippers is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The Benefits of Organic Skin Products

Today’s consumers are well informed and intelligent. As such there is a huge increase in the numbers of us who are going organic. There are many positives with regards to choosing natural beauty products as opposed to their chemically based commercial counterparts. One only has to pick up a newspaper to read another scare story on the dangers of synthetic chemicals in our every day life. Why on earth would we want to put these cocktails on our skins?

Organic Skin Care and Make Up

There are many big names in the field of organic skincare such as Burt’s Bees, Lavera and Madara. These and similar brands carry products for men, women and children. In fact if you are worrying about the delicate skin of your baby then Burt’s Bees product come highly recommended. Organic products are perfect for sensitive skin as harsh chemically laden products can cause inflammation of the skin and other uncomfortable conditions. Also for those worried about aging, often they fins that the restorative and healing power found in natural skin preparations is far more noticeable that that which is found in conventional products.

It is important to understand that everything we put topically onto our skin is eventually absorbed into our body and bloodstream. One of the chemicals which everyone is talking about and trying to avoid is SLS or sodium laureth sulphate. This is well known for causing damage and irritation to the skin yet is still used as a foaming agent in everything from soaps, to shampoos and toothpastes.

Nasty Chemicals

Many of the chemicals which are used in big brand commercial cosmetics contain known carcinogens, allergy inducing agents and also substances which can damage fertility amongst other things. Why risk a build up of synthetic chemicals and toxins within our bodies and the ones of those we love? Natural beauty products are gentle and kind to skin, there is no contest!

is it time you switched to clean, green natural beauty products?  click here to visit Lush Duck

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

Some of Britain’s most environmentally friendly businesses have been honoured with a Goldstar in recognition of reaching the top of their class – including Bluebell Croft, Strontian, Argyll for Best Self Catering Accommodation. The coveted Green Tourism Business Scheme Awards were presented to eight of the country’s most sustainability minded businesses working within the tourism industry at a special event in Edinburgh on May 25. Founded by the internationally renowned Green Tourism Business Scheme, the awards honour those businesses and organisations that have done the most to promote sustainability within the industry by implementing cost saving practices that help the environment, improve customer services and benefit the bottom line. ‘The Goldstar Awards are a recognition of the best of the best’ said Andrea Nicholas, Director of the Green Tourism Business Scheme. ‘The Awards are intended to honour the highest GTBS achievers of the last twelve months in terms of innovation, ambassadorship and cost savings. A total of 52 green tourism businesses were shortlisted for the final this year, out of more than 2,300 possible contenders. Everyone is an exemplar in the promotion and practice of sustainability. Unfortunately, there can only be a handful of overall winners but I have been hugely impressed by the efforts made by all the finalists. They have demonstrated how it is possible to be environmentally conscious and successful and are prime examples of how going green makes good business sense.’  http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/1900.htm

Organic Holidays is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

The Big MuLondon Giveaway is now on!

For the next few months you will be able to win some exclusive MuLondon organic skincare prizes, and there will be a grand winner getting a treat that money can’t buy! This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE.

Prizes

Every month there will be five winners:

5 x MuLondon organic skincare products (choose from any one full-size product or two trial-size products)
5 x MuLondon cosmetic bags

Each winner will get a MuLondon product of their choice and a limited-edition MuLondon cosmetic bag, shipped free to anywhere in the World!

Grand prize for one winner at the end of the competition:

6 jars of custom-made MuLondon moisturiser, MuLondon cosmetic bag, shopping bag, T-shirt and 5 existing MuLondon products of your choice.

Extra Prizes and Surprises

In addition to the prizes above, there will be some surprises each month for the best and most original entries and for those of you that go the extra mile

More surprises and special tasks will be posted on Facebook, twitter, Google+ and in the monthly MuLondon newsletter.

Tasks

For each task you complete, you will be entered into the competition once. The more task you complete, the more entries you get.

For this month’s task and more information on prizes, head over to

http://www.MuLondon.com/BIG

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An idyllic shepherd’s hut on a beautiful organic Derbyshire Dales farm. Breakfast provisions are included in the price. Shepherds huts are a traditional part of the farming landscape and fit well within our organic farm environment. The hut is built in a traditional style but with good insulation and a lovely wood burning stove for cosy evenings. The accommodation sleeps two people and includes a double bed with luxury bed linen and throws made from our organic rare breed sheep wool, antique furniture and period china. There is an outside cooking and dining area with beautiful views. We will provide produce from the farm for you to make breakfast, and you will be able to buy seasonal organic produce from us for other meals if you wish. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/3104.htm

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To celebrate the launch of Rawganic – a fantastic organic sensitive skincare range, The Natural Works Company is giving away a free moisturising soap with every Rawganic order of £6 or more.

Made in the UK using carefully selected plant-based ingredients and organic essential oils, Rawganic provides gentle, effective skincare.  Certified organic by the Soil Association, the range is dermatologically tested, specially formulated for sensitive skin and is suitable for skin allergies such as eczema or psoriasis.  With prices starting from just £3, Rawganic offers great value for money and is perfect for the whole family.

*Introductory Offer*

Get a free Rawganic Juniper & Bitter Orange Moisturising Organic Soap (worth £3.75) when you spend £6 or more on any Rawganic purchase. NB only one soap per order.

Shop Rawganic@The Natural Works Company

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David’s House is a chemical free organic bed and breakfast. This spacious guest house, with warm and friendly hospitality, is situated close to the dramatic north coast of Cornwall. The stunning beaches of Daymer Bay and Polzeath are both within five minutes drive. We provide delicious organic breakfasts. All the food served is locally produced and organic. Special diets can be catered for. All bedding, furniture and cleaning products are organic / environmentally friendly. Drinking and bathing water is filtered. Chapel Amble is in a conservation area, and is surrounded by National Trust land and organic farmland. Explore the quaint fishing villages of Port Isaac and Port Quin, and the bustling market town of Wadebridge. David’s House is an ideal break for those who enjoy organic living, are concerned about their health and well being, and for people who suffer with allergies such as asthma, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and M.E. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/3101.htm

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Leeb Croft is a working biodynamic coastal croft on the Isle of Mull, two miles from Bunessan and eight from Iona. The croft consists of 30 acres of natural organic pasture, woodland and wetland. We have a cow, vegetable garden and fruit garden, all of which are cultivated organically. The Jam House is made entirely of timber. The accommodation includes a kitchen diner on the ground floor, used for making homemade jams for sale at the top of the drive when not let. A timber staircase leads to a large timber studio room, with views on all four sides. Large double patio doors overlook the loch [owned by the National Trust], Staffa, the Treshnish Isles and the sea beyond – the view from this room is one of the best on Mull. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/3098.htm

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Bed and Breakfast in the heart of old Bruges, close to the mills and medieval Kruispoort – one of the four remaining ancient city gates. EcoBio is a comfortable and very cosy worker’s house, ecologically renovated with heart and soul and accommodating one to four guests [self catering option available]. It has a sunny terrace, fully equipped open kitchen with a dishwasher, fridge and oven, extra large shower, two loos, king size beds, underfloor heating for yoga / shiatsu / massage. Everything is eco and organic. It’s in an ideal location for exploring Bruges. There are two bicycles available. Ride alongside the water on the ramparts. Stop and visit the old windmills. See for yourself that Bruges is the Venice of the North. http://www.organicholidays.co.uk/at/3097.htm

Organic Holidays is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more