What does 'Natural' mean to you, when it comes to personal care?

Like to have your say about what constitutes a natural personal care product?

Burt's Bees (Natural personal care company from the US), have launched an Australian survey, so you can have your say. It is easy to complete and takes around 5 minutes or a little less. You'll find the link on the Burt's Bees home page. http://www.burtsbees.com.au/

Below is a little information from Burt's Bees on the Survey.

Burt’s Bees and Porter Novelli Adelaide have launched an online survey asking Australian consumers about their concerns and attitudes to ‘natural’ ingredients – what ‘natural’ means to them and what matters to them about ‘natural’ ingredients in personal care (meaning products for body, face, hair etc). Burt’s Bees has done a similar survey in the US but as far as we know, no-one’s done one here.

Essentially, we would like to invite you to take a look at the survey and help us encourage people to participate. If you would like to take it further, we are more than happy to set up an interview with Emma Atkinson, the GM of Burt's Bees here in Australia, to discuss in-depth the ideas behind the survey and the ultimate goals for the results.

The survey process itself is only five minutes long and is just a series of simple questions about/around natural ingredients and natural personal care products. We are aiming to gather as much feedback as possible over the next three months, and will be sharing the results with online communities and health and beauty media. Burt's Bees is committed to transparency about 'natural' in the industry, and was instrumental in the creation of a 'natural' standard in the US - now we're aiming high here too! I think that for many people this issue is confusing and frustrating, and I hope that we can achieve greater clarity for everyone interested in natural personal care.

Why are we doing this? Firstly, because we just don’t want to make assumptions about what Australians think and know about ‘natural’ in personal care. Obviously Burt’s Bees is a ‘natural’ focused company but this survey is about understanding what consumers actually want. All sorts of assumptions get made in marketing and both Burt’s Bees and Porter Novelli Adelaide have decided that’s not enough for us. So we’re asking. We’ve decided to approach online communities because we know connecting online is one way consumers can share their unfiltered views and concerns, and that’s what we want to hear. Yes, you will be talking to a PR company and a manufacturer in the industry - because we genuinely want to know what people are thinking.

We will use the results of the survey in the following ways: we will report back to the blogs and site communities that link to the survey on what we find, we will share the results with the health and beauty media in Australia and we will make the results available via the Burt’s Bees website. We hope the results will help address any concerns or confusions about what ‘natural’ means and how it is presented in Australia. (One result of a similar survey in the US was that Burt’s Bees joined together with other major natural personal care companies to develop a national standard for ‘natural’ via the Natural Products Association.)

The results will be available to you to use and we hope the whole process encourages conversation and education about the topic.

The survey is for Australian residents and will run from August 20 until November 14. You can find it here.

As the results of this survey will be featured in the media, this is a great opportunity for CleanLife readers to have their say about what 'Natural' means.

Eco Manifesto: what are you leaving the next generation?

Chrissy Fuda

If you want to know who you are buying your products from, then it is hard to go past a family run eco store such as Eco Manifesto. Chrissy and Simon’s interest in natural products and sustainable living increased after their first child suffered from sensory and allergic sensitivities, including eczema. They found that they could manage their daughter’s condition by reducing the chemical load in their daily lives. This was the catalyst for starting Eco Manifesto, an online store that features everything you need to live a non-toxic and sustainable lifestyle at an affordable price. We caught up with Chrissy to find out a little bit about the ideals behind their company and her ideas on what each individual can do to reduce their environmental impact.


Gina: Part of your inspiration for Eco Manifesto was your daughter’s sensitivities, but you seem to have gone much further than that by providing a real focus on environmental living; what else inspired you?

Chrissy: In my late 20’s I started to question what seemed to be our reliance on materialistic objects as a measure of our success, security and even happiness. I became interested in living more simply and this naturally progressed to living more sustainably. A book that stood out for me was “Affluenza” by Clive Hamilton and Richard Denniss. This book said a lot about what I’d been thinking for some time about our unsustainable lifestyles and the impact it has on our health and the environment. Watching Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” also validated what I’d been thinking for years. My children’s future is my biggest inspiration – in what state will we leave the environment for future generations? I fear that our generation may be remembered for not acting when it could have. We have the opportunity to act now, and that is also my inspiration.

I’m certainly learning all the time and this has motivated me to not only make changes to my lifestyle and be more comfortable in the ethical choices I make (these can be different for everyone – and that’s ok!) but also to be pro-actively involved in showing that anyone can make a difference by just making some small changes! Just getting people to question their actions on how they can live and shop more sustainably is a great start. As consumers start making more ethical choices, they increase their purchasing power to make businesses take on more ethical practices and really make a positive impact to the environment – and that is inspiring!


Your Eco Manifesto online store offers everything from organic toys, beeswax candles, cleaning and personal care products to clothing and pet and gardening supplies, is your aim to be a one stop green shop so to speak?

Our aim is to provide everyday products that are better choices for consumers and the environment. Whether that remains as a broad range of eco-friendly products or evolves into a more specific product range will depend on our customers needs. We also want to attract “mainstream” consumers who may not be “sustainable living” converts yet!!! I feel that all the information we receive about “ethical living” (ie non-toxic products, ethical shopping, greenhouse emissions, fair trade, composting, solar power and water saving options) – just to name a few!!! – is making it more complex and time consuming for consumers who may already be time-poor. I think changing the “convenience” habit we have developed is very difficult – we tend to opt for the less time consuming option in our already busy lifestyles and don’t take the time to research this information when buying a particular product.

So, as well as providing eco-friendly products, we try to provide simple, but relevant information to encourage people to take the time to think about the impact their purchases have on their health and the environment.

It can be difficult for consumers to see that some simple practical, affordable, everyday steps CAN make a difference to the environment. Spending thousands of dollars installing solar panels is great, but not an affordable option for everybody. We want our customers to see that going “green” does not have to be expensive or difficult. We want to raise the profile of eco-friendly everyday items with information on how their small changes make a difference to the environment.


There are so many eco-friendly, natural and organic products coming onto the market now, how to you choose the products you are going to stock at Eco Manifesto (and which products you are not going to stock)?

Primarily we try to stock Australian made products that are also manufactured ethically. We look at affordable and quality eco-friendly alternatives for everyday living. Being a small business we generally try the products ourselves to sample the quality. We don’t want to become just a huge one-stop shop, we want to retain the personal connection with our customers and to help people become more informed regarding their product choices.

It has been a struggle at times, because being a mum with a young family; I know how difficult it can be trying to spend your money wisely, and wanting to do your bit for the environment!

We want to get people interested in and personally care about their impact on the environment. We want to make it convenient for consumers by providing products that are healthier alternatives to the toxic-chemical options. We are always keen to listen and encourage suggestions from people about what they want - whether it’s a particular product or just information.


What are your three favourite items currently in store at Eco Manifesto, and why?

Uniquely Organic shampoos & conditioners – they smell fantastic, the whole family can use them, they are chemical free and offer great value for money.

Ecosilk bags – I love that they are practical, last for ages and have great colours! They are really convenient as they are so compact. I leave a few in the car and a few in my handbag, so they are always handy when I shop.


Our range of natural soaps – we have some new soaps that are truly divine! You can really feel and smell the difference of these natural soaps (the only problem is the temptation to stay in the shower longer :-))


If people are just getting started on converting to a more eco-friendly lifestyle, what would you recommend they start with and why?

Start gradually with things that you can do in your everyday routine. These small changes will hardly be noticed, yet make a huge difference! Here are a few ideas to get started:

- ask yourself if something can be used again before you throw it away!
- replace chemical cleaning products and skincare with natural alternatives as they run out
- take “reusable” shopping bags whenever you can
- before buying, ask questions like “Where’s it from? What’s it made of? Do I REALLY need this?”
- when buying a gift for someone, look at eco-friendly options
- try walking or cycling somewhere instead of driving, even just once a week!
- have a shorter shower
- donate old magazines to hospitals and waiting rooms
- take your old clothes to charity shops
- turn the heater down just 1°C and put a jumper on instead


The perfect day is different for everybody, how would you describe yours?

I would have to say, it would be waking up on a warm sunny day on an Australian tropical island - knowing there are no routines, no cooking, no cleaning…just fun stuff with my family all day!


Check out www.ecomanifesto.com.au for more information and to shop online.

Organic Beauty World

Mae is the founder and director of Organic Beauty World, and online store specialising in natural and organic product to make you feel and look beautiful. We caught up with Mae to find out a little about her, her company and her favourite products.


What inspired you to start Organic Beauty World and how has the journey been for you?

I used to spend most of my Saturday’s going from store to store looking for natural/organic products. This was a time consuming, costly and frustrating process. I remember thinking, surely it can’t be that difficult to buy organic hair products, natural makeup and natural supplements in the one place. Hence the idea for Organic Beauty World was born over a cup of green tea with some friends and encouragement from my 6 year old daughter.



The Organic Beauty World online store seems to have an ever growing range of products, including everything from certified organic beauty products and makeup to natural hair colours and breastfeeding teas, how do you choose which products you will sell?

In the beginning what to sell was based on trial and error. Now 2 years on I have a much better idea of what customers are looking for. Often our customers will tell us what they want or will let us know about a particular product they like. Many of our top selling products have been uncovered through customer referrals.


Many people find overhauling a chemically laden toiletries cupboard a little too daunting, so continue to use potentially harmful products. What would you suggest for people looking to make the change gradually without breaking the bank?

Keep it simple and throw out 1-2 toxic products a week to start with. Begin with the toothpaste and mouthwash. Gradually replace every single personal care item including sunscreen, makeup, hair care and body care with non toxic alternatives. The Chemical Maze Pocketbook may become your best friend on this journey. Its full of information about the potential health effects of food additives and ingredients used in cosmetics and personal care products. Another great resource is www.cosmeticdatabase.com. Once you start using organic, natural, non toxic products you can’t go back to using the stuff you used to use. There is such a big gap between toxic and non toxic products in terms of quality, feel, smell and peace of mind. Organic and natural products work better!


Are there any standout best selling natural and organic beauty products?
Our top selling Organic Beauty World products cover both health (inner beauty) and personal care (outer beauty)


• Coral White Toothpaste (SLS Free) - helps re-mineralize tooth enamel

• Naturalene Invisible Glove Skin Protection - excellent for dry skin, chafing, nappy rash, eczema and Dermatitis

• Red Iron Plus">Red Iron Plus – a unique natural source of raw liquid iron sourced from an ancient rainforest

• Logona Herbal Hair Colours – 100% certified natural hair colours

• Natracare Organic Cotton Feminine Hygiene products

• Miessence Tahitian Breeze Organic Roll-on Deodorant – will keep you smelling lovely even after a work out

• Giovanni Hair Products – an excellent range even for the most sensitive noses


If you could have only three beauty products what would they be and why? First 3 products that came to mind:

I can’t leave home without smothering my face with the Devita Solar Moisturiser. It has an SPF of 30+ (perfect for the Australian climate). It’s non greasy and I love the way my dry skin feels – really soft and hydrated. It uses micronized (no nano) Zinc Oxide, fragrance-free, PABA-free, Gluten-free, safe for vegans, and titanium dioxide-free.

Miessence Organic Deodorant - a beauty must have to keep me smelling beautiful even when most of the day is spent running around doing things.

A handbag must have is the Suvana Certified Organic Paw Paw & Honey Lip Balm.
I use this on my lips and under and around my eyes. I really like the safe organic ingredients and the way my lips look plumper after putting it on.


Most people consider starting and running a small business a difficult undertaking, what keeps you going when things get tough?

In a word – my customers! They make me laugh, inspire and educate me and vice versa. In their words:

“I received my hair colours today and dyed my hair, my hair feels AMAZING! It feels so nourished, enriched and the colour is absolutely gorgeous! Just perfect, thank you for your tips”. Susan

“Hi, I just wanted to thanks for my upgraded tub of vital greens. It was a
nice surprise. Thankyou for your excellent customer service with all my
orders”. Kristy

“Thankyou very much for all your assistance. I love the makeup you recommended. I have been searching for quality organic cosmetics for a while now”. Amanda


Any advice for those individuals wishing to start their own ethical business?

Start with a big vision that drives you and keeps you excited about your business. Write it down so you can see it every day. Tap into any support offered from friends, colleagues, community (online and offline). Use this support base to share information, market your idea, find untapped markets and bring in new customers.

Use your existing networks to find someone with a big database to market your products to. Don’t spend time worrying or fearing about what to do. Take action and do not indulge in negative thinking. Be open to all possibilities and solutions.


What is your favourite way to indulge?
A long soak in a tub filled with warm water, 2 tablespoons of Himalayan Detox Bath Salts and a few drops of rose essential oil. Soft music playing in the background. I can just relax and day dream.


The perfect day is different for everybody, how would you describe yours?
Every day is perfect, just because I woke up and am able to live and love one more day.


Check out www.organicbeautyworld.com.au for a huge range of natural and organic products.