campaign

19 September 2016

Organic Beauty Week: Look for the Logo  Soil Association
The Organic Beauty Week Campaign for 2016 is #lookforthelogo. A long time ago I wrote a piece titled "How to make sure you are buying truly organic skincare". It could do with updating but the general principals remain the same, in order to guarantee a beauty product is truly organic you need to look for a certification logo such as the Soil Association.

I thought I would share with you some of the organic brands which I enjoy using and talk you through my favourite products.

Odylique - if you are regular reader you will know that I rave non-stop about Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo, honestly it changed my life the day I discovered it. No more itchy scalp for me, I can't be without it and purchase the 500ml bottle in bulk. I also love the Creamy Coconut Cleanser, my struggles with linalool have been well documented and this cleanser is a repeat purchase for me. I also think Superfruit Concentrate is one of the best facial serums your money can buy and if you struggle with eczema then I recommend the Repair Lotion.

Skin & Tonic - the Naked Beauty Oil is up there with Odylique when it comes to unscented facial oils. It's a beautiful product which I highly recommend. I haven't tried much else from the range because of my allergies but I know many of my blogger friends rave about their products so I'm confident there is something for everyone.

Terre Verdi - I've had the pleasure of knowing this brand through the Free From Skincare Awards and more recently they attended our Gorgeously Green Event. The brand has come a long way since my review last year. Elegant and stylish bottle full of gorgeous ingredients what more do you need.

Herbfarmacy - you'll often hear people mention their balms, Mallow Beauty Balm appears to be a cult favourite amongst bloggers and I have enjoyed using it over the years. I recently took on my holidays the Marshmallow & Vanilla Lip Conditioner and I know some many think "what's so special about a lip balm" but seriously it's a wonderful buttery blend of ingredients.

Botanicals -  an award winning vegan brand that I've had the pleasure of knowing for quite some time. I highly recommend the Rose & Camellia Nourish Cleanse Melt is you love using cleansing balms. I also enjoy using their Raw & Pure range of Cold Pressed Oils perfect for those who like to keep things simple or have fragrance allergies. 

Balm Balm - simple packaging and ingredients makes this brand awesome. I've been a fan for years and often recommend Super Light Coconut Cleanser if you have sensitive skin. Also an affordable range for organic certified products.

Lulu & Boo Organics - dig around in the archives and you'll find a review for the Chamomile Cleansing Balm and Shea Butter & Jojoba Hair Treatment. I've know this brand for a long time and I recommend them.

Do you have a favourite certified organic brand or product? 

Sarah x 

28 October 2015

The Soil Association Campaign Glyphosate #notinourbread
I have recently been following a Soil Association campaign in which they are petitioning for the removal of glyphosate from UK bread. Glyphosate is a weedkiller sold around the world. The Soil Association states a report by the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has found that Glyphosate is a probable carcinogen for humans. 

“Government figures show its use in UK farming has increased by a shocking 400% in the last 20 years. Nearly a third of UK cereal crops (over 1 million hectares) were sprayed with glyphosate in 2013. Sadly, glyphosate doesn’t break down immediately, and can follow the grain into food manufacturing processes. Tests by the Defra committee on Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF) have found that as much as 30% of UK bread contained this weedkiller. It’s even making its way into our bodies.”

1 September 2015

Soil Association Organic September Organic Beauty Week #campaignforclarity
I feel quite strongly about brands who possibly mislead customers by marketing themselves natural and organic when they contain few of these ingredients. I personally refer to this as Greenwashing but others many feel differently. Back in 2013, I wrote an article giving guidance for buying organic beauty products. It's a little rough around the edges but the general message is you have to be label savvy if buying Organic is important to you. I know accredited organic certification isn't for every company because of the expense but as a consumer I do feel it is the only way to ensure the skincare products are truly organic. Standards such as COSMOS provide requirements for ingredients and manufacturing.

This leads me on to this years Organic September and the Soil Association's Campaign for Clarity. The campaign is a way to show the industry that greenwashing isn't acceptable.

"At Soil Association, we believe in educating and empowering consumers to shop for organic products so they know and understand exactly what they’re buying so we are launching our Campaign for Clarity, calling on brands to be honest and open in their claims and organic content and inviting consumers to join the campaign and fight for a better understanding of organic beauty and what it all actually means."

You can show your support for Campaign for Clarity by joining Thunderclap to share the message 

Sarah x

30 January 2014


When I was little, there was no internet and dairy free milk was not available at the supermarkets (pass me the zimmer frame lol). I was prescribed a formula substitute and it was disgusting. I remember falling back in 'like' with soya milk when I visited Australia and was drinking a brand called SoGood. On my return to the UK, I discovered SoGood in supermarkets but it eventually disappeared from shelves and then I became an Alpro customer. I think it's fairly obvious that Alpro are the market leaders for dairy free products and many people rely on them as a free from substitute.

If you are part of the Allergy/Intolerance community on Twitter you may already be aware of the AlproSOS Campaign. It has been set up by concerned parents of nut and dairy allergic children in response to Alpro's move to slap 'may contain nut' warnings on their soya products. Alpro plan to move the production of their nut milks into the factory which currently produces all of their soya products. A move which is a year away but they have already started printing warnings on packaging. It's not just the Alpro branded milk which is affected, turns out they manufacture majority of own brand supermarket soya milk, that includes the ones I buy from Tesco and Sainsbury's. The other issue is Alpro hold 100% share of the junior soya milk market. The follow on milk for toddlers, Junior 1+, is the only non-dairy product on the market with an appropriate nutritional profile for that age group. The impact of the changes has a knock on effect outside of the home because Alpro supply cafes and restaurants.


You could be forgiven in thinking that a may contain warning is no big deal but for those with life threatening allergies, ‘may contain’ warnings do not indicate the degree of risk involved. Anyone with a nut allergy would not use products with these warnings.

Campaigners were recently invited to a meeting with Alpro's Commercial Director, John Allaway for an "open discussion" of the issues. If you wish to learn more, visit the AlproSOS Facebook page and Foodsmatter website.

I am not affected by the changes but I am annoyed. As someone with allergies/intolerances I can sympathise with the campaigners. There is nothing worse than one of your staple free from products being affected by ingredient or manufacturing changes. We already lead a limited lifestyle and to have to cross another item off the list can be distressing. I've observed Alpro chase the "healthy lifestyle" market in recent years and feel as if they are leaving behind their loyal free from customers.

Have you been affected by Alpro "may contain" labels?

26 July 2013

Allergy UK
The Latest News from Allergy UK is a new campaign - Allergy – Together We Can Crack It. Allergy UK have joined forces and want allergies to be moved up the priority list and have them taken seriously in parliament. They are asking allergy sufferers throughout the country to send a postcard to their local MP. The more postcards sent, the more chance of some real changes for allergy sufferers. Download a postcard or request one by calling the helpline on 01322 619898.

In other news, I thought I'd remind you about Allergy Translation Cards as many of you (including me) are jetting off abroad so a translation card may prove handy in restaurants. Allergy UK have a promotion running at the moment. A set of 3 cards (in one language) would usually cost £15, however, throughout July and August, they are offering the 3 cards at a discounted price of £10. The translation cards are available in 30 languages. For more information head to the website or call the helpline (number above) who will be happy to process orders.

Sarah x

22 April 2013

It's Allergy Awareness Week and Allergy UK contacted me to ask if I would help promote their new campaign. 




Allergy UK Nurses Appeal - "Allergy UK have today launched a nationwide fundraising appeal to raise £1 million to provide specialist allergy nurses within communities across the UK. Our recent research showed that an allergy epidemic made worse by poor resources within the NHS, has left sufferers feeling terrified and abandoned."

Dare I say it was 20+ years ago since my allergies were diagnosed, time flies, but it also got me thinking. I thank my lucky stars that the GP I saw as a child was on the ball and got me allergy tested. However, since that initial diagnosis I have never had back up support from the NHS. Just recently I have heard varies stories of people struggling to get allergy tested. I can see how the campaign for Nurses has arisen, it is a much needed service. 

Hop across to the Allergy UK website to read more about the allergy epidemic Britain is facing. If you wish to tweet about the appeal use the hashtag #LetsFightAllergy


Fundraising - "We are always on the lookout for fundraisers to get involved with exciting challenges or to organise events to help us reach our final target. We are asking for a small donation of £1 for our new appeal wristbands. We can also supply these for fundraising activities. We've got lots of fundraising activities planned already, including 11 year old Izzy who will be jumping on a rowing machine to row the distance of the channel! Check the website for more fundraising info."

Let me know if you plan on supporting the campaign. I'm happy to RT any blog posts or fundraising events on Twitter. 

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