The indiscriminate use of agricultural chemicals can lead to significant adverse health consequences for both farm workers and consumers alike. All too frequently, commercial imperatives take precedence over human health concerns. And when this happens, the long-term consequences can be disastrous. Just ask the residents of the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. The islands, which up until recently were considered a tropical paradise, have been ruined. And the culprit? Pesticides. Chlordecone to be exact. You see, chlordecone was sprayed for decades on the islands’ banana crops. While initially the use of Chlordecone resulted in crop yield increases, as each season passed, more Chlordecone was required to achieve the same...

The surface of the earth is approximately one quarter land with the remaining three quarters consisting of liquid water and ice. To function efficiently, the human body must maintain approximately three quarters of its volume as water. There’s no escaping the fundamental importance of water for maintaining the integrity of the planet and for those individuals seeking a healthy, organic inspired lifestyle. Popular health books tend to concentrate on the nutritious foods we must eat, the dietary supplements, and the exercise required to keeps us fit and alert. Unfortunately some of these fail to emphasise the importance of water. We’ve all encountered individuals who spend a fortune on their organic produce, supplements, and gym subscriptions...

I try to avoid gardening publications which provide simplistic crop rotation schedules. Most of these apply somewhat narrowly to vegetable plots, and fail to address the entire garden as a complex biological entity. They also tend to be inflexible with regard to the seasonal preparation and selection of individual plant species. Most of my understanding of crop rotation is derived from a combination of agricultural textbooks and practical garden experience. Over the years, I’ve attempted to develop my own system of garden rotations. I have enjoyed reasonable success on several private estates in the northern hemisphere and am presently adapting my approach to suit smaller gardens in a considerably warmer climate. I will describe the basic...

My old colleagues and friends still scratch their heads and laugh at me. Many decades ago I carried a very important key. It opened the door of a triple bay storage shed, stacked with numerous horticultural chemicals. With tireless regularity, I applied these to control the pest and disease organisms which attacked the various plants under my care. One morning, I woke up and said no more. I had been studying the organic approach to insect and disease control quietly for several years, but remained uncertain how to make the necessary changes on the estate. In the end, we agreed to embrace organics with a sink or swim approach. I readily admit this was more than challenging for an initial few seasons. There were several steps to establish a working...

A complex and natural garden must include a variety of birds, some resident, others frequenting as seasonal visitors. Many species can be attracted by providing their basic requirements of food, water, and shelter. The two types that will be most important are the fragile nectar eaters, and those that feed exclusively on insects. The nectar eaters such as hummingbirds contribute by pollinating flowers and fruit. Small, agile species of wren, thornbill, and several varieties of finch will assist with the control of insects by capturing and devouring large quantities, particularly when raising their young. Larger vegetarian and omnivorous birds such as parrots, cockatoos, and members of the crow family can be destructive as can species like starling...

There are many products available for skin cleansing and treatment. Sometimes it can be difficult selecting the best one for the job. Natural beauty consultants or knowledgeable staff within the pharmacy and health food sectors will usually provide helpful information and advice, but before shopping around for organic skin care products, it helps to know what you’re after and why you’re after it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common skin care treatments. Cream cleansers are among the safest and most effective skin care products available. They work with a combined action, suspending both oil and water based particles. Oily secretions are gently lifted then held in an oil based emulsion while water based secretions...

It is now widely accepted that indiscriminate exposure to the ultra violet radiation of sunlight contributes to permanent skin damage and visible signs of ageing. Depending on certain genetic characteristics and skin type, a percentage of incident ultraviolet radiation will be directly absorbed in a way that affects the growing cells. Sunburn is the skins immediate response to an overexposure of ultraviolet radiation. Under microscopic investigation, cells from sunburned areas reveal evidence of damage similar to those in cancer cells. Tanning is caused by increased production of melanin. It is the skins delayed response to overexposure of ultraviolet radiation. One of the surest ways to minimise wrinkles and lines associated with ageing is...

Beauticians and cosmetic consultants will frequently classify an individual’s facial skin type according to surface characteristics. Their five classifications are useful in the sense that they provide some practical recommendations for daily care. It should be remembered, however, that surface characteristics of skin will vary considerably according to factors like general health, ageing, stress, diet, and exercise. Below we take a look at each of the five facial skin types and consider some of the steps that can be taken to optimize the appearance of each skin type. Normal skin Normal skin is smooth and firm to touch with no evidence of dryness or excessive oiliness. It has its own natural resilience that helps to prevent common problems...

There are two common methods for defining an individual’s skin type. Medical practitioners evaluate the distribution of pigmentation, and subsequent susceptibility to sun damage caused by ultra violet radiation. While all skin types will eventually be damaged by extended sun exposure, some individuals have more protection on account of their genetic makeup. Let’s take a look at the five skin types referred to by medical practitioners. Type 1 skin affords the least protection against the sun’s harmful ultra violet rays. Commonly, individuals with pale skin, freckled complexions, light coloured hair and eyes exhibit this skin type. These characteristics are generally found among individuals of Northern European and Celtic origin. This pattern...

New medical students are frequently surprised to learn that, excluding the digestive tract, skin represents the largest organ of the human body and is responsible for such a diverse range of functions. Most individuals take their skin for granted, rarely considering its importance, unless forced to, perhaps by consequence of health or cosmetic reasons. In healthy individuals, it is responsible for securing the internal environment. It provides a barrier of protection against many external elements including heat, cold, pollution, and disease. While constantly maintaining its essential barrier function, skin also plays a vital role in the production of vitamin D and regulates the activity of several hormones. It is also important for determining...