The Switch - Peace Cereal

 

Earlier I blogged about my new experiment called "The Switch" which is an effort to switch, one item at a time, to more sustainable and environment-friendly products. Ever since I moved from Manila to NYC, my access to socially and environmentally conscious brands has multiplied. But so has my skepticism. How can so many brands be really this conscious and? Well, it's going to be fun finding out as I continue with my The Switch series of blogposts.

 

 The Packaging Claims

One of the things that caught my attention was Peace Cereal. Other than the unique flavor combinations (Goji Berry, Raspberry Ginger, Walnut Spice), what catches your interest is a pledge at the bottom that says "A contribution will be made to non-profit causes for every Peace Cereal product sold."

What's more, the side panel of the box features "The Peace Pledge" which says the company is committed to ensuring that their products:

• Use only the finest all natural ingredients without compromise
• All ingredients are grown and made without GMOs
• Continually minimize our environmental impact through eco-friendly operations and packaging
• Support our communities through ongoing giving
• deliver nutritious food that tastes great

And they go on to substantiate those claims on the back panel with details of their partner organizations and recycling information. They feature four of their partners: Rolling Dog Farm, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, National Park Foundation and The Breast Cancer Deadline 2020, plus a link to more information about the causes that are supported with each purchase of a Peace Cereal product. They also declare that the packaging is made of 100% recycled paper, 60% of which is post-consumer waste. Printing is also done with environmentally-friendly vegetable-based inks. Lastly, external endorsements are a plus for me because that means they're not the only ones talking about how great they are. Peace Cereal has two stamps of approval on its box: the Non-GMO Project and the Whole Grains Council's "whole grain stamp".

"The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices." More about them at: http://www.nongmoproject.org/about/

The Whole Grain stamp was created by the Whole Grains Council to help consumers identify what truly qualifies as a whole grain product. While this stamp is only found in products sold in stores, the Whole Grains Council also has lists of restaurants, food service outlets that offer whole grain options. Learn more about them at http://wholegrainscouncil.org/find-whole-grain.

Product Test Run

No doubt about it, I love the cereal. I'm already at my third box and I loved all of them - Raspberry and Ginger, Goji Berry, and Vanilla Almond. It's healthy in the sense that it uses a blend of whole grains (oats, barley, spelt, amaranth, quinoa), rice flour, brown rice.. but I can't help but notice that the second ingredient in the list is milled cane sugar, of which I assume means that it has a substantial amount.

The Verdict

Definitely a win. It's the kind of product I probably would buy because of the quality, even if it weren't carrying a conscience message. All the things about giving back, recycling, and being non-GMO was just a plus.

Stalk Them

Facebook.com/peacecereal Twitter.com/peacecereal

The organic way to luscious lips

Earlier I blogged about my new experiment called "The Switch" which is an effort to switch, one item at a time, to more sustainable and environment-friendly products. I intend for it to cover a range of products and brands - from household cleaning to corporate needs to personal care. 


Because I've been on medication which has the side-effect of really drying out my lips, I've been using a lot of lip balm lately. And of course when you have high consumption of any product, you want the safest one possible. So I decided to ditch the commercial brands and look for organic alternatives. This post reviews two of my new lippie loves!

Photo courtesy of
Human Nature online shop.

Time and again I've always featured Human Nature products on the Switch series. It can't be helped. It gets enough word of mouth to keep it top of mind, it's widely distributed, and the price points are very good. So I tried out all three variants of their lip balm: Tutti Frutti, Peppermint and Choco Fudge.

Ingredients

Ricinus communis (Castor) seed oil, Beeswax, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) seed butter, Caprylic/Capric Trigylceride, Helianthus annus (Sunflower) seed oil, Calendula officinalis (Calendula) extract, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) extract, Tocopherol (+/-): Mentha piperita (Peppermint) essential oil, Menthyl lactate, Organic flavor oil, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa), Zinc oxide (CI 77947), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Iron Oxide (CI 77491)

The verdict? 

Very good moisturizing properties without leaving a waxy feel over your lips even if you apply it several times throughout the day. The moisturizing effect lasts long and doesn't leave your lips extra dry once the moisturizing effect wears off. All three flavors were great and - I am guessing because of their natural / organic ingredients - were not overwhelming. My favorite would have to be the Choco Fudge flavor - it smells like Milk Tea!! :)

Where to get it

Human Nature lip balms are available on the Human Nature online shop or via your closest Human Nature distributor for P69.75. Unfortunately, the lip balm is not as widely distributed as its other products which you can easily find in, for example, Rustan's Fresh grocery shelves. But I've shopped using their online store several times and I've never had trouble, delivery is fast and accurate.

More about the company

Human Nature's philosophy is summarized in three main phrases: Pro-Philippines, Pro-Poor and Pro-Environment. All products are 100% manufactured in the Philippines, helping set up organic farms with Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages, and they are conscious about choosing locally sourced ingredients, or utilizing recycled materials for packaging and marketing needs.

To many consumers, the Human Nature brand stands for quality yet affordable organic personal care products. To a person like me who has observed the whole Philippine do-gooder world over the years, Human Nature is a sign of hope that the 'industry' has finally reached an important point in its evolution. That point is when we move away from begging or guilt-tripping people into buy ethical products ("It's not very pretty or of very good quality, but please buy us, it's for a good cause!"), and move towards selling good quality products that can compete in the market. And then we can say "By the way, these products are ethically made, they support a good cause, and they're proudly Filipino." How awesome is that?

While it seems to be a very environment-friendly organic products brand, Ilog Maria is one you will hear more from beauty enthusiasts than from advocacy / NGO circles. Which to me means that its products have been tried and tested by many beauty pros. So I was happy for a chance to grab a pot of their lip balm as soon as my last stick of Human Nature balm ran out.

Photo courtesy of Ilog Maria online shop.

On the cover

On the cover of the pot it only says "Honey, Beeswax & Propolis Lip Balm" but if you check out their website, you will find that it's actually also has a medley of fruit oils and a kick of mint.

The verdict

I like it! It moisturizes without the waxy feel of other petroleum-based lip balms and leaves a minty tingle on your lips. It has a subtle sweet scent that you cannot place. You know that it's fruity, but cannot pin down a specific flavor. And as their website says, it's a 'medley of fruit oils'. Well, whatever mysterious blend of fruit oils it is, it leaves a good hint of yummy. The moisturizing effect does not last as long as the Human Nature ones, but it is still a good balm.

Where to get it

A jar of Ilog Maria lip balm is available for P71.50 on their website, or P130.00 at the ECHOStore.

More about the company


Ilog Maria is mostly known for their organic products and a company ethic that is mindful of the proper care of the bees that supply their pollen and honey. What I was very happy to learn on their site was that they are also employing alternative energy sources and try to live as naturally as possible. That gives them extra brownie points in my book!


On the homepage of their site, you see a photo of solar panels attached to the roof of their building.

But that's not the end of it, they actually do a lot more! I was so impressed (and a little bit curious about how it's been going for them. But let's leave that for another post.) Go to the Alternative Fuels & Energy section of their page and they talk about their efforts in detail, explaining why they made these switches.

And all this without ever using it to sell their products. Their products sell because they're good, not because they're riding on some green marketing trend. They use alternative energy because they believe in sustainability.


Love it!

The Switch - Organic Hand Sanitizers

Earlier I blogged about my new experiment called "The Switch" which is an effort to switch, one item at a time, to more sustainable and environment-friendly products. I intend for it to cover a range of products and brands - from household cleaning to corporate needs to personal care.

So this one's a collection of eco-friendly hand sanitizers. All three are Philippine made, making them the option with less carbon footprint. Two help grassroots communities through their operations while one uses recycled material as its base ingredient. Who would have thought your choice of hand sanitizers could bring a world of good?


So here we go..


HUMAN NATURE:
Kids All Natural Spray Sanitizer (Bubbly Gum)

Photo courtesy of Human Nature website.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

PhP 67.75 for a 50mL bottle, available on the Human Nature website.

On the packaging:

Keep harmful bacteria at bay without drying out your child's hands with our all natural spray sanitizer, clinically proven to kill 99.99% of germs, naturally. This hand spray formulation is also perfect  for toys, hard surfaces and potty seats. Don't leave home without it!

100% No Harmful Chemicals: No parabens, pthalates, triclosan, PEGs or other toxic substances.

Ingredients:

Ethyl alcohol (sugar-cane derived), water, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, fragrance (100% natural)

PRODUCT TEST

This all natural spray sanitizer cleans well and leaves your hands not feeling dry. However, while I am a fan of most Human Nature scents, this one I found a tad bit too strong. The Bubbly Gum scent is just the right kind of sweet that will clearly be a hit with the kids. 


The verdict? I may not buy this scent again but I'm definitely willing to try their other variant - Candy Cane!

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Human Nature's philosophy is summarized in three main phrases: Pro-Philippines, Pro-Poor and Pro-Environment. All products are 100% manufactured in the Philippines, helping set up organic farms with Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages, and they are conscious about choosing locally sourced ingredients, or utilizing recycled materials for packaging and marketing needs.

To many consumers, the Human Nature brand stands for quality yet affordable organic personal care products. To a person like me who has observed the whole Philippine do-gooder world over the years, Human Nature is a sign of hope that the 'industry' has finally reached an important point in its evolution. That point is when we move away from begging or guilt-tripping people into buy ethical products ("It's not very pretty or of very good quality, but please buy us, it's for a good cause!"), and move towards selling good quality products that can compete in the market. And then we can say "By the way, these products are ethically made, they support a good cause, and they're proudly Filipino." How awesome is that?



MESSY BESSY:
The Little Warrior (Original Green Tea)

Photo courtesy of Messy Bessy website.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

P7hP 70.00 for a 50mL bottle, available on the Messy Bessy website.

On the packaging:

Earth friendly - Non-toxic - Biodegradable

Ten-hut! Meet the LITTLE WARRIOR, your germ-busting  multi-tasking sidekick!

As a hand sanitizer, just spray on hands and rub till dry.

As a disinfectant, spray on dirty surface or in the air and leave to dry.

As a surface cleaner, spray on tissue or cotton and wipe clean.

A little goes a looooooooong way!

Made locally (and therefore no excess fuel was used to bring this to you!)

Ingredients:

Sugarcane alcohol, aloe vera extract, green tea essential oil. Yup, that’s all!

PRODUCT TEST

Messy Bessy's sanitizer cleans well and doesn't leave your hands dry. However, the scent is not the best. Out of all the hand sanitizers on this post, this one has the scent I like the least.


The verdict? I may not repurchase their hand sanitizers based on the scent, but the effectivity of the product keeps me still very much interested in their home cleaning products.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Messy Bessy is a name that you will hear a lot when someone brings up the organic, non-toxic world of cleaning solutions. It's a name you will see on specialty store shelves, in magazines, even mentioned by a lot of friends. They seem to be a darling  brand of this "industry", so I've been very excited to start reviewing their products. A peek at what they say on their website:


How did Messy Bessy start?

Messy Bessy Cleaners, Inc. (www.messybessy.com) was established as the first enterprise of Project H.OU.S.E. (Helping OUrselves through Sustainable Enterprises). Messy Bessy is a manufacturer and wholesaler of natural, biodegradable household cleaners with the primary goal of employing, training and educating disadvantaged (formerly abused, trafficked, out-of-school, impoverished) young adults. It is a fusion of addressing a need for a greener lifestyle and a cleaner environment and helping these young adults out of their victim complex and leading them into a life that they choose to 

Why should I use Messy Bessy Products?

What many don’t realize is that when we use cleaners, we release substances out in the air, into our bodies, and down the drains and into our streams. Using regular cleaners that are known to have toxic chemicals can thus be harmful to our bodies, and our planet. This is why we encourage our customers to choose Messy Bessy, because by doing so, we choose safer homes, and a cleaner planet.

The pleasant surprise that I found out about Messy Bessy while I was browsing through their website: they give discounts for returned bottles! Love it!  I have always believed that a true responsible company is one that thinks of the end-to-end product lifecycle. All three brands featured on this post use plastic spray bottles for their sanitizers. None offer refill packs, as far as I know. But this one at least offers an incentive to return the packaging. So kudos to Messy Bessy! 

PLANTEX:
Handy Tidy Sanitizer Spray

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

PhP 104.75 for a 50mL bottle, available in most Rustans Supermarkets.

On the packaging:

All-around disinfectant and odor eliminator.

Organic, safe & effective.

Kills 99.9% of germs. Prevents AH1N1.

Kills 99.9% of germs such as E.coli, Salmonella typhosa, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycrobacterium tubrculosis, Pseudonomonas aureginosa & etc.

A mixture of plant, herbs, fruits and vegetable extracts uniquely combined and formulated to exhibit powerful bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal action; as such, it can be used to disinfect and eliminate odor in places where human activities are very common.

Product of the Philippines.

Ingredients:

Plantex solution, de-ionized water, nature-derived essential oils.

The "Plantex" solution name came from "plant" and "extract", as this article explains:

Plantex Solutions Manufacturing Corporation's household and homecare products are derived from indigenous materials ordinarily regarded as "waste" like overripe fruits and vegetables, as well as banana trunks, bark, and peelings.

PRODUCT TEST

Initially, your hands feel a little bit sticky after spraying the solution but this disappears quite quickly as you rub your hands and spread the liquid around. What's left are clean hands that feel slightly moisturized. If I were to pick two words to describe the scent, it would be "neutral" or "plant-y". What I mean to say is that you will definitely know that it was made of plant extracts because it has that clean nature smell to it.


The verdict? Quite pricey at P104.75 a bottle. While I think that they should be able to charge a small premium for the invention of the Plantex solution - I am all for rewarding the hard work of our Filipino scientists especially if their work is for the good of our environment - I don't think I will be buying this sanitizer spray again. The reason being that I use up small bottles of hand sanitizer in a couple of weeks. For something so high-frequency, I would definitely want something with a lower price. However, I think I would purchase their home our industrial cleaning solutions.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

I've only encountered Plantex on the grocery store shelves, but have never encountered any marketing or PR about them. This situation makes me think -- are these people really serious about the science and they're not in it for the organic fad?


Well, after doing some basic research, it turns out that their products have won quote a few awards. This article says it has won:

Most Sustainable and Environment Friendly Product Award at the Eco-Products International Trade Fair (EPIF) hosted by the country in 2009; and the Consumers' Choice and Dangal ng Pilipinas Annual Award as the Best Multi-Purpose Liquid Disinfectant Solution the same year.

Here's what they have to say on their company website:

Our marketing company, TREVIS INTERNATIONALE CORPORATION was established on October 29, 2003. Our commitment to protect the environment through the strength of our products made us a major player in the ecological waste management and pollution control with collaborative efforts of various local government units and the industrial sector as mandated by RA 9003, RA 8275, RA 8749 and RA 6969.

In 2006, we proudly put up our own manufacturing plant, the PLANTEX SOLUTIONS MFG., CORP. We likewise set up our own laboratory which employs competent and noted consultants, chemists and microbiologists, thereby ensuring continuous research and product development. The Davao Satellite Office was established in 2007.

With our belief that the Filipino household should be actively involved in environmental advocacy and protection, we successfully launched the PLANTEX GREEN ADVOCATES in December 2009. The PGA is a movement of groups and individuals campaigning for green living and green purchasing, and serves us an efficient distribution channel for Plantex household and homecare products.
Our progressive environmental policies are clearly evidenced by the products we sell since we have made these an integral part of our company's product development and business operations.

ABOUT ORGANIC & BIODEGRADABLE CLAIMS

Now one of the reasons why I came up with "The Switch" blogpost series was to demonstrate how easy (or difficult) it is for a normal consumer to verify claims such as "organic" and "free trade" plastered on the packaging -- especially when there are still no certifying boards out there.

In  my first post for the series, the one about Goodmaid's Bio Dishwashing Liquid, the label said 100% Natural Active Ingredients* and yet the explanation / footnote that should go with the "*" was nowhere to be found -- not on any other part of the label, or on their website. Questionable marketing? Or just plain oversight? I don't know. I have yet to reach out to them and inquire.

But in the case of Human Nature, they don't play tricks. If you read their website, they are the first to acknowledge that there is no regulating body that verifies these claims.

There are many "natural" products available today, but surprisingly, there is no government regulation of the term natural. This makes it very difficult for ordinary people to discern what is genuinely natural and what is mostly chemical with a few natural extracts thrown in.

So while they, like many other marketers, created a nice catchy looking seal that says "Natural", unlike other marketers, they also took the time to spell out what this seal means:

As your guarantee of the integrity of our products, you will start seeing a new natural seal on our labels. To qualify for the seal:
1) The ingredients must be biodegradable and at least 95% natural (the same standard set by the Natural Products Association in the USA). Many of our products are in fact 100% natural. 2) The ingredient must come from a renewable resource with no petroleum compounds and be processed in a way which is not damaging to the environment. 3) A "non-natural" ingredient is only permitted if there is no readily available natural alternative and the ingredient meets strict criteria regarding human and environmental safety and biodegradability.

I was very happy to learn that Messy Bessy is much the same way about taking the initiative to educate their buyers. Their website features an FAQ explaining exactly what they mean when they put claims on their label: 

What does Messy Bessy mean when it says “earth-friendly and biodegradable’? 

Because Messy Bessy ingredients are derived from nature, the products also biodegrades back into nature – whether it be through the air, or through our drains and water.

What does Messy Bessy mean when it says “all-natural”? 

“All-natural” only means we use ingredients that are derived from nature. Some of our ingredients even include kitchen essentials, like baking soda and vinegar!

Their explanations are not as detailed as that of Human Nature (read: charts of chemicals and explain what harm they cause) but they give you a wide array of ways to get in touch with them if you have any more questions.


So there you have it - three organic, Philippine-made hand sanitizer options that are willing to back up the claims they have on their packaging. If this is an indicator of the rest of the 'industry', then it's looking good so far :)
 .

The Switch - Eco Green Natural Herbal Laundry Powder

Earlier I blogged about my new experiment called "The Switch" which is basically an effort to switch, one item at a time, to more sustainable and environment-friendly products. I intend for it to cover a range of products and brands - from household cleaning to corporate needs to personal care.  Here's my first on laundry - EcoGreen Natural Herbal Laundry Powder, which is another find on the shelves of Rustan's Fresh Supermarket where I stumble upon a lot of my eco-friendly and organic finds.




PRODUCT TEST

I picked up this laundry product because it was screaming eco-friendly from the images on the cover down to the fine print. Plus, it's also locally made.


The product is tightly sealed in a plastic bag inside the box, so you can't really tell what it smells like. The cover promises a mix of lemongrass, patchouli and Philippine sage essences so I figured it was worth the risk. And I was not disappointed. When I finally opened the package,  I got a fresh scent that I can't quite pin down -- all I know is that it smells like some natural blend of plant-based things. (Probably because I have no idea what Philippine Sage is! Apparently it is locally known as Sambong, according to a comment I found on MarketMan's blogpost.)


While it smelled pleasant enough in the box, I had a different experience with the washed clothes. The box says to use 25g for half a load and 50g for full loads, and I will have to admit that I am not very good at estimating amounts. On some loads, I don't have a scent at all. Then on other loads, I get an overwhelming scent of lemongrass when the clothes are hanging on the clothesline to dry. (You know how lemongrass is pleasant in small doses but at certain concentration levels it just starts to sting?)  I'm not ready to conclude yet that it's the product at fault. Maybe a few more tries and I'll get the proportions right. But it sure isn't convenient to have this much trouble trying to balance the scent of your clothes.


One of the first things you'll notice about this product is that it's not actually a powder. It looks more like chips off of a finely shredded bar of soap. But all the same, it dissolves just as quickly as any other laundry powder. It delivers on its promises of being gentle on fabric, gentle on skin, and doing away with fabric conditioners - my clothes came out quite soft after washing with just this detergent.


On the packaging it also says "gentle on plants" -- hmmmm... I think that still needs to be proven. Will I purchase this again? Maybe, if I get a little more proof.




MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCT


Of all the eco-friendly products I've tested, Eco Green's packaging probably has the most overwhelming promises and claims. On the front cover you will see images of leaves and the earth with the Philippine map prominently displayed (of course!), and a drop of water. Both the front panel and the top flap scream "Go Natural!". "100% Biodegradable", "Dye-Free", "Phosphate Free" and "Hypoallergenic". And as if that wasn't enough, there's a little sticker they added that says "Baby Safe!".


The back panel has a quick note saying:
"Thank you for purchasing Eco Green. Your purchase supports hundreds of small farmers where our ingredients are source."


And the side panel has another checklist of all the benefits, with the dare "Compare Your Brand".

• Natural
• No need for bleach
• No need for Fabric Softener
• Ultra Concentrated
• Ultra White on White
• Tough on dirt
• Gentle on fabric
• Gentle on Skin
• Gentle on Plants

Active Ingredients:

Coconut oil, Alkali, Lemongrass an Patchouli essences, Philippine Sage.

This product was made in the Philippines.

MORE ABOUT THE COMPANY


Now, with all those claims on the box, I can't help but want to know more. How do I know that this product is really eco-friendly? Who are these Filipino farmers they are helping? What on earth is Philippine Sage? (Although I found that already :) )


The box says you can go to www.ecogreenlaundry.com for more information, but the site actually doesn't exist. Or at least, it was down when I attempted to visit it. That was a real disappointment for me.


The Switch is not just about switching to any product that screams GREEN on its packaging. It's about making smart choices, and knowing what it is you are spending your money on (or who these companies and communities are that you are supporting with your patronage). So until I get some more information, I will probably hold off on purchasing it again.


Here's hoping the site comes up within the next month! Maybe then I can make a follow-up post.






EcoGreen Natural Herbal Laundry Powder can be found at Rustan's Fresh Supermarkets at PhP 165.00 for 1 kg (good for 20 loads).

The Switch - Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash

Earlier I blogged about my new experiment called "The Switch" which is basically an effort to switch, one item at a time, to more sustainable and environment-friendly products. I intend for it to cover a range of products and brands - from household cleaning to corporate needs to personal care.


So here's my second installment on personal care - Human Nature's Balancing Facial Wash: Orange & Elemi with Bamboo Scrubs. (The first one was also on Human Nature: Hydrating Facial Wash.)




PRODUCT TEST
 

While I would normally start off my reviews with the scent of a product, for this facial wash the first thing I noticed was the way it looked. It comes in a transparent bottle through which you can clearly see small green shreds (of what is assumed to be a plant) suspended in the gel-like transparent liquid. At the bottom you will find a heavier concentration of these green shreds which have settled to create a sort of green ring at the base. 

It is not exactly the look that makes you want to grab it from the store shelf. But as I've already tried their hydrating facial wash, I was eager to try out this other variant.


What convinced me to finally buy it was the scent - a refreshing citrus-y smell mixed with an uplifting hint of mint. It's the kind of scent I would welcome when washing off the oil and tiredness at the end of the day. The little green things floating in the gel turned out to be another bonus - the bamboo scrubs are really gentle exfoliants that don't leave your face feeling raw and dry from scrubbing. Just be sure to give the bottle a good shake before each time you use it to redistribute the scrubs that have settled at the bottom.


Will I buy this again? Definitely, yes. While I had a less than ideal first impression, I easily got over it and was won over by the scent and gentle exfoliation. 


Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash can be purchased through their dealers or through their official website. The 50 mL bottle goes for PhP 84.75, and the 200mL bottle for PhP 199.75 on their website. Human Nature products can also be found in select Rustan's Fresh stores, with a slightly higher retail price.




MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCT


The website describes this facial wash as specially formulated for people oily to combination skin: Bamboo beads and Luffa gently exfoliate and help regulate oil, Elemi oil has antibacterial properties, peppermint oil tops it all off with a refreshing tingly sensation while washing. 

Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Bambusa arundinacea stem extract, Coco-glucoside, Gluconolactone, Xanthan Gum, Luffa cylindrica extract, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Benzoate, Citrus sinesis oil, Mentha piperita oil, Canarium luzonicum oil. 

Human Nature is one of those companies that really make an effort to educate their consumers about their products, ingredients and their advocacy. So although a lot of these ingredients sound so foreign to me, I was willing to try this product out anyway - on the good faith that if I go to their website, I'm sure to find some explanation of what these are. I guess good company ethos really does have a role to play in the consumer buying process. 





MORE ABOUT THE COMPANY

Human Nature's philosophy is summarized in three main phrases: Pro-Philippines, Pro-Poor and Pro-Environment. All products are 100% manufactured in the Philippines, helping set up organic farms with Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages, and they are conscious about choosing locally sourced ingredients, or utilizing recycled materials for packaging and marketing needs.


I think there was a time when Human Nature's claim to fame was that it was created by the daughter of GK Founder, Tony Meloto. But through the years its been producing good products and educating so many people on its advocacy that, today, it undoubtedly has a name of its own. 


To many consumers, the Human Nature brand stands for quality yet affordable organic personal care products. To a person like me who has observed the whole Philippine do-gooder world over the years, Human Nature is a sign of hope that the 'industry' has finally reached an important point in its evolution. That point is when we move away from begging or guilt-tripping people into buy ethical products ("It's not very pretty or of very good quality, but please buy us, it's for a good cause!"), and move towards selling good quality products that can compete in the market. And then we can say "By the way, these products are ethically made, they support a good cause, and they're proudly Filipino." How awesome is that?





ABOUT ORGANIC & BIODEGRADABLE CLAIMS


Now one of the reasons why I came up with "The Switch" blogpost series was to demonstrate how easy (or difficult) it is for a normal consumer to verify claims such as "organic" and "free trade" plastered on the packaging -- especially when there are still no certifying boards out there.

In  my first post for the series, the one about Goodmaid's Bio Dishwashing Liquid, the label said 100% Natural Active Ingredients* and yet the explanation / footnote that should go with the "*" was nowhere to be found -- not on any other part of the label, or on their website. Questionable marketing? Or just plain oversight? I don't know. I have yet to reach out to them and inquire.

There are many "natural" products available today, but surprisingly, there is no government regulation of the term natural. This makes it very difficult for ordinary people to discern what is genuinely natural and what is mostly chemical with a few natural extracts thrown in.

So while they, like many other marketers, created a nice catchy looking seal that says "Natural", unlike other marketers, they also took the time to spell out what this seal means:

As your guarantee of the integrity of our products, you will start seeing a new natural seal on our labels. To qualify for the seal:
      1) The ingredients must be biodegradable and at least 95% natural (the same standard set by the Natural Products Association in the USA). Many of our products are in fact 100% natural.       2) The ingredient must come from a renewable resource with no petroleum compounds and be processed in a way which is not damaging to the environment      3) A "non-natural" ingredient is only permitted if there is no readily available natural alternative and the ingredient meets strict criteria regarding human and environmental safety and biodegradability.

Once again, the ethos of this company won me over. You can expect to have a few more Human Nature products reviewed on "The Switch", for sure :)