Lucies Organic Store - UK

Organic Food - Featured Business Go Greener with Weleda   In the early 1900s pioneering scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner was working closely with doctors and pharmacists on an approach to natural health care that he termed anthroposophic medicine. Steiner’s approach was what we would today call ‘holistic’, recognising that wellbeing is not just about our physical body, but also our mind and spirit. The focus of anthroposophic medicine is to stimulate our own natural ability to heal, restoring the balance of bodily functions and strengthening our immune system or life force. Weleda was founded in Switzerland in 1921 (and in Britain in 1925) to supply health products to doctors who wished to put into practice the anthroposophic theories and naturopathic approach of Steiner and his colleague Dr Ita Wegman. Weleda’s range of natural body care products evolved naturally from this initial medicinal range, to nurture wellbeing and to provide the best in skincare. Weleda was the original ‘green’ brand, consciously choosing to use only natural ingredients and growing plant ingredients organically using special biodynamic methods. Today Weleda remains committed to these principles, and has not surprisingly grown to be the largest manufacturer of natural, ethical body care globally. Wherever possible Weleda uses biodynamic ingredients, in fact Weleda pioneered the use of organic ingredients in the personal care industry. Biodynamic agriculture involves growing plants to the highest organic standards without chemical pesticides or sprays. It takes into account not just the seasons but also the rhythms of the planets. Crops are planted or harvested at the optimum time and the soil is enriched and revitalised with biodynamic preparations and natural fertilisers, so plants have a strong inherent life force and a more potent effect when used in health products. Weleda grows over 300 species at their Derbyshire herb gardens, which have been awarded the acclaimed Demeter standard (certified biodynamic). Any additional biodynamic or organic plants are obtained from other international Weledas in the group. Sometimes specific crops have to be especially cultivated for Weleda, as they cannot be picked from the wild, such as Edelweiss, which is a protected species. Where Weleda uses wild ingredients, such as rose hips of the wild rose Rosa mosqueta that grows in abundance at the foothills of the Andes, these are gathered by controlled certified collection. This ensures that the natural habitat is not damaged or exhausted. The local community is equally protected by fair trade. Where ingredients are grown for Weleda, the company works with local farmers, helping them to convert their conventional farms into sustainable organic culture. Through these fair trade agreements, Weleda offers economic and social support to these communities. People are just as important to Weleda quality as the use of healthy organic plants. It is a vital part of the Weleda ethos to take responsibility both for the environment and co-workers in this way. Weleda body care products bear the BDIH kite mark (certified natural cosmetic) so you can tell at a glance the product is totally natural. Weleda uses no synthetic additives of any kind, and the entire range is made without artificial preservatives and fragrances, and is equally free from GM materials and petrochemicals. Weleda is constantly ‘upgrading’ its range and ingredients – from non-organic to organic and from ordinary organic to biodynamic – as more crops become available. Weleda already has several fair trade projects set up around the world to ensure continuity of supply of key ingredients from quality sources, and to protect and empower suppliers with a true sense of partnership. Weleda packaging uses as many recycled materials as possible, and all packaging is recyclable. Tubes are made with specially lined aluminium tubes, the outer cartons are not plastic-coated (cartons are avoided where possible, but are necessary to protect products in aluminium tubes which are easily dented), glass bottles (the most distinctive Weleda packaging) and PET plastic bottles. In some instances Weleda puts safety first, and opts for safe plastic bottles above recyclable glass ones - for safety in the bathroom for example, or the beach. But wherever possible glass bottles are used. It is to Weleda’s credit that they even send out their product catalogue to customers in a biodegradable eco-bag (made from corn starch instead of the usual chemical polybag) and Weleda has pioneered the use of this material in the UK. The full range provides top-to-toe natural maintenance - from sensitive scalp down to tired feet – for all the family, including baby care and men’s skincare. Three facial care ranges provide a wide choice for all ages, including a fragrance-free range for super sensitive skins. Gorgeous bath and body products, fragranced naturally with aromatic essential oils, are complemented by mix-and-match body lotions, oils and creams. Luxurious formulations which contain some of the most precious ingredients. It is reassuring to know supplies come from ethical, sustainable, organic sources.   For further information, please visit their website: http://www.weleda.co.uk   To View the past Organic Featured Business Articles Please look through our archives: Organic Business Feature - Page 1 BoBelle Organic Business Feature - Page 2 Tea Warehouse Organic Business Feature - Page 3 Natruesense Organic Business Feature - Page 4 Chocolate Emplire Organic Business Feature - Page 5 Blackmore Farm Shop Organic Business Feature - Page 6 Weleda - Organic Skin Care Organic Business Feature - Page 7 The Natural Skin Care Company Organic Business Feature - Page 8 The Diagnostic Clinic - organic health supplements Organic Business Feature - Page 9 Sound Bites - organic shop offering orgaic food & products Organic Business Feature - Page 10 All Things Organic - organic food and products delivery Organic Business Feature - Page 11 Organic Buffett - organic buffet food & catering Organic Business Feature - Page 12 Chorley Health Food Store - organic shop offering organic food and products Organic Business Feature - Page 13 Kielder Organic Meats - organic meat Organic Business Feature - Page 14 Lifestyle Natural Health - Herbal Organic Tinctures Organic Business Feature - Page 15 Save The Bacon - organic food delivery