Articles

Its all about small simple change.

Interested in some of the topics discussed here on Small Simple Life!!

The following is a list of articles put together to be a quick and helpful resource for anyone interested in a little more information.

Ethical
Environmental
Health and Wellbeing
Organic
Cruelty Free
Synthetic Ingredients
Fair Trade
Greenwash Marketing
Reduce Reuse Recycle
Union Made
Biodiversity
Cosmetics and Beauty Products
Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable Materials

Environmental Resources

The necessity of abundant life

Biodiversity (biological diversity) is the variety of life on Earth. The plants, animals and microorganism; the genes that make up these species and the ecosystems wherein these species live all make up the biodiversity of the living world. A healthy ecosystem rich in biodiversity is better equipped to withstand and recover from natural and manmade environmental treats and disasters and provides the necessary elements for the continued survival of our planet. [...] Read the full article…

Organics outshine convention

Intensive farming practices have been damaging our ecosystems for a long time. By working against nature we have disrupted the natural harmony and biodiversity of the earth. Organic farming does not rely on synthetic elements, it produces food and resources that are chemical free and support a healthier planet and population. This is not only a positive outcome for the consumer as it eliminates the possibility of these elements ending up in our food; it is great news for the planet. [...] Read the full article…

The Debate over Synthetics

Many consumer products, especially detergents, soaps, cosmetics and other cleansers and personal care products contain synthetic ingredients which are derived from petrochemicals or oleochemicals. It is important to consider these ingredients when looking at how our product choices can have a negative health and environmental impact. [...] Read the full article…

Avoid the Greenwash

The term Greenwashing has been coined to represent the false and disingenuous actions of some companies that present themselves as environmentally friendly when they are anything but. Having a pro-environmental image is great marketing and can sucker consumers into buying products and supporting companies that have put a lot of effort into advertising but maybe only a little into improving their environmental impact. [...]
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Get More out of Recycling

So many materials and consumer products can be reduce, reused or recycled; with a little care, dedication and forethought it can become a very sustaining, far reaching and positive action. To be truly effect recycling needs to be considered in all aspects of a consumer lifestyle; not simply at the ‘throwing away’ stage. [...]
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Waste and sustainability : Biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials

Rubbish, garbage, trash, junk, litter, refuse; we throw stuff out every day and nearly every aspect of our modern life creates some form of waste. We throw waste in the bin and we wash waste products down our drains when bathing and cleaning. But, we live on a finite planet and all the waste we are creating is having a very real and negative impact on the Earth. Our waste can be recognised as either biodegradable or non-biodegradable and this can be a useful distinction when we consider our product choices and our waste disposal. [...] Read the full article…

Ethical Resources

Testing the Limits of Human Cruelty

Animal testing is a practice still used widely throughout the world to determine the safety of many ingredients used in consumer products and medications. The practice involves using animals to research the effects of potential ingredients and subjects them to harmful and often lethal experiments. Despite policies and guidelines in place to reduce the suffering of these animals, how can any level of suffering be acceptable? [...]
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The Win-Win of Fair Trade

Choose certified Fairtrade products and choose not to contribute to exploitation and poverty. Aid the fight against unsustainable practices and put your money into products that are produced with an environmental and ethical conscience. [...]
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Rights for workers’ in a ‘Sweat’ free world

Some of the biggest sport and clothing ware companies grossed millions of dollars last year while continuing to manufacture their goods in conditions that support poverty and disregard for workers’ rights. These brands are getting richer while paying their workers as little as $3 (US) a day. On this wage the workers struggle to feed and clothe their families while working long and unreasonable hours in oppressive and sometimes dangerous conditions. [...]
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Health and Wellbeing Resources

Organics outshine convention

Potentially harmful Ingredients : The ugly face of chemical laden beauty products

There is growing concern as to the health effects of many of the chemicals found in common personal care products. Some studies have associated these very chemicals with skin problems, hormonal conditions, immune dysfunction and cancer. This is concerning, especially when you consider any product applied to the skin is absorbed into the body allowing chemicals to enter the blood stream and our organs. [...]
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The Debate over Synthetics

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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller