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The world of 'natural' and organic products is a very complex one, and it is always worth reading labels properly rather than assuming that buzzwords like 'natural' really do mean natural. The following are two of the most important considerations - Benefits of organic and natural for the environment and Benefits of organic and natural for health.

Additional reasons to buy organic food include the fact that many people believe it tastes better than non-organic, and that it is better for animal welfare as it requires that livestock have plenty of space, and are fed a diet as natural as possible and which is GMO free.

These days, buying organic is relatively easy. However, it may well cost you a bit more. Also, be aware that a lot of the organic produce we see on supermarket shelves has been imported from abroad. Always look for the Soil Association mark on UK grown organic products and don't forget organic doesn't necessarily just apply to food. Many textiles are now made from organic, unbleached cotton, hemp or similar, so look out for organic fabrics in clothes shops too. Always check thoroughly that claims of being 'natural', 'organic' or 'non-toxic' are backed and not just a 'green wash' and pretext for a price hike. Stripped back to the basics, most products are 'natural' in origin but may have been heavily processed, or may even be a synthesised and modified replica of a naturally occurring compound.

The The Eco-friendly Shop in Glastonbury sells a wide range of organic, fair-trade and environmentally friendly products. They have an online shop and can deliver throughout Somerset. Call 01458 834505 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Natural Collection supports sustainable innovations and ideas, and stocks only ecologically considered products and services. The country's leading ecological (non-food) retailer, theirs is the official catalogue for environmental organisations including Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, which benefit financially from the sales. To view their range online or order a catalogue see the website, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0845 367 7003.

The Green Shop is in Stroud but also has an online or catalogue facility. It specialises in sustainable and low impact products for the home, including paints and health and beauty products. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01452 770629.

The Greenpeace website has information on many shopping questinos, for example buying sustainable fish and timber, toxins in the home and in electronics and campaigns you can get involved with. Their 'Cleaning Up Our Chemical Homes - changing the market to supply toxic-free products' report contains information on many of the chemicals to avoid and also ranks some of the main brands of cosmetics, toys, detergents, electronics producers etc. e-mailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 020 7865 8100.

The Soil Association is a charity promoting sustainable, organic farming and championing human health. Visit their website to find out all you need to know about organic, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0117 314 5000.