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Articles
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| World Environment Day - June 05th 2011 |
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World Environment Day (WED) is an opportunity for us all to become involved in something which is critical for our shared future and to work in a co-coordinated manner that empowers us all to play an active role in protecting our environment.
This year, WED supports the UN’s International Year of Forests with the theme, Forests: Nature at Your Service, which underscores the many essential life-sustaining values that forests provide and the intrinsic link between our quality of life and the health of forest ecosystems.
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For all seven billion of us, our present and our future depend on conserving and restoring the world’s forests. On WED, let us resolve to do much more to ensure that we continue to enjoy the important services that forests
provide, in our generation and the next.
Background
World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly to mark the opening of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Celebrating WED is about the inspirational power of individual actions
that collectively become an exponential force for positive change. WED thematic celebrations have in the past included caring for the earth and water, the ozone layer, climate change, desertification and sustainable development, to mention a few. WED is celebrated around the world in many ways, including street rallies, bicycle parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns and much more.
Why celebrate World Environment Day?
When we see or experience the negative effects of climate change and environmental degradation, it is easy to blame others - governments for not prioritizing environmental policy; corporate organizations for raising greenhouse gas emissions; NGOs for not lobbying strongly enough for the environment; and individuals for not taking action. World Environment Day however is a day we put aside our differences and instead celebrate the achievements we’ve made towards protecting the environment. By celebrating WED, we remind ourselves and others of the importance
of caring for our environment. Remember that every action counts, so join us: every year, everywhere, everyone!
Theme: Forests
2011 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Forests. World Environment Day this year will reinforce this global concern with the official tagline - Forests: Nature at Your Service. Linking WED to forests however should not limit or stop you from
celebrating your other environmental achievements. After all, every positive environmental action has an impact, and part of the fun is finding creative ways to link your activity to forests – and there are many.
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Interesting forest facts
- Forests are home to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity.
- Forests cover 31% of total land area.
- The livelihoods of 1.6 billion people depend on forests.
- Forests provide a home to more than 300 million people worldwide.
- The total global trade in forest products was valued at around $379 billion in 2005.
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Saving forests requires a change in lifestyle
If you ever wondered how it would be possible for you to save an entire forest then look no further than making simple lifestyle changes. Forests play multiple roles in our lives, including providing a source of livelihood, refuge for many species, and clean air for all. As a result of the growing global pollution levels forests have often come to be referred to as the ‘lungs of the earth’. This is particularly because deforestation and forest degradation account for nearly 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which forests would absorb if carefully managed. Broadly, there are three main sources of forest degradation: commercial logging, fires, and gathering wood for fuel. Insects and pests also cause considerable forest degradation.
Difference between deforestation and degradation
Deforestation is the reduction of forest cover, notably viewed by the loss of trees. Commercial logging and fires are examples of causes of deforestation. It is however possible to use forests in a properly managed way that maintains their existence. There is therefore no deforestation if there is a guarantee of continuity in maintaining the forest cover.
Degradation refers to the loss of quality of the forests, rather than coverage. The quality of a forest can be observed through monitoring the survival rates of its ecosystem, for example vegetation layers, soil, flora and fauna. Some of the causes of forest degradation are the gathering of wood for fuel, and insects and pests.
Benefits of forests
As a resource, forests provide many important natural resources, such as timber, fuel, rubber, paper and medicinal plants. Forests also help sustain the quality and availability of freshwater supplies. More than three quarters of the world’s accessible freshwater comes from forested catchments. Water quality declines with decreases in forest condition and cover, and natural hazards such as floods, landslides, and soil erosion have larger impacts.
Climate change Mitigation
It’s well known that forests play a key role in our battle against climate change; storing carbon and sucking in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and locking it into their biomass.
Products / Benefits (water)
But what’s less well known is that the products and services they provide are essential to every aspect of life. By regulating water for many of the world’s rivers, they help secure water quality, and supply nearly half of the world’s largest cities from Caracas to New York. They also help decrease the impacts of storms and floods, whilst helping control erosion.
Biodiversity
As the most biologically diverse ecosystems on land, forests are home to more than half of terrestrial species, from the great apes to the smallest of creatures.
Economics and Livelihoods
They also provide homes, security and livelihoods for 60 million Indigenous peoples, whilst contributing to the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people worldwide.
Products & Biodiversity
The impact of forests reaches even further. In many developing countries more than 80% of total energy consumed by people and industry derives from forests. Such as fuel wood and charcoal. Trade in timber and other forest products, is estimated at almost 330 billion US Dollars /year. Its value multiplies as its processed into a myriad of products used globally every day. Use of the genetic diversity within forests enables the development of new medicines; progress in healthcare and science.
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| June 2011 Newsletter |
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Dear Valued Client,
What a month May has been! Our new website is alive and kicking and the response has been absolutely awesome. Thanks to all of you for the positive feedback we have been receiving - a clear indication that we are on the right track. Today another milestone in our organic pilgrimage is being reached. Our very first newsletter, one of many to come.
Creating this first newsletter has created some healthy debate at our offices. What to include? How much interesting content vs. product content? What do our customers want to hear about? That said and with us being focused on what our customers want, we decided to open it up to you and reward you for your feedback... send your suggestions on what you would like to see and read about in our newsletter to newsletter@naturalistic.co.za. If we use your suggestion, we will give you a R100 discount off your next purchase on our site.
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World Environment Day - June 05th 2011
World Environment Day (WED) is an opportunity for us all to become involved in something which is critical for our shared future and to work in a co-coordinated manner that empowers us all to play an active role in protecting our environment.
This year, WED supports the UN’s International Year of Forests with the theme, Forests: Nature at Your Service, which underscores the many essential life-sustaining values that forests provide and the intrinsic link between our quality of life and the health of forest ecosystems.
Read more about WED (Click Here).
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How are we supporting WED? For every R1000 worth of orders received and paid for on our site from 01 June to 07 June, we will plant 1 tree through "Plant a Tree for Life" with Greenworks. This is an extremely worthy cause and we will send all customers who order during this period a copy of our tree purchase certificate. Together we CAN make that difference!!
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For the month of June we are featuring the following products on special from Inthusiasm... |
Inthusiasm Liquid Foundation
Claudine (Beige)
Pump Jar
Normal Price R205.00
Special Price R185.00
You Save R20.00 |
Inthusiasm Liquid Foundation
Christel (Beige)
Pump Jar
Normal Price R205.00
Special Price R185.00
You Save R20.00 |
Inthusiasm Make-Up Mitt
White Only
Each
Normal Price R70.00
Special Price R55.00
You Save R15.00 |
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Winter Bug Fighters & Warmers!!
The first chill of winter has been felt. Now is the time to stock up on those winter essentials which will help your body fight off the nasty bugs that float around the air. If you are planning a romantic candle lit dinner, why not use natural candles? Take a look at these products.
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Medico Herbs Imuvitox. Used to purify, cleanse & nourish the body; It is a good immune builder, powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory; Counteracts degenerative diseases and Antiseptic. Assists in fighting disease, colds, flu, chickenpox, diabetes, varicose veins, piles, liver problems, backache and rheumatism. Used to treat fever, poor appetite, indigestion gastritis, ulcers, dysentery, cancer, asthma, bronchitis and poor night vision. |
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Medico Herbs Sinus Relief Tincture. At last an oral sinus relief. Into the mouth and NOT up your nose!. Fast acting, natural and effective hayfever and sinus treatment. So easy to use and so convenient. The herbs in this formulation are traditionally used to relieve congestion and hay fever, loosens phlegm and aids removal of excess mucous. It is useful for most problems associated with the upper respiratory system. It stimulates white blood cells, improving the immune system, guard against infections and keeps viruses from multiplying. Use it for hay fever, allergies, cold and flu, sinusitis, catarrh, tonic for respiratory tract, immune booster, fights viruses and bacteria. |
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Beeswax Coral Candles. These are made from 100% beeswax. Every beeswax candle produces a beautiful unique glow which illuminates and flickers. Beeswax is a natural air freshener and odour remover as well. No colourants or fragrance making these candles 100% pure and natural. The Beeswax Coral Candles make great gifts and decorations. 100% Natural Beeswax. Natural honey -like aroma with no added fragrance. 100% Cotton wick. Packaging entirely made from plant material. Exquisite gift idea. |
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We trust that you found our first newsletter informative and containing the right mix of information vs. product updates. We look forward to fulfilling your Organic & Natural product needs soon!!
Keep well until the next time...
Yours Naturally,
Nadine, Tersia & the Naturalistic Team.
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