Organic fertilizer is any plant material that has, as little, and hopefully no pesticides, herbicides fungicides or environmental pollutants; (accepting un harmful plant natural mechanisms) .
3. Please protect what little natural resources we have. It is up to every individual and group to do their utmost. Every little thing we do matters and adds up.
All in all we must keep working toward a more perfect world. Understanding is an ongoing and changing matter.
The old way of corporations trying to increase profit are lobbying to reduce the percentage of actual organic material in a product, so they only have to use ?%. Organic <% to claim Organic status should stop. I believe this is counterproductive and only caters to those that want to 'cash in' on the movement. Organic Associations should not be about making money, but should be about the ethics that the founder had in mind. They should be about the purpose they where designed to be and more than a hyped stamped image or word on a label. Then again, the people in the Organization have to make money to live, so what are they going to do? At least they made an effort to lead us in the right direction.
IMHO Dilution of ethics for cash is not dissimilar to: The BUAV 5 year rolling plan for animal testing. Big Companies use the Logo, but were allowed only tested 5 years prior on animals. They got all the publicity, while companies like ourselves that had 1976 cut off date were put to the side lines; either because we didn't make enough money, were not high profile enough or were deemed to radical and not realistic. Boo whoo. What was the alternative? BUAV could have made a stronger stance, but then the biggies wouldn't have been able to join? At least they are raising awareness and hopefully the organization take on a greater ethical stance, not based on money.
After 22 years of being a member of the BUAV we have decided to leave, so the bunny will be coming off Kobashi products.
Over the years I have asked the BUAV to put on line the cut-off dates of the companies that join. If they have I can't see were this is. Kobashi's has always been 1976. The BUAV has changed the 5 year rolling no animal testing cut off , (which we thought was a major compromise), to a just tell us a date and stick to it policy. What I get out of this is I could join, tell them my cut off is today and everything is hunky dory. We have decided we do not want to associate ourselves with some of the companies that are members of the BUAV. A couple of years ago we allowed them to audit us, even though we believed their money would be better used convincing people to stop animal testing, instead of wasting money we pay on us. Kobashi has never needed to be converted, as Lynda has lead the way with her strict stance against Animal testing. We believe there are companies that are only doing it to make people think they were strictly against.
Kobashi's 1976 cut off date made it so we had to work harder to find products that were not tested after that date. The reality is by law retailers of products cannot test on animals, but everything has been tested on animals by laboratories at one time or another. Not happy that we with our 1976 cut off date are associated with who knows what cut off dates. Maybe I'm asking too much? Is there a place on the BUAV web site so conscientious shoppers who expect total transparency can see the cut off dates of all the companies?
The BUAV actually came out to Kobashi in 1989 and did a Television piece for the BBC. Nothing has changed with Kobashi and auditing us is a waste of money and time. In my opinion, the reality is you have to trust companies or not. We do not believe auditing will do anything when a company can just say let's make our cut off date today. Any money should go into companioning. I think the campaign (http://www.nocruelcosmetics.org/sign_up.php) are possibly unknowingly, more directed to getting demographical mailing list, than getting petitions signed. I put this on the Kobashi website: All one needs is like https://secure.avaaz.org/en/save_the_bees/?vl has asked for to get people to sign. 1,145,583 have signed the petition in just a few weeks. You can hardly say 16,000 petition signatures in a month using the BUAV form is impressive.It would be best to ask avaaz.org to handle the Against Animal testing campaigns. The reason why we joined in the first place was we believed the BUAV was like minded. We are not happy about leaving the BUAV, don't even know if it's our best choice; we just want to make a point. We don't always know how the master plan of God will work out. Not ruling you out, as you have done more than most for the welfare of animals.
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi
The reality is by law retailers of products cannot test on animals, but everything has been tested on animals by laboratories.
The reality is by not making a firm stance the movement may have been diluted. European banalities such as Reach (which is making base ingredient suppliers of a ton or more test on animals) thus the whole thing is a bad joke. What is the alternative? There are many alternatives to animal testing and cost is going down which should be in the directive. Yes it's important to safe guard the public, but it's how you do it that counts.
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There are many reasons for herbicide and pesticide residual. They have even been found in the ice at the Poles. Saying this, they are more likely to be found in carrier oils and not as likely to be in essential oils, due to being more easily soluble in fatty acids.
I recently tested a number of Evening Primrose oil samples and one of them had pentane, hexane and an added vegetable oil to it, which of course I have rejected. It had 174 peaks at threshold of 12 while all the other samples had around 134. It also had two peaks that are not present in the other samples. I won't waste anymore time on this as I'm busy and I need to get on with the process of sourcing quality oils, which is an ongoing process.
We do our best by testing to find what we can. I do not believe anyone can guarantee they are not present 100% by just having a symbol to hide behind and it would be misleading to say so. Most oils are what our good suppliers say they are and I hope the day will come when I don't have to reject an oil. It is a wrench in the gears when I do.
Kobashi is not a member of any Organic Certifying body, but many of the products Kobashi purchases in bulk have been certified by one Organic body or another. We decided many years ago not to join after going to meetings with the Soil Association. Our main contention was not addressed. The logical conclusion is the whole thing is based on TRUST. A farmer could easily spray his or her field. I would love to trust and hug everyone, unfortunately experience has made me cautious. Without testing of the final product there is no way to prove, without seeing them do it, that the product wasn't contaminated, even then there is no such thing as 100% percent certain.
Sure we like to purchase Organically grown when we can, but it doesn't mean we will, just because it's marked with an Organic symbol. A good example is our Orange oil from Spain (not organically grown and same supplier 2004 - 2008). I would put it up against any Organic Orange and I would buy it every time, it is a great oil. Many of the Organic Orange oils we have tested were flat and lifeless and lacked the rich sweet notes of Our Spanish Orange. Then again, things change, as of 2008 we have been selling an excellent Organic Orange. Incidentally, expressed Citrus oils are the most likely to have PPM (parts per million) pesticide residual, but ours didn't.
In 2007 , a friend who supplies oils became a member of the Soil Association. He said he had a perfectly good Cinnamon oil which was grown organically, but the OSA wouldn't certify it. Instead they told him to purchase from someone within OSA. He tested the Cinnamon Oil and it had 20% diethyl Phthalate( a plastizer).
Could you please explain the difference between Certified Organic, Organically Grown, Naturally Farmed and Wild?
Certified Organic, Organically Grown, Naturally Farmed and Wild. They all mean virtually the same thing. They are supposed to be grown without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. Wild most likely will not have them, Naturally Farmed and Organic hopefully not.
If we at Kobashi find herbicides or pesticides in the oils they will be rejected and the suppliers will be notified.
Organically Grown, Naturally Farmed:
Farmers who are ethical, but don't join a certifying body for one reason or another like ourselves. Example: we grew Lavender and Calendula on a friend’s field, who is a member of the Soil association, we are not, so we cannot use the symbol, but we can say it was organically grown because it was.
Example: our friend’s cousin in the Alps grows Our Lavender Vera high without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. He isn't a member of a certifying body so we call it Naturally Farmed.
He has now decided that he is going to join. Since originally writing he has now joined and increased his price by 150% for the same exact oil, but certified. So next time we purchase this oil we will have to charge you more. Now that's the definition of perceived inflation. Now we will call it Organically grown.
Many of the Farmers don't want to spend their time and extra money dealing with bureaucracy by joining. They know what they do and they are insulted if you don't TRUST their word. Some can't understand why people are willing pay more for the same thing. Their argument is they would have to put up our prices and for what, a symbol, when in fact, you are still in the same scenario whether you are certified or not, TRUST.
Unfortunately, I always ere on the side of caution even if I trust a supplier, as they can make mistakes; it is better to always look for problems when doing quality control.
Sustainable Wild: or Sustainably wild Crafted
Grown in the wild such as Our Chamomile Wild, Elemi, Helichrysum italicum, Frankincense and Rosemary and St. John's Wort: the plants grow back and farmers pick them or in the case of the gum trees or shrubs the sap is tapped without harm to the plant.
Certified Organic:
Many of Kobashi products, such as our Aloe Vera, Spanish Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Ravintsara, Pelargonium aspermum, Petitgrain, Orange and carrier oils: Cocobutter, Coconut, Evening Primrose, Flax seed, Hempseed, Jojoba, Rosehip seed, Sea Buckthorn, Sesame seed, Sheabutter, Sunflower seed are certified at source by one certification body or another, such as The Organic Soil Association, Texas Department of Agriculture, Label Cbd or Ecocert. This list changes.
Kobashi is against Genetically Modified oils, but the EU and UK governments are trying to get a law passed to allow 0.9%GM. Presently the Organic Soil Association allows 0.1% GM learn more...
When we first started selling Aloe Vera in 1996 we bought it from a very well known Company and Iryna found herbicide in it. They told us it was organically certified and sent us the certification from the Government of the Dominican Republic. I never purchased Aloe Vera again from this supplier.
Fair Debate:
I'm not saying a symbol or stamp does not hold truth and is not worthy.
Many of the oils we buy are from cooperative farmers/distillers. When I ask them if it's fair, they usually chuckle and make a joke, like, depends on how I feel that day. Then they say I guess you can call it fair trade as we grow it and sell it.
I know a farmers wife here in England who helps run the family business and she doesn't feel it's fair, although she does have a sense of humour about it. The husband and wife grow, created the end product, market it and sell it. It is their life and that is the way it is. Well they have been hard working, tilling the soil for generations to the outcome of now satellite navigated tractors and and they still have a winge with a wink.
You really can't compare this to someone plowing the earth with an Ox, no rain and having to scratch the earth for their existence.
So I still think we are talking about balance. So take business and money out of the pockets of those that aren't "Fair" to give to the suppliers who are fair. We go to the store and pay higher prices because we are ethical. Fair trade is a small fraction of the available goods in the world. So everyone who doesn't join the club isn't fair?
The way I look at it, it's nice to be ethical and mean it and try to help, but I remember for ever action there may be an equal and opposite.
Many small farmers around the world have internet access. We get small farmers wanting to sell us their crops. If I was a member of a "Fair Trade system" do I say you're not a member of Fair Trade I can't buy from you? Since we Trade fairly we just give them what they ask for the product if the price is right. price is a never ending fluctuating force. Over the years, 95% of the time, I have only seen them go up. If the price is too high for us to be able to compete in the market we buy from someone else.
It's interesting that people would actually think just because something doesn't say Fair on it that they are not fair. Marketing angles have an interesting effect on perception.
I am talking about a farmer growing a crop. The market has a price for that crop. The market price is supposably inflated above the market price, so the consumer pays the supplier who purchased the crop from the farmer for more.
What happens when a farmer thinks there is a growing market, they grow more and more and supply will exceed demand, eventually the market will equalize. In this reality the supplier is forced to take a smaller profit margin or raise the price to were the consumer will accept it. As infrastructure grows the capital cost will need to be supplied or the system will need to be cut back. Hopefully the Fair supplier will sell their assets to keep the farmer in the life style they now have been accustom to.
Another example is: we grow our Calendula organically and infuse the flowers in Organic sunflower oil, so I guess you can call it fair. Although Lynda feels it is hard work for not much money, so maybe it's not fair. Money isn't everything, enjoying a fair days work is. The satisfaction of knowing we grew it and offered it is a beautiful thing, like having friends over for dinner and seeing them enjoy it. Perhaps we are not fair traders because we worked hard for the last 25 years and are still doing so to have the success we now appreciate.
I actually think it is an insult to all the hard working good people, when a group comes along and says another group isn't fair, buy ours, when they don't know anything about the companies. The truth is the majority of companies do not disclose their suppliers, for the obvious reason it's their business. I can't buy from the same supplier all the time because their quality runs out. I have to find someone else and I have to make sure the someone else is supplying good quality at a fair price. If the price I want to purchase from them is not what we BOTH want then the deal isn't done.
This is called supply and demand in a free market. Not much haggling is done, we respect each others needs. Any inequities have to be worked out no matter who you purchase from. There is actually a case for and against marking something with a stamp. The reality is what's behind not having a stamp and having a stamp.
I think if you want to know if products are being traded fairly you may need more than a stamp or symbol to make it a reality. Possibly you could find the truth in following the product back to it's origin and talking to everyone involved; hopefully you'll find them or even get the truth out of them. Maybe you could live and take a job working with the products to see the reality for yourself. It would be a project that could cost so much time and money in the end it probably won't be fair to the person doing the project. This doesn't mean it won't be a worthy endeavor, as money is not the most important thing in life and you may help the cause of fairness.
Contradiction hits you were it counts when you are starving and out of control. Very well me sitting hear in front of my computer eating freshly made soup and pontificating my opinion. I mean, what is my actual point? Everyone will do what they can? Free market? controlled market? When ever you pit your self against something, no matter how well intended there may be losers. I quests it's all about balance. Does life have to be a sailing ship out at sea? Sometimes the sun and wind are just right and conquering the elements are pleasurable experience unto them self. Perhaps not everyone's point of view. Yes of course I should do my best to get rid of all inequities and I surely could spend my life doing so till I drop dead and beyond.
It is good to do an ethical action, but good intentions without thinking through the event for the whole may only be good intentions. Yes, so what, at least I'm doing a good thing. Good thing; good for who? It's all about individual degrees of personal and collective balance. I believe at least having good intentions is better than not. How long one can sustain the energy is the trick.
Is it fair that I'm destroying my health sitting in front of this computer? probably not, but it's my choice. Life's not always fair, but I can enjoy a sunny day. I'm positive you will find another company that will tell you exactly what you want to hear. I honestly, applaud you on your need to make things fair. I have the same ideals and life is what it is. I'm an optimist, pessimist, pragmatist, realist and idealist all in one. Confused perhaps, but I genuinely wish you Good luck on your journey or why not just get a symbol and believe: it's a lot less stressful. Is there an easy consistent answer to the what is reality? I'm sure I think too much and will have to weed out the chaff.
Sometimes it's better to be in than out. We may think we know the answers and sometimes you just have to believe without closing your eyes. The one thing I do not like to forget is that there is an existing mechanism, the big event and everyone is playing a part. Good intent, good actions and consistency to fix the plan, to loop back to the original good intent is primary to the goal.
Humans have a tendency to deviate, needs and wants, more satisfaction, due to fluctuations in demand and supply; supply and demand. One must be strong and steadfast when faced with fear of not having, which can lead to hoarding. Zen and Buddhism, thus I hope my nature is kind and I will know when put to the test.
The fair debate...
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There are 100's of different bodies Organically certifying throughout the world such as:
Soil Association Certification Ltd (SA Certification Ltd) - UK5
- T: 0117 914 2444 Email: info@soilassociation.org
* Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd (OF&G) - UK2
- T: (+353) 043-42495 Email: info@organicfarmers.org.uk
* The Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA) - UK3
- T: 0131 333 0940 Email: info@sopa.org.uk
* The Organic Food Federation (OFF) - UK4
- T: +44 (0)1760 720444 Email: info@orgfoodfed.com
* Demeter (BDAA) - UK 6
- T: 01453 759501 Email: office@biodynamic.org.uk
* The Irish Organic Farmers and Growers (IOFGA) - UK7
- T: 0845 330 5122 (00 44 1743 440512) if calling from outside the UK Email: iofga@eircom.net
* Organic Trust Ltd - UK9
- T: +353-1-853 0271 Email: organic@iol.ie
* CMi Certification - UK10
- Tel: + 44 (0) 1993 885600 Email: enquiries@cmi-plc.com
* Quality Welsh Food Certification - UK13
- Tel: +44 (0)1970 636688 Email: qwfc@wfsagri.co.uk
* Ascisco Limited - UK15
- Tel: +44 (0)1970 636688 Email: eyeats@soilassociation.org
http://www.ams.usda.gov/NOP/CertifyingAgents/Accredited.html
http://www.defra.gov.uk/FARM/organic/imports/inspectbodies.htm
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We put Analysis online when we have time. Oregano analysis
A number of different analysis:
Part of me feels it's a waste of time to put analysis on line because we get customers saying, "Why are there so many chemicals in the oil, don't you just have Lavender?"
Putting more of the analysis on line is mainly important to my ego for all the hard work.
Saying this, our testing has had the effect of getting suppliers to collaborate, not waste our time and only supply the best. They hate it when I call them up saying I rejected the oil or don't waste my time and just don't buy. Over the past 25 years we have had very few problems.
At the end of the day it's most important to test because our family and friends use the oils.
So far, due to having good suppliers, we have only found pesticides in Rose, Jasmine Absolute, Bergamot oil & a herbicide in an “Organically certified” Aloe Vera, which we rejected and no longer purchase from this supplier. It is rare for a pesticide to distil into the oil, even at PPM. This doesn't mean they may not be found at parts per billion or trillion. At these levels they may be environmental pollutants or Homeopathic levels, which you are probable breathing in on a daily basis.
I have tested a number of high street brands in the past just out of curiosity. This is when i find the worst, like a rose absolute with with 60% phthalate plasticizer., they never claimed to be organic, but just a pure essential oil.
Maybe when I retire I will become a essential oils testing police, but right now I have to concentrate on making sure Kobashi oils are the best.
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