With all this shopping frenzy going on (and the gift-giving, jolly-making spirit reaching its peak) there’s the question now of how people handle (or get rid) of their wastes. From packaging boxes, bubble wraps, gift wraps, paper plates and cups, plastic spoons and forks, excess food …you’d wonder how high the trash is at the landfill.
Don’t forget, there’re still the New Year festivities that many have marked in their calendars. These activities leave a heap of trash and waste in its path.
More than ever, a zero-waste lifestyle is much needed, although this lifestyle is best practiced all throughout the year. Zero-waste lifestyle is not too popular, especially for busy career people. But actually, it’s not as hard as it seems. Let’s look at some important facts and figures before we go to “what can I do?”
Statistics
According to The World Counts, 2.12 billion tons of waste is dumped annually; and 99% of the things we buy end up in garbage bins within six months. Based on this, it’s not surprising that we might need two-thirds of Earth’s resources to sustain our lifestyle – if nothing changes.
The USDA official website also shows that, “In the United States, food waste is estimated at between 30-40 percent of the food supply. This estimate… corresponded to approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food in 2010. This amount of waste has far-reaching impacts on society: 1) Wholesome food that could have helped feed families in need is sent to landfills. 2) Land, water, labor, energy and other inputs are used in producing, processing, transporting, preparing, storing, and disposing of discarded food.”
The USDA also says that at the retail (industry) level, the culling of blemished products, over-ordering, and equipment function (like defective cold storage) result in food loss. On the consumer level, you and I contribute to food waste when we buy or cook more than needed and we throw out the extras.
Food waste also means wasting the resources that go into growing them, and the food we send to landfills help produce methane –a potent greenhouse gas. Add to that the (mostly plastic) stuff that we throw away after single use.
How sad is the plight of our planet!
What is Zero Waste Lifestyle?
It is the conscious decision and habit of reducing the amount you consume (and in effect throw away). Practicing this lifestyle is one of the most sustainable ways of living –sustainable for personal budget, sustainable on the sourcing-production side, and sustainable to the environment. Zero waste habit affects environmental areas on so many levels. It prevents resource extraction, reduces the amount of stuff (garbage) sent to the landfill/incinerator, and diminishes pollution generated from production, transportation, and disposal of materials.
This lifestyle has three simple principles: waste prevention, trash segregation/ separation, and reduction of residual waste. The first two are familiar to us, but the third one means gradually phasing out non-recyclable/non-reusable wastes.
What does this mean to individual consumers like you and me?
There are a number of ways we can practice the habits of Zero Waste living, and some will make more sense to you than the other ones would –all due to various factors (i.e. living married/with kids/single, type of job you do, the region where you live, etc.).
Here are fantastic tips (in no particular order) to help us reduce food waste, decrease plastic pollution, reduce carbon footprint, and save money.
1) Plan your meals ahead, buy in bulk, and store food well.
2) Take inventory of the ingredients and goods available in your pantry/fridge and focus your recipe on them.
3) Enjoy your leftovers. Even if they’re no longer fresh from the oven or stove, you’ve invested time and money in preparing those foods, so don’t waste all of that by throwing food away. (You can even use some of the leftovers for another recipe. Creativity goes a long way.)
4) Share your blessings. If you got the wrong kind of cheese or beans, if you bought too many cans of tomato sauce, or you got an item in the house that you don’t really need/use, there are several local charity/community volunteer groups that would be happy to take those and give to the needy.
5) Maximize the use of your clothes, furniture, appliances, gadgets until their use has expired.
6) Shop second-hand. This saves clothing and home items from going to the landfill.
7) Stop using disposables: cups, plates, spoons, forks, chopsticks, straw, lunch boxes, and restaurant take-away styro-boxes.
8) Decrease dependency on buying food, cosmetics, beauty products, or ANY stuff packaged in single-use plastics.
9) Go digital. Instead of printing out documents, share them via email. When taking notes, use your laptop or Smartphone instead of using paper.
10) Simplify and/or make your own cleaning supplies. Natural alternatives, such as vinegar and baking soda, are more user-friendly and eco-friendly. They don’t contain dangerous chemicals that are carcinogenic and pollute our water and soil. These alternatives are effective, versatile, and eliminate the need for plastic bottles.
How do you live with less waste?
It’s a daunting challenge in this all-disposable, on-the-run, fast-paced age. But this is also why we need to slow down, take a few moments, and mindfully consider what we can do to change our ways that would be sustainable for the planet and for the generations to come.
Perhaps it is time to reconsider our buying (and waste) habits.
Let us be kind to the ONLY planet habitable by our species.
========================================
Content Credits:
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/10-ways-to-adopt-a-zero-waste-lifestyle/
https://www.centerforecotechnology.org/nutritious-food-waste/
]]>Well, for sure one cannot downplay the importance of smiling either. Even Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese peace activist and Buddhist monk, says, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
Here’s a super-short crash course on the science of smiling:
How Smiling Benefits The Body
Smiling makes you look attractive. And I’m pretty sure you’ve experienced this that a smile draws people in. Consider its opposite expressions: frown, anger, scowl…these easily push others away. People respond to you differently when you smile. They will view you as sincere, reliable, relaxed, and well… attractive.
A research published in Neuropsychologia Journal* revealed that seeing a smiling face activates your orbitofrontal cortex (the region in the brain where sensory rewards originate). This means that when you see a person smiling at you, you feel rewarded! The same study also explains the 2011 data from the Face Research Lab researchers at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) where subjects were asked to rate attractiveness and smiling. Both men and women were more attracted to images of people who smiled and made eye contact than those who didn’t. Try smiling at people in the park when you have your morning walk and notice how many looks you’d get.
How Smiling Benefits The Brain
Your smile activates a little feel-good party in your brain. Each time you smile, neural messages that benefit your own health and happiness are triggered.
It activates the release of neuropeptides which fight off stress. These tiny molecules, which allow neurons to communicate, promote messaging throughout the whole body when we’re excited, happy, angry, sad, or depressed. When your face breaks into a smile, “happy” hormones (endorphins, dopamine, serotonin) are released. This lowers your blood pressure and heart rate while relaxing the entire body.
Endorphins also act as pain relievers – 100% natural/organic, with zero potential negative side-effects.
Additionally, serotonin-release lifts the mood and works as an antidepressant. A number of synthetic/pharmaceutical antidepressants influence the level of the brain’s serotonin, yet a smile releases this hormone naturally. Then again, no negative side-effects; no need for your doctor’s prescription.
How Does Smiling Affect Those Around You
Well, smiling is a safe and healthy virus that’s highly contagious!
In a Swedish research, subjects were shown pictures of various emotions: surprise, anger, joy, fear. When a smiling picture was shown, the researchers asked the subjects to frown. They found that it took the subject's conscious effort to turn their own smile upside-down. Smiling back (OR mimicking a smile) is an unconscious automatic response of the brain. So, if you’re smiling at somebody, it’s highly probable they can’t help but return the smile. If they don’t, they’re making a conscious effort not to smile back.**
In perspective, when you smile at someone, their brain prompts them to return that smile. Consequently, you’re creating a synergetic exchange which allows you both to release feel-good hormones, trigger reward feelings, and make you (and them) look more attractive.
In addition to all the benefits of smiling cited so far, a smile makes you look younger, helps you stay positive, helps you live longer, and makes you “look” successful/problem-free. Indeed, can you manage a smile while your mind is immersed in the gunk of problems? When you don’t think about your problems, you can easily smile. Inversely, when you smile (truly smile) it dispels negative thoughts and bad moods. A smile is almost like a switch that turns on the lights in your head which then floods your entire being with brightness.
Here’s also one simple tip to coax that smile from your loved ones. Give them one of our TOWL items: organic, chemical-free, eco-friendly bamboo towels which are guaranteed to protect your family from chemical-laden synthetic fibers. TOWL products will make them smile knowing that their skin is safe from toxins.
Now come to think of it, if smiling benefits the people around you, how much will it benefit the one inside your own skin? Start looking at the bright side and you’re sure to find a host of reasons to smile today. (Well actually, even if you fake a smile, it generates the same positive effects on your brain and body).
So, whether it’s real or faked, who can question the magic of a smile?
Reference:
*Facial attractiveness: evolutionary based research Phil Trans R Soc B June 12, 2011 366: 1638-1659.
**Sonnby–Borgström, M. (2002), Automatic mimicry reactions as related to differences in emotional empathy. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 43: 433–443.
]]>The Immune System has two parts:
Tips to Having a Healthy Immune System
A person who has a healthy immune system is likely to defeat all pathogens or germ-causing diseases. However, boosting the cells of the immune system is very complicated. No one knows how many cells the immune system needs to function optimally. What scientists do know is that the body is generating immune cells continually. A natural process of cell death called apoptosis removes extra cells automatically.
The immune system weakens as we age. This is one of the reasons the body is vulnerable to more infections and diseases later in life. Scientists have concluded it is related to a decrease in the T-cells that fight infection.
Catching the flu in winter?
Many people believe that the cold weather is responsible for colds and flus. Researchers have been studying the occurrence of the flu for a long time and what they found out is that normal exposure to moderate cold does not increase your vulnerability to viruses. The cold weather itself doesn’t cause the flu, but viruses do.
Health experts agree that winter is cold and flu season because people spend more time indoors and are in closer contact to other people who can pass on viruses.
Factors that Can Lower the Immune System
Both indoor and outdoor air can weaken our immune system. According to research, indoor air pollution is even more of a problem than outdoor air pollution.
The chemicals used in paints, household cleaners, fungal spores, and smoke are all harmful to human health. The negative effect of all of these harmful substances potentially destructs indoor air quality. “Sick-building syndrome” is one of the causes of the weakening of the immune system.
Research showed that structures near traffic intersections had higher levels of indoor pollutants. Another common problem in old structures and humid environments are the spores from mold.
The best way to eliminate harmful indoor air is by using natural products, from household cleaning materials, paints, gas stoves, up to organic textiles.
The Danger when the Immune System is Low
When the immune system is weak, the body is exposed to many organisms causing various risks of infection, viruses, and many life-threatening diseases.
This is also known as immunodeficiency disorder, it disrupts the body’s ability to secure itself against all these damaging factors.
Signs of a weakened immune system:
1 Stomach problems – when the gut bacteria is not functioning well, the immune system is at risk. Stomach infections, diarrhea, and nausea are all signs of having a low immune system.
2 Always having a cold – having a cold is part of our lives but frequently catching one might be a sign that your body needs medical attention.
3 Slow healing of wounds – if wounds take a long time to heal, it may be due to a low immune system.
4 Easily tired/low energy – you feel burned out and you are exhausted even if you sleep well. When the immune system is not functioning well, the body drains out faster and is not able to fight bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about personal health and wellness on the Mindful Owl blog today!
]]>How much sleep to aim for
Research shows that 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is ideal. This is because there are specific processes that take place during sleep which are of benefit to us, such as memory consolidation: a process where a person can strengthen their memory retention by turning short-term memories into long -term memories. Sleep also gives our bodies a chance to improve its immune system’s efficiency by secreting cytokines; proteins originating from the immune system’s cells that affect surrounding cells.
Cytokines fight against infections and inflammations during sleep. A lack of sleep will, in time, result in the body’s immune system becoming weaker, since cytokines are not being produced as they should. Under sleep deprivation, the body will also cause an increase in the secretion of the previously mentioned ghrelin (which increases appetite) and a decrease in the secretion of leptin (which decreases appetite).
What’s the best way to catch some ZZZs, then?
One of the key ingredients for a good night’s rest is, of course, a comfortable, even surface to sleep on; preferably a bed. Beds usually have two components: the base (e.g. springs, memory foam, water, air, etc.); and the mattress. As far as bedding materials go, cotton is a popular choice especially organic cotton which offers numerous benefits.
Organic cotton is naturally processed, which allows it to retain the properties responsible for its softness. It also regulates temperature and humidity by circulating heat and moisture away from the body as you sleep. Again, sleep is at its best when it is uninterrupted, so if the fabrics you sleep on are comfortable enough, you’re unlikely to wake up prematurely due to discomfort. This is good! The more you sleep, the better.
The benefits of organic cotton for toddlers and children
It is well known that toddlers and infants have particularly sensitive skin. In fact, their sensitivities tend not to decrease until they become much older. This is where one of the advantages of organic cotton truly comes in: since organic cotton is not chemically processed, there are no chemicals involved to potentially cause allergic or other adverse reactions with a toddler’s or child’s skin. This is fundamental, since their bodies are less capable of fighting off such reactions than those of adults. All in all, organic cotton is comfortable and healthy; two attributes which make it a worthwhile purchase for any consumer.]]>After a typical, long day, it’s tough to wind down our overworked minds and tired bodies. Worsened by street noise, partying neighbors, a snoring roommate, barking dogs (or fighting cats), it seems impossible to get a deep, peaceful sleep.
Noise pollution is one of the causes of insomnia, making it even harder to fall asleep and get a good, full 7-9 hours’ snooze. Long-term noise has also been linked to disturbed sleep, increased risk for heart-related diseases, and other health issues.
But luckily it is very possible to train ourselves to sleep in a noisy environment.
Here are helpful tips to sleep through the noise around us:
1) FORGET THE NOISE.
Thinking about (or being aware of) the nuisance and how it’s driving you crazy only increases it. The moment you focus on something, you become more sensitive to it and its effects. Instead, accept its presence and acknowledge that you have the power to overcome it. This is part of mindfulness practice where we intentionally recognize and accept anything that’s around us and then letting it go.
2) FOCUS ON OTHER THINGS.
3) BE SURE TO GET YOUR BODY TIRED BEFORE BED.
Typically in the late afternoon, get into a habit of exercise or any physical activity that will make you exert effort. The more tired you are, the more you’re ready to sleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
4) MIND YOUR EARS.
5) SET A BEDTIME ROUTINE.
We are creatures of habit. Our bodies respond to environmental prompts and patterns. Despite the noise of your roommate, or from the streets outside, a routine signals your body it’s time for sleep. Read a book, take a warm bath, or other calming rituals every night to create a steady routine before bedtime.
6) MUSTER THE COURAGE TO TALK.
If none of the suggestions work for you so far, and if a particular person is the source of your torment, try having a conversation with them with a polite approach. You can even negotiate a solution for a quieter alternative when your bedtime comes.
7) SOME EXTREME TECHNIQUES.
Benefits of a good sleep
We know that when we get less than 6-7 hours of sleep a night, we’re more susceptible to diseases. Here are some practical and sound reasons* why we owe ourselves regular, proper sleep:
- It keeps the heart healthy. Lack of sleep can cause worsening of cholesterol and blood pressure –both risk factors for heart disease/stroke.
- It lessens stress. When we’re sleep-deprived, our body goes into a state of stress –putting its functions on high alert. This increases stress hormones and causes high blood pressure. The stress hormones in turn make it harder to fall asleep.
- It abates inflammation. Increase in stress hormones (which results from lack of sleep) also raises the level of our body’s inflammation which then increases the risk for diabetes, cancer, and heart-related conditions.***
- It reduces risk for cancer. People who work graveyard shifts are more susceptible to developing colon and breast cancer. Researchers** found that exposure to light restrain production of melatonin – a hormone regulating the sleep-wake cycle which is believed to protect from cancer as they suppress tumor growth. This finding should encourage us to keep our bedrooms dark and to stop using electronics before sleeping.
- It helps reduce the tendency for depression. Sleep boosts a number of our body’s chemicals – including serotonin. Those with serotonin deficiency are more susceptible to depression. Getting the right amount of sleep will surely help in preventing depression.
Final Words
The founder of Nandina Organics (maker of eco-friendly organic bamboo towels) once attended a retreat in a Buddhist temple. There was construction going on around the vicinity and attendees complained about it to the monk, to which he calmly answered, “Don’t disturb the noise.”
How profound is inner peace that no external noise can agitate it.
Let’s enjoy a deep slumber in the midst of noise (or any clutter in our lives)!
=============================================
Content Credits:
https://www.tuck.com/sleeping-in-noisy-environments/
https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-sleep-with-noise/
https://www.sleep.org/articles/sleep-in-noisy-environments/
* https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-health-benefits-of-a-good-nights-sleep-2223766
** Gooley JJ, Chamberlain K, Smith KA, et al. Exposure to room light before bedtime suppresses melatonin onset and shortens melatonin duration in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(3):E463-72. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-2098
*** Mullington JM, Simpson NS, Meier-ewert HK, Haack M. Sleep loss and inflammation. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;24(5):775-84. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2010.08.014
]]>We believe in showing due respect to nature, which is why zero-waste policy is at the core of TOWL’s raw material sourcing and fabric production.
You see, plastic and synthetic materials in many of the products today are killing our environment – more than we realized.
Worldwide, we consume an alarming 300 million tons of plastic each year –with only a mere 9% being reused/recycled. This means that 91% of plastic (or products with plastic in them) are used only once in a very short span of time and easily end up in landfills or oceans. This is an enormous waste problem that we can’t just brush under the rug. With this amount of wastes churned out yearly by manufacturers and consumers, scientists predict that by 2050, there’ll be more plastic in our ocean than fish. As for landfills, plastic wastes contaminate the food cycle as toxins in soil that find their way into plants will later be served on our plates.
HOW USING BAMBOO SAVES THE ENVIRONMENT
The answer to this serious problem is making better choices. The simplest way that you and I can make a difference is by switching to sustainable products. As a company that’s dedicated to protecting life on our planet, TOWL found the answer: BAMBOOS!
Organic bamboo is an eco-polite fiber derived from bamboo grass. Being a self-sustaining plant, bamboo is the fastest growing tree on Earth, which grows up to 1 meter per day. It takes three years for it to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. It has an expansive root network which is why it doesn’t need replanting, and besides the entire plant is never harvested. Since it grows rapidly, is durable, and yields more than cotton, it’s apparently a better source of fabric. Pesticides, insecticides and fungicides are not required in growing bamboo as the plant is rarely infected by pathogens or eaten by insects. This is largely due to their natural antimicrobial properties.
In addition, bamboo forests enormously benefit the entire planet as they store carbon efficiently. In fact, bamboos are known as “carbon sinks” because other than absorbing two times more CO2 than trees, they generate huge amounts of Oxygen – totaling up to 30% more than most plants. With their strong and vast roots, they make the ground more stable and free from landslides.
To top it all, bamboo needs less water to grow. The plant needs only one-third the amount of water for optimal growth compared to its counterpart – cotton (which is the conventional source of fiber). This means it’s a self-sufficient crop needing no irrigation (which uses water more efficiently) to the benefit of farmers and local communities that depend on its cultivation. Bamboo is indeed an ideal sustainable alternative because of its naturally renewing properties.
HOW USING BAMBOO PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
After 5 years of careful research and development, it was an obvious decision for TOWL to produce and offer you only the best towel –one made from 100% bamboo fabric.
As a brand that prides itself on mindfulness and sustainability, we help individuals and parents to cut down on their environmental impact one bath at a time. It’s very important to us that our core values are reflected in every TOWL product we put out there. Each time you purchase bamboo towels, the value you get includes: reduced overall waste, least possible carbon footprint, and lasting positive impact on family’s health.
Besides being the softest towel material on the market, here are some of the essential benefits of bamboo that you don’t want to miss out on in your daily bath routine.
So, what’s not to love?
For the eco-conscious and mindful consumers, bamboo towels really are the answer. If you value comfort and quality, care about your health, and are concerned about the environment, bamboo TOWL is the best decision you can make today.
]]>Whether it’s canine, feline, turtle, parrot, fish, hamster, rabbit, llama, lumpy dragon, or kangaroo, pet owners know how much life has become so much better for them with their animal companions.
It isn’t merely common knowledge that proves the benefits of animals to humans. A number of research and studies support this point.
Truly, pets are good for your mental health and overall wellness. Do you know what it feels like to be Brad Pitt when he walks in a room? Well, that’s how it is when your dog sees you walk through the door from work or after a long holiday: You are their superstar! To have such unquestioning love and loyalty from a furry companion does wonders to your wellbeing.
Today, let’s take a closer look at why pets are important:
1) Pets offer opportunities for exercise and fitness. Your inactivity or lack of motivation to exercise can be solved when you own a pet (sorry, this may not apply to fish or bird owners though). Our canine and horse friends need to be taken out for daily runs or walks for their own wellbeing. Even a game of catch after a short walk to the park will do. Naturally, as you’re compelled to take your dog/horse outdoors, you become healthier as well: you’d enjoy improved physical strength and physique.
2) Pets offer stress relief. Studies show that people who own pets experience lesser stress than those who don’t own one. Our animal companions have the ability to up the happy hormone in our body. Once this hormone (oxytocin) is released, it attaches with the brain’s receptors to create a calming effect throughout the body. During stressful situations, pet owners experience lower heart rates and have a faster recovery from a spell of increased heart-rate.
(Just a helpful tip, check out our 100% organic, chemical-free, ultra-soft bamboo TOWL collections to add to your stress-relief regimen).
3) Pets boost a child’s positive emotional development as well as self-esteem. This is yet one of the great benefits of having a pet for a child. When children are exposed to having pets around the house (and learn early on how to participate in caring for an animal), they develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. This does wonders to their self-esteem and emotional maturity.
4) They help decrease the risk for allergies in children. A research published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy proves this fact: the earlier children have exposure to pets, the higher are the chances of them NOT developing allergies as they grow older. This signifies that having a pet boosts a child’s immune system immensely.
(And, to help strengthen our child’s immune system, dry them with a chemical-free organic bamboo TOWL after showering. Toxins from textile mass-production lurk in the tiny fibers of the towels and clothes we give our children – which grossly harm their health.)
5) Pets help improve cardiovascular health. People who care for animals and keep them as friends experience lower risk of having heart problems. Pets have the ability to lengthen our life –this is true whether you have a chatty parrot or a lazy turtle in your living room. We enjoy a healthier heart largely because having domestic animals help lower the heart rate and blood pressure.
6) They offer companionship. This is one of the big reasons why pets are important: they offer comfort and friendship to a grieving widow/widower, to a recovering alcoholic, to a lonely war veteran, to a sad college student who bid farewell to a childhood friend. Pet therapy is even used to help someone cope with (or recover from) a mental disorder, chronic post-surgery pain, and other health issues.
7) Pets can give you purpose and meaning. Being naturally social creatures, getting old alone is really tough for us humans. As people get older, we realize that nothing is permanent: we lose a spouse, our children leave home, and we retire from a job and suddenly find ourselves without a purpose in life. Having a pet renews that purpose, especially if it’s a rescued animal, knowing that we’re providing love and shelter to another creature. When we have meaning in life, it lessens our risk for depression as well.
So, if pets aren’t a part of your everyday life, try considering: how do animals help humans survive. If there are negative effects of having a pet, they’re far outweighed by the positives.
The next time you pass by a pet shop, maybe you could pick one that will find a home in your heart.
]]>
Our previous blog, “Expressing Mindful Living through Natural Fabrics,” discussed at length the pressing need to shift to organic fibers when buying clothes. Today we will talk about the various benefits of using natural fabrics. Just a caution: the only possible downside to using organic clothing is the initial cost when you buy them from the store. But, note I mentioned “possible” because this particular downside is debatable and can be compensated for by the vast advantages you’ll enjoy.
The likes of bamboo, organic cotton, and other natural-fiber textiles (e.g. luxurious silk) are stuffed with benefits for its wearer:
Grossly Misunderstood
An old and common misconception of natural-fiber clothing is that they are those unflattering off-white, baggy clothes or itchy hemps. The truth is they are sold in a vast array of styles and colors; plus, the natural properties of these fabrics actually make them hold dye better compared to manmade fabrics.
Did you know that synthetic processes had been used to dye textiles only over the last century or two? Before then, natural dyeing methods enhanced the color of garments for thousands of years; go as far back as the Biblical times to have a glimpse of their flamboyant clothing and garments.
Fortunately, a number of textile consumers around the world are gradually becoming aware of (and are opting for) high-quality organic clothing. They are beginning to see the value of breathable, biodegradable, chemical-free alternatives to synthetic fabrics that are manufactured using harsh conventional dyes, wrinkle-free formaldehyde treatments, and pesticides. *
(You may watch this if you’d like to know more about where your used clothes go and how the fast-fashion textile industry adds to Earth’s waste problem.)
What is natural fiber?
Natural fabrics are textiles/garments made from the naturally occurring fibers of animals and plants. Examples of those obtained from animals include wool, silk, mohair, and cashmere (among others). Plant fibers (such as vegetable fibers) include hemp, jute, flax, and cotton. Boasting of the varied look and feel they offer, they’ve been used for hundreds, and even thousands of years. They also have diverse and distinct qualities:
This list shows us that fibers are obtained from both animals and plants. They are then spun to produce yarns –which are made into fabrics. The textiles derived from these various fabrics can be used to make anything from upholstery and furnishings to clothing and towels. These raw materials are even used for industrial and medical purposes. [** , ***]
Recently, there’s a growing demand for soft, pliable bamboo clothing. Bamboo plants require less moisture than most others, are cultivated without herbicides and pesticides, and they grow very rapidly. *
What next?
Going back to our question earlier, are you really okay with wearing pesticide-processed clothes? They can cause irritation and allergies; and on top of that, the lifespan of synthetic garments is very short and you can throw it out after a few washes. You won’t experience this when dealing with natural-fabric clothes. They are even safe for babies, children, and pregnant mothers and don’t cause health issues, including allergies. Organic clothing smells pleasant and helps reduce respiratory problems. ****
With mindful living becoming a buzzword these recent years, so has the renewed resolve to take better care of our health and the environment.
In the end, and all things considered, going the green route by buying natural-fiber clothes is actually more budget friendly – over the long run – compared to the typical impulse buying habit by virtue of cheaper price and varied designs. If, like many thousands around the world, you’re hooked on impulse buying, could you pause for a minute and consider your health the next time you’re itching to go to the checkout with your bag of discounted synthetic clothes? Natural-fiber clothes may be costly but they go a long way – in many senses of the word.
Learn More About True Organic Wise Living!
========================================
Content Credits:
* https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/838681/benefits-of-natural-fiber-clothing/
** https://www.contrado.co.uk/blog/how-natural-fabrics-can-make-your-life-better/
*** https://blog.patra.com/2016/04/28/the-benefits-of-natural-fabric/
**** https://soulfulconcepts.com/index.php/2017/09/20/the-health-benefits-of-organic-clothing/
]]>–Sadhguru
Do you ever wonder what happens after you've thrown away your old clothes (and even the newer ones you no longer like which you’ve gotten from a Black Friday shopping or holiday Mega Sale)?
More often than not, we pick clothes and pay for them for these reasons: they fit, they look good, and the price is reasonable.
But when you go shopping for clothes, do you pause and ask if the fabric is actually good for you or your kids? Do you go as far as contemplating where the fabric came from and is it good for the planet?
It’s high time that we consider these questions. To pursue and enjoy mindful living, it is basic practice to be intentional in anything that we do and in every area of our life –including the selection and accumulation of things (even those as intimate as our personal clothing).
Learn About True Organic Wise Living
The Reality: Mindless Dressing kills Us
Jaggi Vasudev (aka Sadhguru), an Indian yogi, mystic, author, and entrepreneur (involved in social outreach, youth education, and environmental initiatives) said that the third largest polluter on the planet is the fashion/clothing industry. The people of today have 5 times MORE clothes than our grandparents in their time, and by 2025 it will be 10 times more than our grandparents’.*
Sadly, 98% of what we wear is synthetic fiber, while only 2% is natural fiber. Much of the 98% is polyfiber which has entered our bodies, the plants, animals, and the food chain (which consists of water and soil). Polyfiber cloth is the biggest polluter – bigger than the plastic problem – that goes under the radar. It is sitting on our bodies and polluting our environment: animals, plants, and the food chain itself because the micro-polyfibers are getting into everything. If you see those poignant pictures of sea turtles stuck in plastic nets (or other human garbage), we are those turtles: We are stuck in these synthetic materials.*
We mindlessly put on micro-polyfibers every day with the clothes we wear.
The Call: Dressing for a Cause
You and I have much to contribute to this problem, and so we have much to contribute to the solution. We can clothe the world again in a sensible and natural way. We must choose natural fabrics for both health and ecological benefits.
Sadhguru went on to explain that synthetic fiber has been found to cause health issues (like allergies which affect children the most) and other various diseases (such as unexplained levels and types of cancer). If chemicals in synthetic fibers aren’t the direct cause, then it has some type of ill effect. There isn’t an American today that does not have plastic in their bodies: both from food consumption and textiles that they use. This is especially a concern for children’s allergies because of the type of clothing they wear which were manufactured using chemicals that are carcinogenic. **
The Need for Organic Fabrics
On an average, in the United States a person dumps 28kg of clothing every year. In India, an average of 1.5kg is dumped per year. The highest consumption of textile is in America. In many ways, the United States has become a world leader in the realm of sports, education, entertainment, food, fashion, and other aspects of lifestyle. The rest of the world follows or copies whatever is practiced and accepted in America. **
Indeed, there is a need (and a market) for organic fabrics in the US and the rest of the world. You can watch “Fashion for Peace,” a 30-minute interview, to have a better grip on how each one can be a catalyst in saving health and the planet from synthetic garments.
Dress Green
Having had a glimpse of our current clothing lifestyle and textile consumption, can you really afford to get your health affected and the planet destroyed just to buy cheap synthetic garments? Or, would you rather invest in not-so-cheap clothes made from natural fabrics for the sake of your health and the Earth's?
Let us go for a green wardrobe one item at a time.
You have the choice.
True Organic Wise Living Towels For Sale
========================================
Content Credits:
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OMi827YVB8
We’ve talked at length about the WHYs of minimalism in the previous article; and, we’ve established the reasons why living simply lends us a richer, happier, and fulfilling life.
Acting on impulse
We need to acknowledge that the strongest adversary of minimalist habit is impulse. Impulse reaction is an unintentional response to discomfort. Discomfort comes in many forms: desire, boredom, loneliness, insecurity, and feelings of unfulfillment. Impulse reaction is a quick solution to those emotions even if it doesn't solve anything. In other words, you aren’t deliberately choosing to react impulsively.
Why does it matter to break this impulse?
Because if we don't break it, we let something else (random impulsive things) decide what’s most important to us. The impulse hijacks our ability to work toward long-term goals and our ability to be there for the people we love. It's because the small (impulsive) things truly add up. Impulsiveness can impact many different areas of life: from decision-making to things that we do/buy and we end up spending money/time on things that don’t truly value or need. These impulsive things end up becoming clutter in our homes, space, and lives.
Today, I’m sharing top 10 minimalist tips on HOW to fully enjoy life:
Literally. You can start with rubber bands or paperclips on your desk. If there are five boxes of each, find a place to donate them where they can be used. It doesn't have to be the family heirloom you've kept in your attic for years which you don't know what to do with. Leave the major things for later.
Like they say, tiny things add up: it's really building that brain muscle of making choices as to what really matters to you and as you continually make these small choices, it becomes easier to make bigger choices.
Most habits like working out and eating healthy don't have a goal. There’s no stopping point. Because if there is, after you’ve achieved the weight you aim and you stop, everything starts to go down again. Mindfulness practice (i.e., minimalism) doesn't have a stopping point. The real goal is to not stop. When you purge your space and life of clutter, it’s a continual evaluation to avoid slipping back to old (unhealthy) habits. While you purge material clutter, there are also the intangible ones: negative friends/relationships that don't add value to you OR opportunities or invitations that you’re not interested in.
Simplifying continually is about the sustainability of your lifestyle and your ability to keep the momentum building with your decluttering.
One of the most important elements of minimalist living is devoting enough thought to things you buy and add to your space.
Before you scoop up an item from the store, stop and ask yourself why you feel the impulse to buy it: do you really need it or you only want the fleeting satisfaction of brightening your closet? Did you pick it up just because you saw the poster that says 50% discount? Is the discount enough reason?
At this point, you may already have decluttered your home, you’ve made headway, and now you must stay on the helm. You don’t want to slip, going around buying everything you want. Minimalist living is about needs –not wants. Ask yourself before you go to the checkout: How will this contribute to my life in a month/a year?
It might feel like there's no massive, magical change happening in your life overnight when you follow minimalist living. It really feels good to declutter, see your space open up, or donate your things to people who can use/treasure them. It's all really good. In fact, it’s the small but continual changes that add up over time that really make the lasting impact. What actually makes the huge difference are the process of choosing, the process of building the muscle to decide on what you want in your life, and the process of identifying what you don't want in your life. Surely, it takes time to build that brain muscle. Iit takes time to see all these amazing results, but it’s all worthwhile.
When you do want or need to buy something, make sure it’s a quality item. Investing time and money into finding things that are built to last will ensure you don’t have to shop as frequently to replace your broken or worn-down belongings. As for style, invest in classic, timeless pieces. Choose items for your wardrobe, bedding collection, linens, or furniture that you know will last and you’ll love for years. Don’t shop frequently, instead buy quality. Why not save up for it? You can start by adding organic bamboo towels, bathrobes, and other home products to your collection. They may cost more, but they are high-quality items.
The search for contentment and peace is at the heart of minimalism.
Contentment begins with being grateful for what you have. Stop looking at the things you don’t or can’t have and stop comparing. Instead, focus on the joy, convenience, and ease your belongings bring to your life –whether it’s a refurbished coffee table or a handmade lampshade that brings a smile to your face to jumpstart your morning.
When you’re grateful for everything you own, the longing to own more will gradually vanish.
Detaching yourself from what you own is the major key in simple, intentional living. It’s completely okay to treasure your favorite book or sweater and to feel appreciation for the jeans that fit you just right, as long as you acknowledge that there are temporary sources of happiness. Your belongings don’t bring you happiness, experience does. Quality relationships do.
Learn when to say yes and no to honor what you can do. While it’s important to take advantage of opportunities that help us grow it is crucial to identify and refuse things that will make our schedules hectic from day to day. It is okay to say NO and let go of things that bring negativity to your life. Saying no and stepping back helps you find your balance again.
Limiting beliefs are beliefs that hold us back or instill fear in us: we aren’t smart enough, we aren’t good enough, we’re not able enough, we won’t succeed, etc. While these messages may be convincing, they are untrue. Only YOU get to decide how successful or how happy you can be. Focus on YOU, where you’re at, and the action steps you’re taking to get where you want to be.
What is it that you want from this process? What are you creating space for? Is it having more money to pay a debt, spending with loved ones more, traveling more, or is it simply being less stressed with the things that you need to do to maintain your life on a daily basis?
These are general tips to get you started on your journey to a fuller life. But ultimately, there are no hard rules or fixed criteria for a minimalist living. Do minimalism on your own terms. Do what works for you where you are. Enjoy this new lifestyle.
=============================================
Content Credits:
https://makespace.com/blog/posts/minimalist-living-tips/
https://tinyhousehugeideas.com/minimalist-living-tips/
THINGS TO GET RID OF | minimalism & healthy living https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LIx-ADKyCw
“Minimalism Tips For Beginners”| break the twitch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V5y9mP7RO8
]]>When you hear the word minimalism, a number of negative connotations come with it. So what is minimalism really all about?
Let’s look back to this old quote by Henry David Thoreau, “Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind. With respect to luxuries and comforts, the wisest have ever lived a more simple and meager life than the poor.” Thoreau is an American philosopher, poet, essayist, and leading transcendentalist best known for his book Walden (a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings).
Made to believe?
According to Joshua Becker (American author, writer, and philanthropist – who advocates minimalist lifestyle in his website becomingminimalist), on average we see 5,000 ads every day and a million by the time we reach 21. These ads tell us the same message: if you buy this product (which MY company produced) you will be happy – whether it’s insurance, soda, cars, furniture, shoes, clothes, cosmetics, or appliances.
We begin to believe this message without realizing that we do, and as a result, we start working long hours. We start aiming for a bigger paycheck, or worse we live for the paycheck. An average American lives paycheck to paycheck to paycheck so that they can upgrade and get the latest stuff: bigger house, faster tech/gadget, nicer car, better/bigger toys for kids (and men, too). We’re constantly told from every direction that we’re better, happier, richer, and more successful by owning more.
More stuff, more stress
Well, you don’t have to own everything. Like they say, “the more stuff you own, the more the stuff own you.” When we truly reflect on it, the things we own don’t bring us happiness. They distract us from the things (people) that bring us joy and fulfillment: family, friends, meaningful relationships, pursuing our passion, being generous and kind to others, self-improvement, etc.
Maybe you’ve experienced this yourself where increased possessions leads to increased worry. Things break so we need to get them fixed, maintained, or upgraded. If you’ve noticed, the most common 3 words that children hear in many homes is NOT “I love you” but “it’s on sale” or “let’s buy these” or “I want that!”
Isn’t it a brighter, lighter thought to only own things we need, and get rid of everything else? We’ve come to a point where we own TOO much stuff that when we hear the message about owning less, it resonates with us.
What it isn’t
People define minimalism in different ways. It’s called different things as well: intentional living, simple living, small living, tiny living. But surely, it isn’t a new standard that you need to meet nor a lifestyle goal nor completely wiping things out from your life. There aren’t any absolute criteria or hard rules in determining what a minimalist should be or shouldn’t be.
What it is
Minimalism is a way of thinking (mindset) that makes your life better. It brings about intentional decision-making on what’s most important to you. It helps you identify the clutter in your life that hinders you from living the life you really want. It’s a process of looking at your life and making choices or a lens that you use to look at your life and make choices that reflect your values – choices that allow you to do more of what matters most. It’s a tool you use to remove clutter that distract, a process of identifying things (both material stuff and the intangibles: relationships, career, living environment, opportunities, offers/invitations) that add value to your life and making room for them.
Once you’ve developed the brain muscle to identify the clutter from the meaningful, then the second phase comes: it becomes a way of life – a simple way of living where you make the right priorities come alive.
With that, the habits follow: how you show up in the world and the little things you regularly do which align with your priorities.
Once “do more of what matters” becomes a habit, you then naturally go into a life of creativity. It’s where you live from a place of love, joy, service, gratitude, contentment and NOT fear –fear of not knowing who you are and what you want.
How’s it different?
Can you take a moment to consider: if you owned less stuff, how would your life improve?
Here are a few that may resonate with you:
1) Less stuff = less time cleaning. This also means less time organizing, managing, maintaining, and looking for storage solutions.
2) Less stuff = less time fixing, repairing, and replacing/upgrading.
3) Less stuff = less time working just to make the money that we can use to shop for stuff to bring home to clean, organize, manage, maintain, fix, or replace.
4) Less stuff = more time for MORE important things/activities.
5) Less stuff = more money. When we own less, it costs us less. When in debt, we can get out of it. This allows us to have more money to do the things we want with our life: traveling, investing in a new skill, project or business, etc. 78% of Americans don’t like their jobs but they keep working there to maintain the lifestyle they currently have. We’re in this cycle of earning more, spending more, and buying more. We accumulate possessions that eventually weigh us down.
6) Less stuff = we can find a job we really want that gives us meaning and fulfillment.
7) Less stuff = better for the environment. The less things we buy, the less things we throw away, the less carbon footprint, and less waste goes to the landfill.
A rich life
By developing the ability to discern between practicality, necessity, and luxury, we help ourselves from being imprisoned by our possessions. By needing less and being content, our existence becomes less complicated, therefore less stressful.
By having a minimalist mindset and habit, we’d find more opportunity to pursue our deepest passions. We have more time, more freedom, more energy, more money to pursue things that will help us fashion the life we want.
A mindful, intentional, simple life grants us the space to truly enjoy the time that’s gifted to us by the Universe to focus and invest on what we deem important. A simple life helps us to be in the moment, to savor every experience with all our senses and full attention. Isn’t that a richer way to live?
Living simply isn’t a new message. It is an old wisdom. The ancient philosopher and wise teacher, Lao Tzu, said, “Those who know they have enough are truly wealthy”.
========================================
Content Credits:
“simplify, simplify | A philosophy of needing less” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPBlDD_8WNE
“Minimalism, Spirituality, and Why it Matters” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2qIRr51zBo
“what minimalism is really all about” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nimHKcT8qts
]]>Have you experienced sitting quietly in a room yet your mind is still wandering? Have you had many sleepless nights where you’re tossing in bed because your mind is racing like crazy? We are in a dream spell: we are physically present in a place but we aren’t 100% there. This leaves us anxious, depressed, stressed, and unproductive.
But gradually we’re beginning to realize that wherever we are and whomever we’re with, we need to be completely present in the moment.
That is part of TOWL’s base philosophy — mindfulness. Read on to learn more about mindful living, and check out our best selling products for supporting a more empowered, mindful lifestyle on our Shop page!
Mindfulness
So, what is mindful living? It’s being present in the moment with an attitude of curiosity, open-mindedness, and non-judgment. At its core, it’s a very simple task. There are several things you need to start practicing to develop mindfulness in daily life. It’s simple but not easy – at least not at first. When it gets down to it, it’s all about being more at peace with yourself and being happier.
The practice of mindfulness is marked by openness toward your experience. Your mind, your being, your senses are there real-time. Mindfulness cultivates awareness. This is essential to skillful and productive living. A wholehearted attention helps build many abilities (and qualities) like clarity, focus, insight, joy, compassion, gratitude, and love.
The advantages of practicing mindfulness are evident in reduced stress and anxiety, increased mental well-being, improved health, as well as better adaptability and appreciation of life. Mindful living, especially one that’s practiced with a group or community, helps us to take care of ourselves and consequently alleviate the suffering/stress in our lives and in others.
Meditation
Mindful living is closely tied up with meditation. Mindfulness, in fact, starts there. And, it’s not too hard to do: begin by sitting still for 2 minutes or more per day and focus your attention to your body and then to your breathing. Notice the moment your mind wanders; bring it back to your breathing; repeat until two or three minutes are up.
Benefits of Meditation
Numerous studies have been done (and have shown) that meditation has positive effects on an individual. It **reduces stress, controls anxiety, promotes emotional health, enhances self-awareness, lengthens attention span, reduces age-related memory loss, generates kindness, improves sleep, helps control pain, and can decrease blood pressure. The best part about meditation is you can do it everywhere – anytime.
CONSUMING MINDFULLY
Mindful consumption is among the many positive things that result from mindful living. Being mindful of one’s self translates to being mindful of one’s impact on others and the environment. It’s important to create a space that promotes peace, happiness, and abundance. One of the ways to achieve that is by buying mindfully.
Mindful consumption is the practice of assessing your life and classifying which are harmful and which ones are helpful. After which you prioritize (and let go of) things in your life in a way that nurtures your well-being. This includes everything from the people you choose to surround yourself with and your habits with smartphone/TV to your shopping habits.
You can start by asking: Do I add to the landfill because my life isn’t ‘together’ in terms of shopping and purchasing products?
Are the kinds of items and brands you buy (and the companies you buy from) use organic materials and manufacture their products organically?
Our company is dedicated to preserving and protecting our planet and promoting health in your homes. We sell purely organic products, such as bamboo bath towels, non-toxic linens, organic soap and other home-goods. Our brand is powered by the value of mindfulness –with the mission of protecting you (and your family) by providing products that are made from natural raw materials.
We hope that mindfulness permeates every aspect of your life and lends you peace and joy. As a final note, Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, says, "The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
However, eating isn’t as simple as we think it is. Although it’s a natural/biological mechanism that makes us feel hungry, physical hunger alone isn't necessarily the reason WHY we eat. At times, we reach for food to soothe anxiety and stress, to fill a void, to cope with boredom or tiredness, and even to ward off unwanted emotions like sadness or insecurity, and to satisfy other types of emotional lack.
While we need food to sustain us throughout the day and fuel our body so that we can function, our eating habits can mean our doom as well – if we aren’t mindful. So, have you really thought about your relationship with food?
Intuitive eating is essential to our quest for mindful living. You can’t fill an emotional void with food. And if you can help it, food shouldn’t be used to be your emotional first aid. If you have such a relationship with food, then eating will make you feel good ONLY in the moment. But, the emotion that prompted eating would still be there after you ate, thus, leaving you guilty and frustrated for having eaten so much.
As TOWL (True Organic Wise Living) is all about mindful living, toxin-free lifestyles, physical and spiritual health, we want to provide guidance and support for improving your happiness and health in regards to all things, including eating. Visit our shop for other health-related items we have for sale!
Our food habits and their direct/obvious result to our health (e.g. weight or shape) will have an impact on our self-image. As you see, this easily leads to a vicious cycle: negative emotions, reaching for food to feel good, feeling guilt later on for eating too much, having a low self-image (due in part to poor food choices), having negative emotions, reaching for food (again), and so on.
Surely this looks like a grim picture, but there’s hope. Eating healthy is one of the tricks to being happy with yourself. A healthy food lifestyle can actually raise your spirits and boost your mood.
Begin your journey towards happy eating
1) Forget the weight-loss "diet" mentality. Treating food like a “technical tool” in achieving your desired weight/shape is not a great perspective to begin with. Dieting has a very short-term connotation and is the opposite of intuitive eating – which is a healthy food habit that you’d want to cultivate as long as you live. “Eating is bad” is the idea you want to get rid of.
2) Listen to your body when it’s hungry. Eat only when you’re hungry (not when craving) and stop once your body is satiated. This is a way of respecting hunger and fullness.
3) Eat slowly. Pause between bites by setting your spoon down on the table. This gives your body time to detect that it’s satiated. It takes your body 20 minutes to realize that it’s full. Eating slowly also improves digestion. Be more sensitive to cues: when hungry, eat. By doing this you don’t overeat later on when you’re famished.
4) Be present with the food that is in front of you. Put your Smartphone away, turn off your TV, and avoid setups that distract you. Just focus on your food: the taste, the texture, the smell, the color.
5) Don’t overload your plate. You are compelled to finish it when you do. Begin with a lesser amount. Reload later when you still feel you need to eat.
6) Tune in to your own body. Choose foods that honor your health and your unique needs. Eat foods that make you feel your best.
7) Give yourself permission. Nobody is perfect and you can’t make every choice perfect. Allow yourself some “lapses.” Health is about little choices we make about food that add up over time. But food is not ONLY nutrition. Enjoy treats every now and then and allow that as part of your eating style: permit yourself to bake something, eat some chocolates with a loved one, or eat some chips when hanging out with friends. You can leave room for that little pleasure. There’s no use in trying to be perfect. Free your mind from judgment and guilt about eating. Don’t be too hard on yourself: it’s not black and white.
8) Respect your body. Recognize that everyone’s body is different. Naturally, everyone looks a different way: you’re different from the next person. Your body makeup and the way your physiology responds to situations are different, too. Shift your perspective from feeling like you need to have a certain body shape or to look a certain way. Be fascinated by your body and simply appreciate what it does for you every single day: your feet and arms work, you’re able to breathe, you have organs inside your body that’re functioning as they should. Your body is so intelligent; take a moment to appreciate the one that you have. Shift away from fearing food and from being pressured to have a certain shape. DON’T punish yourself after eating. Instead, increase the appreciation of foods that you’ve mindfully chosen for your body’s needs.
Simple steps to begin intuitive eating
Choosing to eat wisely and happily can be a real struggle at the beginning. To help with your first steps:
1- Keep rehearsing positive self-evaluating statements:
"I acknowledge that I’m overeating. I need to think about how I can stop this pattern."
"What triggered my emotional eating? I need to understand it so I can create a plan to better handle it when I encounter the trigger again."
"Is this just a craving or is my stomach really hungry? I’ll wait and see if this feeling passes."
2- Manage your eating habits:
A food diary will help you keep a record of:
Your journal helps you to see more clearly what you’re eating and why.
What then should your relationship with food be?
You can start by approaching food mindfully and selecting them more consciously. Eat to heal and nourish your body. Use food to restore your energy --both body and mind.
Eat because your heart is full and happy.
Finally, it will do us well to always remember this: Feed yourself with love.
]]>Taking good care of it is essential, which is why True Organic Wise Living sells organic cotton and bamboo blend towels to keep your skin looking and feeling great!
It comes in threes
The skin has 3 layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin; it’s waterproof, made up of squamous cells, and it yields our skin tone through a pigment (melanin) which tans the skin when exposed to sunlight. The dermis is the second layer and harbors our hair follicles and sweat glands. It consists of an elastic, fibrous tissue made up mostly of collagen (a protein) and a little elastin. The hypodermis, the third and deepest layer, consists of large blood vessels, connective tissue, and fat, which insulates and protects the body.
A strong yet vulnerable barrier
Our skin certainly protects us against harmful agents, but it’s not impervious. Certain chemicals can enter our skin through our skin’s pores, and overexposure to irritants can, for instance, result in adverse or allergic reactions such as rashes and redness. These irritants can also enter our bodies through our eyes, nose and mouth, resulting in troublesome sensations which vary in intensity depending on how much of the chemical is ingested. If we ingest too much, whether through the ears, nose, mouth or skin, we put ourselves and our health at great risk. This includes, but is not limited to: our body’s immune and respiratory systems becoming weaker, nerve damage, diminished memory, reduction in reproductive abilities or infertility, paralysis, cancer and death.
Prevention
Our modern environments are becoming increasingly toxic. New buildings harbor a host of toxic chemicals, as do furniture and most linens. One chemical that we should never touch or ingest (and should just avoid altogether) is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is an ear, nose, and throat irritant with carcinogenic properties (in other words, it can cause cancer in humans). Though it is commonly used as an embalming fluid to preserve the dead bodies of humans and animals in laboratory settings, it is more commonplace than many people realize; you can find it in trace amounts on the surfaces of objects we interact with daily, such as wooden cabinets, drawers and tables, towels, and sheets.
When it comes to the absorption of chemicals by the skin, we should pay special attention to those parts of the body which tend to be moist, such as the armpits, head, hands, feet, neck, and groin. After showering especially, the pores in those areas are open and vulnerable and chemicals from towels can be more easily absorbed into the skin: According to a research conducted by the Taipei Consumer Foundation, 66% of towels contain fluorescent agents and another 53% contain formaldehyde.
Using GOTS certified organic cotton towels or OEKO-TEX certified towels guarantees no harmful chemicals come in contact with your skin or the skin of your baby which is a great first line of defense against a toxic environment.
Learn more about the True Organic Wise Living (TOWL) difference today!
]]>Could you really say that you enjoy a sense of peace amidst the busyness and hassles of life?
What an amazing feeling to have this inner quiet when everything around is buzzing, scrambling about, and hurrying. It’s akin to the feeling of floating on the surface of the water while underneath is a strong current that you can neither resist or control.
In this fast-paced modern age, Eastern philosophy has much to teach us about doing less, going with the flow, and experiencing calmness of mind. We had recently talked about mindful living and this is a good time to look at where mindfulness is rooted.
What is Taoism?
Taoism, an ancient Eastern philosophy, laid the groundwork for what is now popularly called “mindfulness.” It came from Ancient China and started from the writings of the philosopher Lao Tzu who lived between 5th and 4th BCE. Lao Tzu’s work –the Tao Te Ching, contributed to the folk religion of rural China and became its official religion during the Tang Dynasty. It is, therefore, a religion and a philosophy.
Taoism teaches us how to live in harmony with the “Dao” or the “Way”. Some call it the “Source,” the “Universe,” or “God”.
Its Principles
The four fundamental principles of this philosophy are: simplicity, patience and compassion; going with the flow; letting go; and harmony. Harmony is especially highlighted in the oneness of man and nature.
Here are some quotes from the Tao Te Ching that show us the goodness in going with the flow and being fully in the present:
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
Wu Wei
Another Taoist philosopher, Chuang Tzu, explores the philosophy of flow by emphasizing the concept of Wu Wei: non-action or action that doesn’t involve struggle/excessive effort. This means using your intuition and natural abilities to flow with your environment and to go with the course of your life. When you do, you begin to take the path of least resistance. The practice of mindful living and meditation helps switch the mind from fear, anxiety, and avoidance to a state of openness and acceptance. To gain a deeper understanding of your reality, it’s essential to meditate every day and to train yourself in the art of Wu Wei.
Here are quotes from the master Chuang Tzu:
“Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.”
“Flow with whatever may happen, and let your mind be free: Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.”
Alan Watts, a British philosopher who popularized and interpreted Eastern philosophy for a Western audience, said:
"No valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now."
He also gives emphasis on being aligned to the course of nature. Clinging to certainty and being anxious create resistance that blocks the beautiful experience of flow:
“The more a thing tends to be permanent, the more it tends to be lifeless.”
“This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”
“To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don’t grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float.”
Flow or resist?
Can the Taoist philosophy inspire you to change the way you do things, think, and live?
Non-action is quite opposite to the Western ideal of getting things done, making things happen, and working harder and harder to get results. We are encouraged to take control, be ambitious, and keep striving while most suffer from anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders from such.
Non-action is not about sitting under a tree all day, doing nothing. It’s not equal to laziness. What it teaches us is the power of gentleness, patience, and trusting nature to unfold in its own good time.
Are you burning yourself out with this almost senseless rushing and hurrying? Taoist philosophy teaches us not to resist the flow, but to let go and learn to navigate the current of life. To live in harmony with the Dao (the Way), there must be stillness of mind, cessation of striving, and curbing of desires. There must also be humbleness and patience. When we flow along as we do our daily work, we align ourselves with the universe’s natural course. Life is likened to a river where Taoists try to navigate through it instead of control it.
Try this flow meditation if you want a taste of such peace and calmness.
Letting go, flowing, and trusting give nature a chance to unfold without us resisting it or interfering its working.
Letting go means: stop swimming against the current and stop holding on to branches. It means letting go of the past and letting go of the future while focusing entirely in the moment. It is to live without hesitation.
It is to live in tranquility.
* * *
]]>We care for the planet, and we know that you do, too. That’s why TOWL is dedicated to providing you long-lasting, functional, eco-polite towels that will become your go-to sustainable alternative to towels made from high-carbon footprint synthetic materials.
We believe in showing due respect to nature, which is why zero-waste policy is at the core of TOWL’s raw material sourcing and fabric production.
You see, plastic and synthetic materials in many of the products today are killing our environment –more than we realized.
Worldwide, we consume an alarming 300 million tons of plastic each year –with only a mere 9% being reused/recycled. This means that 91% of plastic (or products with plastic in them) are used only once in a very short span of time and easily end up in landfills or oceans. This is an enormous waste problem that we can’t just brush under the rug. With this amount of wastes churned out yearly by manufacturers and consumers, scientists predict that by 2050, there’ll be more plastic in our ocean than fish. As for landfills, plastic wastes contaminate the food cycle as toxins in soil that find their way into plants will later be served on our plates.
HOW USING BAMBOO SAVES THE ENVIRONMENT
The answer to this serious problem is making better choices. The simplest way that you and I can make a difference is by switching to sustainable products. As a company that’s dedicated to protecting life on our planet, TOWL found the answer: BAMBOOS!
Organic bamboo is an eco-polite fiber derived from bamboo grass. Being a self-sustaining plant, bamboo is the fastest growing tree on Earth, which grows up to 1 meter per day. It takes three years for it to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. It has an expansive root network which is why it doesn’t need replanting, and besides the entire plant is never harvested. Since it grows rapidly, is durable, and yields more than cotton, it’s apparently a better source of fabric. Pesticides, insecticides and fungicides are not required in growing bamboos as the plant is rarely infected by pathogens or eaten by insects. This is largely due to their natural antimicrobial properties.
In addition, bamboo forests enormously benefits the entire planet as they store carbon efficiently. In fact, bamboos are known as “carbon sinks” because other than absorbing two times more CO2 than trees, they generate huge amounts of Oxygen –totaling up to 30% more than most plants. With their strong and vast roots, they make the ground more stable and free from landslides.
To top it all, bamboo needs less water to grow. The plant needs only one-third the amount of water for optimal growth compared to its counterpart –cotton (which is the conventional source of fiber). This means it’s a self-sufficient crop needing no irrigation (which uses water more efficiently) to the benefit of farmers and local communities that depend on its cultivation. Bamboo is indeed an ideal sustainable alternative because of its naturally renewing properties.
HOW USING BAMBOO PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
After 5 years of careful research and development, it was an obvious decision for TOWL to produce and offer you only the best towel –one made from 100% bamboo fabric.
As a brand that prides itself on mindfulness and sustainability, we help individuals and parents to cut down on their environmental impact one bath at a time. It’s very important to us that our core values are reflected in every TOWL product we put out there. Each time you purchase bamboo TOWLS, the value you get includes: reduced overall waste, least possible carbon footprint, and lasting positive impact on family’s health.
Besides being the softest towel material on the market, here are some of the essential benefits of bamboo that you don’t want to miss out on in your daily bath routine.
So, what’s not to love?
For the eco-conscious and mindful consumers, bamboo towels really is the answer. If you value comfort and quality, care about your health, and are concerned about the environment, bamboo TOWL is the best decision you can make today.
]]>Bamboo is best known for three things: its wood-like texture; the rapid rate at which its rhizome-dependent structure allows it to grow, and its strength. Its texture enables it to be reliably used for building and food. It’s one of the fastest -growing plants in the world, which means it is highly replenish able as a natural resource. Its compressive strength is comparable to brick or hardwood; and its tensile strength is on par with that of steel.
If bamboo is like brick and steel, how can it be used for towels?
The simplicity of the answer may surprise you. Bamboo’s fibres are what do the trick. Bamboo towels may comprise of 100% bamboo fibres, or a combination of bamboo fibres and cotton. The latter offers superior durability and texture. When used to make a textile (a type of cloth or fabric), bamboo fibre is analogous to Rayon; a semisynthetic textile created by synthesizing regenerated cellulose.
Are there any benefits to using bamboo towels? If so, what are they?
Bamboo towels have lots of benefits. Given how quickly bamboo grows, and the amount of oxygen it releases into the atmosphere, using bamboo towels is an ecologically effective option. Bamboo towels thermo-regulate themselves, keeping you cool in the hot summers and warm in the cold winters. In terms of the environment, they’re fully sustainable and biodegradable, making them an easy choice for environmentally conscious people.
The benefits of bamboo towels don’t stop there. They are hypoallergenic, which means they tend not to cause allergic reactions or worsen one’s allergies. They are naturally antibacterial, antifungal, antistatic and anti-irritant, in other words, they resist bacteria, fungus, static electricity and skin irritation. An antibacterial and bacteriostatic bio-agent known as ‘Bamboo Kun’ is primarily responsible for bamboo towels’ antibacterial properties. These properties stand both the test of time and repeated washes in a washing machine. Lastly and perhaps most importantly to many, they are incredibly comfortable and silky soft!
]]>Did you know that you, as an individual, are a powerhouse of vital energy? Vital energy is what fuels you and your very existence. You could safely say that you’re a bio-battery wherein you can manage your energy levels. In this fast-paced world, it’s common to hear people saying they are “burnt out”. That means they have no more energy to move on with their careers or relationships. That’s an example of a person’s energy getting depleted. So if your personal energy gets depleted, the opposite is true as well: you can recharge and replenish it.
First, we have to understand this fundamental, basic principle that your vital energy comes from within. It springs forth from your inner being. Our daily activities, jobs, and relationships can, at any time and at varying levels, either deplete or energize us.
It is quite important to pay attention to the things (or people) that drain or energize us. If you keep going through life unaware of this, you may end up continually going down the path that depletes this vital energy— which consequently affects the quality of your life.
Here are ways to keep your energy high throughout the day.
Keep a daily journal. Write it down and dump it all on paper so that you don't carry it around in your head. It’s a good way to release any negativity and it’s quite therapeutic to make some doodle art or stick photos and stickers on the pages.
Meditation is an age-old practice done by sages and gurus for centuries. If the ancient philosophers from the East lived inspiring lives, wouldn’t it be healthful for us to follow one of their habits — meditation? When you meditate and focus on breathing, your mind rights itself again. It helps you tune in to your being and to the universe.
Get proper sleep. Establish a steady cycle where you sleep at the same time, wake up at the same time, and get the same amount of sleep each day. Proper sleep gives your body and mind the rest it needs.
Align yourself with things that energize you. Begin your day with morning affirmations that feed your appetite for life and heighten your drive to reach your dream. You can try this as a start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgEvA146PiA
Stretching and exercise when done regularly will not only replenish your energy but support your physical health as well. Yoga helps you to be mindful of your physical body and grounds you in the moment. When you’re burnt out or too tired, exercising ironically triggers something in your brain and body that will switch the positive energies on. Yoga and exercise help the mind, body, and spirit at once.
Think positively, always. While we acknowledge the harshness of reality, it helps to look at the brighter side of life. Stop saying things to yourself that make you weak. Use language that boosts your confidence and brings you closer to your goals. Saying and repeating negative words to yourself is actually self-prophesying. When you keep rehashing negative scripts about yourself and others, you condition your mind and body to attract that same negativity.
While acknowledging that worst case scenarios do happen, you can start shifting your focus to more positive things. It’s great to say nice things to yourself: notice your great qualities; think about your dreams; repeat and replay positive scripts about yourself, about others, and about life. This is not to encourage living in illusion, but to train your brain muscles to anchor themselves on the brighter side of life. True, failures and tragedies happen but you can get beyond it. You’re greater than the existing darkness in your mind. Be your own cheerleader.
Let nature heal and regenerate you. Make physical contact with nature. Remove your shoes and walk on the grass. Cuddle your cat or dog. Hug a tree. Caress the leaves on plants. Go to the beach and watch a sunset. Connecting with nature snaps us out of the negativity where we’re locked in.
Always remember that YOU ARE in control. Recognize when you feel drained and when you lack motivation. Rather than punishing yourself and focusing on tasks that you should be doing, pause for a minute. Reconnect with your inner compass and determine what your heart wants to do. Then, let the energy restoration begin!
Visit TOWL to learn more helpful wellness and mindful living tips, and be sure to explore our selection of certified toxin-free bamboo organic towels, and recharge your daily routine.]]>
While the readjustment of our reality is a direct result of the need for an international coordinated public health response to the outbreak, each individual needs a type of response that will keep us sane.
We have to face it: this global crisis can and will trigger increased levels of anxiety and depression. There’s a need for each of us to respond on the heart and mind level in order to maintain our personal well-being in this difficult time. This readjustment has also sent us into a tailspin leaving our sleep hours, waking hours, work schedule (or lack thereof), and regular routines out of control.
While it’s important to keep abreast with the latest stats on Covid-19 cases, deaths, and recoveries (while keeping in mind that it’s crucial that we do our part to prevent its spread) we also become inevitably susceptible to worry, anxiety, and fear, which can lead to reactivity and/or panic.
Ancient wisdom and the field of Psychology emphasize the importance of calmness. This is not to say that equanimity is the panacea for any and all crisis situations, but it is a quality that will help us endure difficulty and enable us to come out of it a better person. Calmness is neither being detached or idealistic, rather it is a realistic engagement with the situation we’re facing. That being said, we need to do so in a way that enables us to see the changing patterns of our minds and moods, and in a manner where we acknowledge the unpredictable patterns of events as the pandemic runs its course.
Developing calmness is a tool that can help us navigate through various phases of life (with all its uncertainties) without getting lost in the fray or losing balance. Calmness isn’t only for the inner life, it is equally important to our external lives.
Naturally, we need a viable treatment and vaccine for Covid-19, and we have our best scientists working on them. On a personal level, we have to manage our response to the pandemic so that we remain functional, sane, and at peace.
Calmness isn’t abdication of action, creativity, or innovation. Rather, it is a mindful and wholehearted response that values the health and well-being of all humanity. In fact, quite the opposite of resignation, calmness is a backdrop against which creativity and community spirit germinate. Equanimity is a steady ground on which you and I can stand and face the challenges in our lives — especially today.
1) To keep calm and stay sane, first of all, notice when you’re about to fall into the chasm of anxiety. It’s important to take note of the early signs that you’re starting to get anxious and crucial to have the mind to stop automatic reactions.
2) Take a second to steady your attention on your breath. Stabilize your unsettled, scattered thoughts. Take up a confident posture that will signal your brain a sense of dignity and wakefulness.
3) After your attention is stabilized, think of a mountain you know well. Do a gradual, mental scan starting at its base, slopes, and the way it rises up from the base.
4) Imagine yourself as that mountain and speak of think this phrase or one that is similar: “I have a solid base where I’m in contact with the ground, my body is stable, my head is supported by this strong body and steady shoulders. I’m like a mountain through each day, with every season, through the years...I have a sense of myself sitting with dignity and wakefulness. Experiences come and go but my breath is my anchor. I’m a mountain — steady through it all.”
Anytime a news report, outside stimulus, or a triggering thought leaves you feeling panicky, anxious, or unsteady, take a few moments to stop and breathe. Visualize yourself as a mountain. Assume a confident posture and go through steps 1 through 4. Steady your mind and body (like a mountain) as images, thoughts, impulses, emotions, and bodily sensations come and go. Focus your attention on the steady and enduring nature of the mountain.
During the day or night, bring awareness to each moment that you’re alive and breathing. As best as you’re able to bring this attitude of steadiness to the experiences you’re having whether pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Recognize without judgment, and then allow and embrace each waking moment.
Mark Twain said, “I am an old man and have had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened…Never worry, never hurry.”
Keep calm my friend.
Visit TOWL today to explore more helpful wellness and mindful living tips, and be sure to check out our selection of super soft and comforting bamboo organic towels to add a little calmness to your daily routine.
]]>Do you agree that real beauty is more than skin deep? Quite honestly, beauty is way more than the appearance of your skin. In an age of social media, both men and women get this social pressure to present flawless skin to the world. But healthy skin is far more important than simply creating a good impression and garnering a hundred likes on Facebook or Instagram.
Your skin is not only for beauty or appearance. It is, in fact, the largest organ of the body, which performs many essential tasks for your health. It protects all of the internal organs from UV rays, environmental pollutants, microbes, and a host of other harmful microorganisms. It stores fluids inside the body to prevent dehydration, and so much more!
Healthy skin means you’re protecting your body not only from germs and infections, but also from damages to your muscles, bones, and internal organs. When exposed to the sun, healthy skin produces vitamin D, which is crucial for many body functions. The skin is also full of nerve endings that help you feel external changes like cold, heat, and even pain. Without sensation, you could get badly hurt and not even know it.
What Is the Purpose of Skin Care?
Your skin has a memory. In ten, twenty, thirty years from now, your skin will show the results of how it was treated today. So treat it kindly and with respect.
–Jana Elston (licensed beauty therapist & educator)
So, you’re probably wondering why skin care is important. To be frank, maintaining a skincare routine will greatly contribute to your beautiful and healthy skin a couple of decades from now as you age.
In addition, here’s why you should take care of your skin:
You won’t achieve youthful-looking skin overnight. Skincare takes time and consistency to give it the nourishment so that it looks and feels lustrous and healthy. Along with your skincare routine, here are some essential nutrients that can boost your skin’s appearance and texture overtime:
Since older cells make way for newer skin cells, we shed millions of dead skin cells daily — leaving a trail of shed skin. a.k.a. dust, everywhere. This means that the vibrant skin you had yesterday may look dull today as skin cells get ready to shed. Keeping a consistent skincare routine helps maintain your skin’s radiance.
Someone you know may be naturally gifted with beautiful, glowing skin that doesn’t require a skincare routine. They must have the lucky genes! Unfortunately, this isn’t so for everyone. A number of factors, including different skin types, affect our skin’s health, which is why maintenance is not the same for everyone. It’ll do you well to personalize your own daily skin care regimen.
Your skin, especially on your face, is the part of your body that others easily see (and initially look at). Great skin really stands out, so much so, in fact, that people won’t notice if you’re having a bad hair-day, or if what you’re wearing isn’t in style. Routine skin care enhances your natural glow to really show your beauty.
Looking after your skin’s health every day actually saves you money in the long run. Dealing with deep wrinkles, acne scars, skin discoloration/pigmentation, and other issues later on in life proves to be more expensive. Small things do add up, and that said, regular daily skincare spares you from expensive visits to a dermatologist/plastic surgeon in the future.
When you follow a skin health routine, you can easily build mindful living habits around it as well. This can include hair, scalp, and oral care, as well as healthy nutrition routines.
In addition to these awesome benefits, make a mindful decision of having an organic bamboo TOWL in your home. Your skin is at its most vulnerable right after you shower. That said, using chemical-laden towels invites carcinogenic toxins to penetrate the open pores when drying after bath — harming your overall health. Support your skin’s health and your overall wellness with eco-friendly bamboo towels.
Practice all of these together and you’ll certainly feel and look healthy!
]]>Let’s revisit an age-old secret. There’s one simple way to experience happiness over an extended period of time — and even every day. It’s within your power, and the way to do it is to simply be grateful.
Has this happened to you, where a small “thank you” went a long way? Did you also notice that being frequently thankful improves your day? Now take it a notch higher and you’d find that practicing gratitude daily can transform your life.
We used to believe that happiness brings us gratitude, but actually, it’s the other way around. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness. Gratitude has that power.
How Does Gratitude Enhance Happiness?
Gratitude helps us snap out of our default way of thinking. Because we tend to think negatively and we naturally magnify things to complain about, consciously bringing our mind to a state of gratitude will help us see positive things that we initially overlooked.
When you’re constantly thankful — even for the smallest things — it trains your brain to think positively. It literally switches the brain to a positive mode. When you’re positive, you exude that energy, and this positive energy that you exude will attract more things to be thankful for.
Devani Alderson (entrepreneur, co-founder of iCreateDaily) said, “Gratitude creates a positive gravitational field, and is what anchors and attracts the good to the orbit of your life.” Deepak Chopra (alternative medicine, New Age movement advocate) also expressed the same principle, “Gratitude opens the door to the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe.”
Why Is Gratitude Important For Our Overall Well-Being?
Gratitude comes from love and love is the greatest force of life. There are two ways to look at things in your life: to appreciate or depreciate their value. When you complain and whine about the things that show up in your life, you depreciate it. You resent it because it’s not big enough or shiny enough, it’s not the color you want, or it’s not what you really wanted in the first place. Resentment, fault finding, complaining: these block you from the flow. They separate you from love. Resentment reinforces the idea that you’re separate from the universe and it’s not giving you enough.
Inversely, to appreciate is to be grateful for anything that shows up in your life. Dr. Wayne Dyer (psychologist, self-help author, motivational speaker) defines gratitude as “the complete and full response of the heart to everything in the universe.” Gratitude reverses or stops the feeling of separateness from what shows up. Expressing gratitude with regular affirmations keeps the channel clear between you and The Source.
When you express gratitude for everything, you open up channels for more goodness to come. Resentful people get less of the good in life because their resentment is actually what blocks it. When they receive something, their instant response is often:
It’s just an endless feeling of not happy.
What Can You Do?
Start cultivating the attitude of flow, of permitting, of allowing things to continue to grow in you because gratitude is love. The difficult part is that we also have to be grateful for what doesn't show up. We have to learn to be grateful for what we don't have, for the suffering that we're going through, and the experience of lack or scarcity in our life. Everything in the physical reality has its opposite. Until we learn how to be grateful for the bad things, we can’t really understand true gratitude.
Learn to be thankful for every experience in your life (both good and bad), especially the bad ones, because the only other option is to be resentful. Resentment is too high a price to pay. You risk happiness by being resentful.
Dr. Dyer says that you're not going to get it ALL in life because you ARE it all already. All the elements that make your life complete are in you. You already have everything you need to be successful, to have love, and to have peace. You don't need one thing more. Anything else that shows up is just a bonus from the universe.
What Are the Benefits of Gratitude?
Here are several of the scientifically proven benefits of living a life of gratitude.
Stop the mental habit of negativity and resentment. Replace it with gratitude and you’ll be happier.
You will truly see your life transform.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
**REFERENCES:
]]>The use of bamboo fabric is growing globally as one of the most sought-after fabrics due to its key environmental and health benefits. With the coronavirus crisis posing a real threat, consumers have increasingly become health-aware and eco-conscious. Holistic health is becoming the underlying reason for many purchasing decisions of modern-day consumers –including when they go to a spa.
Technically a grass, bamboo is considered a “green” material source. Since ancient times, it’s been used in architecture, construction, agriculture and daily household activities. Today, the fashion industry is catching on: bamboo is a valued material as it has the desired qualities for designing luxury brands.
Interestingly, spa and hotel industries aren’t far behind, either. As an important innovation in the textile sector, bamboo has recently been included in the production and development of products for the hotel industry. It’s been considered in all kinds of textile items that are personalized for the operations of luxury spas where the guests are the most important asset. [1]
Bamboo is highly valued for its antibacterial properties, and this isn’t just a marketing trick. Beyond the hype featuring the benefits of bamboo, the plant contains a natural antimicrobial compound called “kun”. This bio-agent is what makes the plant resistant to pests that would otherwise harm its growth in its natural environment. Kun means there’s no need to use any kind of pesticides/herbicides when cultivating bamboo –making it one of the reasons why bamboo grows at such rapid rates. It’s among the rare plants that can survive all that nature can throw at it –whether pests, bugs, insects or extreme weather.
Bamboo kun is also an antifungal bio-agent which prevents fungi from infesting the fabric. This compound works to make bamboo textiles naturally odor resistant.
When bamboo tufts are processed into fiber, the antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties remain, fighting back against odor-causing agents and keeping the towels smelling as fresh as when they first arrived. These essential properties (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, odor-resistant) prevent mold-and-mildew buildup in towels that are left hanging around often damp after use –something that pure cotton towels doesn't guarantee.
Apart from it being a great selling point, does the anti-bacterial claim hold water under close examination? Some studies prove that using alternative [mechanical] methods for fiber processing will preserve the bamboo’s antibacterial and antifungal properties.
In contrast, conventional, mass-production of fabrics means wholesale use of toxic chemicals –even before the manufacturing stage begins. Pesticides are already sprayed into plants (e.g., cotton) and harmful chemicals applied in soil making these toxins an integral part of the textiles we buy.
The implication is very important for hotels/spas to consider: businesses (like TOWL) whose products are organically sourced and made in small batches are a great supplier of bamboo linens and towels. Small-size manufacturers that use alternative [mechanical, eco-friendly] methods, plus natural dyes, in towel production should be the preferred provider of today’s wholesale towel supplies.
Bamboo towels are less likely to breed bacterial growth and fungi infestation because of its quick drying, fabric breathability, mildew-resistant and moisture-wicking abilities. With these super-qualities, bamboo towels are perfect for spas –giving customers a luxurious experience and constant comfort while ensuring their health.
(Download the spa card here)
*"The Antibacterial Performance of Natural Bamboo Fiber and Its Influencing Factors" -a study presented in the International Convention of Society of Wood Science and Technology in Beijing, China (August 2012)
*an independent lab doing tests on the antibacterial property of natural bamboo fabrics “bamboo fiber in clothing fabric| Process Description (Innovative Textile)” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dq9FpSyFA8
-------------------------------------------
Content Credits
https://allurebathfashions.co.uk/blogs/allure-blog/bamboo-towels-what-are-the-benefits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkSuzXlMJrY “bamboo fabric basic health benefits”
]]>Yes, you read the title right. There are benefits to being by yourself. And with the current Covid-19 pandemic, we can still benefit from the community lockdown implemented by governments around the globe.
Understandably, not many can imagine spending a long time in social isolation. For some, especially teenagers, being shut up in the house with family can spell n-i-g-h-t-m-a-r-e. We acknowledge that this is a fair enough response to the lockdown since humans are social creatures.
Majority of us live in cities and spend most of our time in groups, oftentimes outside, interacting with different people on a daily basis. But, let’s not forget that human history is not lacking of social adversities either. History proves that we’ve faced many wars, epidemics, famines, calamities, and economic downfall. So an adversity that’s realistic and inevitable includes being a situation where we are condemned to ourselves. This can be due to living in a remote place, being imprisoned, severe illness, or a worldwide crisis where our government orders us to stay home for safety.
For a person who’s an extrovert and naturally outgoing, the idea of spending a long time in solitude is inconceivable. We don’t downplay the possible negative impact of isolation. Paul Kop, a Dutch Psychologist, explains that long-term isolation at home can have severe (and even traumatic) effects. Hence, the importance of keeping in touch with people and leaving the house when chance allows it.
However, in times like a global pandemic, we gain much by looking at the positive side of forced isolation. While the current events and rising cases of Covid-19 infections outside our control, it’s not this situation that will decide our mood. Instead, it’s ultimately the position we take towards it.
While shutting off the world completely isn’t highly encouraged, it’s possible to use this period of isolation not only for personal growth, but surprisingly, for more meaningful social connections as well.
Let’s dive in and explore the 7 benefits of social isolation.
This is the time to think deeply about the quality of your life and assess your social connections, your job, how far you’ve come since the last 5 years.
As it is, you’re taking a break from the often busy life –which doesn’t allow you to have time for your ‘self’. Now is your chance! This temporary disconnection from the outside world allows you to reflect and gain new insights.
We’re greatly influenced by the herd than we’d like to admit. Some time away from the group is beneficial in helping discover your authentic self –paving the way for self-realization and, as Nietzsche puts it, “to become who we are.” Psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter further explains in an article in Psychology Today, “When you’re part of a group, you’re more likely to go along with what the group is doing or thinking, which aren’t always the actions you would take or the decisions you would make if you were on your own.”
In solitude, we can think on our past actions and choices, look at life from a different angle, and gain new perspective.
When most of your waking life is spent outside: socializing, working, traveling, studying, doing chores, etc. chances are there’s a disconnect between you and your home. Carl Jung, a Swiss Psychiatrist, said that your living space is an extension of the self. So, IF because of your busy lifestyle your home has become an unpleasant living space, chances are you’d like to escape it often and would prefer hanging out in a bar after work.
But having to stay home (whether by choice or not) allows you to examine your living space and take necessary measures to turn it into a pleasant, cozy place that you’d actually love spending time in. This way, you’d feel grounded when at home where you experience a deep sense of peace. In making your home a haven, having an organic bamboo TOWL in your collection will add much value to the comfort of your living space.
When you’re feeling grounded in your living space and have spent days in reflective solitude, it may be a good time to get your pen and paper to write down your goals for the future.
Oftentimes, many of us run through life like a headless chicken, making important decisions on the fly, and often influenced by people around us when making them. We make those decisions without enough reflection. But no more! This is the time to take a step back and consider HOW we want to live moving forward.
There are dusted and dark parts of you that you’ve pushed aside for far too long, because –yes exactly– life got in the way. This is an opportunity to shed light on those hobbies, interests, and passions that you haven’t paid any attention to. Because of your job, social life, travels, etc. there’s just no room anymore to your artistic side –which society may see as impractical/useless.
In your isolation, you have all the time and energy to shed light on these forsaken parts and reignite their flame. Connect with the part of you that you’ve forgotten or suppressed. It’s now time to bloom.
Face-to-face interaction is a luxury to miss in this time of social distancing. Physical presence, touch, hugs are things you can’t enjoy for now. But, you can be creative in finding an alternative for communication. As long as you have a webcam and mic, talking to friends around the globe is easy. If it’s impossible to hang out as a group, this is a perfect time to have long conversations with your Dad/Mom, Grandpa, an old Aunt you seemed to forget about, your partner/spouse, or with your child. You may also make DIY cards for someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
This is the real treasure of isolation: solitude leads us to be more creative. Creativity often relies on solitary activities like writing poetry or practicing a musical instrument.
Isolation can be a wonderful chance to work on a creative project which you previously didn’t get to do: pottery, painting, song composition, bonsai, vegetable gardening, etc.
What interests you the most that you can start?
Being part of society also means getting entangled with a group’s decision, external factors, and the many engaging things the outside world has to offer. Especially in today’s consumerist society, the “work-hard-play-harder” mentality is instilled in us, and we’re made to believe that all the good stuff are out there. The truth is, all the good stuff is inside you. Happiness doesn’t come from others, it’s found within.
Keeping up with the Joneses has left us high-and-dry. Really, it’s like chasing after a treasure that will constantly be out of reach.
Social isolation is a great opportunity to detach yourself from the religion of money/consumption and nurture contentment with what you already have –and with who you are.
The BEST takeaway from this is to discover that YOU ARE ENOUGH. What else do you really need?
]]>Your home is a refuge. A shelter at the end of a busy day and a familiar place we long for while travelling. However, this refuge can have dangerous terrain. Many products we use in our home contain active compound chemicals that can put you and your family at risk.
Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to detox your home and eliminate harmful substances:
1. Avoid Toxic Cleaning Products
Use baking soda to scrub tiles, replace bleach with vinegar, and try hydrogen peroxide for removing stains. These products are cheap and can often easily be found at home.
2. No Shoes Allowed
Your shoes drag in dirt and, more worryingly, chemicals such as tar from asphalt roads, a known carcinogen. Make sure to remove your shoes before entering the house. Also, use doormats and vacuum often to remove dirt and dust.
3. Fresh Air Please
Freshen up your home! Go open your windows and doors and let fresh air in. The EPA says that indoor air can be 100x more toxic than outdoor air (read more in our blog, “The 5 Most Harmful Toxins Hiding in Your Home”). Use green plants, fresh flowers and herbs such as rosemary and sage to add chlorophyll and natural fragrances. Avoid synthetic air fresheners. These synthetic fragrances contain a host of chemicals. Use alternatives like Nature’s Mist, an organic air freshener.
4. Find Plastic Alternatives
Avoid storing your food in plastic. Many plastics contain BPA (Bisphenol A) a compound which is associated with various health problems such as cancer and phthalates — a group of chemicals that are harmful to the endocrine system. Toxic plastics can be found on shower curtains, children’s toys and cookware.
Hazardous plastics to look out for:
Use BPA free plastics, bottled-glass, glass containers, and ceramic bowls when packaging foods.
5. Filter Your Shower and Use a Drinking Water Filter
Skin pores widen while showering making dermal absorption of chlorine and other chemicals possible. In fact, more chlorine enters the body through showering than through drinking tap water! Shower and water filters can eliminate most chemicals found in tap water.
6. Avoid Toxic Pesticides and Herbicides in Your Garden
Pesticides are easily tracked inside by pets and children and can affect your lungs and skin. Use natural alternatives such as neem, onion and garlic spray, and salt spray.
7. Beware — the Price of Beauty
Cosmetics, toothpaste, deodorant and perfumes are full of toxins. Read labels carefully to avoid chemicals such as parabens, oxybenzone, and toluene.
8. Avoid Non-Stick Cookware
Teflon contains harmful PFC’s (perfluorinated chemicals), a carcinogenic group of chemicals.
9. Get Your House Tested
Make sure there are no carbon monoxide leaks from gas stoves, chimneys, and gas water heaters.
10. Use Organic Linens From Wise Towl
Most clothing, bedding and home fabrics contain formaldehyde and a host of other hazardous chemicals. When shopping for sheets and towels, make sure to choose Oeko-Tex certified fabrics. When stepping out of the shower, your skin pores are at their most vulnerable. Make sure you reach for Wise Towl’s non-toxic Enso bamboo towel.
Breathe easy!
]]>Inner calm is a rare quality — and a true blessing — in this chaotic world. Much of our belief system has a bearing on how we face life, handle problems, and experience inner peace in the midst of harsh realities.
Did you know there’s a school of philosophy that’s created for those who want to live a good life and survive reality?
It’s called Stoicism, and today, we will talk about important Stoic exercises we can all utilize to help us enjoy inner calm.
First, let’s have a brief overview of this philosophy. It was founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens in the early 3rd century BC and had three primary forerunners:
Stoicism asserts that virtue is when you find happiness, judgment must be based not on words but behavior — we cannot rely on nor control external events but only ourselves and our response.
Its major teachings center on reminding us of how unpredictable the world can be, how fleeting our moment in life is, and how to be strong, in control of yourself, and steadfast. It shows us that man’s dissatisfaction lies in our impulsive dependency on our reactive senses rather than logic. Stoicism is the kind of philosophy that’s not concerned about complicated theories of the world or about endless debate. Its central concern is helping us overcome destructive emotions and it is a philosophy built for action.
Stoic discipline is similar to a pre-game warm up or a yoga session that stretches your muscles. You prepare for a philosophic life in which the right state of mind is the most crucial part. Stoics practice a spiritual regimen and draw upon it for daily strength.
Here are stoic exercises that will help us get into the right state of mind which will ultimately lend us inner calm.
The premeditation of evils (premeditatio malorum) is an exercise where you imagine the worst things that could happen or things that could be taken from you. It helps you prepare for life’s inevitable blows and disappointments.
Aurelius (the Roman emperor) said, “Begin each day by telling yourself: Today I shall be meeting with interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness –all of them due to the offenders' ignorance of what is good or evil.” By combining realistic negativity and an accepting attitude, he regulated his expectations and shielded his soul from trouble and misery.
You may have heard a more modern version that takes a similar approach, “Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.”
To experience inner peace, it is critical to focus our attention on things we can control. Stoics work to distinguish between things they can and cannot control:
"Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command and in one word, whatever are not our own actions."
-Epictetus
The key to this exercise is strengthening only the things within your control — which takes practice and repetition.
Another’s opinion is something that’s beyond our control, so stop caring about them. This may seem easier said than done because the need to belong and the fear of social ostracism are so deeply ingrained in us. After all, we are social beings. But try to pause and seriously think about this: what they think about you does not really hurt you.
Writing down your day’s events, observations, thoughts, and feelings has a cathartic effect on the soul. Aurelius the Emperor habitually wrote personal diaries which are now published as a book called “Meditations.”
Seneca explained to a friend, "When the light has been removed and my wife has fallen silent, aware of this habit that's now mine, I examine my entire day and go back over what I've done and said, hiding nothing from myself, passing nothing by." Then, he’d go to bed finding that “the sleep which follows this self-examination” was particularly peaceful.
For Stoics, it’s nothing like a simple diary. Reflecting on the day that passed is a daily practice of philosophy. These are reminders of wisdom from teachers, readings, and personal experiences. Instead of simply listing the events that happened throughout your day, try to write down thoughts you had or lessons learned.
Seneca said, "Let us prepare our minds as if we'd come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life's books each day....The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time."
Reflecting on the fact that we are going to die (and not know when) will put our life in perspective. Thinking about death should not evoke fear but gratitude for the life that has been gifted to us. Life is indeed ticking away second by second and we shouldn’t waste it on trivial things and unhealthy emotions.
Ponder on how small you are compared to the vastness of life and of the universe. When you do, it’s much easier to let go of the many trivialities of man’s discomforts: the overbearing mother-in-law, that annoying office coworker, the guy who cut you off in traffic.
Marcus Aurelius explained, “How beautifully Plato put it. Whenever you want to talk about people, it’s best to take a bird’s-eye view and see everything all at once — of gatherings, armies, farms, weddings and divorces, births and deaths, noisy courtrooms or silent spaces, every foreign people, holidays, memorials, markets — all blended together and arranged in a pairing of opposites.”
Don’t look at each tree, look at the forest.
This exercise of envisioning the entire universe and our smallness is humbling and puts a lot of things in perspective.
This intersects with Taoism’s flow philosophy: “don’t resist the current of life but be aligned with the natural workings of the universe.” Epictetus expressed it beautifully, “Do not seek for things to happen the way you want them to; rather, wish that what happens happen the way it happens: then you will be happy.”
It’s not nihilism but rather an exercise — and a mindset — where you make the best out of anything that happens. No matter how challenging or how dry and dreary, treat each moment as something to be embraced, not avoided; something not only to be “okay with” but something to love and be better for.
Ambitions, goals, and plans are fine as long as you remain detached from the outcome. For instance if you’re an athlete, you practice every day and you do your best each time to develop your skills, muscles, endurance and strength, but don’t do it ALL for the goal at the END. Instead, give it your best shot and see where it goes. Whatever the future brings, embrace it.
By following the natural course, you’ll most likely end up in situations and places that are more in line with your own nature. Stop striving and let go. When you flow along with life’s natural direction, you’ll find that many good things come to you without much effort or stress.
Whether you want to be a Stoic or not, these seven exercises are sure to help you enjoy that ever evasive inner peace.
It’s important to take time out of each day to slow down and examine things more closely. One great way to do this is by taking a bath or long, hot shower. There’s something about being surrounded by water that allows one’s mind to wander away from the irksome trivialities that seem to bounce around in our minds.
After spending time in the bath or shower, make sure to grab one of Wise Towl’s luxury bamboo Ensō bath towels to wrap yourself up in while your body dries. All of our towels are made from chemical-free OEKO-TEX® rayon bamboo and GOTS organic cotton because we believe in promoting an organic lifestyle. By practicing mindful living, you will find your worries slide off your shoulders like water.
=========================================
References
* https://dailystoic.com/what-is-stoicism-a-definition-3-stoic-exercises-to-get-you-started/
]]>Here is a quick yet thorough guide to the main culprits, their dangers, and easy tips to protect the whole family.
Commonly known as VOCs, these are harmful gases emitted by products such as hobby and craft supplies, cosmetics, cleaners, disinfectants, air fresheners, moth repellents, printers, paints and thinners, glues, cigarettes, upholstered furniture, and carpets — all of which are ubiquitous in our homes.
When we use these products, the VOCs evaporate, contaminating the air. This is possibly why VOCs are known to be found in concentrations 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. Because of the variety of chemicals present in VOCs, many long-term illnesses are linked to them. Paint, for instance, contains lead, which can harm a child’s brain development. VOCs are also known to cause asthma, fertility problems, birth defects, neurological disorders and even cancer.
EASY TIP: OFF GAS NEW ITEMS BY AIRING THEM PRIOR TO FIRST USE
These chemical compounds are used in the manufacturing of plastics such as vinyl flooring, shower curtains and toys. They are also present in personal care products like body sprays, scented candles and air fresheners. These chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation and respiratory problems, and are especially bad for asthmatics. Toddlers are particularly at risk from phthalates because they tend to put any items they get their hands on into their mouths — and most often those items are plastic toys or other plastic products.
EASY TIP: BUY TOYS LABELED PHTHALATES FREE
This colorless, strong-smelling gas is used to help make fabrics such as bedding and towels crease-resistant and helps dyes and inks better penetrate textiles. This is particularly problematic for sheets and towels, because they are used when your skin is at its most vulnerable. Imagine stepping out of the shower — with your pores wide open — or finishing your baby’s bath, and grabbing a towel full of chemicals. A simple daily ritual we take for granted can become a source of health issues, and most of us just don’t know it. In fact many have never even considered it.
Formaldehyde is extremely harmful to humans and is suspected to cause cancer. Extended exposure to textiles that contain large amounts of formaldehyde can cause skin and eye irritation and respiratory problems. It can also cause allergic contact dermatitis — a condition that sees people break out in hives and rashes after using textiles such as bath towels that have been treated with formaldehyde resins.
EASY TIP: BUY ORGANIC AND OEKO-TEX TOWELS AND SHEETS
Click here to enter our contest to win a lifetime supply of chemical-free towels.
Popularly known as “quats”, these chemical compounds are widely used as surface disinfectants and can be found in antibacterial household cleaners, wipes and fabric softener liquids. One study has also shown that prolonged exposure to quats may harm fertility.
EASY TIP: BUY GREEN CLEANING SUPPLIES AND NATURAL SOFTENING SHEETS
Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE is a non-stick coating most commonly used in Teflon. When heated to the point of smoking, or heated when they have flakes, cuts or scratches, TEFLON pans start emitting toxic gases.
EASY TIP: AVOID SCRATCHING YOUR NON- STICK PAN DURING CLEANING OR COOKING.
Don’t forget to enter our contest to win a lifetime supply of chemical-free towels! Click here to learn more.
]]>"I learned about the importance of Oeko-Tex® and GOTS Certifications when I started TOWL and I was relieved to discover the certifications but a little freaked out by a few facts,” she recalls.
We'll get more into the chemicals used in textile in a later article, but for now, we want you to at least know how to stay safe using two important certifications: Oeko-Tex® and GOTS.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world's leading textile processing standard for organic fibers. It is accepted in all major markets and ensures the organic status of textile products. This certification covers every stage of production from the collection of raw materials through the entire manufacturing and distribution process — which must be environmentally and socially responsible. This standard provides consumers with a credible assurance that the product they are buying is not only organic, but also thoughtfully and sustainably produced.
In order to qualify, textiles must be made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibers. The final products may include, but are not limited to fiber products, yarns, fabrics, clothes and home textiles.
A textile product carrying the GOTS label grade "organic" must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibers whereas a product with the label grade "made with organic" must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibers. At all stages of processing, organic fiber products must be separated from conventional fiber products and be free of a whole spectrum of chemicals such as chlorine bleach and known toxic substances such as heavy metals and azo dyes.
In addition, manufacturers must have a credible environmental policy in place that covers such production factors as fair labor practices (including no child labor), water consumption, wastewater treatment and packaging that does not utilize PVC plastic.
This universal standard was first introduced at the beginning of the 1990s in response to rising demand for textiles which posed no risk to health. "Poison in textiles!" and other negative headlines were widespread at that time and indiscriminately branded all chemicals used in textile manufacturing as negative and dangerous to health.
The Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 was developed through the collaborative efforts of labs in Austria and Germany and is a globally uniform testing certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate, and end products at all stages of production. The tests for harmful substances include any substance that is prohibited or regulated by law such as carcinogenic dyestuffs, chemicals that are known to be harmful to health such as formaldehyde and heavy metals, substances which according to current knowledge are harmful to health but which are not yet regulated or prohibited by law, such as pesticides, allergy-inducing dyestuffs, or tin-organic compounds, and finally precautionary parameters that safeguard health, such as colorfastness or skin-friendly pH value.
A tested textile product is awarded one of four Oeko-Tex® product classes based on its intended end use. The more intensively a product comes into contact with the skin and the more delicate the skin of the user, the stricter the human ecological requirements it must meet. Put briefly, Product Class 1 is the most stringent and certifies that the textile is safe for babies and children up to the age of three and includes underwear, and bedding. TOWL linens are an example of a textile that meets Oeko-Tex Class 1 certification. Product Class 2 covers textiles that — when used as intended — have a large part of their surface in direct contact with the skin. Product Class 3 covers textiles which — when used as intended — have little or no direct contact with the skin. Product Class 4 includes home furnishings for decorative purposes such as carpets or curtains.
We know it can get overwhelming when you realize how many toxins lurk in your home. We've been there, we're still learning too. However, knowing about basic certificates is a great start to making your home toxin-free! Check out our store to upgrade your towels, washcloths, and baby towels to organic bamboo towels from Wise TOWL.
]]>