5 Organic Foods and Drinks You Need To Try

Organic food has become a staple in most people's weekly shops, which is great. The aisles are becoming more and more populated with the little 'O' graphic and 'Soil Association' logo which let you know that what you're eating is entirely chemical free. With the growth of the industry, comes a greater selection of produce and, therefore, more choices to make as you wander round with your trolley. Whether you're on a tight budget, want to know what the healthiest foods are, or would just like to try something new, there is an awful lot of choice. We've trawled the shelves for our top 5 Organic foods. Unlike many of the lists which you will find online, we've selected things which you could go out and buy right now in your local supermarket. Let us know if you have any suggestions in the comments section below!

1.Organic Fairtrade Bananas – Aldi

Aldi have been winning every award under the sun in the last year or so. Their prices, quality control and customer service are really impressive. The only thing they've really lacked is organic produce which, if you want to avoid chemical substances in your food, can be a deal breaker. Aldi have recently added organic bananas to their shelves, which represents a tremendous step in the right direction. As well as being certified as organic, they also carry the 'fairtrade' mark and a price which is very reasonable for organic fruit.

2.Taylor's Fairtrade Coffee – Multiple Shops

Needless to say, coffee isn't the healthiest thing on this list, but it's a big part of many of our day-to-day lives! Coffee benefits hugely from being organic, as a lot of the pesticides can add to coffee's natural toxins, which is what can give you that groggy 'crash' feeling after your morning cup of 'joe'. As with the bananas, it is also a fair trade product; it's always best to go organic AND fair trade where possible. The medium roast flavour makes this aromatic coffee perfect for any time of the day.

3.Yeo Valley Organic 0% Yoghurt

Where as coffee might not be the best for your digestive system, yoghurt certainly is. Active cultures in this organic yoghurt are great for you digestive system, fighting away the bacteria which can lead to an upset stomach. Natural yoghurt is also a great source of protein, so it will fill you up for longer than a sugary yoghurt. Yeo Valley is a great brand to buy organic dairy from as they are British, and it's important to support the organic industry in the UK.

4.Organic Nectarines/Peaches

It may seem awfully unspecific, but organic nectaries and peaches are 'musts' when you're buying organic food. In a survey which tested a number of different fruit and vegetables for chemical pesticides, peaches and nectarines were by far the most contaminated. This means that any non-organic peaches and nectarines you may buy will almost certainly have come into contact with pesticides and insecticides. Buying organic will enable you to enjoy a tasty, healthy treat without worrying about what it has come into contact with.

5.Nairn's Organic Oatcakes

The meat and vegetables needed to cook big meals are fairly easy to find, making that part of an organic diet relatively simple. It's the healthy snacking in between meals that can be difficult to find organic food for. For starters, wheat is not particularly good for you in the first place, so it's good for your body that these organic oatcakes are wheat-free. They come in multiple backs of six oatcakes, which makes them perfect for taking to work, or sending with your children to school.

4 Living belive that organic is the only way to go, which is why they are happy to offer a great selection of organic mattresses, natural latex mattresses and organic pocket sprung mattresses. Their Sussex showroom, between Lewes and Eastbourne, has a number of different mattresses to try out.

Get Active, Get Organic!

An organic lifestyle has a very close bond to the outdoors so activities like running and hiking are great ways to enjoy your local environment from a slightly different perspective. Combining an active lifestyle with a healthy organic diet is actually deceptively difficult. A lot of sports nutrition foods and supplements aren't geared towards being organic, and don't tend to use the most natural ingredients and methods. It shouldn't be difficult to live and active life whilst eating well, so we've put together a list of the different food and drink to help you with your new sport or activity! We've also included a couple of other organic products which will help!

Energy is the single most important part of getting the most out of your exercise. If you haven't eaten enough, or you've eaten the wrong food, you'll find yourself struggling more than you should be. The human body is just like a machine – without fuel it simply won't function.

If you are a runner or a walker, you'll need to loads up on carbohydrates before you head out. Carbs are one of the easiest organic products to find, so you shouldn't have too many problems with this one. If you want to step your healthy diet/activity balance up to the next level, try to get your carbohydrates from sources other than wheat. Wheat is actually a big cause of inflammation in the muscles, so will fuel you on your run, but will hinder the recovery of your muscles and joints once you get back.

For exercise sessions which last more than 80/90 minutes, you'll need some extra fuel to keep you going. Sports drinks usually serve as this extra dose of energy, and their carbohydrate and electrolyte ingredients are great, but there's also a whole host of other ingredients which are far from natural. 'Clif' energy bars are a great way of re-energising when you need a little helping hand. Their bars are made from organic rolled out, which are a fantastic form of energy. A few blueberry also provide you with some antioxidants, aswell as that all important deliciousness!

The same principle applies to refreshment. Sports drinks do have some benefits, but not as your main source of hydration. With hydration, why not stick with the master? Water is always the winner in this battle. Try mineral water instead of spring water; the high mineral content will help to replce the minerals you lose when sweating.

On that note, it's important to remember that your body needs more than water after you've exercised. When you sweat, you salt and mineral level can become incredibly imbalanced. The usual symptoms of this are intense headaches and lack of concentration. A couple of handfuls of organic salted peanuts will give you a salt boost and some organic bananas and oranges should adequately replenish your vitamin levels.

Getting a good night's sleep is imperative after you've exercised. Even if you stretch afterwards, drink enough and eat enough you can still end up with a few troublesome aches and pains. If you don't have a good quality mattress, your ability to recover and replenish energy will be seriously hindered. Most people don't think of it this way, but sleep is actually more important than food. A high quality, supportive mattress is a must, even if you aren't exercising a lot (If you don't exercise, congratulations on reading this far down the article). Natural latex mattresses are the natural alternative to memory foam mattresses. The supportive nature of the mattresses, combined with their organic certification (they are made using organic cotton, organic wool and a number of other organic materials.) makes organic natural latex mattresses the perfect choice to the organic athlete!

Paying attention and understanding your body is one of the central principles behind an organic lifestyle. Looking after your joints, back and getting a good night's sleep are all great ways to ensure your body cooperates with you when you are out and about! Supportive natural latex mattresses are a great way to support your body, without all of the nasty chemicals you might find in memory foam. 

Our Top 5 Organic Foods

Organic food has become a staple in most people's weekly shops, which is great. The aisles are becoming more and more populated with the little 'O' graphic and 'Soil Association' logo which let you know that what you're eating is entirely chemical free. With the growth of the industry, comes a greater selection of produce and, therefore, more choices to make as you wander round with your trolley. Whether you're on a tight budget, want to know what the healthiest foods are, or would just like to try something new, there is an awful lot of choice. We've trawled the shelves for our top 5 Organic foods. Unlike many of the lists which you will find online, we've selected things which you could go out and buy right now in your local supermarket. Let us know if you have any suggestions in the comments section below!

1.Organic Fairtrade Bananas – Aldi

Aldi have been winning every award under the sun in the last year or so. Their prices, quality control and customer service are really impressive. The only thing they've really lacked is organic produce which, if you want to avoid chemical substances in your food, can be a deal breaker. Aldi have recently added organic bananas to their shelves, which represents a tremendous step in the right direction. As well as being certified as organic, they also carry the 'fairtrade' mark and a price which is very reasonable for organic fruit.

2.Taylor's Fairtrade Coffee – Multiple Shops

Needless to say, coffee isn't the healthiest thing on this list, but it's a big part of many of our day-to-day lives! Coffee benefits hugely from being organic, as a lot of the pesticides can add to coffee's natural toxins, which is what can give you that groggy 'crash' feeling after your morning cup of 'joe'. As with the bananas, it is also a fair trade product; it's always best to go organic AND fair trade where possible. The medium roast flavour makes this aromatic coffee perfect for any time of the day.

3.Yeo Valley Organic 0% Yoghurt

Where as coffee might not be the best for your digestive system, yoghurt certainly is. Active cultures in this organic yoghurt are great for you digestive system, fighting away the bacteria which can lead to an upset stomach. Natural yoghurt is also a great source of protein, so it will fill you up for longer than a sugary yoghurt. Yeo Valley is a great brand to buy organic dairy from as they are British, and it's important to support the organic industry in the UK.

4.Organic Nectarines/Peaches

It may seem awfully unspecific, but organic nectaries and peaches are 'musts' when you're buying organic food. In a survey which tested a number of different fruit and vegetables for chemical pesticides, peaches and nectarines were by far the most contaminated. This means that any non-organic peaches and nectarines you may buy will almost certainly have come into contact with pesticides and insecticides. Buying organic will enable you to enjoy a tasty, healthy treat without worrying about what it has come into contact with.

5.Nairn's Organic Oatcakes

The meat and vegetables needed to cook big meals are fairly easy to find, making that part of an organic diet relatively simple. It's the healthy snacking in between meals that can be difficult to find organic food for. For starters, wheat is not particularly good for you in the first place, so it's good for your body that these organic oatcakes are wheat-free. They come in multiple backs of six oatcakes, which makes them perfect for taking to work, or sending with your children to school.

4 Living belive that organic is the only way to go, which is why they are happy to offer a great selection of organic mattresses, natural latex mattresses and organic pocket sprung mattresses. Their Sussex showroom, between Lewes and Eastbourne, has a number of different mattresses to try out.

10 Fun and Healthy Things to Try this Summer!

1-Walking, Running or Cycling to Work

The weather may not be tropical, but it's certainly not snowing! As long as the temperature is OK, why not run, cycle or walk to work? If you work far from home, you could cycle to the train or bus? There's always a way to fit in an extra bit of exercise into the day!

If you're lucky enough to live in a nice rural area, you have absolutely no excuses! Try and convince some friends from work to join you, and you'll stay motivated all summer. If you get this extra exercise (which really adds up over a few weeks) that beer and barbecue will be guilt free come friday!

2-Organic Coconut Water

Coconut water is the drink of 2013! Where has it been all our lives? Coconut water is absolutely caked full of healthy vitamins and minerals, tastes great and is now available to buy organic! What's not to like?

3-Go to a Local Music Festival

If you live in the UK, you'll almost certainly have some kind of music festival within 100 miles of you! We just love to drink cider and enjoy music into the early hours! Whatever type of music you're into there's always going to be somewhere that caters to your needs. Having said that, a live festival the best way to get to know and love new music!

4-Look after your Garden

Boring, I know! You'll be absolutely ecstatic once you've finished though. If you have an outdoor space in which you can relax on a sunny day, you won't regretting having sorted out the garden at the beginning of the summer! If you have somewhere to spend time outdoors, you'll also be less likely to spend money to sit outdoors at a pub or restaurant!

5-Enjoy Spending Time with Friends

This is a pretty big one all year round, but whilst the weather is good, why not catch up with old friends? You can just go for a walk or wander round a few shops, without any kind agenda. The beauty of summer!

6-Run a Race for Charity

If you want to get fit, it's great to set yourself a goal to train for. Whether it's a marathon, half marathon or 5k, signing up for a race is a great way to get fit for the summer!

Even if you don't want to become an elite athlete, there are plenty of 'fun runs' where you can raise money for a great cause, dress up in a silly costume and make new friends!

7-Learn to Cook Something New

I'm going to learn to cook Paella, you? Summer is a great time for expanding your cooking repertoire as there are a lot of exciting fresh organic ingredients available. It's pretty easy to fall into a rotation of cooking the same meals over and over again, so it's good to get out of the funk!

8-Be a Tourist in your Local Area

I don't know what it is, but we often seem reluctant to truly appreciate the area we live in. Everywhere in the UK has a story to tell, even Basingstoke (sorry Basingstoke!). If you live in a city, hop on one of those open-top sightseeing buses and prepare to learn! If you live in a small town, look on trip advisor to see what the most local tourist attractions are. The chances are you'll spot a tonne of thing you don't know about and end up having a whale of a time.

9-Grow your own organic fruit

The main reason that organic fruit and vegetables are so expensive is that they need to be grown to such strict regulations and check thoroughly before being sold. It's good that the Soil Association regulations are so strict, but it does add an extra cost. Growing some of your own fruit at home will give you a hobby, save you money and give you lots of yummy summer treats!

10-Let your TV Gather Dust!

The new series of Game of thrones will still be there in the autumn, I promise! We've all looked out of the window on a sunny day and though “I just can't be bothered to do anything today”. This summer, it's time to go out and do things, not sit inside and waste all of that good vitamin D!

4 Living, a brand which has been consistently committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle,  are one of the leading Organic Mattress retailers in the UK. Their collection of natural latex mattresses and organic pocket sprung mattresses caters to all body types and preferences.

Organic Living - Creating your Green Bedroom

Trying to live a healthy and environmentally friendly life can be pretty tiring. There are so many little details in life to keep track of, so making sure that you are doing the 'green' thing requires an awful lot of attention to detail. Sometimes you have to prioritise the most important things in life. The bedroom is definitely 'up there' when it comes to day-to-day importance.

The average night's sleep is 7 to 8 hours, which will be the minimum amount of time we spend in the bedroom every day. If you take into account that many people use their bedroom as an office or space to relax during the day, we can end up spending over a third of the day in just that one room. A third of a day may not sound too much, but when you think of it as a third of your entire life, it makes you realise just how much time you spend in the bedroom.

Going green in the bedroom is, in a lot of ways, similar to the rest of the home. There are certain techniques, gadgets and purchases which work all over the house. However, mattresses and bedding are something which you are exposed to for the whole time you are asleep; this amount of exposure makes it essential that you have a chemical free sleeping environment and, with that, peace of mind. We've made a short list of what we think are the biggest changes you can make for a green, chemical free bedroom:

Low VOC Paint

Paint seems to have always had health issues surrounding it. We may not have to deal with the toxicity of lead paint anymore (it is now legally prohibited in any home paint products in the UK or U.S) but, unfortunately there is a new hazard in that paint industry in the form of VOCs. VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds are used to make most household paint and emit hazardous gasses, even after the paint has dried. Although VOC has the word 'Organic' in it, it is definitely the word 'Volatile' to which you should pay more attention.

Living a green lifestyle revolves around thinking about long term effects, rather than simply viewing everything in the short term. VOC paint is something which can cause illness through long term exposure, so you might not necessarily realise the harmful nature of the paint when it is first applied. These chemical compounds have been linked to cancer, kidney damage, liver damage and many other conditions.

To avoid these long term hazards, there are many alternatives to conventional high-VOC paint. You can actually get paint which is made using milk, eggs, flour and natural dye; this might seem a little too bizarre, but the paint seems to get constantly good reviews. The most popular option is a reduced VOC paint, which has chemical levels which are viewed as 'manageable' for the human body.

Organic Mattresses

The modern organic lifestyle is nothing like the 'hippy' lifestyle which some people might picture. Organic mattresses aren't just glorified straw sacks; they are luxury mattresses, which are made for comfort as well as health. Organic mattresses are one of the most overwhelmingly 'green' choices when it comes to creating a healthy sleeping environment. If a mattresses is certified by organic by either the Soil Association or the Global Organic Textile Standard, you can be sure that it contains none of the potentially harmful chemicals of its non-organic brother.

The most common type of organic mattress is probably a natural latex mattress. Natural latex is the pure sap from the rubber tree, frothed up into a latex foam, and expertly baked into what will become an organic mattress. It is generally viewed as the alternative to petroleum memory foam and synthetic latex; it is important to note that natural latex and synthetic latex are nearly entirely different. Memory foam has steadily become one of the most popular mattress types over the last 20 years, with most mattress stores displaying just as many memory foam mattresses as conventional pocket sprung mattresses.

Natural latex provides a similar level of supportive luxury, without any of synthetic chemicals used in memory foam or synthetic latex. Another area in which an organic mattress will limit exposure to chemical ingredients is the fire safety treatment. Many people have to submit themselves to the idea that chemical fire treatment is an unavoidable necessity, even for a natural or organic mattress. Organic mattresses absolutely do not need to be sprayed with chemical fire retardants in order to pass official fire safety regulations! Organic wool is a natural fire retardant which passes all official fire regulations, removing the need for a single synthetic chemical to be used in the manufacturing process.

Organic Cotton Bedding

Organic cotton is growing increasingly popular in the clothing market, especially with more small retailers able to sell their organic cotton clothing online. The benefits of of organic cotton are not only health benefit, but environmental also. The Soil Association and Global Organic Textile Standard are championing an initiative called 'cotton on' which is aimed at increasing the visibility of the organic cotton industry, as well as helping organic cotton farmers. With the organic cotton industry in such healthy fetter, it stands to reason that cotton bedding, which you are exposed to every night, should be the next logical thing to 'go organic'.

Organic cotton is entirely free of the pesticides which are used on ordinary cotton. 25% of all chemical pesticides are used on cotton, so it's quite a significant problem to avoid. Organic cotton also requires as much as half the water of chemically fertilised cotton, the growth of which is often chemically accelerated.

4 Living are one of the UK's only retailers of high quality organic certified mattresses and organic bedding for a green bedroom. They offer a number of different natural mattresses, providing a healthy alternative to memory foam ad synthetic latex. A selection are available to try in their East Sussex Mattress Showroom.

Natural Latex Mattresses vs Synthetic Memory Foam Mattresses

Natural Latex Mattresses are made using from the quality, non-toxic natural components you would expect, when you consider that we spend roughly 30% of our life in bed. A good, high quality mattress is tremendously important, but is frequently overlooked. A mattress is no longer just some springs encased in fabric, the technology and research as moved on a lot in recent years. A mattress can provide spinal support, regulate your temperature and moisture and specialize in different types of sleeper. A lot of high street retailers will advise you to replace your mattress every 5-7 years, but it is never particularly clear what the actual facts are. Surely it all depends on the mattress?

Natural latex mattresses, along with memory foam, are mattresses which provide comfort and luxury, without the use of traditional springs. Both natural latex and memory foam can be moderately expensive, but the idea is that you are making a long term, quality investment. Despite having a few similarities, natural latex mattresses and memory foam mattresses differ greatly.

Memory Foam (technically 'visco-elastic polyurethane foam') is a soft, yet dense material which has become a household name in the world of mattresses. Usually petroleum based, memory foam is made using a number of different chemical components. Needless to say, a synthetic memory foam mattress is non-organic. Most memory foam mattresses are completely non-organic, and will have cotton, wool and other fibres which have come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals.

Memory foam is is flammable by nature and, consequently requires a chemical treatment in order to meet fire regulation standards. One of the most common chemical fire treatment sprays, PBDE, has been found to bio accumulate, on a small scale, in fat tissue, blood and breast milk. The fact is, these chemicals are designed to stop the mattress burning, not for your personal health.

Natural latex, in an organic wool cover, doesn't require any chemical fire treatment as organic wool is a natural fire retardant, which passes all of the official fore safety regulations. Another benefit to organic wool are its natural temperature and moisture regulating qualities. A common criticism of memory foam is that it is prone to overheating and, although comfortable usually, can cause many a sleepless night

Memory foam mattresses vary greatly in price, and can be produced for much less than an organic natural latex mattress. Natural latex requires more expensive components, which have to go through extremely strict, organically certified, manufacturing processes. You could be forgiven for thinking that memory foam was the more healthy and environmentally friendly mattress because of the angle of its publicity. In actual fact, natural latex mattresses provide comfort, health benefits and are more eco-friendly.

A natural latex mattress (Buyer beware that it is 100% natural latex and not part or fully synthetic latex) is a mattress which uses latex which has not been mixed with chemicals, or grown using chemical pesticides and fertilisers. 100% natural latex mattresses are not not be confused with mattresses which have combined latex with some of the same petrochemicals used in memory foam. Natural latex does not go through the same chemical process that memory foam does; it is simply the sap from the rubber tree (hevea brasiliensis), frothed up, put in a specifically engineered mattress mold, and expertly baked into a mattress.

Organic mattresses, much like organic food, are becoming more and more popular as people start to realise the quality and health differences. Organic mattresses usually carry long warranties (10+ years), which removes the need to buy a new non-organic mattress every 5-7 years. The care and attention to detail required to make an organic mattress provides peace of mind when it comes to making a purchase.

Natural latex provides the core for the mattress, however natural latex mattresses also use other fabrics to add to the comfort of the mattress. The most common, and comparatively eco-friendly, material used is organic cotton. Non-organic cotton, despite being so common, is one of the most potentially hazardous plants to both your health and the environment. Roughly 25% of the world's chemical pesticides and insecticides are used on cotton. In their industrial, concentrated forms, a single teaspoon of these chemicals would be enough to kill an adult. Obviously the version of the chemical which eventually makes its way into retail-standard cotton is seriously diluted, but its worth noting the kind of substances which are involved.

The organic cotton used in natural latex mattresses benefits the environment, as well as your health. Non-organic cotton requires an incredible SIX pints of water to grow just one bud of cotton; it is amongst one of the thirstiest plants on the planet. An effect of this unbelievable water requirement leads to cotton plantations depriving the surrounding area of water and, as a result, destroying entire eco systems. Organic cotton, which hasn't been treated with chemical fertilisers, requires only half the water. The difference in water requirements means that the surrounding area maintains healthy and nutritious soil, sustaining wildlife and enabling other plants to grow alongside the cotton plantations.

4 Living are a retailer of high quality certified organic mattresses. All of their mattresses are made using organic materials, and are designed for comfort as well as health. You can try a number of their mattresses in their Sussex showroom, where their team of experts will happily answer any questions you may have.

Organic Cotton vs Non-Organic Cotton: The Facts

It's strange to think that only ten years ago, the organic grocery industry was only just gaining some form of recognition. It feels like 'going organic' has been an option for much longer than that. Everybody is aware of organic produce nowadays, and the whole organic 'green' lifestyle is a whole industry and way of living in it's own right.

We think about apples, spinach and coffee in a perfectly logical way; exposure to chemicals can't be a good thing. That mindset is exactly the right way to think. However, what we often don't consider is that anything with a natural source can be organic. The largest non-food product with which we come into with on a day-to-day basis is probably. Many people don't think of textiles in terms of organic/non-organic, but cotton is grown in the ground, just like any fruit or vegetable. In fact, cotton might just be one of the most chemically contaminated things on the planet.

The next logical step for the the organic generation is to really explore where else we might be exposed to the chemicals which we try to avoid in food.

Cotton is cotton, right? We wear it, lie on it, sit on it. What else is there to think about? Cotton is one of the biggest industries on the planet, dating back hundreds of years.

Cotton has, more than perhaps any other plant, an incredible history. During the American Civil War, the South even attempted to use cotton as a way of involving Britain and France! They believed that their cotton, farmed by slaves, was enough to draw Britain for fear of a shortage (Britain's industrial revolution heavily relied on the cotton trade). The South eventually lost it's battle and slavery was abolished, decimating the once of thriving economy of the South.

That, and many other countries growing and selling their own cotton, changed the cotton industry forever. There are now far too many countries relying on the cotton trade, churning out huge volumes quickly. This is where one of the biggest questions in the organic/non-organic debate arises: Are the chemical pesticides and fertilisers used on cotton harmless? Or would it simply be too expensive to admit they're not?

Chemical pesticides became especially prevalent during the US outbreak of boll weevils in the early to mid 1900s. Once the boll weevil situation was under control, the pesticide use did slightly decrease, but it set a precedent for global pesticide use. Cotton now accounts for a tremendous 25% of the global annual pesticide use.

The kind of chemicals which are used to make the pesticides used on cotton aren't the same as your everyday DIY store weed killers. Although it sounds pretty morbid, the chemicals used to make industrial pesticides such as aldicarb, are designed to kill the animals with which it comes into contact. Not only is aldicarb designed to kill these insects, it is designed to systematically paralyse them, preventing them from travelling any further. It would, of course, be absurd to suggest that pure forms of the pesticide can make it to your cotton bed sheets, but it is certainly unclear what traces remain. Aldicarb is still used to grow cotton in the US, the third largest supplier on cotton in the world. Certainly worth thinking about.

Organic cotton, needless to say, is not treated with an chemical pesticides, insecticides or fertilisers. Any farm caught using any form of chemical agent on their crops will instantly lose their licence from the Soil Association or the Global Textile Standard, the agencies responsible for the licensing and certification of organic cotton. The strict regulations for organic farming lead to numerous other benefits: There is a constant communication between regulators, manufacturers and farmers, ensuring the highest quality cotton. The strict guidelines also mean that every square inch of organic cotton has to be grown, woven and stitched with immense attention to detail, in order to avoid any chemical contact.

An area where cotton differs from non-organic fruit and vegetables, is that it actually has a significant impact on the environment. Cotton is amongst the thirstiest plants on earth, requiring an incredible amount of water to survive. A non-organic cotton plantation will require even more water, due to the growth acceleration caused by chemical fertilisers. Non-organic cotton plants can require up to six pints of water in order to grow one single cotton bud. The environmental impact of such water consumption is something to worry about. Cotton sucks up so much water and nutrients from the soil, that surrounding plants and wildlife simply can't survive. Organic cotton grows slower, making it more expensive, however far less thirsty. Organic cotton cosumes roughly half as much water, which is the difference between wiping out an entire eco-system, and living side-by-side with other plants and wildlife.

All of the organic cotton mattresses in 4 Living's range are made using an organic cotton certified by either the Soil Association or Global Organic Textile Standard. The mattress range includes organic pocket sprung mattresses, natural latex mattresses and a number of other certified organic materials. You can try their collection of organic mattresses in their showroom, where their mattress experts will be happy to answer any questions.

Organic Lifestyle – 20 Green Tips for Home and Garden

Spring is often a time of contemplation and a time to really take a step back and see what positive life changes you can make. You might have some 'spring resolutions' like running, going to the gym or giving up chocolate, but there are a lot of little changes you can make that you may not yet have thought of. We've compiled a list of our 20 favourite green living tips (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER). You may see a few things which you are already doing, but there's sure to be something new!

1.Turn off your appliances

You'd be surprised just how many little things might remain on standby, using power needlessly 24/7. Computers, printers, TVs and DVD players are repeat offenders.

2.Wash your clothes with cold water

Unless you have tough stain to wash off, cold water will wash your clothes just as well! The same can probably be said of showers, but brrrrrr!

3.Organic cotton bedding

As it's organic, organic bedding has to be made with tremendous attention to detail. The resulting product will provide chemical free luxury!

4.Re-use jars and other food packaging

I personally find it really annoying when people use jam jars as glasses, but why not use them as storage containers for something else. Old ice cream tubs are great for freezer storage, or as a make-shift lunchbox.

5.Buy a re-usable water bottle

The amount of plastic used to make the water bottles we buy and throw away is crazy. You can be a reasonably priced 1.5ltr flask and fill it up every day. You could even use an old squash bottle.

6.Go to your local antique shops and flea markets

There are bargains to be had! You might not like 90% of what you see, but there will always be something for you to adopt and give a new home. It's also a great way of supporting local independent businesses.

7.Cancel paper bank statements

A tremendous waste of paper. Unless you need them for your records, there's no need to be sent a dossier of your account usage every month. Simply sign up for online banking, then you can check your account at any time.

8.Walk, cycle or run to work!

This one does feel a bit like a new year's resolution, but if you work anywhere up to 5 miles away from how, this could be viable option. Great for your health, great for the environment.

9.Buy local organic local food

Many farms around the country now offer organic produce box delivery, much like those of Abel & Cole or Riverfords. Buying an assortment of organic fruit, veg and other produce is a great way to support your local organic farmers, no matter how frequently you do it.

10.Grow your own herbs!

This one is especially good if your gardening skills are somewhat lacking. Herbs like parsley and basil are extremely easy to grow from scratch. You can even buy a little pot from the supermarket and re-plant it.

11.Use old rags as cleaning cloths

Tear up a couple of old t-shirts and you should have plenty of brand new cleaning cloths! Eliminating waste is a big part of creating a sustainably green home.

12.Turn the lights off when you leave the room

Even if you think you'll be back in a couple of minutes, turn the lights off. The phone could always ring, the doorbell could ring or nature could call!

13.Buy some really thick socks!

This may seem a bit silly, but if you think you are using too much energy on heating your home, a good pair of socks and a good blanket are winter essentials.

14.Re-usable shopping bags

Shopping bags are one of the most avoidable disposable items which we encounter daily. Whether you bring your own bags or get a 'bag for life', you will be doing your bit for the environment. Waitrose will exchange the old 'bag for life' of any other supermarket for a new one of their own.

15.Strawberries

Living green doesn't mean you don't get treats! You can grow strawberries in a relatively small pot, with just a little watering every day. Just in time for Wimbledon.

16.Energy saving lightbulbs

They are sold in all supermarkets by law now, but you might still have some older bulbs in your house. Make the change.

17.Find a new use for old furniture

Instead of throwing that old chair out, why not re-fashion it into a planter for your garden? Or why not use an old shelf as extra storage in a shed or garage?

18.Don't use paper napkins

If you're having a kids birthday party, you're excused. Otherwise, paper napkins are incredibly wasteful and easily avoidable.

19.Chickens?

Hey, it's a long shot, but you might have the space and time (not in a Doctor Who sense). Keeping your own chickens can be good fun, and a great source for organic eggs!

20.Get an organic mattress

If you want to avoid all of the chemical components of a conventional mattress or memory foam mattress, an organic mattress is a must. Organic wool is also a fantastic substitute for chemical fire treatment.

4 Living are a retailer of high-quality, organic chemical free mattresses. Their range includes certified organic mattresses from Germany and Wales made from natural latex organic cotton, organic, wool, organic coconut fibre, organic mohair and organic horse hair. Their East Sussex mattress showroom is nestled in the South Downs, between Lewes and Eastbourne.

Going Organic on a Budget

Organic mattresses can certainly be viewed as a luxury item, and an organic lifestyle can definitely be beneficial to your mind, body and soul. However, your wallet may not fare so well. Organic food will always be the slightly more expensive option, there's just no getting around that. The organic market has fluctuated greatly over the last few years, especially in the UK. A Soil Association announced that the organic industry decreased 1.7% over the last year. For an industry which has enjoyed steady growth for the last year, a decrease clearly represents a change in the general public's perception of the organic industry. With the economy in the state it is, many people have really tightened the purse strings, with organic food being relegated to the 'luxury' category. There are, however, ways in which you can go organic on a budget. We've compiled a list of the best ways to budget, economise and make the most of your organic purchases.

1.GROW YOUR OWN PRODUCE!

Why not? If you are fortunate enough to have some garden space, growing your own fruit and vegetables is definitely the most economical way of going organic. Part of what makes organic fruit and vegetables so expensive is the stringent quality control it must grow through. A small vegetable patch of your own will cut out the middle man, and enable you to influence exactly what your own food comes into contact with. There are plenty of completely chemical free fertilisers available, if needed. Once you've harvested your first batch of healthy treats, you can use the peels and leftovers to create compost for the next batch. The 'organic on a budget' circle of life begins.

2.BOX IT

'Budgeting' doesn't just mean spending less; it means deciding how much you are going to spend on something, and sticking to it. There are some great fruit, veg and produce companies which will deliver a box of organic goodness right to your door. You can have the boxes delivered daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, whatever works for you. The prices might sometime seem slightly expensive, but if you eat a lot of fresh produce, it might be a great idea.

We're always told that buying in bulk is the economical way to shop, but it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly how much to buy. If you can get into the habit of using all of the fresh organic produce to cook all of your meals from scratch, you will save an awful lot of pennies. Established companies such as Abel & Cole or Riverford Organic allow you to tailor your box to your own taste, so you don't end up paying for something that isn't to your taste! You can get seasonal organic fruit and veg, which can often be few and far between in the supermarkets.

Your local farm might operate a similar organic box scheme so, by all means, support local organic farmers!

3.PLAY THE SUPERMARKET GAME

This might be the boring and arduous way of going organic, but you can save some serious money. The supermarkets are often viewed as the 'enemy' when it comes to organic food, but they are actually a big part of what made the industry so popular! Waitrose and Sainsbury's have done a lot of work to publicise organic food, and to emphasise the benefits.

There are a few ways to 'play the supermarket game', so hopefully at least one of them will be of help. Shopping around is the best to get the best price on any purchase, but with groceries it's even more important. If you can benefit from a discount or 2 for 1, the savings can really stack up. You can check out the different supermarkets online beforehand, which links nicely onto the next tip...

Lots of supermarkets have promotions which allow you to get a percentage off your first online shop; this is a great way to save a little extra cash. You'll be able to do this with most major supermarkets, so keep your eyes peeled for vouchers and online offers. You can save up to 25% of your organic shopping bill this way!

PICK YOUR BATTLES

Sometimes you just have to cut back. Whether you are saving or simply not earning enough, it's the only option. You shouldn't have to compromise on healthy food entirely though. The reason we buy organic food is because we don't want to eat food which has come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals. What isn't considered, is which fruit and vegetables are most likely to have come into contact with these chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Studies have found that some produce is far more likely to have come into contact with chemicals. Celery, peaches, nectarines and apples are the most chemical-heavy groceries in the world; if you have to pick and choose your organic groceries, these are the ones.

4 Living are one of Britain's only retailers of genuine organic mattresses. Their mattresses are made by Welsh brand, Abaca and German brand, Prolana. You can try a number of their natural latex and pocket sprung mattresses for yourself in the 4 Living showroom.

Organic Mattresses – Expertly Made For Health And Luxury

Organic mattresses represent a new and refreshing way of looking at health, wellbeing and comfort. Their pure, chemical-free components create a healthier environment to everyday mattresses. Everything used to make an one of these mattresses is used for a reason. Here are a few facts about organic mattresses, and their components.

SAY NO TO FOAM

Natural latex mattresses are the healthier alternative to the ever-popular memory foam mattress. Natural latex is a 100% natural material, where as memory foam is made from synthetic petrochemicals. You sleep for roughly a third of your life, so it's pretty important that you know exactly what you are lying on. Memory foam is prone to overheating, causing significant discomfort. Natural latex is a far more breathable material.

Memory foam (visco-elastic polyurethane foam) was originally made by NASA researchers in order to improve seat safety. The first thing to not is that memory foam wasn't designed for mattresses. Long term exposure to its chemical ingredients was never considered when it was first invented. The fact is, memory foam is an entirely man-made substance, full of potentially hazardous chemicals. Memory foam has only really been a big part of the mattress market since the mid to late '90s, so it's impossible to tell what the long term health implications of it are. Nobody has been lying on memory foam mattress every night for the last 30 years; that's where the problem lies. (excuse the pun!)

Natural latex is simply the sap from the rubber tree. That's all! The sap is extracted from the tree, put into a mattresses mould and baked at a high temperature in order to create a natural latex mattress. Latex itself serves no long term health risks and, partly due to the expert techniques with which it is baked into a mattress, has a very long life time. You can expect a natural latex mattress to last well over 30 years, barring any extreme conditions.

COTTON ON

You'd be hard pushed to find an organic mattress which isn't made using organic cotton. Organic cotton is possibly the single most beneficial piece of any organic mattress. It's not that organic cotton has hidden healing properties, but more that it is free from all of the chemicals which non-organic cotton comes into contact with. Approximately 25% of the world's pesticides are used on the cotton plants, making it one of the most chemical-heavy plants on the planet.

Some of the chemical pesticides used on cotton have been known to exacerbate asthma, cause nausea and headaches. Aldicarb, an incredibely strong chemical pesticide is used in the US, which is the third biggest cotton producer in the world. A single teaspoon of Aldicarb is enough kill an adult, if the skin comes into direct contact. Of course, the pesticides used on cotton have been diluted, but it isn't this something you want to avoid. These chemical are, after all, designed to kill animals. It's not friendly stuff.

WOOL, WOOL, WOOL

Just like cotton and latex, organic wool is a very important part of the overall composition of an organic mattress. A common problem with mattresses and sofas is that they have to meet the strict criteria of UK fire regulations. Fire regulations are, of course, in place for the purpose of safety. However, that doesn't mean that your mattress has to be sprayed with chemical fire retardants. Organic wool is a natural fire retardant, and has passed all of the official UK fire regulation tests. A mattress with a thin organic wool cover is the only way to avoid the potent chemical sprays which cover most sofas and mattresses.

When you hear that a mattress is made using wool, your first thought might be that it would be too warm for everyday use. Organic wool is actually exceptionally good at regulating moisture and temperature. The natural structure of wool will help to keep you warm in the winter and cold in the summer, as well as adding to the luxury of the mattress. Organic wool is great for anyone with allergies as it will prevent their skin from overheating. The feeling of an organic wool wrap (underneath a cotton cover) is very similar to the kind of feel which conventional mattresses try to achieve with artificial fibres. As well as regulating temperature and protecting from fire, organic wool really does add to the comfort of a mattress.

MATERIAL VALUE

As well as natural latex, organic cotton and organic wool, a number of other unique and innovative materials, fibres and fabrics are used. These include organic rubberised coconut, organic mohair, organic horse hair and wild silk. All of of these natural components will add to the comfort of a mattress, giving your far more choice when it comes to the particular feel of your mattress.

4Living are retailers of natural, organic mattresses with absolutely no chemical ingredients. Their Welsh and German mattresses are all officially certified, and are made from entirely natural fibres and materials.

5 Facts About Organic Mattresses

Organic mattresses are a relatively new concept, so we thought we'd compile a short list of facts about them. Hopefully you will learn something you didn't know, any misconceptions will disappear and any questions will be answered!

1.A mattress can be certified as organic. It's not just food!

We're used to going to down to our local supermarket and seeing whole sections dedicated to organic food and drink. Organic food has put the word 'organic' on a lot of people's radar, and encouraged more people to think about exactly where there food has come from. It's healthy to want to know exactly what substances you are consuming, and equally healthy to make sure that they are chemical free. Organic cotton clothing is also becoming more and more common on high streets across the nation.

There's no reason to think that a mattress should be any different from what you wear or what you eat; after all, you are breathing in the air from your mattress for roughly a third of your life! Organic mattresses are designed to provide a healthy sleeping environment, and are official organic certified products. In the UK, mattresses are certified by the Soil Association, which is the same body that certifies organic food and drink. In Europe, mattresses are given the Global Organic Textile mark. If a mattress has neither of these official certifications, then it's not organic.

2.Organic cotton is good for the environment

Of course, the main main benefit of organic mattresses is that they are a healthy alternative to conventional mattresses, but the organic cotton used to make the mattresses is actually an eco-friendly material.

Cotton is an extremely thirsty plant by nature, so will always need to consume a great deal of water to grow. However, some chemical fertilisers can attempt to accelerate the growth of the cotton; non-organic cotton can require up to six pints of water to grow a single bud of cotton. This incredible water consumption can completely decimate the surrounding plants and, therefore the entire eco-system of the area. Organic cotton consumes as little as half the water of non-organic cotton, which is enough to allow surrounding ec-systems to continue to flourish.

3.Organic Wool is a natural fire retardant

There are strict rules in the UK about fire safety for sofas and mattresses, and you would be forgiven for thinking that chemical fire treatment is an unavoidable necessity, even on an organic mattress. If you buy a mattress with an organic wool wrap (most will have this) you will avoid the need for a chemical fire retardant treatment. Organic wool passes all official fire safety regulations in the UK, meaning you won't have to add chemicals to an otherwise pure mattress.

4.Organic mattresses are great for allergy sufferers

If you suffer from a breathing condition such as asthma, or a skin condition such as eczema, a chemical-free mattress can be exceptionally beneficial. Some of the strong chemical pesticides used on non-organic cotton have actually been directly linked to asthma, as well as a number of other conditions. If you have asthma, or any other breathing conditions for the matter, it's important to have the purest sleeping environment possible. As well as non-organic cotton, memory foam; fire retardant spray; synthetic latex and other synthetic fibres can also contain potent chemical substances.

Organic wool is definitely one of the most important components, as it also a great regulator of temperature and moisture. Whether you have eczema or not, overheating in bed is not something you should have to worry about every night. If you do have eczema, or any kind of sensitive skin, a mattress which becomes hot can exacerbate your condition. Organic wool will keep you cool in the summer and keep you warm in the winter. It's a wonder what uses we can find for completely natural materials.

5.You can get organic mattresses designed for the way you sleep

Going organic is definitely the healthier option, and it's true that natural latex is beneficial to those with allergies. However, it is a common misconception that organic mattresses sacrifice comfort for health. The care and precision with which these mattresses need to be made to is the first indicator that they are of the highest quality. Organic mattresses are made using a number of different organic materials and are designed for luxury as well as health.

Some manufacturers will add to the luxury and comfort of a mattress by making mattresses tailored to different kinds of sleeper. It may have never occurred to you 'what kind of sleeper you are', but most people will consistently sleep in pretty much t same way every night. If you sleep on your side, there are natural latex mattresses which have a slightly softer area around the shoulder in order to provide a more comfortable night's sleep. Likewise, if you sleep on your back, there are mattresses which are specially designed to spread the weight over your whole body.

4 Living are one of the UK's most established retailers of organic mattresses, and have an extensive collection of mattresses made in both Wales and South West Germany. You can visit their showroom to try the mattresses or speak to one of their mattress experts online or on the phone.

What's inside an organic mattress?

An organic mattress provides all the comfort and luxury of an ordinary mattress, along with numerous other health and environmental benefits. Organic mattresses represent a refreshing and new way of looking at your health and well-being, as opposed to ordinary mattresses. You may not be aware of just how many potentially harmful chemicals are actually in an everyday mattress. Avoiding these hazards, achieving a relaxing night’s sleep and helping the environment can all be achieved with an organic mattress.

Whether you’re young, old, tall or short, a comfortable and relaxing bed will energise and rejuvenate you. We spend approximately a third of our entire lifetime asleep. The quality of that sleep and what we inhale during that sleep, play a big part in determining how much energy we have to enjoy the other two thirds.

An organic mattress can do a lot for you when it comes to your health. From the spinal support of natural latex, to the temperature regulating qualities of organic wool, organic mattresses have some extremely beneficial properties. All of the chemicals sprayed onto non organic cotton crops can be avoided, as can the synthetic chemicals used in the production of petroleum based memory foam.

A natural latex mattress can give you comfort, luxury and support, without the use of any potentially harmful chemicals. A common misconception with organic mattresses is that the organic production process somehow produces a less durable mattress with a shorter life. Wrong. Natural organic mattresses usually carry a manufacturer’s warranty of 15-25 years – which is often longer than the warranty you’ll get with a conventional mattress.

Natural latex is simply the frothed up rubber from a rubber tree, baked into a mattress. This baked latex is moulded into the shape of the mattress and special holes are expertly drilled to alter the feel of the mattress. The fact the mattress is made of one main part makes it a much more solid investment in comparison to a memory foam mattress which might have multiple layers glued together (with synthetic, industrial glue).

An organic mattress refers to a mattress which has been made using no artificial chemicals and has components which all carry organic certifications (where possible). Latex, for example, doesn’t yet have an official organic certification, but it is not the same synthetic latex you would find in a lot of non-organic mattresses; it is a pure form of latex. When shopping for an organic mattress, be sure to look out for the ‘Soil Association Organic’ and ‘Global Organic Textile Standard’ marks. If a mattress doesn’t carry these marks, or similar certifications, then it’s likely that some non-organic components have been used.

There are multiple types of organic mattress, to suit all preferences and requirements. As well as natural latex, traditional pocket sprung mattress are also available in an organic reincarnation. Obviously there is no organic certification for springs, but the wool stuffing and cotton covering are all organically certified. Making an organic mattress is a more expensive process, creating an extremely high standard for organic mattresses. With the standards being generally very high, you can rest assured that the quality of the pocket springs will match the comfort of the organic components.

An extremely popular material for organic mattresses is a fibre called coir. Coir is made from organically certified coconut fibre. The unique make-up of the fibre can create a firm and supportive mattress, which can breathe and stay cool naturally. Coir fibre is commonly coupled with natural latex to create a mattress with a different firmness on each side. This can be especially useful for younger children as their requirements may change as they grow. The fibre, like a good natural latex, is naturally hardwearing and is given a long warranty, so no need to worry about how long it will last. Another fantastic example of how a natural material can have the resilience, performance and shelf life of any artificial equivalent.

Both organic mattresses and organic bedding share the same benefit: no chemical pesticides or fertilisers have been used, so none of these potentially harmful chemicals can be breathed in. That's just a benefit of organic cotton. In comparison to some memory foam mattresses, in which literally hundreds of chemical ingredients are present, an organic mattress seems the obvious choice in terms of health.

In recent years, we have become more and more accustomed to the short life which our possessions enjoy. We are more than happy to purchase replacement products as the old one becomes damaged, unwanted or out of fashion. A mattress doesn't have to be the same. The general thinking with mattresses, is that they have a certain life and then need replacing. Why can't a mattress be a long term purchase, which you don't need to worry about replacing? Organic mattresses will generally cost slightly more than the non-organic alternative, simply because of the cost of components and sourcing those components. A benefit of such high quality components, often sourced within Europe, is that they can last for many years (with 15-25 year warranties, depending on the mattress. An organic mattress is both a good investment and a fantastic way to avoid the modern 'throw away' culture.

4 Living are proud to be one of few British retailers to offer organic mattresses, natural latex mattresses and organic pocket sprung mattresses. Their standards are extremely high and every one of their mattresses has organic, natural components with all of the relevant certifications. Their commitment to organic mattresses and bedding is based upon their belief in a healthy and relaxing lifestyle. Their Sussex showroom has many different organic mattresses for you to try out, and their team of mattress experts will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have.