Emma Sutherland Sustainable and Green Archives - Page 2 of 4

What Sunscreen Should You Use?

After the last few days of beautiful weather I started thinking about how to protect my skin yet still enjoy the sunshine. I love summer and feel so alive after a day at the beach, sand in my toes and sun on my face! So to find out what a natural sunscreen is and how to avoid the nasty chemical sunscreens this summer keep on reading. Personally I use Wot Not sunscreen on both myself and my baby daughter.

How do sunscreens work?

Sunscreens protect the skin from burning by either absorbing the harmful rays or reflecting them from the skin. No sunscreen can provide total protection from all of the sun’s rays and that’s why it is always important to cover up using appropriate clothing and eye wear especially during the hottest part of the day. Sunscreens are filters of UV energy. They are used to filter a proportion only of UV rays.

What active ingredient does natural sunscreen use?

They use Zinc Oxide (250mg/g) which reflects UV-A and UV-B rays rather than chemical actives which absorb these rays.

Does natural sunscreen contain Nanoparticles?

Nanoparticles are man made, extremely small particles that can easily enter the body and can be found in cosmetics, moisturizers, mineral make up and sunscreens. They are used in sunscreens to prevent the white film once applied. Natural sunscreens should not contain Nanoparticles. Friends of the Earth’s Safe Sunscreen Guide states “Studies have shown that Nanoparticles can produce free radicals and DNA damage, especially when exposed to UV light. These studies suggest that rather than offering us sun protection, if nano-sunscreens are absorbed into our skin, they could result in serious damage.”

What does Broad Spectrum mean and is it important?

A sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection protects against […]

By admin|September 30th, 2012|Children, Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

Kenya, Coconuts & Social Responsibility

I recently discovered the world of micro financing and I must say that I am a massive fan. The entire premise is that no matter where you are in the world, people have the power to create opportunity to better their lives. Providing capital, as little as $25.00 can make such a life changing difference to a person’s life. I have joined with Kiva which began in 2005 and represents people from 220 countries. I added to the $342 million that has been loaned to date, with a 98.97 repayment rate. The average Kiva user loans over eight times so it seems that once you start, the satisfaction of helping another person is addictive.
My loan was to a Kenyan woman by the name of Linet, 25 who is married with three children. Her business is selling coconuts and she wanted to increase her stock levels to meet local demand. I call Linet an entrepreneur and believe that she should be not only encouraged but also actively supported. The annual income in Kenya is $1445.00 and my loan of $25 can significantly help her. Organisations like Kiva make this possible as they connect me with a woman thousands of miles away in a country that I have never set foot in. Another micro financing organisation is Good Return – join in the revolution!

By admin|September 9th, 2012|Health & Wellbeing, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

Coconut Water – The Facts on the Fad

I have been drinking coconut water for over 2 years and love how I feel! When filming Eat Yourself Sexy, I swore that coconut water kept my skin hydrated on set and my energy levels high. Coconut water is the perfect base for all my smoothies and even just plain as a hydrater. Here are the facts on the coconut craze:

The Facts: Coconut water contains more potassium (at about 294 mg) than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy drinks.• Coconut water has less sodium (25mg) where sports drinks have around 41mg and energy drinks have about 200 mg.• Coconut water has 5mg of Natural Sugars where sports and energy drinks range from 10-25mg of Altered Sugars.• Coconut water is very high in Chloride at 118mg, compared to sports drinks at about 39mg. Data is based on a 100ml drink

Coconut water is the liquid that is taken from unripe coconuts. If coconuts get ripe the liquid that is inside will harden and become a part of the white flesh of the coconut

Coconut Water Hydrates the Body: Coconut water is an isotonic solution which replaces the fluids and minerals that the body loses during physical activities. For this reason, many athletes and persons who work out regularly are encouraged to drink coconut water to replace all the minerals and fluid that they lose while working out. Even the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) attest to the benefits of drinking coconut water when it fought for a patent in 2000 to market coconut water as the next big sports drinks.

Coconut Water Relieves Urinary Problems: If you consume coconut water on a regular basis it can reduce urinary problems. People who suffer from strangury, polyutra and other […]

By admin|August 14th, 2012|Children, Detox, Emma's Detox, Health & Wellbeing, Nutrition, Research, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

What Do You Need to Know About Food?

I am an avid fan of author Michael Pollan and his books are wonderful resources. He is visiting Sydney in July and will be speaking at the Opera House so why not go along!

By admin|April 11th, 2012|Health & Wellbeing, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

What is Spirulina?

I use spirulina daily and if you look through my recipes you will see that it features in many of them, so what exactly is spirulina? Well it’s a blue-green algae (don’t be turned off) and it’s been used by the Aztecs since the 16th century. This Superfood is found in fresh water lakes in hot climates and has thousands of varieties. Spirulina is picked and made into a thick paste before it is dried and turned into capsules, tablets or powder.

The reason why it is so good is because it is jam packed full of many nutrients and amino acids like:

Protein – Spirulina is packed full of protein (about 70%)

Vitamin A – This is in the form of beta-carotene and essential for the health of red blood cells, retina health and your immune system.

Vitamin B12 – Essential for the brain and nervous system as well as blood formation.

Vitamin E – Important in fighting free radical damage therefore preventing diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Iron – Super important nutrient for the health of red blood cells.

The best way to use Spirulina is by adding it to your smoothie….you can’t taste it and you are still getting all the health benefits!

By admin|March 20th, 2012|Detox, Health & Wellbeing, Nutrition, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

The Benefits of Eating Your Greens!

When preparing our food for a meal, we don’t always think about the health benefits we may be receiving from each mouthful. There have been numerous studies conducted on different green vegetables and what medicinal properties they hold, here my top 5 green vegetables:

Asparagus – Just one cup of asparagus contains 65% of your daily folate requirements therefore giving you enormous amounts of energy!!

Broccoli – This particular vegetable goes with absolutely every meal so there is no reason not to eat broccoli. Broccoli has the highest amount of the isothiocyanates and according to a study conducted at U.C Santa Barbara, a compound of isothiocyanates called sulforaphane works in a similar way to anti-cancer drugs by inhibiting proliferation of human tumor cells. Therefore broccoli has been shown to contain cancer-fighting compounds!!

Avocado – By far, this is my number #1 sexy food. Avocados are full of essential fatty acids and are great for anti ageing, fertility, cancer and low libido.

Kale – High in vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K. Kale is such a therapeutic food and a powerful antioxidant – it will keep you looking and feeling fabulous! It also promotes the breakdown of toxins in the liver so a perfect addition to any detox.

Sea Vegetables – Packed full of nutrients and minerals like iron, iodine, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, manganese and magnesium. A small study was conducted on 32 men with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) over a 12 week period. Each person consumed 150ml of kale juice daily and at the end of the study, it was concluded that kale juice favorably influenced serum lipid profiles and antioxidant systems, and hence contribute to reduce the risks of coronary artery disease in […]

By admin|October 25th, 2011|Detox, Health & Wellbeing, Nutrition, Research, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

Slow Cooked Organic Chicken with Aromatics

On a recent trip to Bangalow I had the luck of staying at a gorgeous farm right in the heart of Nashua. It was unexpectedly cold and each night we lit the open fire and enjoyed the novelty of crackling warmth. This kind of environment absolutely fuels my passion for cooking and I found myself wandering the Bangalow fresh produce markets early Sunday morning.
After talking to the seafood supplier, I discovered that this market has a very strict policy – each vendor must grow the produce they sell. I love this as it means I am directly giving my money to the producer and there is no middle man or food miles involved!
The produce was simply spectacular and a reflection of the high mineral content of the local area. From the deep green of the kale to the brilliant purple of fresh mulberries, it was hard not to buy everything in sight!
That night I made this very simple yet utterly delicious dish with my purchases.
Ingredients
Organic Chicken breast – I work with 120gr/person
1 onion
3 tomatoes
Fennel
Garlic
Chilli
Lemongrass
Ginger
Dill
Mint
1 cup white wine
Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Finely slice the garlic, chilli, dill, ginger and pound the lemongrass until it has broken. In a large baking dish add the chicken and marinate with extra virgin olive oil, the herbs and salt & pepper. Leave for 1 hour.
Add diced tomatoes, fennel cut into quarters and white wine. Cover with foil or a lid and put into an oven on 180C for half an hour, stirring every 10 minutes. To serve, add fresh mint and a side of quinoa.
Options
Add preserved lemons or shallots

By admin|October 7th, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

What Skincare Do I Use?

I am often asked by clients what I use on a daily basis so thought I would do an inventory and share the results. First of all, I only use organic and completely natural products.
I am really fussy about this and have been for a long time. The skin is our largest organ and easily absorbs what we put on topically.
During a ground breaking study in 2005 the Environmental Working Group (EWG) collaborated with researchers and studied the cord blood of newborns only to find an average of 200 chemicals were present. Of the total 287 chemicals found, 180 cause cancer in humans or animals while 208 cause birth defects in animal studies. Read more about this here. So it really is a no brainer – we must avoid these toxic chemicals wherever possible!
This means you need to reassess not just what you put on your skin topically but your home environment as well. If you need more convincing on this please read the brilliantly researched book “Slow Death by a Rubber Duck”.
One of my favourite resources is the EWG Skin Deep Database where you can look up a product and see exactly whether each ingredient is nasty or not. I also love the quick and easy reference book “The Chemical Maze” by Bill Statham which lists both alphabetically and numerically every chemical and if it is ok or toxic.
My Bathroom Stocktake

Use
What I Use

Deodorant
Weleda sage deoderant

Shampoo & Conditioner
Springfield’s

Soap
If I use it is goat’s milk soap that I buy at Orange Grove organic markets from the same man who makes the goats cheese!

Facial Cleaner
MV Skincare Gentle Cream Cleanser

Body Moisturiser
Coconut oil and […]

By admin|August 30th, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

RioLife Acai Challenge – Day 14

Day 14

Australian customs loved my Acai and whisked me through with a “welcome home!’ and a big smile. I head home to unpack and get ready for work tomorrow. What a brilliant holiday and I just adore travelling to other countries!

So, after 14 days of having Acai every day how do I feel? The answer is simple – fantastic! Despite long clinic days, 2 international flights, a busy 4 days in Thailand I am bouncing with energy, my eyes are shiny and my skin is so soft. I love this stuff and will definitely continue taking it daily. I notice that some days I seem to want more than others so I will just listen to my body and go with that. For my last dose I have a big bowl of fruit with Açaí mixed into sheep’s milk yoghurt and some kamut flakes on top. Delicious!

By admin|May 27th, 2011|Detox, Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Nutrition, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

RioLife Acai Challenge – Day 13

Day 13

It’s time to go back to Australia so I pack my bags, say goodbye to everyone and take one last bike ride around to ensure my memories are locked in tightly. I visit my little coconut vendor and say goodbye and I almost cry, she is so sweet. I just adore Thailand and love the way spirituality is such a natural part of life here. I feel very much at home and will be back again in six months. Acai makes its way into my breaky juice and also my coconut today. Seems my body wants a double serve for the flight home. I get to the airport and onto the plane without any issues apart from me not wanting to leave!

By admin|May 26th, 2011|Detox, Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Nutrition, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

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