Let's make a Difference

Whether it's media attention that makes us reach for free range eggs, or greater availability of allergy-free alternatives, or economic strain that encourages us to cultivate a veggie patch in our backyard, we are more aware of our food and environmental choices than ever before.

The American Culinary Federation have voted 'organic' as one of the hottest food trends for 2010 so it's no wonder that reports from all over the world that have tipped Organics to be one of the main industries of opportunity for 2010.

Consumer demand eventually results in greater product choices and competitive pricing. Making the conscious decision to purchase sustainable and organic products now will pave the way for a brighter future for us all.

OrganicDirect has access to a wide range of products to help you make organic and sustainable choices every day.

CentreHill Cottage in the South Island and Ora Ora Eco Wellness Resort in the Bay of Islands both offer a unique getaway in keeping with organic and sustainable principles.

You could introduce coffee lovers to Coffee LaLa, quality cooks and purists to Ozone OrganicGHO Gourmet Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and Moutere Grove olive oils. juice,

Gardeners of all ages (and experience) enjoy any encouragement so how about soil conditioning from SAFA, Nature's Curator plant activator, or pop into your local nursery for a multitude of other ideas. Get the whole family recycling with Bokashi's compact food composting system, and BioBags for biodegradable garden, pet & food waste. Reusable bags from Ecobags are functional and look fantastic.

If the whole bed is a bit much, the Metzeler pillows from Natureplus is an environmentally-friendly option without petroleum-based products or toxic chemicals.

Introduce someone to the anti-bacterial properties of Manuka Honey from Claridges, or chemical-free personal (hair, body, baby) and cleaning products from ecoSTORE.

Good quality, organic wine from Seresin, Urlar or Allan Scott are a great choice for any occasion. And free range meats are available from Clarks Organic Meats.

Shopping online tends to safeguard you from in-store temptations so you're more likely to stick to a budget. This applies to your supermarket shopping too. IE Produce and Huckleberry Farms and Naturally Organic have extensive selections of food & produce, personal & home products and offer nationwide delivery.

Or pay a visit to your local specialist organic store for friendly and informative personal service. Northland: NatureStoreroom and PutiPuti Ra Organics Health & Eco Store, Auckland: Huckleberry Farms, IE Produce and Naturally Organic. Christchurch: Piko Wholefoods

New to OrganicDirect is Seychelle's water filter bottle. Perfect for everyday use, it's an entire filtration plant in a portable bottle.

Here's a great idea for recipients in the South Island - regular deliveries of fresh and seasonal organic fruit & veges from Just Organic.

Know anyone with allergies? Then a visit to Allergy Corner is sure to help. Sponsored by IE Produce, it's informative and you'll find a selection of allergy-free goodies and in-store specials.

Together we can make a difference!