March 2007
Palm oil plantations are a huge problem for orangutans in Indonesia and Malaysia as entire forest habitats are destroyed to make way for plantations. Indonesia is the world's second largest producer of palm oil (behind Malaysia). In 1998 Indonesia had almost 8 million acres of oil palm plantations, mainly located in Sumatra. Every year more than 800,000 acres of forest is targeted for conversion into new plantations. The oil palm has been used for hundreds of years in the production of food items, medicines, woven materials and wine. Increasing consumer demand has spurred a dramatic growth in palm oil plantations, which now threaten to destroy forest habitat in areas such as Indonesian Borneo. Traditional slash and burn farming to establish new palm oil plantations has destroyed not only native peat forest, but the animals (gibbons, sunbears, and orangutans) and plants that used to live there. As a consumer, you can make a difference! Commit to reading the label before you buy goods, question retailers about where their palm oil comes from and help save our planet's endangered animals and their habitat. Jane Maddern Hand-Made Soaps is supporting an innovative program that helps Columbian growers replace illegal crops used to produce cocaine with sustainable palm oil plantations. The key here is that the palm oil plantations do not adversely impact the environment, but rather provide the farmers with a legitimate source of income while they produce a food product to meet growing demand. I am very pleased to announce that as of March 2006 all my soaps now contain ORGANIC Palm Oil from a sustainably managed plantation in Columbia. Why not find out how else you can make a difference to the lives of the orangutans by clicking on http://www.savetheorangutan.org.uk/
May 2007
ORGANIC BUFFALO SOAPS NOW READY! These little beauties are 75g each, are made with 95% organic ingredients, and come in 4 varieties:
- For normal skin
- For oily/combination Skin
- For dry skin
- For sensitive skin
I'll try and get some pictures on the website ASAP. They are on sale in several Somerset shops already, and I will be bringing them to craft events from May onwards. See craft fairs.
July 2007
15g GUEST SOAPS IDEAL FOR COUNTRY BED AND BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENTS NOW AVAILABLE.
They come in packs of 100, with a mix of flavours, depending on the soaps I have available. Please enquire for more details if you have a guest house and would more information.
February 2008
From March 2008, my hand creams, body wash and body lotion will be Paraben-free. The body wash will also be Sodium Laureth Sulphate free.
April 2008
Two new soap varieties are now available on the website:
Heather and Honey Soap - a lovely soap with a scent that smells like a meadowful of wildflowers -- green and fresh. Made with a generous portion of locally-sourced goats milk and local honey, and swirled with heather flowers.
Jasmine and Gardenia - if you are a jasmine fan, then you must try this one! As always, it is made with a generous portion of locally-sourced full-cream fresh goats milk.
JANE MADDERN HAND-MADE SOAPS SOON AVAILABLE AT SOMERSET FARMERS MARKETS!
I've also decided to join my local farmers market, probably starting in June. I've kept some loaves of soap back, so that I can cut them on the stall to what my customers want. They will be unwrapped but even better value for money! I'm hoping to join the farmers market in Axbridge, Somerset soon, so I'll let you know when I get a definite date.
April 2008 update
Ive just been approved for the Somerset Farners markets and will be doing my first market at Axbridge on Saturday 7th June from 9 - 1pm. See you there!
My lip and foot balm are now available to purchase online.
After much deliberation, I have made a change to my postage policy. Due to increased costs of sending items through the post, there will be a small charge of £1.50 for orders under £10.00. The good news is that postage will remain free for orders over £10.00!