Healthy Lifestyles: Five Compelling Reasons to Go Organic

“To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” –Gautama Buddha

Have you ever given much thought about what you eat? Did you ever stop to think about the ingredients of the food you are consuming every day? Were they sourced? Are they natural or organic? Or are they heavily laden with chemicals and preservatives?

These are the things we should constantly ask ourselves if we want to maintain and keep a healthy lifestyle. Having a blasé attitude towards what you eat would eventually lead to future consequences. Sure, that salad might not look so appetizing today but choosing that over flavored chips can make all the difference between a healthy geriatric life and one that would potentially have you visiting doctors on a monthly basis. Unfortunately, going organic is not an easy decision—particularly because chemically laden food items have always been the norm and it can be rather difficult to adapt to this change. However, if we truly want a healthier lifestyle we have to commit to choosing organic over conventional food products.

Unfortunately, going organic is not as easy as everyone might think. Apart from the marked difference in food flavor, organic food products are a lot pricier than their conventional counterparts. However, price point aside, going organic has been shown to have a myriad of benefits and advantages that it significantly outweighs the higher cost. After all, you really cannot put a price tag on your health. So, think of going organic as a long-term investment on a healthier lifestyle. In this regard, you can even see the greater price as an offset to exorbitant medical and clinical fees had you insisted to keep your conventional diet. If you had been contemplating of going organic for a while now, perhaps you should visit the Weekend Market in Manila and take a look at their organic offerings.

In any case, here are some of the excellent reasons why you should go organic:

You do not deal with chemicals

If you choose to organic, you will only be dealing with dirt—not chemicals. Of course, dirt is an inevitable consequence of having natural and organic food. However, while you might be able to wash the dirt off of conventional food, it is not enough to remove the waxy residue, chemicals and other pesticides that might have embedded themselves in your food. Conventional farming uses synthetic pesticides. Studies have shown that the consumption of such food can lead to chronic diseases and health conditions with long-term exposure.

Nutritionally Sound

A common misconception among consumers is that you get about the same amount of nutrients from food regardless of whether they are sourced organically or conventionally. However, studies have shown that organic food tends to deliver thirty percent more vitamins and nutrients than their conventional counterparts. This is because chemicals such as insecticides, fungicides and herbicides can block a plant’s ability to create nutrients.

Better Taste

If you have always believed that all food taste the same whether they are sourced conventionally or organically then prepare to have your mindset changed. Organic food items have been shown to be more flavorful than their organic counterparts because the latter does not have as much antioxidants. More importantly, higher levels of synthetic fertilizers in conventional sourcing of food compromises soil quality which can eventually stress the plant and significantly impact its resulting taste.

No to GMOs

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs for brevity) make up a huge fraction of the most common crops in the world today. Over the years, people have been encouraged to avoid GMO as research has heavily alluded to its potentially harmful effects. To ensure that you do not buy any GMO products, buy only organic.

Promote humane treatment of animals

More often than not, conventional livestock are sourced from farms that practice inhumane and confined conditions. More importantly, they are constantly pumped with synthetic hormones to increase production and keep up with the consumer demand. Unfortunately, these stressful conditions coupled with the inhuman treatment can cause a significant decline in the animal’s health and quality of life. Organically sourced products—while more expensive—have access to the outdoors and are kept in human treatment.

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8 Eco-Friendly Home Features to Install in Your Home

People are now more aware of the adverse effects of climate change. It's a global phenomenon wherein everyone experiences the disastrous consequences. Some countries have typhoons. Others experience hurricanes, continuous heavy rains, and drought. The effects are endless.

Fortunately, businesses are beginning to understand the detrimental impact collective human consumption and habits. A lot of companies are now changing how they conduct their business. From their products to their services, businesses are coming up with eco-friendly solutions for their consumers.

One key industry, real estate, is also part of the game-changing business platform. You can now find eco-friendly developments and properties in cities and other urban locations. You have the option to have an energy efficient home in the midst of a polluted community and Fairview Terraces mall. You can enjoy having a garden and a few breathing spaces even if there's concrete all around you.

If you already have a property, you can still partake in the green movement. An effective way to do this is by incorporating eco-friendly features into your property. Below is a list of eco solutions you can install in your home.

1. Solar Panels

Solar panels are highly useful in generating electricity if you live in a warm and sunny area. Solar power generation converts sunshine into energy you can use for your household. You won't have to rely on large electric companies to supply your energy.

2. Satellite controlled sprinkler systems

Instead of the regular sprinklers, you should try having the ones that turn on based on local weather conditions. These types minimize your water bill and conserve water. It also allows you to become efficient with your gardening. You can tend to the plants when the sprinklers are off. Plus, you won't have to worry about your plants drowning.

3. Cellulose wall insulation

Most homes have insulation. You need them to maintain the heat in your home. But, you should go for the ones with blown-in insulation. You should also pick the ones made of cellulose. The material is non-toxic, and it increases your home's fire resistance by 22 to 57 percent.

4. LED lights and dimmer switches

A LED light bulb is more energy efficient than traditional lights. Incandescent and CFL bulbs use twice the wattage you need for LED lights. To maximize your energy savings further, you can install dimmer switches in all areas in your home. They allow you to set the level of brightness in the room making them 10 percent more efficient than regular on/off panels. It also helps to have occupancy sensor light switches. That way, the lights automatically switch off when no one is around.

5. Energy star appliances

Whether its a refrigerator or the iron, Energy Star-approved appliances use half the resources consumed by their counterparts. If you're worried about bloating your electric bill, then you should always pick these types of devices.

6. Rainwater storage

An eco-friendly home doesn't only think of what's indoors. It also considers how it can harness resources outdoors. Besides the solar panels, a great addition to have in your home is rainwater storage. It allows you to gather water you can use for the garden or washing your car. You can also transform it into potable water as long as you install filters on your storage tanks.

7. Greenery in the roof

A green roof allows the homeowner to grow plants on the roof of their house or building without inducing leaks or any damage to the roof membrane. Green roofs are efficient. They also naturally cool your home's interior. Most of all, it adds to the beauty of your habitat.

8. Dual pane, low-emittance windows

Low-emittance windows extend your insulation efforts. They are the best windows for heating and cooling systems. On top of that, they block UV rays which can damage your skin and your belongings.

Now that you know which are the eco-friendly features you should have in your home, it's time for you to consider real estate developments that combine comfort and eco-solutions. You don't have to stay in the same place as your hometown or office district. You should think about moving in areal estate development that offers rest, encourages recreation and sustainability, and allows you to grow your roots.

With that, here are some of the features you must look into when considering an eco-friendly real estate in the Philippines.

• Wide open greeneries

Green real estate properties have wide open spaces for you to enjoy. The greeneries are for you to relieve your eyes and mind from the monotony of the concrete jungle. With pocket gardens, tree-lined parks, and meditation patches, you get breathing spaces while still being in the midst of real estate sites.

• Beautifully crafted landscapes

There is an advantage when you own an eco-friendly real estate property. You have access to beautiful landscapes. Other than fresh blooms, you have a view of tall, branching trees, clear bodies of freshwater, and manicured lawns. It becomes easy to get closer to nature when all of these are a few steps from your front door.

• Conveniently located near the metropolis

Developers are now leaning into developing sustainable, environment-conserving properties. You'll find homes use durable yet organic, biodegradable materials. At the same time, they are made energy efficient. You can enjoy all of these perks when you relocate in an eco-community in a major Philippine metropolis. One example is Ayala Land’s Montecito properties in Nuvali.

You don't have to be an environmental advocate or an eco-warrior to live in an eco-friendly community or have these features in your home. If you value your life and your family, you should look into their benefits and find a way to make them part of your life.

8 Reasons Why Organic Food is Worth The Hype

Are you worried about your health? How about your wellness and overall condition? Do you have an idea on how to take care of yourself?

One way of taking care of your body is by selecting the right food to eat. There are plenty of food sources in a weekend market, but you must be picky when buying your produce. You must select those that offer you the nutrients your body needs to function properly.

Lately, local food stalls and organic market Manila are becoming a popular destination. People prefer to purchase their food stock from these stores. Are they worth the hype? Are these stores worth the visit?

Read on to find if organic food is worth the hype.

1. The produce and livestock are naturally-grown. 

It is healthy and safe to eat organic food. Farmers use natural fertilizers to grow their produce. They also use naturally-derived pesticides to control pests. They use crop rotation, hand weeding, mulching and tilling to control weeds.

Meanwhile, animal raisers provide hormone and GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms also known bioengineered genes) -free feed to their livestock. They prevent diseases through natural methods. They place their livestock in clean houses and ensure the animals have a healthy diet. Most of all, the animals have access to the outdoors.

On the other hand, conventionally-grown produce has chemical fertilizers, pest control, and herbicides. Animal raisers inject growth hormones, antibiotics, and medications to their livestock.
They also provide GMO feed to the animals because it is cheaper compared to organic feed.

2. Organic farming methods reduce pollution.

All-natural farming methods keep the water clean. The run-off water won't contain poisonous and harmful pesticides that won't break down in water. Thus, there won't be chemical deposits into the soil and the waterbed of lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Organic farming methods also increase soil fertility. The absence of pesticides decreases soil contamination. It also maintains the soil's natural structure and acid level.

3. Consumption of organic produce saves the animals.

Organic farming and animal raising methods protect the environment. Consequently, it protects the animals. The natural farming and animal raising methods protect the animals' sources of food and habitat.

The lack of chemicals and pesticides in natural farming minimizes the degradation of the environment. It also educates people on the effects of consuming organic food. People begin to realize the long-term benefits of all-natural, sustainable agricultural methods as they support organic farms.

4. Organic food is fresh.

Most organic produce doesn't contain preservatives. You are sure of their quality because the stock is often available only in small farms where they are raised and grown.

5. It is safe to consume.

Conventional food produce often has hormones and pesticides. These chemicals are poisonous as they are designed to eliminate insects and pests that feed on the crops. At the same time, high levels of sex or growth hormones in animals can contribute to health complications in humans.

People exposed to high levels of these chemicals developing health complication. Pesticides, for instance, can result in neurological problems, infertility,  allergies, and skin problems. It can also cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting when ingested. Growth hormones contribute to early puberty in girls and development of different cancer types.

You are sure to be free of worries when you choose organic food since they do not contain artificial and harmful pesticides and GMO.

6. It is has a distinct taste.

Organic food preserves the natural taste of the produce. Since it has a limited shelf life, you can get the most out of its natural flavor.

Organic agricultural produce tastes better than conventional ones because of the quality of the soil. A well-balanced soil produces healthy, strong plants. The health of the plant contributes to the fruit's or the vegetable's outstanding flavors.

7. It is becoming affordable.

Though organic food is slightly more costly than conventional food, it is becoming readily available in the market. As people choose to consume and learn more about organic food, companies will try to meet the demand which will result in better, more competitive prices.

Government and business understand the need for quality and affordable organic food. They are sure to supply the market with quality organic produce once people pick up the trend of buying in co-ops and weekend markets around the city providing all-natural food.

8. It supports local farmers.

Most organic farmers are backyard growers and animal raisers. You can find some in your neighborhood if you live in a small town. If not, you can visit nearby towns or organic stores to discover one that sells the products you need.

When you prefer organic over conventional products, you support the local economy. The profit goes directly to the farmer instead of other channels of distribution. You also minimize costs for transportation and marketing.


These are eight of the compelling reasons why buying and consuming organic food is worth your time and health. Good health is an investment, so you need to discern your food sources. High-quality organic food provides the nutrients your body needs while saving the environment. Think of these benefits to get the most value when grocery shopping.


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Green Cities: A Liveable and Sustainable Place to Live

Urban planning is essential especially since people's lifestyle shifts from the jet-setter to wellness. Land development and environment merge with urbanization, which integral in the modern world. Various real estate properties in the Philippines come up with clean, healthy, efficient, and sustainable architecture to provide an affordable house in Cagayan de Oro.

Creating an eco-friendly environment is a step towards the improvement of real estate in the Philippines. Developers begin to stay away from destructive practices of building a community with the conveniences of a house and lot for sale Cagayan de Oro. They keep making green cities a top priority for habitable and sustainable development.

Clean and Healthy

Future homes must be clean and safe. It must also maintain its state so its inhabitants can have access to clean and safe drinking water, effective wastewater treatment, fresh air, and efficient waste disposal systems. These are the essential elements of a community.

At the same time, these elements contribute to the high quality of life in a city. These qualifications make a city liveable, despite the continuous evolution of the metropolis that is vastly happening. Thus, a development must maintain a two-way approach to keep a clean and safe area. The green and eco-centered establishments must push and influence its neighboring communities to follow its path to revolutionizing green real estate.

The two-way approach also involves its homeowners and property owners. They must spearhead the changes in policies and community guidelines to keep their place clean and safe.

Green and Pleasant

Green doesn't only translate to cleanliness. It is also part of a quiet and serene oasis. An ideal green environment has open spaces, quiet streets, and recreational parks aimed towards the citizens' relaxation, health, and social activities. These developments encourage sports, nature watching and social events.

Quiet places are essential in urban cities to minimize stress from the environmental noise, one of the sources of anxiety to city-dwellers. The sounds come from the increasing demand for mobility through vehicles. The volume of cars, trains, and planes in developing areas cause a level of noise considered as pollution.

Real estate developers in the Philippines and government agencies build more properties catering to a market of homebuyers and property seekers who value green and pleasant advocacy. These buyers want open areas and green parks despite living in an urban environment.

Efficient and Sustainable

Living in an ideal community is a place with resources at the plan of your hands. Energy and water should not be sources of stress for folks who wish to stay in a place for the rest of their lives. The development must be an area of sustainability to prevent problems in the long run.

Research excellent properties and developers who can give provide the service and expectations that you want. These firms satisfy their clients as they push for environmentally friendly homes. Realty corporations apply proper engineering and architectural strategies to achieve sustainability and construction efficiency.

As a property seeker, you must aim for an affordable yet high-quality home at CDO. Modern, durable houses often use recycled products that passed quality control and international standards. Thus, most recycled construction materials last more than traditional products.

Utilizing durable materials in construction spends less time and money during property maintenance. Effectively cutting costs and maximizing the use of resources is the key to an efficient and sustainable real estate development.

Well-Managed and Democratic

An urbanized location is well-governed. It enables citizens in environmental decision-making. Democracy becomes the basis of the law and welfare management of the community.

A comfortable place to live is under proper management. The governing council or sector finds ways to protect its communities. Safety is one reason why a person buys a property, with the location as its second item on the list. Real estate developers must look at these points to figure out their priorities for their customers.

Green cities bring out the best in people and its location. Therefore, developers must be mindful of starting eco-living for a well-managed community. Most of all, they must involve their homeowners in decision-making and household management to capitalize the quality of the area.

Green Cities Raise Home Value

These are some of the reasons green cities are the best for family and retirement life despite being urbanized. Home values in these cities are twice the traditional setup because of their eco-friendly houses and set up. The quality and sustainability of the materials and other home features lower utility bills and emit less toxin in the air improving the quality of the lives of homeowners.

Constructing, maintaining, and raising the value if a green community is and always two-way stream. Cooperation between home and property owners, developers and the government is the key to fostering helping hands to a live a little longer in a house and lot for sale in CDO.

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Green Insulation at Home, You Ask? Here Are Your Options

Whether you are planning to buy a house for sale in Cavite, Bacolod or just anywhere in the Philippines, chances are, you will eventually consider green installations. Why not, right? Aside from the savings, you get to enjoy a really comfortable home minus the guilt. Nonetheless, one of the most commonly overlooked areas is insulation.

If you have plans on installing green insulation, here are some practical tips on how to do so.

The majority of the Filipinos think that there are serious financial consequences of going green. Of course, you need to invest on materials, for instance. But the dramatic impacts that green insulation may have in your home and thereby your lives are more than enough return on the initial investment.

Experts say that savings are more pronounced when it comes to greening your home’s insulation. These are:

• Creating a healthier home for you and your loved ones
• Reducing energy consumption and increasing energy savings
• Encouraging low maintenance
• Using high-quality materials
• Embracing more thorough installation approaches
• Making the home soundproof
• Experiencing consistent and even temperatures all year round

That’s why putting a price tag on the real value of having green insulation at home is impossible. In maximizing the benefits though, here are some things that you can do.

1) Conduct an energy audit.

Before doing any insulation installations, perform an energy audit of your home first. The audit can pinpoint exactly which parts of your home’s insulation are inefficient such as leaks. The audit can also determine which areas may still be improved.

2) Check the attic.

Most often than not, the attics are deliberately ignored. We tend to insulate the walls without realizing that attics and crawlspaces are sources of heat gain and loss. So, better check the attic and other discreet areas.

3) Check the doors and windows.

A drafty door or window will negate the overall energy efficiency potential of the installed insulation. Inspect the doors, windows and other components where heat loss may occur. Perform caulking, weather stripping and sealing, if needs be.

4) Build using SIPs.

SIP stands for structural insulated panel. SIPs can be used on walls, floors and ceilings.

5) Compare R-value.

Materials with a higher R-value used in installing insulation are more energy efficient. R-value can be improved through installing a thick layer of insulation materials. Examples of materials with high R-value are cellulose and cotton bat. Cellulose insulation, which is made from 80% recycled materials such as newspaper, contains borate that makes the material pest and fire retardant. Cellulose insulation is also efficient to produce.

6) Avoid fiberglass.

For one, the material releases glass fibers that may cause respiratory illnesses and skin irritation. There are also more serious health consequences such as cancer due to long-term exposure. Fiberglass contains a urea-formaldehyde binder, which is a health hazard. Your fiberglass option is installing formaldehyde-free fiberglass. This insulation material has 15 to 30% recycled glass contents. Specifically, choose the loose-blown fiberglass, so binders won’t be needed.

7) Consider mineral or rock wool.

Mineral and rock wool insulation are made using construction wastes (molten slag), rocks, or both. This insulation not only has a better R-value but also higher density that makes it highly fire resistant. It can also block sound better than any other insulation material such as fiberglass.

Going green is the smartest decision that you could ever make for your home and family’s sake. The good thing about going green is you can take one step at a time. Now, you can start with insulating your walls, attic, floors and ceiling with the options presented above. Then, you can proceed to other areas in your house.

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