How to Spot Green Washing

The global organics industry is estimated to now be worth in optional of US $50 Billion per annum ( Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, 2009 ) and has been growing an average of 20 % per year for the last ten years bout the emergence of the massive green & eco - friendly market position estimated to be worth US $420 Billion by 2010 ( Nielson Spotless Paper, 2009 ).

This phenomenal growth has front to increasing amount of companies difficult to cash in on the organic boom with slick " green " marketing and calculated packaging changes rather than providing quality eco - friendly and organic products.

Many companies are now interrogation to use " organic " ingredients in their products. But what rate is thoroughly organic and what about the rest of the ingredients? Are they safe?

Sarah Underwood is one of several reporters identifying this trend in an article for WBZTV last year where she discussed the limits of terms such as " organics " on cosmetic product labels. She said:

" A face mask has organic in the brand name, but contains propylparaben. A shampoo also calls itself organic, but includes cocmidolpropyl betain. These synthetics have not been approved as organic ingredients. "

So is there an authority that governs the use of the term " organic " on labels? The simple answer is NO.

However, the term " certified organic " IS governed by a number of internationally recognised bodies. Searching for products with the logo of a certifying body on the label is the only way you can guarantee the organic authenticity and integrity of every ingredient in the product. Without this, the organic claim means nothing, as it cannot be verified. The only way customers can be assured that they are purchasing REAL ORGANIC products produced without the use of synthetic chemicals and GMO ' s is to purchase products which have been organically certified with a leading independent certifying body such as the;

* US Department of Agriculture Logo - USDA ( US Department of Agriculture ),

* International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements Logo - IFOAM

* Australian Certified Organic Logo - ACO ( Australian Certified Organic ),

Consumer Reports ' ShopSmart has advice on how to tell if a product is really organic. Look for a seal that says the product is certified organic. One common seal is from the U. S. D. A., and that means the product is 95 percent or more organic.

If you don ' t see a seal, a quick look at the ingredients will likely tell you it ' s not entirely organic - that way you won ' t end up overpaying for something that ' s not quite as organic as it seems.

How Do We Know What We Are Buying Is Really " Natural " And " Organic "?

Fortunately, there is a very simple way to differentiate between hype and truth in cosmetics - and that is to read the ingredient list on the label. It is a legal requirement that all skin care products must be labelled with the ingredients in descending order of their quantity in the product.

A good rule of thumb is if you cannot pronounce an ingredient you know it is a synthetically produced chemical!

The skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs everything so unless you can eat it why would you want to put it on your skin?

These two simple strategies - looking for organic CERTIFICATION and reading ingredient labels, will help you avoid being conned by the dirty practice of green washing.

For certified organic products with organic food grade ingredients check out LivingPureOrganics. com

Importance of Agriculture

Importance of agriculture:

Agriculture plays a great role on divers aspects of our lives. It provides the foundation through which people pursue through the provision of food to both humans and their animals. Without agriculture, chances of survival would be limited as both people and livestock would die out of starvation. As a end of this, agriculture has gained interest among many people, ordinary, policymakers and leveled researchers due to its important oblation to humanity.

Food:

Division country in the world that wants to be stable must grant its kinsmen with food. Through the various agricultural practices that are there, agriculture is the main source through which countries are able to feed their people. Through crop and livestock production, we are able to get food which is rich in nutrients needed by our bodies. As a result of agriculture, people are able to live free from deficiency diseases.

Agriculture is also a source of energy. When trees and other plants are cut and used as firewood. Biofuels are also the latest discovery playing a great role in providing us with an extra source of energy.

Economic driver and poverty reduction:

In different areas in world, especially in the developing and the less developed economies, agriculture is the main backbone of the economy. Providing the main source of employment, agriculture employs the highest percentage of people in these countries. Other than direct farming, people are also engaged in processing industries and other industries which are directly or indirectly related to agriculture. Agriculture reduces poverty by providing both a source of food and employment. In countries which have not developed, agricultural products are the main exports and it ' s a main foreign exchange earner in these countries and thus the huge importance

Ecosystem:

Agriculture contributes both to the destruction and preservation of the ecosystem. The extent of destruction is influenced by the activities going on in a particular ecosystem. As population grows, more land and forests are now being cleared to create space for agricultural activities. Activities such as deforestation and overgrazing interfere with how plants themselves survive.

For example pastures are made of different species of grass. When we overgraze on a piece of land, the animals feed on the edible species leaving the non - edible species behind. Since different species of grasses compete for the same nutrients. The species can co - exist in the ecosystem as long as no species has an advantage over the other. However, due to overgrazing, the non - edible species have an advantage over the other species forcing them to disappear thus causing a complete change in the ecosystem make up.

Destroying the atmosphere:

Modern agriculture when practiced intensively includes use of high capital inputs, labor and technologies such as using pesticides and chemical fertilizers has led to increased agricultural production. However, intensive agriculture has also led to an increase in environmental pollution through erosion, poisoning of water through agricultural chemicals and also release of poisonous pesticides and herbicides fumes to the atmosphere.

Agriculture also leads to addition of green house gases in the atmosphere. These gases are leading contributors to global warming and depletion of the ozone layer. Unless sustainable agriculture is practiced, agricultural activities will continue affecting our atmosphere negatively.

India Imports And Exports - Part Ii

India - America Trade relations

For the starters, United States is Indias largest trading partner.

Indias sizable exports to US - allow for Information Technology Services, textiles, machinery, ITeS, regalia and diamonds, chemicals, iron and steel products, coffee, bender, and other bite food products.

Indias higher imports from US - aircraft, fertilizers, computer hardware, scrap metal and medical equipments.

Additionally, America is also Indias largest investment partner. Americans have trumped-up telling investments in India ' s power genesis, telecommunications, ports, roads, petroleum exploration / processing, and mining industries.

India and US have signed a new Trade Policy Forum. The sub - divisions teem with: Agricultural Trade Circle and Impost and Non - Toll Barriers congregation.

Agricultural Trade Circle - The bevy specially focuses on three objectives: approving on terms that will simplify India to export mangoes to the United States, thereby sanctioning Agricultural and Process Food Products Export Development Authority ( APEDA ) to vouch Indian products to the standards of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and implementing procedures for approving edible wax on fruit.

Tariff and Non - Tariff Barriers group - Insecticides manufactured by United States could be sold across the length and breadth of the country. Also, India has also agreed to cut regulations on buy / sell of carbonated drinks. Many medicinal drugs and lowering regulations on products those are not agricultural produce.

Both countries expressed interest in promoting small business initiatives in both countries by enabling trade between them..

The percentage of traded items from India to US

1. Diamonds & precious stones ( 25 % )

2. Textiles ( 29. 01 % )

3. Iron & Steel ( 5. 81 % )

4. Organic chemicals ( 4. 3 % )

5. Machinery ( 4. 6 % )

6. Electrical Machinery ( 4. 28 % )

The percentage of traded items from US to India

1. Engineering goods & machinery ( including electrical ) ( 31. 2 % )

2. Precious stones & metals ( 8. 01 % )

3. Organic chemicals ( 4. 98 % )

4. Optical instruments & equipment ( 7. 33 % )

5. Aviation & aircraft ( 16. 8 % )

Export of Indian Agro Exports to US

The export of Indian Agro products to US forms a significant component of Indian exports to US. The Indian government apparently plays an important role in the expansion and diversification of the agricultural products and food processing industrial sector of the country. It is reportedly one of the largest in terms of production, consumption, export and growth.

The main items of Indian Agro Exports to US are:

Rice and rice products

Fresh vegetables

Fresh fruits like mangoes, mango pulp, and grapes

Jaggery and confectionery

Cocoa products

Tea

Coffee

Vegetable seeds like dried nuts,

Floriculture

Pickle

Chutney

Livestock products

Cashew

Oilseeds

Cereal preparations

Spices

Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages

Poultry products

Dairy products

Processed meat

Groundnuts

The Indian Agro Exports to US are popularly in demand for deep sea fishing, aqua culture, dairy products, and livestock and poultry sectors.

In the impending years, the government has chalked out plans to consolidate the cold chain network, transportation and warehousing, in order to cut down the wastage and to ensure the production is of high - quality standards. As per a recent survey, Indian Agro products are in great demand in the US markets. This will be a great encouraging factor for Indian Exporters. Indian mangoes are said to much better than Mexican mangoes, which are commonly available in the US market.

And not just mangoes, even India wine is in great demand in the western markets, For instance it is said that Indian brand of beer like Kingfisher is very popular in the US.

There is no denying the fact that US market is very competitive, so India has to in fact concentrate on enhancing the technological capabilities. Further, India has also to focus on the packaging aspect as well as timely delivery and maintenance of minimum yet rising quality standards. No doubt, the onset of e - commerce and globalization has smoothened the way for India for quite an extent. However, there are some non - traffic barriers that have prohibited many Indian items from entering the US markets.

Importance Of Civil Services And Life Of An Ias Officer

Civil Services are the Backbone of System of India. They are the Pillars of Country ' s Legal System as Civil services Officers booty career of Particular Departments of the Civil Framework of the Country. There are Two All India Civil Services named - Indian Administrative Service ( IAS ) and Indian Foreign Service ( IFS ). They hold an inexplicable charm as a career.

There are many professions which are lucrative and prestigious that Includes engineering, management, Medical and the Information Technology sector. But no one can match the status of civil services which command a regard and Enjoyment like no other. Identical the near and dear ones of Civil Servants are remarkably margin with pride when they refer to the " IAS " man or woman in their family. The IFS officers ' family members also of course, enjoy every bit of their life, with plum postings all over the world.

The reasons for such Respect, honor and satisfaction are many that Includes an IAS Officer ' s Involvement in Important Civil and Government Body Decisions. Being a part of decision - making that impacts lives of large number of people and the opportunities to serve people in different sectors makes IAS And other Civil services Dream Job for many.

Indian Administrative Service ( IAS ) officers handle all affairs of the government. And thus their work for Civil framework of the Country affects all aspects of modern life Including environment, education, health, agriculture, law and order, defense, foreign affairs, social welfare and taxation. In Short, it is the job of an IAS officer to look after civil administration and be involved with policy - making at all levels.

Thus IAS Is an Important Part of over - all framework of the Country and that statement undoubtedly justifies the Amount of Competition that exists in Civil service exam Conducted every year by UPSC to give the nation A fresh batch of Young and Dedicated Civil servants that ' ll manage the steel frame of the Country.

Increase Your Harvests Multi - Fold With Non - Hybrid Seeds

Agriculture could be uttered to be the backbone of earth. Midpoint everything we eat is in one way or another related to agriculture. Agricultural profit is highly influenced by the prevailing weather and the types of seeds planted. Unrelated crops do well in weird weather conditions as they are well relevant to certain environment. In the recent past, there has been a massive shift to hybrid seeds, which have been claimed to do well than the non - hybrid seeds. Hybrid seeds are seeds produced through tetchy - pollination, effortless and replanted. Collection and replanting can lavish upon you low yield. Even if they grow, these seeds cannot give you a variety they will give a similar breed like you had in the previous season.

If you want high yields, no matter what season the earth is in, you can rely on non - hybrid seeds. These are seeds that are collected from mature plants that are open pollinated. This open pollination ensures that you get a variety of yields from the plants. By being from mature plants, which have been specially collected and packed, the seeds are guaranteed to grow when you plant them and produce yields. This is as compared to hybrid seeds that face the risk of being sterile thus not giving yields. The seeds are packed properly to ensure that they can stay for long without going bad or otherwise being contaminated by chemicals that could hinder germination.

Information is power. Unfortunately, many farmers, especially those in third world countries, still rely on the hybrid seeds. This is due to lack of information on the shortcomings of these seeds. Many of these farmers plant the cross - pollinated seeds that they gather from the previous harvest; after the harvest, these seeds are replanted in the next season. This goes on and on. These seeds reach a point where they become sterile and unproductive. Some refuse to germinate while others germinate and grow normally but do not give fruits or give low yields. The other problem, apart from lack of information, has been inaccessibility to organic seeds. Some farmers could be having the information but were unable to access these seeds. Although these have been major problems, they are being addressed by the adoption of the internet in those countries. Farmers are now able to get the plain truth about the problems of hybrid seeds. Accessibility has also been improved since the farmers can buy these quality seeds online.

With the non - hybrid seeds, you can say goodbye to food shortage as a household and the country at large because you are guaranteed to have bumper harvests. When you have food security, you are able to take care of other important things. The money that could have been used to purchase food, due to food shortage, can now be channeled to other development activities of the household. The household can go a step ahead and involve itself in agribusiness by growing crops as well as fruits and sell them to make a profit. Agribusiness is an attractive source of income that people need to look into.

Imvu - Virtual Vs Real World

IMVU is a 3D virtual world that promotes social networking as a way of meet millions of people around the world, chatting, and having fun uncertain out with friends in a magnificent 3D avatar world. It ' s a more intimate real life situation as you are truly interacting with real people around the world.

Become an active cut of the virtual IMVU community. Create an Avatar of yourself that matches either your corporeal self or the intellectual self. On IMVU, you can appropriate literally all kinds of people dressed in distant avatars; from the trendier, young looking avies, to the more top furries, vampires, mythological creatures, aliens, robots, celebrity look alike and so on.

The most popular female avatars have thin waists, fuller hips, and breasts and male avatars are usually thinner, with less or slightly more muscular shapes. That was strange! As I thought men wanted to show off their muscular bodies. The least popular ones were the chubby male and female avatars.

There was a discussion thread that I found very interesting hence sharing with you. Do you like what your Avatar looks like? Would you like it to look more a split image of you? The responses were quite varied. Some liked being a mystery with their image and loved the make believe avatars, while others compared their Avi, to how theyd like to be, while some actually tried to base their avatar on their real image.

Experience breathtaking graphics, and customize your home page; explore the world of IMVU.

IMVU is a shoppers paradise, a huge catalog of more than three million items available. You can surf for the latest fashionable designer clothes, shoes, hairstyles, accessories, and more to dress up in style. Its fun to dress up your avatar, everything you try is for free. Become a celebrity; own your own designer label, create 2D and 3D designs and sell your own design right in IMVUs Catalog. Let you creative juices flow. You can browse and buy products designed and sold by other players also.

Design and decorate your room. Let your creativity run riot, create a personal space that you always wanted that reflect the real you. Invite your virtual friends and other members and throw a party and have a blast.

Finally, the greatest feature of all is that this 3D chat program provides a unique way to meet and interact with thousands of people around the world, make friends and chat and keep in touch with them through your own avatar. You can play mini games, watch movies, play music, take pictures of your avatar, and even update your profile!

Purchase digital products such as clothing, room decorations, hairstyles, and music that are on sale using IMVU Credits. PlaySpan is your ticket to buying cheap IMVU Credits to shop for IMVU items and make the 3D virtual world more fun.

By far IMVU is one of the best simulation chat service, with opportunities endless to make your world the way you want it.

How To Make Halloween Flash Video Gallery

Halloween 2011 is coming up fast. By October 31st the nights are taking longer and store, and it ' s easier to envisage another world of ghosts, zombies, witches, vampires and goblins. It is a holiday that presents terrific photo possibilities, and you will unmitigated to takings tons of pictures to celebrate this special date, why not create aHalloween flash video gallerywith halloween related pictures, videos and audios?

Booty KvisoftFlash Video Gallery to do now. Flash Video Gallery provides you with the most beautiful transitions, effects and templates. With it, you can create halloween photo gallery with photos, music, FLV videos, transitions and effects, then save to your computer, upload to social websites like MySpace, blog, etc., orembed itto your personal website.

Things you will need:

1. Halloween related pictures. ( free halloween pictures for you: http: / / bit. ly / 12hVNY )

2. Halloween related audios. ( halloween music for you: http: / / bit. ly / 2NM0kF )

3. Flash gallery software

Step 1: Add Halloween photos, music and videos

Start the Kvisoft Flash Video Gallery prgram. And then click " Add Gallery " button, name the gallery and add photos to this gallery. You can add unlimited galleries and photos if you wold like to. No quantitative restrictions! If you want to add background music for your Flash gallery, please click " Music " button to add it.

Step 2: Choose a template for output Flash gallery

Select templates from " templates " Tab on " Templates " screen for xml flash galleries, you can select difference templates. And then click " Template Setting " button to set Horizontal Items, Vertical Items, etc.

Step 3: Decorate Halloween gallery with logo and preloader

Decorate the flash gallery with Logo and Preloader. You can add hyperlink for the logo.

Step 4: Publish Halloween Flash photo galleries

Before publis the Flash gallery, click " Setting " to set output option such as Size, Play Option, Loop Option, etc and check " Keep recommended aspect ratio ". And then click " SWF " button publish it as XML - driven SWF Flash gallery. You can also export this flash gallery to tand - alone EXE file, ZIP, HTML file or sent via Email to others.

Want to insert the Halloween gallery to your personal website? This can be easily done. Just create the halloween slideshow in the first way, then preview it and copy the code that in the preview web page, paste it into your HTML web page. Then copy all the PFM - produced files and paste into the same folder with your HTML page, at last upload it to web server. Done.

Investing for Retirement - is it right

Retirement could be a long means off for you or it may be right about the corner. No element how near or far - off it is, youve utterly got to enter upon saving for it now. However, saving for retirement isnt what it in use to be with the increase in price of living and the instability of social security. You have to commit for your retirement, as opposed to saving for it!

Allows lead by fascinating a stare at the retirement program proposed by your company. Once upon a time, these plans were quite sound. However, soon soon after the Enron upset and all that accompanied, people arent as secure in their company retirement plans anymore. If you pick out not to invest in your companys retirement program, you do have other alternatives.

First, you can commit in shares, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit, and money marketplace accounts. You do not have to state to anybody that the returns on they investments are to be used for retirement. Simply plainly Allow your wealth cultivate overtime, and when certain investments reach their maturity, reinvest their special necessities and carry on to Allow your income cultivate.

You can too open an Individual Retirement Reason ( IRA ). IRAs are quite well populated as the wealth is not taxed until you withdraw the funds. You may also be able to deduct your IRA contributions from the taxes that you owe. An IRA can be opened at most banks. A ROTH IRA is a fresher kind of retirement Reason. With a Roth, you pay taxes on the wealth that you are investing in your Reason, but when you money out, no federal taxes are due. Roth IRAs can as definitely be opened at a financial institution.

Other well populated type of retirement Account is the 401 ( k ). 401 ( ks ) are normally given through employers, but you could be capable to open a 401 ( k ) on your own. You should speak with a fiscal planner or accountant to assist you with this. The Keogh program is Other sort of IRA that is suitable for self employed persons. Self - employed tiny line of work owners may as definitely be interested in Simplified Employee Pension plans ( SEP ). This is Other form of Keogh program that men and ladies typically find easier to administer than a regular Keogh plan.

Whichever retirement investment you choose, Simply make sure you choose one! Again, do not depend on public safety, company retirement designs, or even out an inheritance that could or may not come up through! Get attention of your financial future by investing in it today.

How to set up a Solar Panels unit

Before embarking on a solar panel making process it is imperative we bad eye into the reason as to why solar power is gaining so much glorification worldwide. One among them is that it is a tawdry method generating power. Solar energy is available in abundance from the sun and forasmuch as it is not reliable inexhaustible but free as well. There is no preservation cost touching installing the system.

Adjoining having depended on patriarchal fuels for a long time the earth is saturated with lethal substances that are released into the mood by the process of extraction, processing and transportation of broken down fuel. Solar power however does not emit segment of these harmful substances. Besides, there is a real threat of energy in the world. This is due to the fact that the fuel deposits are quickly getting depleted. Solar energy on the other hand is a renewable source whose supply is infinite.

Having appreciated the benefit of solar power let us look at how the solar panel works. Solar panels otherwise known as photovoltaic modules captures the sunlight and converts it into electric power similar to the one that we get from batteries through photovoltaic effect. The basic component of solar panel is a solar cell which is made of silicon. Many solar cells are put together and encased in a glass case to make up solar panels that we are all familiar with.

Since the sun is only available during the day, installing a storage device to store power for use during the night is strongly recommended. You can use a rechargeable battery and connect it to the solar panel and then connect your appliance to the rechargeable battery.

It is interesting to make your own solar panel at home for your own use and to train children and adults alike how solar power works. You do not need to have special skills to accomplish this noble feat but just an ability to follow instructions.

To successively put together your solar panel you need to have the following items.

A rechargeable battery.

Battery box.

A length.

A drill.

A solar panel preferably 16 volts rated.

A length of insulated wire.

A DC meter and inverter.

Then the following steps need to be put into action:

1. Take the battery box and drill two holes on the top.

2. Place the battery inside the box and direct two pieces of insulated wire through the drilled holes.

3. Connect one wire to the negative battery terminal and do the same for the positive terminal using the other. The wires should be of different colors preferably red for positive and green for the negative.

4. Take the DC meter and connect its output end to the battery. Use the wires already connected to the battery and connect positive wire to the positive side of the DC and do the same for the negative.

5. Connect the input end of DC meter to the solar panel. Use the same procedure of connecting the positives to the positives and negatives to the negatives.

You can place your solar panel outside and it will start charging the battery after just a few minutes of sunlight. You will have to wait for several hours before you start using the power that is already stored in the battery. Make sure the solar panel is located in such a way that it can receive maximum sunlight for optimal performance. There should be no shadows, trees or any other forms of obstruction.