Thursday, January 31, 2013

Neal's Yard Event. A meeting with Peter Kindersley



Last week I attended an event hosted by Neal's Yard with Peter Kindersley, the owner and chairman of Neal's Yard Remedies.
I was interested to go to the event because I really love Neal's Yard products and was keen to learn more about Peter's philosophy on organic farming and skincare. 

Peter also owns Sheepdrove farm in Berkshire and is passionate about organic farming. Peter explained the difference between products that are 'organic' and 'natural'. Natural produce is grown using nitrogen fertilizer and pesticides, in the UK alone we use 20,000 tonnes of pesticide every year. This is decreasing the genetic diversity of our wildlife. The Neal's Yard 'Bee Lovely' campaign was instigated in order to try and help save our bees. The campaign reached 100,000 signatures to try and ban the harmful use of Neonicotinoid pesticides that have been linked with the dramatic loss of the honey bee. British beekeepers have lost 80% of their bees, more than any european market. It is this pro-active campaigning for a better, healthier world along with the wonderful, organic products the draws the eco conscious consumer to NYR.
With the organic beauty market seeing rapid growth (10% in just the last year), Neal's Yard are at the forefront of organic skincare and even now are developing successful organic preservatives for their products.
Peter explained that all their products are hand blended at their eco factory in Peacemarsh, they grow many of the ingredients for their products in the UK and also Peter mentioned they grow marigolds at Sheepdrove farm, which are used for tinctures. This british, hands on, organic approach is what continues to make Neal's Yard such a success story. 
Peter is an absolute inspiration, he discussed organic farming in great detail, it is brilliant to know a person like Peter is making decisions on one of Britain's favourite organic, skincare brands. He is a bright, courageous and humble person who's passion for all things organic is contagious. 

Here are my top three Neal's Yard Beauty treats:

Beauty Sleep Concentrate £31.50 for 30ml
This moisturizer aids skin regeneration while you sleep. It is a lightweight moisturizer that is very nourishing. It has been proven in clinical trials to improve the skin's moisture by 98% in 12hours and I am a huge fan, I apply it after cleansing and toning at night and always wake with bright skin in the morning. I love the scent (Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Orange, Benzoin and Clary Sage). It is no surprise this is one of the best selling Neal's Yard skincare products.

Frankincense Hydrating Cream £24.75 for 50g
A great moisturizer for everyday use. Personally, I think it is more suitable for those of us with dry skin. It contains rejuvenating Frankincense and Myrrh and is quite a thick consistency, it gives my skin a moisture boost on these cold, winter days.

Lavender Bath Salts £14 for 500g
I love long baths and these bath salts are a staple for me! Neal's Yard use a grey salt from the salt marshes in Brittany, France. The salts are great to soothe sore muscles and purify the skin. The salts are scented with Lavender and are perfect to help aid a peaceful night's sleep.

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