Posted on Leave a comment

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 12

HOUSE TIP SERIES #12 – The Re-filling of Cleaning Products in Auroville – A Success Story

The number of shops in Europe that sell in bulk is growing constantly. Aside from the well-established Italian Effecorta and Detersfuso, and Catalan Granel, in Vienna Lunzers Mass-Greisslerei is offering products in bulk to the Austrians, whereas in Germany a new shop called Unverpackt opened its doors a month ago in Kiel. In Berlin, Biosphäre is a social, non-profit organic shop, which started offering cleaning products without packaging in 2013.

And that was the year that MGEcoduties – Probiotics House and Pour Tous Distribution Centre (PTDC) – Auroville, started to offer all the Probiotics Natural Cleaning products without packing.

At the beginning was not easy, as many PTDC members wanted to take the “Bottle” and go away; even though, we have to deal with some bad humoured Aurovilians that did not want to do the re-filling. However, slowly slowly and slowly, it was picking it up, and members were accepting more and more and more till today, that is not way to think that cleaning products need to be packed.

Here are the numbers showing the trend of refilling Probiotics Cleaning products in PTDC;

In 2013, the number of bottles saved to go to the landfill were 3350.

In 2014, the number of bottles saved to go to the landfill were 4750.

In 2015, the number of bottles saved to go to the landfill were 7800.

In 2016, the number of bottles saved to go to the landfill were 9200.

In 2017, the number of bottles saved to go to the landfill were 10,020.

And we continuing accounting.

The bulk chain is proud of its contribution to reducing waste, as we have diverted 25,100 plastic bottles, or 1.5 tons of plastic from landfill.

“It’s essential to reduce waste at the production stage. If we want to convert our economy, create new areas of employment and contribute to protecting the environment, we have to reduce waste and industrial discards to a minimum and encourage people to choose refill products”.

http://www.detersfuso.it/

Thank You Auroville Community,

Guidelma and Margarita
MGEcoduties – Probiotics House

Posted on Leave a comment

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES #11

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIPS SERIAL – #11 – HAND WASH

In a world where illness lurks in every bathroom stall and on every place, antibacterial soaps give people a sense of control, a sudsy security blanket. But not anymore. “US – FDA Bans Antibacterial Chemicals in Soaps”. Companies can no longer market hand soaps containing several common antibacterial compounds, the Food and Drug Administration announced on September 2, 2016. The FDA instituted the soap ban, which includes the widely used antibacterial chemicals triclosan and triclocarban, citing questions about the antibacterials’ safety for long-term use. In addition, there is no evidence these chemicals add any benefit to people’s heath beyond those of regular soap. The new ban applies to 19 chemicals, and only applies to soaps that are meant to be lathered and washed off with water. In its ruling, the FDA said this would apply to soaps containing any of the 19 chemicals, including triclosan, found in liquid soaps, and triclocarbon, found in soap bars. Which products containing Triclosan are available in our Pour Tous, HERS, and other local markets? Here are some of them: Colgate, Dettol, Savlon, Protex, Crest, Dial, Acnelak, Joy, Ajax, Dawn, Lysol, and more.

Most of the sicknesses people commonly come down with—colds, stomach flus, sore throats—are caused by viruses, not bacteria. “The evidence is strong that these products don’t reduce infectious illnesses. Starting September 2017, hand soaps and body washes can no longer contain triclosan, triclocarban, or any of 17 other specific chemicals with germ-killing properties. Manufacturers have until then to either reformulate their products or yank them from the market completely. In the meantime, there’s every reason to think that normal soap is still a great defense against infection—and it’s actually a method that can inform future strategies against bugs. While the classic combination doesn’t kill germs, it does mechanically remove them from your hands, with the help of a bit of chemistry. Basic soaps are composed of water-soluble fatty acid potassium salts. Imagine a negatively charged “head” that is hydrophilic, or water-loving. It’s attached to a long hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain. When you’re washing your hands, the tail grabs on to organic compounds like soil, food, bacteria, and viruses—and the head pulls all that stuff away from your skin, disrupting the microbe’s ability to latch on again. Now trapped in fat-on-the-inside, water-on-the-outside globules, the microbes get easily washed down the drain.

It’s a pretty smart strategy. So rather than focusing on killing them all, what if we concentrated on just keeping bacteria and viruses off things? Like extra-bacteria-philic soaps? High-tech hospital surfaces that mimic shark skin, preventing the growth of dangerous bacteria? Or what about engineering materials to keep bacteria from sticking to them completely? Creativity beyond bacterial cluster-bombing is long overdue. Scientists are thanking the FDA for the push, even if soap manufacturers aren’t.

Posted on Leave a comment

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 10

PROBIOTICS SUMMER RECIPES

Maintaining the health of your gut is probably the number one thing you can do for your overall health. One of the easiest things you can do is to add beneficial bacteria, known as Probiotics, to your daily diet.

Probiotica Coconut Water

Ingredients

  • 250 ml of coconut water
  • 1 capful of Probiotica Drink Supplement

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients in a jar and set on counter for 1 day.
  2. Place in fridge and drink cold.
  3. Add in a squeeze of lemon or juice to flavor it.

Probiotica Yogurt Parfait

This is delicious for breakfast, snack, even for a dessert! It looks great in a glass, but can also be made in a bowl. Use your favorite fruit, or whatever is in season.

Ingredients

  • 250 ml of yogurt
  • 1 capful of Probiotica Drink Supplement
  • 120 grams of granola
  • Add seasonal fruits

Instructions

In a large glass, put a layer the yogurt, a layer the granola, add the Probiotica Drink Supplement and finally add the fruits. Repeat layers.

Probiotica Chocolate Banana Smoothie

A quick, cool, tasty treat, perfect for a hot summer day

Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 1 capful of Probiotica Drink Supplement
  • 250 gram of yogurt or milk
  • 1-2 chocolate bars (melted)
  • Crushed ice

Instructions

In a blender, combine banana, chocolate bars, Probiotica Drink Supplement, yogurt or milk and crushed ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glass and enjoy!!!

Margarita

For MGEcoduties – Probiotics House

Reve – Auroville.

Phone: 0413 – 2623774

Email: mgecoduties@auroville.org.in

www.probioticshouse.com

 

Posted on Leave a comment

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 9

PROBIOTICS CERAMIC BRACELETS AND NECKLACES

They emit Far Infrared that Aid to Structuring Body Fluids, Increases Circulation & Vitality, Better Sleeping and Relaxation, Decreases Stress & Fatigue, Reduces Muscle & Rheumatic Pain, Boosts the Immune System & Provide an Overall Sense of Well-Being.

Far Infrared Waves are the longest rays in the light spectrum. This wavelength is highly compatible with human tissue. The body can absorb them easily at depth up to 3 inches (7.5 cm), where they can do lots of good work. Far Infrared waves remove blood cell clusters and this improves blood circulation. Because the infrared rays penetrate the tissue, they work deep into body tissue, not just on the surface of the skin.

Probiotics Ceramic BRACELETS & NECKLACES are made from a combination of PROBIOTICS CERAMICS Rings and glass beads.

Wear the bracelet and /or the necklace as often as possible for the best benefit. Regularly wash them with Natural soap after a daily usage.

Margarita

For MGEcoduties – Probiotics House

Reve – Auroville.

Phone: 0413 – 2623774

Email: mgecoduties@auroville.org.in

www.probioticshouse.com

 

Posted on 2 Comments

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 8

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 8 – NEW WAY TO CLEAR OUT BLOCKED DRAINS

No More Blockages: 70% of all blockages are due to lumping of fats & oils in drain pipes. Regular dosing of PROKLEAN GREASOLVE keeps the pipes flowing freely.

It’s Probiotics, hygienic, chemical free and 100% eco-friendly!

PROKLEAN GREASOLVE suppresses pathogens and other harmful bacteria resulting in a hygienic kitchen.

No Odour: Regular dosing aids in total elimination of odour from sinks and drains.

How to Use? Just 3 capfuls per day per drain.

Where to find in Auroville the PROKLEAN GREASOLVE? In Probiotics House (Reve). Do not forget to bring your clean empty bottle. We do promote re-filling system and NO waste to landfill.

Posted on Leave a comment

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 7

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 7 – PROBIOTICS RECIPES

Maintaining the health of your gut is probably the number one thing you can do for your overall health. One of the easiest things you can do is to add beneficial bacteria, known as Probiotics, to your daily diet. Surprisingly, 80% of our immune system is located in our digestive system! That means by boosting gut health, we naturally boost our immunity too.

I have some Probiotics Easy Recipes. Today a couple of them.

Probiotica Lemonade: A fizzy and tangy fermented lemonade.

Serves 2+

Ingredients

  • Juice of 2-3 lemons

  • 1-2 tablespoon of organic jaggery (or brown sugar)

  • 2 capfuls of Probiotica Drink Supplement

  • 750 millilitres of structured water with Probiotics Ceramic Rings

  • A glass jar

Instructions

  1. Pour the jaggery into the glass jar and add just enough hot water to dissolve the jaggery.

  2. Add lemon juice, Probiotica Drink Supplement and fill the jar about ¾ full with structured water.

Notes:

  • Lemons or limes can be used, or a mixture

  • Blending this with ice cubes make a delicious smoothie (or Margarita if using limes!)

Probiotica Green Juice: as if green juices weren’t healthy enough

Serves 1

Ingredients

  • 2 stalks celery

  • 1 handful parsley

  • 1 handful spinach leaves

  • 1 handful cabbage leaves

  • 1 capful of Probiotica Drink Supplement

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a juicer and juice thoroughly, stir well, and enjoy!

Margarita

Posted on 1 Comment

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 6

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES #6 – MICROBES: OUR TINY, CRUCIAL ALLIES

…” for anyone, when a course of antibiotics can’t be avoided, medical professionals should consider following up with an additional prescription of Probiotics. These are typically specific strains or species of bacteria, that, used properly, can help recover beneficial gut microbiota in the aftermath of antibiotics.”

https://theconversation.com/microbes-our-tiny-crucial-allies-69536

Margarita
For MGEcoduties – Probiotics House
Reve – Auroville.
Phone: 0413 – 2623774.

Posted on Leave a comment

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 5

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 5 – HACHI THE “CAT”

Hello. I am Hachi “the Cat”. I can call myself “wild”, but in 2007, I was badly treated by humans and I almost lost one eye, and one leg was fractured. That 2007 summer was particularly hot, and I was starving and dehydrated due to my physical condition. Then, I saw that small pond with fresh water, but I did not have any energy, and I collapsed just there. It was Margarita and Guidelma’s water pond in their garden. They gave me some “stuff” with some milk, and slowly I got some energy, but I was afraid and soon I ran away.

However, that “stuff”, I could not forget, and I return with little energy to find out what was. Ahhhh! It was Probiotics PET Supplement! Since then I am having once a day for my own well being. I took daily ½ teaspoon, and keeps my Digestive and Immune System Happy and Healthy.

What are the ingredients? Organic Rice Bran, Probiotics from Probiotics House, and local village Dry Fish.

Also, I have suggestion for my fellow friends: the dogs.

SUGGESTED DOSE FOR DOGS

Small dogs (up to 6kg). Maintenance/well being dose: daily ½ teaspoon

Medium dogs (6kg – 18kg). Maintenance/well being dose: daily 1 teaspoon

Large breed dogs (18kg – 40kg). Maintenance/well being dose: daily 1 ½ teaspoon

How to Use? Sprinkle in animal feed, or milk, or curd, and mix for added Probiotic health benefits.

Where to find in Auroville the Probiotics PET Supplement? In Probiotics House (Reve), or in HERS Home Need Shop in Kottakkarai, or in La Boutique D’ Auroville (Visitor Centre).

 Margarita
For MGEcoduties – Probiotics House
Reve – Auroville.
Phone: 0413 – 2623774.

Posted on 2 Comments

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 4

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIPS SERIES #4 – SHAMPOO DETOX!

FROM LIQUID SHAMPOO TO NATURAL SHAMPOO BARS

I have been studying that the hair needs a transition time from liquid shampoo to natural hair shampoo bar. Here is what I found out.

Your Hair May be Going Through Detox!

As commercial shampoos strip away the natural protective oils, your scalp and hair become dry. Your dry scalp now produces more oil to compensate. The harsher the shampoo, the more your hair and scalp dry out and the more oil your body produces. Your scalp becomes conditioned to this vicious cycle of excess oil production. As you transition to a natural shampoo bar, your scalp needs time to detox, to re-balance scalp oil production. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and for some even longer. During this transition period hair may feel extra greasy or heavy. For most there is a light at the end of the tunnel as your scalp finds its proper oil balance.

How Does YOUR Water Affect Your Hair?

If your hair does not seem to be adjusting to the shampoo bars, it may be due to your water. The characteristics of your water can determine how well (or poorly) your shampoo and conditioning routine works. The term “hard water” is used to describe water that has a high mineral content, usually calcium and magnesium but may also include bicarbonates and sulfates. The degree of hardness becomes greater as the mineral content increases. The term “hard water” was originally coined to refer to water that was difficult or hard to work with. Hard water requires much more soap, shampoo, or detergent than soft water; and the minerals in hard water can decrease soap’s lathering capabilities. Studies have also shown that hard water can be an eczema trigger. The calcium and magnesium in hard water seem to cause skin to become more dry which may lead to irritation. Also since hard water requires much more soap, shampoo or detergent than soft water, people living in hard water areas tend to use more which can aggravate eczema.

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH HAIR?

You need water to shampoo your hair and hard water makes it harder to wash your hair. Each hair shaft is made up of little scales, like shingles on a roof. Hard water tends to make the scales stand up, which makes your hair feel rough and tangly. Since your hair is tangled and rough, it is more difficult to rinse out all of the soap. Soap is less effective in very hard water because its reacts with the excess minerals to form calcium or magnesium salts. These are not easily soluble in water and can result in soap film. Washing hair in soft water will have a different result because it leaves fewer insoluble deposits on the hair.

In commercial shampoos, natural soap has been replaced by synthetic surfactants. What’s the difference between a synthetic surfactant and natural soap? Soaps are biodegradable products produced from natural, renewable resources like coconut oil.

Synthetic surfactants, like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (ALS), and others, are made from petrochemicals and created in a chemical factory. Although these synthetic surfactants do not react with hard water minerals as much, they do not produce the lather that consumers like. The lather comes from the addition of synthetic lather or foam boosters–like cocamide monoethanolamine. So, these detergent shampoos lather well in all types of water and rinse off easily and completely.

That’s their only good point. Sadly, detergent is very harsh, and damages your hair. It cleans out dirt and strips out the oil, including the natural oil that makes your hair shiny and strong. Conditioner was introduced as people noticed that detergent shampoo took all of the oils out of their hair and left it feeling dry and brittle. The oils your hair needs to be healthy come naturally from your scalp. Conditioner simply puts artificial oils in your hair so that you do not notice the damage done by your detergent shampoo. Natural soap is better for washing hair, because it does not strip the oils that are naturally in hair. Commercial shampoo is detergent. Detergents are really excellent cleaners (for dishes, laundry, and garage floors)!

SO WHAT CAN WE DO?

Shampoo manufacturers love to spread misinformation claiming that soap is “harsh.” But, the problem with using a natural shampoo bar is often in the water, not the soap.
If your water is not too hard, just use your all natural shampoo bar and a bit of conditioner. The conditioner will help the scales on your hair lie flat, and allow the last of the soap to rinse out.

Margarita
For MGEcoduties – Probiotics House
Reve – Auroville.
Phone: 0413 – 2623774.

Posted on 2 Comments

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES # 3

PROBIOTICS HOUSE TIP SERIES #3 – FLOOR CLEANING

Today is about floor cleaning or any washable surface like ceramic tiles, glass, metal, plastic, etc., with DEEP IMPACT, except for black stone Kadapa, and unsealed wood.

What is DEEP IMPACT?

Driven by a passion for the environment and advocating ecological accountability for all, DEEP IMPACT cleaning product combine the power of Probiotics micro-organisms with the technological advances of applied science.

DEEP IMPACT is a multipurpose green cleaning product that is both powerful and eco-friendly. It is a superior cleaning solution containing Probiotics that eliminate grease, grime and dirt. DEEP IMPACT offers an added benefit in that it controls and neutralizes toxins and eradicates the source of odours rather than concealing them with fragrant products. DEEP IMPACT is specially formulated to tackle all surfaces including floors, counters, baths and showers, saniware, urinals, toilet bowls and bathroom floors. The probiotics in DEEP IMPACT work in the opposite manner to anti-bacterial products frequently used in cleaning. While anti-bacterial cleaning products attempt to kill bad bacteria, Probiotics use beneficial microorganisms to replenish good bacteria and in so doing control the bad bacteria through the principle of competitive exclusion. DEEP IMPACT is concentrate and is easy and convenient to use.

DEEP IMPACT has been in use in Auroville since 2011 in PTDC and now in Probiotics House in Reve. The programme DOES NOT support plastic bottles waste to landfill, therefore all is by refilling system. Like all of MGEcoduties’s chemical alternatives, DEEP IMPACT does not harm humans, animals and plants.

Method of Application:

In half bucket of water (4lt.) add 3 capfuls (20 ml) of DEEP IMPACT.  Immerse the mop, or cleaning clothes, or sponge, or scoth brite, or cleaning pads, or brush in the diluted solution, twist and clean.

Use undiluted for stubborn stains.

Use the diluted solution not more than one (1) week. It is friendly with your wastewater system.

MGEcoduties – Probiotics House has invited this year 2017 the AV Schools to take part of the GREEN SCHOOL – DEEP IMPACT PROGRAMME. In this programme, the schools that have responded positively to our invitation, will receive every month, DEPP IMPACT free of cost for all cleaning purposes.

Margarita
For MGEcoduties – Probiotics House
Reve – Auroville.
Phone: 0413 – 2623774.