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| Volcanic Earth And Vanuatu |
As a
manufacturer, Volcanic Earth is involved in Vanuatu Trade and Export. It
is owned and operated by Fresh Change Ltd., a company incorporated in
Vanuatu. It's international headquarters is in Port Vila, the Capital of
Vanuatu. The company is headed up by two dynamic women, Linda Trenkner
and Pam Ryan. Close cousins since childhood, they are both strong
advocates of all natural, organically grown products and share in the
belief that we are all “connected” to the earth’s energy.....the
stronger the connection, the stronger and healthier we become.
Located in the beautiful South West Pacific, Vanuatu (formerly
known as the New Hebrides) is comprised of a line of volcanic islands
and submarine volcanoes, giving rise to a roller-coaster ride of
volcanic activity and tremors as well as occasional tsunamis (tidal
waves). Straddling what is known as the “Pacific Ring Of Fire”, Vanuatu
is situated between Fiji and New Caledonia (about 1,400 miles east of
north-eastern Australia) and boasts the most accessible active volcano
on our planet (Mt. Yasur on the outer island of Tanna).
Historically, volcanoes were believed to be the dwelling house of
“spirits” and so these mighty sleeping giants were greatly respected and
revered. This strong belief in the spirit of the volcano still forms
part of the tradition, custom and mythology in some of the outer islands
of Vanuatu. Volcanic earth is ancient earth. It comes from deep within
the earth’s surface and even below the seabed of some of the world’s
deepest oceans. This ancient earth houses the secrets of lost
civilizations and reminds us that "to stay in touch with this ancient
earth is to stay in touch with the universe and ourselves".
Vanuatu is also one of the most beautiful places on
earth. It is known for its natural waterways, sandy beaches, crystal
clear waters, and spectacular sunsets. This magical country is an
untouched paradise, virtually free of pollution, pesticides, herbicides,
fertilizers or insecticides. Everything seems to grow and flourish here
in the rich volcanic soils and high rainfalls. Crops are grown
organically without the need for chemicals.
It is through the use
of real volcanic ash that Volcanic Earth seeks to harness and
incorporate the earth’s energy into its flagship all natural
"Elementals" skin care range and its unique "Ash Clothing" range.
Vanuatu has been host to many famous
people including Steve Irwin the “Croc Hunter”. In 2004, Vanuatu was
chosen by the producers of the American TV “Survivor” Program as the
location for its “Survive The Islands Of Fire” reality TV series.
The name "Vanuatu" means 'Land Eternal' and it's
people are predominantly Melanesian. The Ni Vanuatu have populated these
volcanic islands for centuries with more than 115 distinctly different
cultures and languages still thriving here. There are also small
communities of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese,
Chinese and other Pacific Island people living in harmony with the Ni
Vanuatu. As such, Vanuatu is recognized as one of the most diverse
countries in the world.
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IT's Official - Vanuatu
is the World's Happiest Place!
A new global measure of progress,
the "Happy Planet Index", which ranks the progress of nations based on
the amount of the Earth's resources they use, and the length and
happiness of people's lives, has placed Vanuatu in the No. 1 spot out of
178 countries. This Happy Planet Index is a revolutionary new approach
to measuring human well-being and environmental impact, published by the
New Economic Foundation in association with friends of the Earth. It
moves beyond the crude ratings of nations according to national income
(GDP) to reveal for the first time that happiness doesn't have to cost
the Earth. It shows that people can live long, happy lives without using
more than their fair share of the Earth's resources.
Why did Vanuatu rate the highest?
Our low population and large land area, our 2500 kms of exposed
coastline, a life expectancy of age 69, a very rich and valuable land
resource for growing crops, unique rainforests, little logging, an
excellent democracy record and we emit next to no carbon emissions. (The
report in full can be seen on the web and Downloaded
Here)
At Volcanic Earth, we believe that
the country's greatest resource is the Ni Vanuatu people themselves with
their fun-loving dispositions and kind gentle natures, a big friendly
smile from just one of the local inhabitants is likely to brighten up
your whole day. It's probably from breathing in all the natural
Frangipani, Vanilla and Sandalwood in an environment virtually free from
herbicides, pesticides, insecticides and carbon emissions!
Unfortunately, this cheerful outward behavior actually belies a culture
poor in material wealth and high unemployment. Vanuatu is very much a
developing nation and outside Port Vila and the larger establishments on
the islands of Tanna and Santo, cash is not a common commodity. The
subsistence farmers and fisher people are the poorest in terms of their
disposable cash income but even in Port Vila, the basic wage per month
is less than what most people in westernized countries earn in a week!
In fact, The United Nations classify
Vanuatu as a LDC. This stands for a "Least Developed Country". LDCs are
defined as the World's poorest nations under UN's standing and call for
special treatment, particularly in terms of trade and aid to support
their development and priorities. The UN wants Vanuatu to graduate to
DCS ("Developing Country Status) by the year 2013. One country that has
made a very real commitment to this is the United States. Courtesy of
the generosity of the American people, the US government has established
the Millennium Challenge Account Fund to help selected LDCs, including
Vanuatu.
This is a substantial financial investment by the US government
involving many millions of dollars. The bulk of these funds have been
earmarked for road development in Vanuatu. This will a huge benefit to
the local economy here as many of the existing roads are nothing more
than goat tracks. Few visitors to the main island of Efate are willing
to brave the rough roads to drive around the island. Were this not the
case, local villages could operate roadside stalls and stop off points
and generate some much needed income for themselves and their families
from passing motorists. The Millennium Fund should help change all this
for the betterment of the local Ni Vanuatu.
(Two of our staff)
Volcanic Earth recognizes that, as a local
company, it also has a responsibility to help improve the standard of
living of the Ni Vanuatu people so that they at least earn enough cash
for life’s essentials such as proper housing, education and medicine.
Rather than suffer the indignity and interference attached to Foreign
Aid Handouts, most Ni Vanuatu people would prefer the opportunity to
work and be financially independent.
It is through its involvement in Vanuatu trade and
the opening up global markets for its unique products that Volcanic
Earth seeks to be a significant employer for Ni Vanuatu inhabitants but
in a way that allows its people to continue to live in happiness and
harmony with the beautiful natural (unspoiled) environment and stay in
touch with ancient earth.
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To understand of the difference between "Cosmetics"
and "Drugs" -
Click Here |
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As
all life is beautiful, none of our products
are tested on animals. |
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