What’s the big deal about “organic”? (Part 2)

OK, so you learned about why organic equals safer and healthier alternatives for your home and family.  Now, we have another gem from the earth that you may never have heard of…agave.  When you think of agave, does your mind go right where mine does?   Tequila? Or, maybe nectar if you are familiar with natural sweetening agents.  But after these cactus plants are drained of their nectar, they leave behind a very useful and very natural by-product…the course fibers from the leaf.  Before going into why this organic, natural fiber may reinvent the way you clean yourself, your family and your home, let’s review some facts.

The word agave is from the Mexican origin meaning earth (good start when choosing natural products, huh?) and is rapidly renewable.  It is naturally grown on community farms without the use of harmful fertilizers and pesticides.  The agave plant also has a life cycle of 9 years.  But before you get to the fibers, there are plenty of other things this amazing plant has to offer.  The flowers are eatable, the nectar is used in the above mentioned tequila process and the nectar can be drank as a juice.  The pulp is used as a natural animal feed.  And finally, the fiber is used to create natural wash cloths, skin exfoliators and dish scrubbers. 

The fiber is manually extracted and washed with clear water and sun dried.  No chemicals are used, therefore, it creates a minimal carbon footprint and reduces human energy consumption.  Not only are these products extremely efficient when it comes to their given duties, they are biodegradable in 3 to 5 years.  Also, standard washcloths and sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria due to decomposing partials trapped inside.  Agave fibers contain natural anti-microbial properties; so when cared for properly, they will not house bacteria. 

All in all, when choosing a very simple, green and natural way to make a change in your life, agave is your go to desert friend!