Skin So Natural

Origins of Volcanic Earth

Volcanic Earth was born out of a desire to utilize the natural resources of Vanuatu to create much need jobs and employment opportunities for disadvantaged Ni Vanuatu, particularly on the more remote islands of Vanuatu. Linda and Barry were aware of the extensive ash planes on Tanna Island to the South and thought that there must be a way to utilize this ash to the benefit of mankind rather than leaving it to go to waste. After extensive research and testing, they discovered that volcanic ash and pumice are natural exfoliating agents that also work to cleanse and purify the skin. They learnt that some indigenous people on Tanna Island used volcanic ash as a skin treatment and had for centuries.

Traditional therapies also incorporated the wide use of Coconut Oil and a secret skin healing agent they called Nabagura Oil (these days known as Tamanu Oil). Both of these Oils are natural products produced from nuts. Coconut Trees and Tamanu Trees grow in abundance across virtually all 83 islands of Vanuatu.
These revelations led these Expat Australians to develop an extensive range of natural body scrubs and other natural skin care products based on Virgin Coconut Oil, Tamanu Oil, Volcanic Ash and Pumice. The sourcing of local, raw ingredients and embarking on establishing Volcanic Earth as a trusted, international skin care brand would also create a significant number of income opportunities for villagers collecting coconuts, Tamanu nuts and volcanic ash.
In 2008, Volcanic Earth embarked on a joint project with AusAid to expand its processing plant to produce bulk supplies of skin care products for export markets in the wholesale and retail sectors, as well as a program of working more closely with village suppliers to increase supply and to provide technical support for first stage processing by these suppliers.

Over the next 3 years, Volcanic Earth’s production capacity increased by 400% and the business doubled its gross income. By 2010 Volcanic Earth had established a network of overseas agents/distributors and payments to local tamanu nut collectors and graders, primarily women, were over $A30,000. Coconut suppliers in rural locations were also receiving around $A10,000 per year from Volcanic Earth. Volcanic ash was also purchased in bulk quantities. Payments also went to land transport providers and inter-island shipping companies. Most of these suppliers had limited alternative income sources.

In 2011, Volcanic Earth moved to new premises in Port Vila to further expand its production facilities. Both domestic and export sales grew and continue to grow to this day. With over 700 resellers around the world and stocking distributors in Japan, The Netherlands and Australia, Volcanic Earth is making a direct impact on the lives of more than 1,500 Ni Vanuatu disadvantaged by remoteness and poverty. Villagers now have the opportunity to earn cash for necessities in an otherwise non-cash economy. This hard fought growth has also lead to direct employment opportunities within the company and specialist training.

So when you buy Volcanic Earth products you are not only supporting the growth and export development of a small, local company but you are also contributing to the development of direct and indirect employment and livelihood opportunities for many indigenous communities throughout Vanuatu.

, , , , , , ,

HEALTH BENEFITS OF VOLCANIC ASH AND PUMICE.

Volcanic Ash provides you with a wide range of beauty and health benefits due to its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-yeast and general purification, cleansing and exfoliating qualities.

What Is It About, Volcanic Ash?

Sulfur is the active Mineral ingredient in volcanic ash. Sulfur not only helps your body to resist bacteria but it actively works to destroy it. Sulfur exists in your haemoglobin and connective body tissue :

– To purify the blood;
– Stimulate bile secretion;
– Protect the protoplasm of cells; and
– For anti-aging via the synthesis of Collagen

Collagen is one of the main proteins you needfor the structural integrity of your skin. Sulphur slows down the aging process because you need Sulphur for the synthesis of collagen and because of its ability to protect against the toxic effects of pollution and radiation. It is part of the chemical structure of the amino acids glutathione, taurine, cysteine, and methionine.

Known as “nature’s beauty mineral,” Sulfur fights skin disorders such as acne, dermatitis, dandruff and flaky, reddish skin. It is needed to stabilize keratin protein in your nails and hair. It is a key ingredient in shampoos, cleansing bars, spot treatments, acne and body scrubs. Volcanic Pumice makes for a milder, gentler exfoliant, especially for your face and neck areas.

Our volcanic products, in the form of body scrubs or exfoliants work to cleanse and purify your skin by killing bacteria and removing dead skin cells. Plus they work to keep you looking as young as possible.

THE VOLCANIC EARTH MISSION

Volcanic Earth’s mission to enhance the skin health and well-being of people around the world extends well beyond our products. Vanuatu is classified as an LDC (Least Developing Country) and many indigenous Ni Vanuatu in need, particularly families in the remote, outer islands and young people, are getting relief, thanks to your generosity.

How? Your purchase of Volcanic Earth’s natural skin care products helps create livelihood opportunities for many locals connected to the operation of our Coconut Oil and Skin Care factory. Together we can work towards relieving poverty and suffering in what is otherwise largely a "Custom Economy" (barter system).

Click On Projects

In the last ten years, Volcanic Earth, its distributors and most importantly, its customers have made a positive contribution to the alleviation of poverty in Vanuatu for those in need.

In association with the Australian Government AusAid Department, via its innovative, Enterprise Challenge Fund, Volcanic Earth managed to create employment and livelihood opportunities for more than 1500 Ni Vanuatu and these benefits continue through to the present day.

Vanuatu...

Located in the beautiful South Pacific, Vanuatu (formerly known as the New Hebrides) straddles what is known as the “Pacific Ring Of Fire”. This small island nation of 83 separate islands issituated 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).

Vanuatu is also known for its natural waterways, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. This untouched paradise is virtually free of pollution, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or insecticides. Crops are grown organically and flourish here in the rich volcanic soils and high rainfalls without the need for chemicals.

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.

Welcome to Volcanic Earth!

THE NATURAL WAY TO HEALTHY SKIN

As a manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer and exporter, Volcanic Earth® is involved in Vanuatu Fair Trade skin care products and Fair Trade organic beauty products. It is owned and operated by Fresh Change Ltd., a company incorporated in Vanuatu. It’s international headquarters are in Port Vila, the Capital of Vanuatu.

The company is headed up by 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.

Volcanic Earth® has managed to make some impact on the global market for natural, organic skin care products selling to consumers around the world from Ireland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Singapore, Dubai, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Canada.

The main reason for this is our USP (unique selling position). We are not so much in the business of manufacturing natural skin care products in a world of homogeneous skin care competitors, as we are about making “Exotic, Chemical-Free Ethical Bio Solutions For Problem Skin That Really Work”.

Welcome to Vanuatu!
Located in the beautiful South 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. 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 Volcano on the outer island of Tanna).

This ancient land is one of the few places on Earth where you can enter into a culture that goes back thousands of years and connect with the natural world. The people of Vanuatu are Melanesians. Their ancestral traditions include some natural skin care secrets to prevent and protect against many common skin conditions utilizing the health benefits of volcanic ash, pumice, coconut oil and the Dr Oz recommended Vanuatu Tamanu Oil™.

Drawing on these age-old traditions and customs, Volcanic Earth® offers you a unique range of natural skin care products from virgin coconut oil skin care to volcanic body scrubs, moisturizers, sensual Frangipani and Vanilla for women, Sandalwood for male skin care, silky coconut soaps to the ever-amazing Vanuatu Tamanu Oil™ range of products.

Recently, buzz about these wonderful products has begun to spread like volcanic lava itself - most recently in Tokyo, Japan!