Read about how dealer Zoula Shalice is changing the face of farming in the heart of San Pablo, Laguna

Read about how dealer Zoula Shalice is changing the face of farming in the heart of San Pablo, Laguna

"Hey farmer, farmer, put away that DDT now
Give me spots on my apples but leave me the birds and the bees, please!"
-Joni Mitchell

 

In the heart of San Pablo, Laguna lives a husband-wife team who had a simple dream to live a sustainable life. From this dream blossomed an organic farm, and with it, an entire advocacy that garnered supporters and volunteers from all around the world, united in their commitment to spreading natural farming.

One half of this amazing duo, 29-year-old Zoula “Zau” Shalice, describes herself as a soon-to-be mother, social entrepreneur, and advocate of green living. A full-fledged Human Nature Dealer and member of Human Nature’s Core Advocates Group, Zau is a respected inspiration within her community through her passion, humility, hard work, and integrity.

 

What’s the story behind your commitment to a simple and healthy lifestyle? How did you first decide to go greener?

Z: My husband Cameron is really the one who introduced me to this green lifestyle. Before we were married, he kept talking about his dream of being self-sufficient and growing his own food, and his passion just basically rubbed off on me. There are a lot of stuff we consumers can be ignorant of about the food we eat: we look at a shiny apple, and think about how fresh it looks, unaware that it's been sprayed with so many chemicals to keep its enticing appearance. When my husband opened my eyes to the detrimental impact of chemicals to the environment and human health, that's when I realized that I want to have a green lifestyle.

 

Can you describe you and your husband's life in organic farming?

Z: My husband farms using natural techniques, we don't use chemicals such as pesticides or insecticides, we make our own compost for fertilizers, and we have our free range farm animals such as chicken and goats. Our farm uses the Permaculture principle which is a design system for sustainable living. Growing our own food is awesome; since we live in the farm, if I want to make fresh salad, I can just ask my husband to get some lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, arugula, and basil outside. The thing is you don't need a lot of land to grow your own food; other people can also try their own backyard gardening, or if they don't have a backyard, they can just do some stuff in pots or containers.

 

Can you tell me more about your endeavors as a social entrepreneur?

Z: We do the farming mainly for our personal consumption however we've found that there are also a number of people looking for chemical-free food in our area, so we sell the excess of our production. Our aim is to make the farm sustainable, for us to have our own chemical-free food, to share it with others who are looking for chemical-free food, to provide work for some locals in the area, and to promote the practice of natural farming. As part of the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms Philippines (WWOOF), we accept volunteers who want to learn about sustainable farming. We've had volunteers from Japan, France, Denmark and Israel. Farming for us is not just about making money, it's an advocacy.  

 


Zau and Cameron's thriving organic farm in San Pablo, Laguna

What attracted you to Human Nature?

Z: A friend from church recommended Human Nature to me and my husband. [I was attracted to] The philosophy of Human Nature and the wonderful harmful chemical-free products they provide at affordable prices. Human Nature is not just interested in making money; above all they have the heart and they care about the environment, the poor, and the wellbeing of their customers. When you support Human Nature you have this happy feeling that not only did you buy something of value, but you also helped society and the environment in your own small way. 

 

What are your favorite Human Nature products?

Z: For home use, I like the Tough Love Detergent and Dishwashing Liquid; since we have a chemical-free farm, we are conscious of how destructive chemicals can be to the soil and the ecosystem. For personal use I love the Balancing Facial Wash, Cleansing Bars and MammoMe Natural Body Wash. I find that these products are mild and don't dry out my skin. I also find the Acne Defense Solution Gel amazing – it works without torturing the skin, unlike other pimple creams that just leave your skin painfully red and dry. 

 

What are some eco-friendly tips you can share with us?

Z: Exercise and be mindful of the things you put inside and outside your body.  Just think about things you do every day that you can change so you save resources – like trash segregation, unplugging appliances when they're not in use, recycling, not letting the water run when brushing your teeth, and so on. These are small things, but in the long run they will make a big impact. 

 

What advice do you have for others who are interested in greener and more sustainable living?

Z: Firstly, research and learn what's going on around you and how you can make a difference in your own way.  Secondly, support social enterprises – spend your money on companies that are not just interested in making money, but also in the betterment of society and the environment.