UHNP Blog

During these past six months, our world has faced unprecedented challenges. We are humbled by the support of the communities we serve and are committed to taking care of our customers and employees, driven by our mission to provide earth-friendly products at people-friendly prices.

For the past three decades Uncle Harry’s has committed ourselves to providing earth friendly products. Looking to the future we are excited to expand our mission to incorporate striving for zero waste in all facets of our business as we continue to grow. Uncle Harry’s Natural Products Mission: Uncle Harry's Natural Products has been dedicated to making earth-friendly products at people-friendly prices since 1991. Our mission is to respect the Earth and all of its inhabitants by offering the cleanest and most affordable body care products available while striving for zero waste in all facets of our business. Uncle Harry's uses only the finest quality, minimally processed food grade ingredients, including local, organic, cruelty-free, and sustainable raw materials. So what does this all mean for our company and for our customers? For our daily operations and manufacturing, our team is continuously researching and making changes to reduce our waste. This includes (but is not limited to) monthly drop-offs to our local recycling center for hard-to-recycle products, composting throughout our facilities, reducing single-use paper towel usage and switching to unbleached, recycled paper towels, 100% Green Energy through Puget Sound Energy, and utilizing sugarcane-based paper for our office needs. One of our recent changes was reducing plastic waste when transporting products between our factory and distribution center by acquiring a reusable bulk container instead of plastic-wrapping pallets of products.   For our customers, we are striving to improve our product packaging, provide more bulk options, and develop eco-friendly shipping options. In September, Bulk Toothpastes launched on our website in a 1.5 pound glass jar with plastic lids. Since this launch, our team has been testing metal lids to replace our plastic lids for our sixteen-ounce and two-ounce glass jars. In the near future, Uncle Harry’s plans to offer more of our products in bulk sizes on our website. If you are interested in any of our products in larger sizes, please check out this FAQ: Bulk Size Products (link doesn't work right now). To provide environmentally friendly shipping alternatives, we teamed up with local box maker Alliance Packaging to create custom cardboard packs to help reduce the need for bubble wrap. Our new cardboard 2-pack and 6-pack shipping box perfectly fits our smaller glass jar products! This includes Toothpaste, Tooth Suds, All Natural Tooth Powder, Sensitive Tooth Powder, Hemp Blemish Salve, Ayurvedic Face Cream, Jojoba Cream, Poison Ivy and Oak Relief, Healing Foot Salve, and Shea Butter. Our one ounce glass bottle 6-pack was specifically designed for our Remineralization Liquid for Tooth Enamel, but can also fit the 1 fl oz size of our essential oils and synergy blends. Our Shipping Team is continuing to find alternative ways to safely pack orders with less plastic and do hope to include this as an option at checkout in the future! For now, if you are interested in no-plastic shipping please just include a note in your customer comments at time of order. Uncle Harry’s is committed to striving for zero waste in all facets of our business and hope you join us in our mission to go green for 2019!

Yes, Uncle Harry is a real person (and his real name is Harry!) with quite a large family; who created products to address personal issues (oral care, overall health, etc) and wanted to share it with the world. Uncle Harry started the family business in the basement of their family home in the early 1990’s and then expanded into 2 warehouses in the 2000s. Today, Uncle Harry can be found developing his sustainable homestead while his children handle the business's day-to-day. We were able to grow thanks to word-of-mouth from you sharing your great experiences with our products! We are so grateful for the support you’ve provided from the very beginning and it’s the greatest feeling to meet those who Uncle Harry’s products have truly improved their lives. After months of planning, we launched a contest to find THE Uncle Harry’s Super Fan. We wanted to give back to our loyal supporters and provide the opportunity to personally share our story and let you meet the man behind the business, Uncle Harry himself. In the end, we found our Super Fan: Renatta. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Uncle Harry's Natural Products (@uncle_harrys) The day finally came that Renatta and her husband made the journey from the East Coast to rainy Seattle! We eagerly waited for them to arrive at Sea-Tac International Airport and made the short drive to the family farm in Redmond to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Renatta and her husband, Danny, met the man behind the products, Uncle Harry, and his family: Elizabeth (wife), Subhadra (daughter), Ambika (daughter), and Haridas (son). After dinner and great conversation, Renatta was checked in to Redmond Inn to rest up for the big day at the factory. The following day, we picked them up bright and early to tour the factory and meet our awesome team. They got an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour by CEO Subhadra, fresh espresso from Ambika, and pastries by local favorites Mighty-Os. Then, they had the opportunity to work with our production team to create Renatta’s favorite product: Miracle Mouthwash. After getting down and dirty with our production team, they earned their first break and met with Haridas to take a peek at the development of our new website. From there, they joined our shipping department in their newly renovated distribution center and helped fulfill some orders. Their day ended in the storefront with Ambika, where they were able to shop and learn about our wide variety of products. After the in-depth behind-the-scenes factory experience, we made the short trip back to the farm along with the entire staff. Renatta got to fulfill her biggest wish of meeting our gyr cows, Lakshmi and Gaurangi, and feed them apples and bananas. After feeding the cows, we got to enjoy another great home-cooked vegetarian meal by Elizabeth while Subhadra shared a little history about the homestead. After the great meal and storytime, Uncle Harry provided an in-depth tour of the gardens and composting efforts of the farm. In the early afternoon the rain started to fall, ending Renatta and Danny’s tour of the gardens. We dropped off Renatta and Danny at their final hotel in downtown Seattle, where they got to enjoy their remaining time on their trip enjoying Seattle’s landmarks and sights. We were so excited to personally share our story with Renatta and Danny, have them meet our great team, and provide a look behind the scenes of Uncle Harry’s Natural Products. We’re also extremely grateful to those who participated in our contest, from submitting videos to voting for the Super Fan. In the future, we hope to keep providing more glimpses behind the scenes through our blog and social media.

Building out Uncle Harry's new facility was an eye opening process, giving us a first-hand look at the reality of renovation and demolition debris. It illuminated the sheer magnitude of construction waste, which results in millions of tons of usable materials being added to landfills every year. The experience underscored the idea that simply manufacturing eco-friendly products does not automatically make a company sustainable – rather sustainability requires an ongoing commitment to identifying and reducing opportunities for waste in every facet of business. With that in mind, we invite you today to take a virtual tour of Uncle Harry's facilities to learn more about our efforts at green building and sustainable construction. Step inside Uncle Harry's, where the aroma of pure essential oils awakens and invigorates the senses. The existing hardwood floors and large southern-facing windows in this front office made us fall in love with the building the first time we saw it. Luckily this room didn't require much alteration – we were able to squeeze both our storefront displays and work desks into the same space by employing room dividers and a creative layout. By maximizing the use of this area we eliminated the need for new construction or structural changes. Yes, the vertical gardens are real! These mobile living green walls utilize mildew-resistant 100% recycled felt made from plastic bottles, which we sewed into hanging planter pockets. Beyond just aesthetic value, indoor plants have the ability to purify their surroundings. In our storefront there is a variety of air-filtering species including English ivy, peace lily, and bamboo palm, among others. Working in an environment that emulates nature – filled with plants and natural sunlight – is also known to reduce stress and increase happiness. Always a plus around the office! Construction backstory: the original staircase had frayed, worn down carpets and rickety handrails in need of major safety improvements. Beneath the carpets we discovered solid wood with amazing knots and character. The wood stairs were left exposed, given new life after a thorough sanding and simple clear coat. The old railing wasn't pretty to look at, but we didn't want to trash it just to install new, residential-style posts. So the existing structure was reinforced and lined with salvaged wood planks. The resulting pallet wall façade came out looking even better than we had hoped! More importantly, it enabled us to reduce our construction waste by implementing Source Reduction, the highest priority way to address solid waste issues. The unfinished mezzanine at the top of the stairs was converted into a break area. Old stainless steel shelves being discarded at a restaurant equipment auction were scrubbed down and installed as countertops. We scored at the local Goodwill with a set of four matching wood and metal bar chairs. Enter the solarium! This lush, sun-drenched room acts as both an office and meeting space. It features zero VOC paint manufactured in the Pacific Northwest as well as LEED-certified bamboo floors. All of the furniture in here is used, including the conference table, chairs, desks, and filing cabinets. We built the planter boxes out of excess construction materials, filled them with organic compost, and then let Mother Nature do her thing. It wasn't long before the Arabian jasmine and golden pothos grew all the way to the ceiling! One thing we love about having our farm nearby is that it gives us an opportunity to reuse all sorts of supplies and equipment. We removed old cabinets and countertops from this room, being careful to avoid unnecessary damage so they could be reused at the farm. Installing them in the detached garage helped transform it into a more functional and organized workshop. Next door at the distribution center! We just expanded into this new space a few weeks ago, so there's still a little bit of work left to do. Another pallet wall was built to cover up unfinished drywall, adding a fantastic design element while reducing the need for new construction supplies such as joint compound or accent paint. Using salvaged materials isn't always practical for a business, especially when on a deadline. Thankfully we had time this past month to wait for the perfect set of reclaimed kitchen cabinets to show up at Second Use, our go-to spot for recycled building supplies. We're still searching for counters! On the floor are linoleum tiles, in part remnants from the construction of one of our processing rooms. Most commercial tile is made from harsh petrochemicals and toxic sealants, which can negatively impact indoor air quality and contribute to noxious landfill waste when discarded. These LEED-certified tiles are made of 100% biobased content, including flax seed, limestone, and jute. The entire distribution center was filled with original wood moldings and doors. Though beautiful they were quite worn and outdated. We cleaned everything up and used left over paint on the doors, then redid the retro red posts in black. It was an easy, simple way to modernize the feel of the space without creating more waste. The support beams and stair steps in the warehouse were structurally unsound and had to be replaced. Sometimes there is no alternative to new construction, as was the case here – even though the wood was in relatively nice condition, it didn't pass our safety test. Instead of throwing away the beams and steps, we put them in storage to be used this summer for projects around the farm, like building more raised beds to grow vegetables and making repairs to the greenhouse. We end at the incredible green space behind the building. Our pet project this year is to transform it into a little urban oasis with an herb garden and outdoor patio – an ideal setting for a little summertime relaxation! Hope you enjoyed the tour! From all of us at Uncle Harry's, our sincere thanks and gratitude for continuing to help us grow a greener future.

A poor diet and digestion leads to slightly acidic saliva and an environment which accelerates the demineralization of enamel and contributes to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Using the potent knowledge of correct dietary habits, Uncle Harry has developed a nutritional system that will effectively create a favorable body chemistry for remineralization of tooth enamel. After all, a good diet and eating habits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth, gums, and bones. REMINERALIZATION SYSTEM FOR TOOTH ENAMEL A poor diet and digestion leads to slightly acid saliva and an environment which accelerates the demineralization of enamel. Healthy saliva is neutral or slightly alkaline, and such an environment is not conducive for harmful bacteria which need an acid medium to do damage. Indications of overeating and poor digestion include dry mouth and a lack of saliva which leave the mouth unprotected and thus more prone to tooth decay. Tooth enamel is almost entirely composed of calcium phosphate (Ca5 (PO4)3 OH). Mineralization is the chemical process of enamel formation, a combination of calcium, phosphate, and hydroxyl ions. The reverse process is called demineralization or erosion of the enamel, consisting of the breaking up of calcium phosphate into calcium, phosphate, and hydroxyl ions. DEMINERALIZATION Ca5 (PO4)3 OH ⇔ 5Ca+2 +3(PO)-3 +OH-1 MINERALIZATION An acidic medium will provide hydrogen ions, which will combine with hydroxyl ions and this will favor the process of demineralization. An alkaline medium will provide hydroxyl ions and will favor the process of mineralization. Saliva will provide just the kind of medium which will favor the process of mineralization, both on account of its neutral or slightly alkaline character and the calcium and phosphate ions it can provide. It is generally thought that the erosion of tooth enamel is permanent, that once it's gone it's lost forever. The hard enamel and the dentine covering the tooth may appear inert, but this is a misconception. Living cells have built these structures so when the body is in need of calcium, demineralization takes place. This means that during calcium deficiency, the body can rob the enamel and dentine, as well as bones, of calcium. If demineralization is possible during calcium deficiency, it is reasonable to assume that remineralization can take place when there is an adequate supply of calcium and other favorable conditions. A good diet and eating habits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth, gums, and bones. There are sound physiological reasons for eating foods in compatible combinations. In other words, mixing certain foods in the digestive system will cause distress. The principles of food combining are dictated by digestive chemistry because different foods are digested differently. Starchy foods require an alkaline digestive medium which is supplied initially in the mouth by the enzyme pitalin whereas protein foods require an acid medium for digestion –hydrochloric acid. Acids and bases (alkalis) neutralize each other. If you eat a starch with a protein, digestion is impaired or completely arrested. The undigested food mass can cause various kinds of digestive disorders since undigested food becomes soil for bacteria which ferment and decompose it. Its by-products are poisonous, one of which - alcohol - is a narcotic that destroys or inhibits nerve function. It plays havoc with nerves of the digestive tract, suspending their vital action such that constipation may well be the result. Following are some simple rules of diet set forth by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton, a modern proponent of healthy eating habits, to help maintain the body with sufficient nutrients: Eat acids and starches at separate meals. Eat protein food and carbohydrates at separate meals. Eat proteins and acids at separate meals. Eat fats and proteins at separate meals. Eat sugars and proteins at separate meals. To summarize the above rules in a general dietary plan we suggest the following: Eat one acid fruit or sweet fruit meal once a day. (I.e. Acid fruits include apples, grapes, pineapples, oranges, etc. Sweet fruits include bananas, mangoes, papayas, etc.) Eat one protein and vegetable meal per day. (I.e. tofu, nuts, dry beans, cooked beans, soy beans, cheese, olives, milk products, avocados and all green vegetables including sprouts, broccoli, zucchini, etc) Eat one starch meal per day. (I.e. brown rice, bread, all cereal grains, potatoes, dry peas, pumpkin, dates, raisins, bananas combined with any fat, such as butter or vegetable or nut oils) (Optional) Drink one cup of hot milk before bed. Refer to Hebert M. Sherlton's book Combining Foods Properly for more detail and information. REMINERALIZATION OF TOOTH ENAMEL Using the potent knowledge of correct dietary habits, Uncle Harry has developed a nutritional system that will effectively create a better body chemistry for the remineralization of tooth enamel. Rinse your mouth with a mixture of Uncle Harry's Natural Tooth Powder and Uncle Harry's Tooth & Gum Elixir.Directions: To maintain an alkaline environment in your mouth, follow the following procedure: Place ½ a teaspoon or more of Tooth Powder in a cup. Add 3 or more drops of Tooth & Gum Elixir. Add water to liquefy. Use this mixture as a mouthwash, rotating it in your mouth for up to a minute. Repeat this for at least 4 or more times a day for intensive treatment.

Quick Facts Yellow Dock is a tall plant that turns rust-colored when it goes to seed. At the farm, it has been growing wild in the big field among the rye. As it changes color and goes to seed, it is ready to be harvested for its root, which is the part of the plant that is used in herbal remedies. Medicinal Purposes Yellow Dock has been found to have a cleansing, purifying effect on the body and is a natural source of iron. It can also provide relief after getting stung by stinging nettle--all you do is crush the yellow dock leaf and wrap it around the affected area. Uncle Harry's Products with Yellowdock Hemp Blemish Salve, Healing Foot Salve

4Our Plant Profiles series will feature fun facts and information about the many plants scattered across Uncle Harry's Urban Farm. Each week we'll introduce a new plant, describe its benefits, and tell you what Uncle Harry's product it can be found in. This week, our plant profile highlights Hawthorn. Quick Facts Hawthorn is a very beneficial plant, with all parts of it being medicinal (leaves, flowers, fruits). For example, the berries effectively improve heart health. The fruit serves as a vasodilator, meaning that the intake of the berry increases the size of the veins therefore lowering the pressure of the blood passing through those veins. Continued use leads to a strengthened heartbeat and heart muscles. Recipe Uncle Harry makes a hawthorn berry tea with rosehips, hibiscus, and cinnamon!

Quick Facts Red clover is another incredible herb growing wild on our farm. This blood purifier is extremely nutritious and mineral rich. Usually brewed into a tea which can be consumed or used topically for the skin.

Quick Facts There are many types of amaranth. This one has edible leaves that taste like spinach!

Hello again. I can't believe another week has gone by... time flies when you're having fun! Here's what has been going on this week. GREENHOUSE ALMOST READY Our vision is to have a greenhouse that is almost completely automated - automatic watering and temperature control. It involves connecting sensors to a "brain", which in turn controls water solenoids and electric power (well….that was an oversimplified explanation :). We are building our own moisture sensors because we plan on using them not only in the greenhouse, but also in the fields. It's quite magical - built with two galvanized nails, some plaster of paris, and some wire. More to come on that, but the greenhouse is almost ready after we’ve installed an exhaust fan and inlet shutters so we can control how much outside air comes in. LOTS OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEGGIES Summertime on a thriving farm is one of the most beautiful experiences one can imagine. The fragrance of the flowers, the colors, the serenity... I can only imagine what Uncle Harry's Farm will feel like when the blueberry bushes bear fruit, and the lavender fields will be a sight to see with their scents lulling us into a calm, relaxed state. Can't wait! In the meantime, we're harvesting a lot of squash, and broccoli. Until next week, my friends, stay healthy...because keeping your health is being truly wealthy!

Greetings, my fellow earthlings, are you ready for another update on what's going on? I sure am! :) What's happening this week? PICNIC PARTY! We've had one of the greatest summers I can remember in my 20+ years of living in the Seattle area. As Seattle-ites, whenever it's sunny and warm (and not raining), we love to be outside. So, that means.. Picnic party! Great vegetarian food, our friends and family, the garden, the apple tree... It was a great time for all to be had! Next time y'all are invited! WELL DUG It took a while to get all the permits we needed, but we've finally dug a hole for our well! Right now, it's still just a pipe sticking out of the ground with a pump attached to it. We still need to build a little well-house, then dig a ditch to run the water pipes to the house and the fields. Coming soon... STARTS AND BOOST BLEND RECEIVED We're excited to have received trays of starts of lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. Let the planting begin! First, we want to boost the nutrient levels of the soil. What better way than kitchen scraps and cow poop to create a nutrient-rich soil! :)

Hello again, my friends. This is Farmer Nitai. I’ll be updating you on the very latest news on the farm. A lot has happened in the last week. We finally cleared both banks of the stream, all the land that we intend to plant has been plowed, and a new well has been dug. What's happening this week? STREAM RESTORATION It was a daunting task, but after painstakingly cutting all the tall grasses bordering the stream by hand, we were finally able to see it! Within 10 feet of the stream we strictly used hand tools (a scythe, rakes, and a digging fork) to get the work done, to ensure we did not disturb the stream. We then pulled and raked out all the vegetation that was blocking the flow of the stream. And then it happened - clear, cold water hurriedly flowing across the land, its soft yet relentless sound enchanting us. Just marvelous, I tell ya! There is a heaven, and it's right here, at Uncle Harry's "Farm-acy" :) After getting the stream to flow without obstructions, our next task was to erect the silt fence twenty-seven (27) feet from edge of the stream, which is important because it keeps loose dirt from entering the stream. Using a bulldozer, we dug up a swath of the thick turf along the outline of our newly delineated stream; and although the weather has been hot and dry, the small ditch quickly filled up with water! It showed me just how much water can be just underground although it seems completely dry! The next step was hammering t-posts into the ground along the edge of our newly created ditch and tying the fence to the t-posts using zip-ties. And voila! Silt fences erected, thus ensuring the water quality of the stream for years to come! The next step in our stream restoration project is to systematically remove the invasive, non-native grasses that have proliferated in the area and replace them with native ground cover plants, trees to shade the stream, and other beneficial plants. Our vision is to not only restore the stream to its natural state, but to also beautify it, possibly where we could walk its banks and one day see the native fish as they make their way back to their spawning grounds. PLOWING THE FIELDS The fields are plowed! It's amazing what machines can do, the work of hundreds of horses or oxen. Our mentor, John (one of the kindest, most easy-going people you'll ever meet) was kind enough to train me how to run the bulldozer. Let me tell you, these machines are powerful! With one flick of the wrist, you can dig a ditch 6 feet deep in the blink of an eye. If you've never dug a ditch by hand and sweated through the hours of hard labor to make one little hole in the ground, then you could not appreciate how much these machines can do! Simply amazing. The next step is to let the huge pieces of sod rest so as to let them slowly break down into smaller chunks of earth. After that, it will be possible to run the tractor fitted with the disc attachment to further break down the pieces of sod, and start to separate the earth from the vegetation. Soon enough, these fields will be ground to a fine consistency, perfect for planting rows upon rows of sweet, fragrant lavender. A NEW WELL? Why do we need a new well, you ask? Well, (no pun intended) our existing well is too shallow and the water is not potable. Also, we will need much more water than the current well can provide to irrigate all of our future crops. I can't wait until we can drink the pure, unadulterated water!