Healthy Active Living the Organic Way - Organic Style Magazine
Written: Jul 28 '02 (Updated Aug 04 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Environmental-friendly advice, well-rounded editorials - architecture, beauty, career, cuisine, entertainment, home/garden, health, travel, spirituality
Cons: Some products have been tested on animals; others aren't 100% organic, marketing mistakes, bi-monthly
The Bottom Line: Young affluent professional women wanting to learn more about the organic lifestyle who don't mind paying higher prices for products/services will enjoy the beautiful new Organic Style Magazine.
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| glomarrone's Full Review: Organic Style Magazine |
Organic Style Magazine (OS) is a women's guide to living a balanced life in harmony with the environment. I have very mixed feelings about the magazine. This beautifully illustrated magazine began publication in 2001 with the September/October 2001 issue. Between the covers, readers interested in living an Eco-friendly lifestyle will find plenty of information on organic companies/products and services that will enable them to do so. Get smart answers to your questions, tips and hints to help you along the way and health information to help reassure you that you aren't wasting your time. OS covers all the different aspects of the organic lifestyle - health, foods, home, travel, beauty, soul and fashion among others. It compares products and helps readers make intelligent decisions about purchases. It makes specific recommendations on such things as less toxic paint, energy efficient products/appliances, green gift-giving ideas and skin and body products.
Unfortunately, this is all going to cost you extra money and I'm not talking about the cost of the magazine. I'm talking about the many high-end upscale products and services mentioned. If you are a young, affluent female interested in trying to live more organically and don't mind spending money for quality products, this magazine is a good place to start. For those interested in a simpler, less costly approach, look elsewhere
Organization, Layout, Covers, Themes
Issues are organized into 3 sections. Up Front includes the Editor's Letter, reader Letters, The Art of Living in Balance letter and Fresh. Departments include Just One Thing, Organic Living, Style, Beauty, Health & Anatomy. There are always several longer in-depth Features. The Table of Contents is cleanly and neatly laid-out on two pages illustrated with numerous colorful photos and clip art. Articles are easy to locate, beautifully laid out and illustrated. Every piece is completed on succeeding pages. Bright borders and colored backgrounds highlight accompanying pieces which grab readers' attention to further information on the topic.
Issues are larger than other women's magazine - more on the size of Martha Stewart's Living magazine. Covers have a matte finish again like Living magazine and are uncluttered. Pages are of similar high quality paper. Organic Style (OS) pages are chlorine-free containing 10% post-consumer waste. Covers usually depict a young wholesome-looking woman. My subscription issues always arrive in perfect condition encased in polywrap.
Each issue has a general theme or thread running through it. Since the current July/August 2002 issue is a summer issue, the theme centers on "Have More Fun." There are pieces on relishing fleeting moments of joy, choosing great vacations, summer fun activities, a comparison taste tests on rich organic ice creams, an overview of candy colored sunglasses and an analysis of pet toys and treats. Past issues center on: Serenity Now, Pure Joy, Connect, Fresh Start and Laugh Yourself Silly.
Contents
The magazine devotes itself to "The Art of Living in Balance." The Up Front Section is naturally located at the front of the magazine. In the Editor's Letter (July/August 2002,) the brand new Editor-in Chief, Peggy Northrop talks about how to live a healthier, saner, more meaningful life. Letters are mainly from readers offering ideas or requesting information about organic products or commenting about past articles. Letters are usually short perhaps edited for brevity. In each issue, readers submit brief stories about how they find balance in their lives. Many are innovative ideas; others many of us already do. Maria Rodale (granddaughter of the founder of Rodale) writes the regular The Art of Living in Balance letter. It is on a different topic to which women readers can relate. In the July/August 2002, she timely discusses her idea on how to pick vacations that truly make you feel like a new person. She also lists practical vacation tips. Sometimes she write about more personal topics like her decision to let her hair remain naturally gray ("In Praise of Gray" - March/April 2002.)
Fresh covers what is new in our world/environment and reports on emerging organic trends. Here's where readers hear about environmentally friendly companies/products/services and get smart answers to their questions. The section is an interesting quick read with multiple short bites of relevant news, information and helpful tips. Read about the people - activists, environmentalists, conservationists and herbalists (also in Features) - even pop-culture artists promoting this lifestyle. Discover Websites with resources for the entire family. I especially enjoyed the current issue's opening piece on rich tasty organic ice cream products. The 2/3 page scrumptious photograph of a triple scoop waffle ice cream cone really grabbed my attention. I always read the book section. The short synopsis of each interesting book gives readers a feel for content and prices are always listed. I often read the books listed. Music is also covered regularly.
The Departments are located in the middle of the magazine. The pieces are timely, well written and entertaining. Additional information is given in side articles. Maria Rodale, who created the magazine and is its Founding Editor and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Rodale, Inc writes other articles in addition to her letter. In the July/August 2002 issue she has a helpful gardening article about creating a chemical-free lawn in the Just One Thing department. The May/June 2002 issue has a nice piece on growing roses naturally and lists the magazine's top 10 picks. Here you can also get ideas on how to clean up your backyard. Other issues tell readers how to choose good houseplants. Just don't expect the magazine to cover much in-depth gardening. Subscribe to Rodale's OG magazine (formally Organic Gardening) for in-depth organic gardening advice.
Beauty covers the new trends in skin care and body products. Meg O'Connell writes three articles in the current issue. One is a really interesting piece on women designers of Eco-friendly baby clothes in Organic Living - "Sewing Up a Dream;" she also writes timely pieces on UV-screened sunglasses (Style) and sun-protection products for the face (Beauty.) Since I have a fair complexion with sensitive skin I do use these products. Also in the Beauty department is another article on products for your feet.
All Health articles are thorough and informative including past topics of the health benefits of organic poultry and "Mad Cow Madness: Truth vs. Fiction." Anyone with allergies will find the "Allergy-Proof Your Life" Health article in the current issue very enlightening. There are common-sense tips and lots of information for sufferers in the helpful 4-page article. Since I occasionally get poison ivy, I read with real interest the timely side article "Ditch the Itch" with its good prevention and treatment advice. Since I don't have a pet, I skipped "Pet Sense" - a two page short piece under Anatomy about healthy treats, toys and other products for dogs and cats. Pet owners will appreciate the photos, Issues about the products, Sources including price information and how to make the Best Choices among the products.
Food has wonderful quick & easy to prepare healthy recipes using fresh produce and staple items found in most kitchens. The food photography is always tempting with artfully arranged dishes and the step-by-step instructions are simple to follow. Ingredients are the most important elements of the dishes. I still prepare one of the Perfectly Simple Meals in the premier issue. Vegetarians will like the 5 Easy Meatless Meals in the May/June issue. Recipes serve four but preparation time is not listed. If you are watching your sodium intake, eliminate the salt in recipes. I just made the easy Italian Rice Tossed with Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella in the July/August 2002 issue and it turned out delicious. Marie writes a short "Can o' Beans You Can Love" article with her recipe that starts with a can of organic baked beans. I haven't tried the brand so I can't tell you if it is tasty but Maria raves about it. Watch for an upcoming article on how to get kids to eat healthy foods.
Soul contains articles about peace, serenity, de-stressing and meditation. It teaches readers how to lead more satisfying, meaningful lives. July/August 2002 issue is about how one woman de-stresses by kayaking. It is followed by useful resource information. Pilgrimage end issues, this issue with a large beautiful photo of the Leonid meteor shower & descriptive informative text.
Features are usually longer - many are 6-10 pages long on a wide range of interesting topics such as architecture, home, travel, people & specialty food items. They are located in the back of the magazine. The July/August 2002 issue has a beautiful 10-page spread on expensive apparel made from Eco-friendly material such as remnants, recycled or re-invented fabrics. To give you an idea of typical prices: tops are $125-$547; skirts are $225-$395; pants are $266; totes are $55; shoes are $48-$995; and jewelry is $295-$2,6680. I usually just flip through Style pages, as prices are too high for my budget. Some outfits are to my tastes; others aren't.
I love the Features about Eco-friendly homes. The premiere issue ran one and the current issue has another one. This time it's a beautiful new home in Sonoma country built using simple, recycled and salvaged materials and the latest resources-efficient design. The many large exterior and interior photographs are delightful to the eye; it's the next best thing to be invited over to visit. Unfortunately, cost is not mentioned.
I especially love Travel features, which are always well done and exciting to read. They address the unique aspects of destinations and/or the healthiest trendy spots in towns. The premiere issue ran one on healthy hip spots in Austin; there was a later one on San Francisco. The current issue has a delightful one on Iceland. The panoramic shots bring alive the majestic natural beauty of the land as does the rich descriptive text of the writing. Phrases such as "...spongy green brilliance" in the "deeply silent landscape" entice readers to visit this amazing place. I also enjoy the sense of humor the experienced travel writers bring to articles. May/June 2002 has an interesting article on "How to Take an Organic Road Trip."
"Immortal Oil" is an in-depth terrific piece on certified-organic handcrafted olive oil. The article is beautifully illustrated and readers learn lots of information about olive oil, in general. Side pieces discuss Stocking the Pantry, a time line and Understand the Labels. I learned new information but the oils are so expensive I doubt I'd buy any except for a very special occasion. Most cost $1-$2 an ounce. Readers are told the distinctive properties of each of seven brands, purchase information and how to pair the oils with food. This is typical of other features on gourmet items.
Publisher, Website, Subscriptions
I purchased the premiere issue of OS because I was interested in learning about the subject matter & I respected the worldwide reputation of the publisher, Rodale Inc. For over 60 years, Rodale has been publishing books and magazine about living healthy active lifestyles. Its mission is to "inspire and enable people to improve their lives and the world around them." Rodale also publishes other popular magazines: Backpacker, Bicycling, Mountain Bike, Men's Health, OG (for Organic Gardening,) Prevention, Rodale's Scuba Diving & Runner's World. I am a long-term subscriber to Prevention magazine and have also purchased several of the 100 Rodale books published every year; some are New York Times Best Sellers. Rodale was also named one of "The 100 Best Companies to Work For" by Fortune magazine in 2000 and 20001.
I hope my respect for the Rodale's integrity is not displaced. The company, without consent of readers involved, switched almost all of its female subscribers from Organic Gardening magazine to its new Organic Style magazine. This was done in the name of attracting ad revenue by guaranteeing a base readership of 400,000. It backfired. Many subscribers affected are still livid, vocal and persistent a year later. The publisher at the same time changed the name of Organic Gardening to OG. Although the publisher apologizes, agreeing to switch female subcribers back to OG, that hasn't happened. Perhaps the falling economy may have been a factor in what they did?
The publisher has a good Website for Organic Style. Log onto www.organicstyle.com for contests, polls, shopping and information on organic products. Readers can rate magazine articles or become a member of the reader panel. Read articles and participate in forums about the organic lifestyle and the magazine. The magazine uses reader input from the Website for upcoming articles. For articles on gardening use the reader password: Sunflower. Although the site is easy to navigate, I should warn you that a pop-up window advertising an alcoholic beverage appears when entering and navigating the site. It is very annoying.
Subscribe online and receive a special charter deal of a free trail issue - then continue your subscription of 5 more issue for a total of 6 issues for $14.95, a saving of 36%. Or, subscribe through the postcards inside issues and receive a Special Charter Offer of a two-year subscription for $19.96. That's a saving of 52% off the cover price. Or, get two one-year subscriptions for $19.96 and give one as a gift. The original cover price of the magazine was $3.50 and the magazine has already had one increase in price since it premiered. Find offers for a free issue, no strings attached, inside other Rodale magazines. I took advantage of one awhile back that I found in Prevention and it arrived promptly. I then decided to subscribe.
Readership, Writers, Writing Style
The magazine has a targeted audience of young urban, affluent well-educated women who are interested in living an organic lifestyle. Many of its readers also read other Rodale magazines. The magazine now boasts a readership of over 500,000 readers.
The staff and writers are all fine journalists; some are book authors. Many editors come from other highly popular magazines. The new (March 2002) Editor-in-Chief of Organic Style Peggy Northrop was a former editor at Real Simple, Mirabella, Vogue, Redbook and Glamour magazines. The talented Amy Keller, now the new Beauty Editor (June 2002) brings her fresh approach to the magazine. She was the Associate Beauty Editor for Redbook and contributed informative beauty stories for Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and Self magazines. The Founding Editor and Vice Chairman of Rodale, Inc, Maria Rodale writes several articles in issues. She conceived the idea of the magazine and is deeply involved in it. OS also has a distinguished advisory board.
The writing style is straightforward, informative and easy to understand. A sense of humor often comes through in articles and headings. Articles are well written and entertaining as well as useful. Some writers use beautiful phrases such as in travel pieces that inspire and motivate. The magazine is lively, upbeat and modern.
Ads, Photography
Out of 112 pages, 39 of them are ads. The premiere issue had 128 pages and fewer ads. Ads do not overwhelm the magazine. They are mostly for food, beauty, health products and services. Some ads, though, are for products that aren't 100% organic products ; other ads are for products that aren't even organic. They do not interrupt the feature articles. Some contain recipes, discounts, coupons or offer free samples. If readers take advantage of these deals, they would pay for the cost of this issue. I look for some of the products advertised and buy them regularly.
My Impressions - Negative & Positive
The organic movement dates back way before being popularized by the hippies of the '60s. Around the time of Organic Style's debut, interest in the environment, earth conservation and healthy living was really booming. Suddenly everyone was into recycling efforts, alternative medicines and the fitness craze. Organic foods and products went mainstream becoming trendy. This was both good and bad for the movement. It was great that everyone was interested but along the way some of the basic principals of a simpler lifestyle got lost.
For better or worse, Organic Style is an expression of our changing times and ways of modern living. The magazine is still in its infancy and is feeling its way slowly. Inside this magazine, readers will find many ways of expressing awareness of our fragile environment through travels, clothing, skin care products, foods, and use of earth friendly home & garden products.
Readers will find lots of new organic products and services but many are upscale & expensive. The spas, inn, resorts, ranches and health clubs mentioned with cost you plenty. For example, July/August 2002 issue highlights a new club in Manhattan that's "an oasis for the mind and body." Take yoga classes accompanied by a live cellist; play chess by an open fireplace; access e-mail and relax is a plush locker-room lounge but it will cost you $1,680 yearly. What happened to just lacing up your well-worn sneakers and going out for a relaxing walk or a heart pumping jog or run?
This magazine is not for those who truly want to live a back-to-the-earth, natural lifestyle: raising their own food in their gardens and wearing Salvation Army or vintage consignment store clothes. Those readers should stick with Rodale's OG magazine.
Readers should be aware that subscriber lists might be made available to other companies and services. If this bothers you, send your written removal request to the magazine's Rodale address in Emmaus, PA. While this magazine is truly beautiful, since it is about the organic lifestyle, I am surprised than it contains ONLY 10% recycled paper. It also surprises me that issues arrive encased in polywrap, which will add to landfill.
Although organic implies living a simpler, close to nature lifestyle, that not what the magazine is really about. Most products advertised cost much more than conventional items. Some of the products highlighted aren't 100% organic. Organic means different things in this magazine. Sometimes it's confusing. Clothing, although made with recycled /reinvented fabrics are also quite costly. The magazine stresses health but the recipes in the current issue do not contain any nutritional information nor are all ingredients organic. For all these reasons, I feel that the magazine is not totally committed to the organic lifestyle. Perhaps there still aren't enough 100% organic products out there yet.
This being said, I do however, recommend and read the magazine. Although it isn't for die-hard purists, it does have an audience. Organic Style is for the affluent yuppie woman who can afford and desires the upscale products, services and vacations. She isn't satisfied with just any organic products; she wants ones that smell and taste good as well. She wants to wear clothes that look and feel good but also are trendy and make her feel feminine. If this all costs more money she is willing to spend it
In order to become mainstream Organic Style HAS to appeal to a broader range of interests, which it does even if some ideas or principles get watered down. Women - especially the successful urban ones targeted by OS don't have to time or maybe even the desire to grow all their own food and cook from scratch. They aren't interested in wearing used clothing but they still want to do their part in the earthy-friendly movement. This magazine is great for them.
It is a good introduction for someone easing into the organic lifestyle. The magazine incorporates all aspects of living and demonstrates how to do it organically. I like all the information about new organic products for the home/garden and kitchen as well are the personal care products - even if they are expensive. I especially like the well written Travel articles, the informative Health department and the delicious recipes that are easy to prepare. Most of all, I appreciate the simple beauty of the magazine with its glorious photography and classy look. I also use the helpful little hints like the current recipe for mint-scent hand towel chilled in the fridge. It's smart that scent-free subscription issues can be sent upon request but why aren't all issues scent-free? If this magazine sounds like something you might enjoy reading, why not pick up an issue and see if the magazine is right for you.
Recommended:
Yes
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glomarrone
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Location: Cocoa Beach, FL
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It's been fun for 2-1/2yrs. Now it's time to say goodbye. I'll miss you all!
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