I want to chose products and services that reduce my environmental impact

Choose products that are recycled or have recycled content

Choosing recycled products or products with recycled content supports recycling initiatives and sends a message to producers to keep supplying these types of products.

Choose products that display the Environmental Choice tick

These products are designed to have lower environmental impact.

Choose rechargeable batteries instead of single use batteries

Although they cost more up-front, each rechargeable battery can be used again preventing the need to purchase new batteries, and adding to the electronic waste going to landfill when they are not disposed of correctly.

Use re-usable cloth bags for your shopping

This reduces the number of plastic bags that you will need while shopping.

Reduce your rubbish and choose concentrates and refills, or buy in bulk

This reduces the amount of packaging that needs to be recycled and will save you money.

Use crockery and cutlery instead of disposable cups, plates and cutlery

This will reduce the amount of rubbish you throw away and save you money.

Replace your regular light bulbs with eco-bulbs

Replacing your highest-use lights with CFLs can save on your power bill. They use 20% of the energy of other bulbs and produce the same amount of light. Put them in the five most-used areas of your home.

Drink tap water instead of buying bottled water

Bottled water costs you money and you're left with plastic bottles which need to be recycled. If you don't like you tap water consider purchasing a water filter. It will end up being cheaper in the long-run.

Use a lunchbox and a re-usable coffee cup instead of disposable packaging

Using a lunch box instead of plastic wrap, and a re-usable coffee cup instead of disposable takeaway cups, reduces the amount of rubbish you create. Using lunch boxes and storage containers for leftovers means that you won't have to buy plastic wrap.

Choose eco-friendly cleaning products

Next time you go shopping look for eco-friendly cleaning products. They are less harmful to your health and our waterways.

Ask yourself if you really need to buy new household items

Do you have something you could re-use or repair, or could you borrow things from friends or family?

Know what you need and what suits you when you go shopping for clothes

This helps you avoid impulse buying and can save you money.

Take your own containers to the butcher to save on packaging

The butcher just puts the meat straight into a container, which can be labelled and put in the freezer.

Use the internet to search for shopping information

The internet can be used to search for information and prices, rather than requesting hard copy brochures.

Buy pre-loved furniture, books, clothing and toys

This minimises rubbish and energy use, saves landfill space, generates income for charities and social groups and saves you money. Visit reducing your rubbish for more information.

Try re-usable cloth nappies

This saves the cost of disposable nappies and reduces your landfill rubbish.

Give ‘experiences’ as presents

Massage vouchers, dinners out, and even your time make marvellous presents and don't require any wasteful packaging.

Choose energy efficient appliances — look for the Energy Star label or star rating

Use the Energy Star website to choose products which use less energy.

Try a static cleaning cloth as it cleans without cleaning product

The static cleaning cloth costs more initially, but you can save money by not needing to buy so many cleaning products.

Consider attending a Sustainable Living course

Sustainable Living courses are offered throughout the country and provide practical methods and tips to living sustainably in your home. Some of the topics include: transport, organic gardening, saving water and shopping choices. To find out more, and where your closest course is visit Sustainable Living evening courses and introductory workshop sessions.

Choose locally produced food when you can

Locally produced food supports your community businesses and reduces the emissions created by transporting food long distances.

Try making your own cleaning products

Save money, reduce the harmful chemicals in your home, and reduce your rubbish by making your own cleaning products. Most are made from simple ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.

Buy good quality clothing that will last

This might cost more initially but will save you money in the long run.

If you need more clothes why not try shwopping, op-shopping or second hand shopping?

You can find some really nice clothes and save money. Re-using clothing also prevents it being sent to a landfill.

Choose a water efficient washing machine and/or dishwasher

Using a water efficient washing machine or dishwasher can save you many litres of water per year. Look out for the Water Efficiency Label to help you make smart choices when purchasing these items.

Consider buying a more efficient vehicle

When looking for a new car, compare the environmental performance of vehicles - a more efficient car can save you money, and reduce your carbon emissions. Check out the 'choosing the right car' page for more information.

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