A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN THE HOME...

RESPONSIBLE SHOPPING

What you buy and where you buy it from has a big impact on how 'sustainable' your lifestyle is. Understanding the impacts of your purchases can be complicated as the whole life-cycle (production, manufacturing, transportation, packaging and disposal) of the product should be considered.

It is worth putting some thought into your purchases, as supporting the right people and products can have huge benefits for the local economy, community and of course the environment.

Some things to consider:

• Was the product tested on animals?

• Was the product made using exploited labour?

• Is the product made using virgin materials, or recycled materials?

• Can the product be recycled when i'm finished with it?

• Does disposing the product harm the environment?

• Does purchasing the products support local businesses?

• Is it Australian owned and made?

THINGS TO DO TODAY

Shopping responsibly is quite easy, here a few tips:

Stick to what's on your list and avoid impulse buys to reduce unnecessary consumption

Purchase paper-based (napkins, toilet paper, paper towel) made from recycled content

Buy free range eggs

Buy products manufactured to reduce environmental loads

Support organic and non-genetically modified foods

Purchase products that can be recycled, and that do not create disposal problems

Avoid plastic shopping bags, and carry re-usable bags with you

Buy less meat, fish and seafood as their supply/harvest has significant ecological impacts

Buy organic fruits, vegetables and grains; choose local produce or even grow your own

FURTHER RESOURCES:

Choice - Comparison of products and services

EcoBUY - Green products and suppliers

Worldwatch Institute - A consumption manifesto

Australia's Sustainable Seafood Guide

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The Sustainable Living Guide links and information provided have been reproduced with permission from the Manningham City Council - Sustainable Living Guide, 2004.