... that most of the decisions we make every day have an environmental impact? Most people know that riding a bicycle to work is less damaging to the environment than driving a car. And we know that putting an extra jumper on in winter creates less greenhouse gases than turning on the heater.

As consumers, we make decisions every day about what we buy. We might decide on a product because it's cheap, tastes good, has a brand we are used to, or because it will last longer than another, similar product. Most Australian consumers are excellent at choosing products in these ways.

Many consumers would like to make their purchasing decision based on environmental factors as well. For example, if you know that two types of printing paper look, perform and are priced the same, but one comes from plantation timber and the other comes from tropical rainforests, you'd probably prefer the plantation paper.

This is just a simple example, but all sorts of products have different environmental impacts. The problem is, it's usually hard to tell. If you go shopping for paint, shampoo, a computer, furniture, magazines, dishwashing detergent, clothes and many other products, it can be very hard to make a decision with the environment in mind. The information just isn't there.

The good news is, things are getting easier. Look for the Good Environmental Choice label.

The Good Environmental Choice Label is the only environmental labelling program in Australia which indicates the environmental performance of a product from a whole of product life perspective for consumer goods. The label is awarded to products that meet voluntary environmental performance standards which have been created and assessed in conformance to international environmental labelling standards. The program is internationally recognised and growing in demand and awareness throughout different industries. On this website you will find information about certified products, environmental labelling in Australia, and the objectives of the program.

Manufactures will also find information as to the requirements of the declaration and how they may apply for recognition with the Good Environmental Choice Label for Australia.