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Shopping green doesn't have to take any extra time and effort. All it takes is a little environmental know-how. The Queensland Office of Fair Trading and the Environmental Protection Agency have come up with some tips to help you spot 'green' products on your supermarket shelf.
10 top tips to choose green gifts
- Choose gifts that support eco living such as fruit trees, herb plants, native plants, a bicycle, refillable pens, paper making kits, solar power gadgets or a worm farm
- Choose chemical-free products, ideally certified organic
- Avoid PVC (polyvinylchloride), a toxic plastic used in furniture, handbags, toys and gift packs
- Choose practical gifts that are useful and serve a need and you’ll avoid landfill
- Choose ethical gifts that support humane and environmental causes
- Consider ‘virtual gifts’ for people that already have everything. The recipient receives a gift card and the actual gift goes to someone in need
- Give tickets to an event or a membership
- Check out the markets for gifts that support local artists and community groups
- Buy toys that are repairable and durable and can be passed on
- Visit the charity shops and op shops or second hand markets for old yet inspirational gifts
When you shop
Next time you hit the shops, take your own reusable bags and ask yourself these questions:
Is there an environmentally friendly alternative available?
Compare the price, quality and environmental credentials of different brands. If the environmentally friendly alternative can do the job you need it to but costs a little extra, consider whether it's worth buying it for the sake of preserving our environment.
Is the product's packaging wasteful or excessive?
Go green – most Australian electricity retailers offer a green option allowing you to get your energy from renewable sources. For less than a $1 a day, you could reduce your household emissions to zero. Most packaging will be discarded once the product inside is used, so look for packaging that is made from materials your local council recycles. A better alternative is to choose products that come in refillable or reusable packaging.
Is the product made from recyclable materials?
Choose products made from recycled materials such as paper, cardboard, aluminium, steel and plastic. Avoid hazardous materials.
Was the product produced locally?
Transporting products from around the world contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Buying locally made products is a great way to reduce adverse environmental impacts while supporting local economies.
Was the product created using environmentally sustainable methods?
Buy from manufacturers with a good environmental track record and check product labels for environmental certification such as ISO 14001.
Further links
Shop online for eco-friendly household cleaners, energy saving kits and more at ecoshop.
Buy gifts that change lives from Oxfam Australia.