Decisions about the things we buy can move us toward being sustainable. Thinking about things like the resources used in the products we buy, how efficient they are and their lifecycle can help us make more environmentally friendly purchases.
How can we reconfigure our retail filters to include our environmental responsibilities?

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Products Actions

Purchase recycled products From toilet paper to chairs, jackets to dog leads, there are many recycled products that are excellent quality, so consider buying recycled when you buy.	Buy paper and wood responsibly Help make the harvesting of the world's forests environmentally, socially & economically sustainable. Buy Forest Stewardship Council certified timber & wood products.	Buy Fair-trade food and products To stop the degradation of the global environment we have to deal with the failings of global trade, namely its tendency to increase poverty and its exploitation of the weak. Buying products labelled 'Fairtrade' is a good start.
Use non-toxic cleaners Common cleaning products, disinfectants and air fresheners are creating a toxic environment at home. Try natural alternatives for a healthier home and family.	Buy secondhand goods By purchasing secondhand goods from an opportunity shop, you are supporting a charity, getting a bargain & reducing the resources required to satisfy your consumption needs.	Environmentally friendly mindset Become aware of the environmental implications of your consumption and purchase those goods that have the least impact on our future.
	Avoid excessive packaging Give priority to purchasing unpackaged products and save the earth's precious resources.

ENVIRONMENT

The urban spread of our houses and gardens, and the power, water and materials required for them to provide us with a comfortable living space account for a significant proportion of our ecological footprint. Managed effectively, this integral part of our lives can be a vehicle for the conservation, generation and collection of energy, water and natural resources. It can also supply us with much of the food we need.

WELLBEING

Our homes are our sanctuaries where we bring our dearest, raise our children and spend over half our lives. Tapping the potential of the house and garden to rejuvenate, inspire and soothe us, as well as protecting and sheltering us, is one of the creative missions of any householder's life.