About Monkey Baa
Better Buying
Making more sustainable choices when we are buying items for our household and for our consumption can have a significant positive impact on our environment.
We make daily choices about what we purchase as well as what we do with unwanted household and clothing items. Products can have an impact on the environment during manufacturing, during transportation to the place of purchase, while you are using the product and also once you have disposed of them!
Another important factor to consider is the packaging associated with products.
With all purchases, some key points to remember are:
- Buy local;
- Avoid excess, unnecessary packaging;
- Consider the long term costs and environmental impact of products;
- Look for recycled or second hand products;
- And try not to throw items that can be re-used by someone else!
This website has some excellent resources to help you to make more sustainable purchasing choices.
Links
Story of Stuff
http://www.storyofstuff.com/index.html
NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change
www.environment.nsw.gov.au
A state government website that is a good source of environmental information
Australian Conservation Foundation
www.acf.org.au
Information on how to make your home more environmentally friendly, including the Green Home Guide and Green Home Challenge
Sydney Water
www.sydneywater.com.au
Information on products and services as well as tips on how to reduce water consumption around your home
Green Plumbers Association
www.greenplumbers.com.au
Information on environmentally friendly plumbing practices and technology and also provides a database of accredited green plumbers who have been trained and accredited by the association
Alternate Energy Association
www.ata.org.au
Information on the latest sustainable technology
EcoSpecifier
www.ecospecifier.org
Looking for a shortcut to find eco and healthy building and renovating materials? Visit this high quality site for over 3500 listings of quality products
Michael Mobb’s sustainable house home page
www.sustainablehouse.com.au
Information on how Michael Mobbs converted his house into one of the first sustainable homes in Sydney.
Dr David Suzuki
www.davidsuzuki.org
Dr David Suzuki is a Canadian sustainability expert who has written many books on sustainability. His website contains information on a diverse range of topics
Total Environment Centre
www.tec..org.au
Information on a diverse range of environmental topics
Your Home: Design for Lifestyle and the Future
www.yourhome.gov.au
A comprehensive guide to how you can make your home environmentally friendly
BASIX
www.basix.nsw.gov.au
Information on BASIX and the online BASIX Calculator
Rotaloo
www.rotaloo.com
Seller of waterless, composting toilets
National Geographic Green Guide
www.thegreenguide.com
Green tips for consumers
Green Pages
www.greenpagesaustralia.com
A national directory of sustainable products and services