.

Be label savvy

Try to think of the true cost of a product, and that's not just the dollar amount. Consider who made it, where it's from and what it is made of. If you are happy with all three answers, you know you've chosen wisely.

Buy local

Weekend farmers' markets mean you can buy direct from the person who picked the vegies that very morning. It's not just better for us, but the planet also benefits as it reduces the eco impact of transportation. Visit www.farmersmarkets.org.au to find the nearest market to you.

Go on an oil-free diet

With global warming and rising oil prices, we can see the effect of our love affair with petrochemicals. To help turn this around, we can choose products made from plant-based materials rather than petrol.

Take baby steps

Adopt one, small earth-friendly campaign at a time. For example, try to buy food that contains less packaging. And when you go to the coffee shop, take a re-usable mug or, if you forget, ask for no lid on the cup.

Less is best: reduce waste

Set yourself a waste reduction challenge. By focusing on how much is in your bin each week, it encourages change like recycling, composting, donating items to charity and opting for products with less packaging.

Opt for a greener clean

Don't be seduced by "biodegradable" claims, as most items will eventually break down. The issue is how long it takes and what toxins are released into the environment. Avoid goods containing sodium fillers, chlorine, ammonia and synthetic dyes.

Take your own bag

Opt for holdalls made from plants, like hemp or jute, rather than the "green" bags made from petrochemicals. Keep different-sized bags for everyday chores: use large ones for shopping and small bags for carrying lunches.