1. Like the idea of a vegie patch but your garden is non-existent? Communitygarden.org.au lists local areas where you can pitch in and share garden space to grow a regular crop of fresh fruit and vegies. "They're wonderful for learning about organic gardening from others. And take the kids along - they love them," says Slow Food devotee Alison Drover.

2. Eating at restaurants isn't off the list but choose family-run, smaller businesses that may be more likely to use fresh, local ingredients.

3. Turn off the TV. "Celebrity chefs make cooking seem intimidating and complicated. The best-tasting food is simple and uses less ingredients," says Drover.

Fresh easy slow food recipes:

Spring salad recipe

Lemon and herb crusted chicken with verjuice dressing recipe

Dessert oranges with honey halva and rosemary recipe

Caramelised onion & goats cheese omelette recipe

Lavender poached fruit recipe

Recipes by Alison Drover, alisondrover.com.