Search

Small, Sydney-based producer of recycled locally-manufactured toilet rolls, using FSC Certified 100% recycled raw materials. 50% of profits are donated to RSPCA NSW. Order online.

This small Sydney based social enterprise makes 3 types of chutneys: (1) Rescued chutneys - wonky and wounded produce local farmers are unable to sell; (2) Fairtrade chutneys - uses fairtrade ingredients, first and only ones across AU & NZ; (3) Organic chutneys - use local organic produce. Available online.

Tasmanian Organic dairy farm with significant animal welfare policies. Retire dairy cows to grazing the paddocks for the rest of their natural life. Let calves suckle naturally on their mothers for an extended period of time (2 to 4 months). Let the calves run with the herd (and therefore their mothers) from then on. Do not use animal derived rennet in the production of cheese. Package milk in returnable glass with deposit system. Only available in Tasmania

Small family-owned baking business from the Blue Mountains near Sydney. Their gingerbread is vegan and palm oil free, and packaged in compostable wrappers. They also support a number of charities.

Small family-run farm in Northern Victoria who milk, process and distribute the milk themselves. How Now doesn't separate the calves and cows and they don't send the calves to slaughter. "The average cow will produce 20 litres of milk a day - but a calf only drinks around seven litres, so we only use what remains." To reduce the number of bobby calves born, artificial intelligence is used to produce predominantly females using a more expensive type of semen that has about a 90% success rate. Based in Victoria.

Australian-owned and made skincare products certified cruelty-free & vegan by PETA, and certified Toxic-Free by Safe Cosmetics Australia. Based in Tasmania.

A small sustainable cow profit dairy model run by two Australian families in Victoria. Profits go towards their Cow Sanctuary where mother cow, daddy bull and calves are protected for their entire life. Slaughter free, cruelty free, free-range and grass fed cows. See their website to find a stockist near you.

This Tasmania-based company makes eco-friendly dog and cat collars & leads. The company's environmental claims include efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, packaging from recycled paper and being cruelty-free/vegan.

Australian-owned and made meat alternative products, particularly smallgoods. All products are 100% vegan. Based in Sydney and available from health food stores around Australia.

This is a problem because it puts smaller independent liquor sellers out of business. It also gives these companies significant control over our alcohol industry, meaning they determine what products are available to the average Aussie. This results in less variety and choice for consumers. Additionally, these companies will sell their home brand and private label products under many different names, none of which are usually associated with the parent company. This makes it difficult to tell whether you are supporting an independent brand or one owned/in partnership with Coles or Endeavour. Endeavour owns the liquor stores Dan Murphy's and BWS, plus house brands that include Castaway Cider, John Boston, Mcallister Whisky, Nelson County Bourbon, Mishka Vodka, Buckeye Rum, and Houndstooth Gin. Coles Group owns the liquor stores 1st Choice, Liquorland, and Vintage Cellars, plus many liquor house brands including Tinnies, Maxx and Steamrail beer, Mr Finch cider, Volsk vodka, Kentucky Gold bourbon, Old Lion's gin, and John Samson scotch whisky. Another ethical issue with alcohol in Australia is the country's unhealthy drinking practices among minors, and the role companies have in perpetuating this behaviour. The use of sports sponsorships and advertising on social media, bus stops and TV means that children are frequently exposed to material promoting alcohol use. In addition, the advertising and packaging of some products, especially pre-mixed spirits, are particularly attractive to under 18s. Many have called on the government and alcohol companies to change the way children are exposed to these marketing materials. Check the labelling to find out if the product is a house brand. If the address is for Pinnacle Drinks, then it is an Endeavour house brand. If it is for James Busby or Australian Beer Connoisseurs, it is a Coles Group brand. Look for small independent Australian-owned brands, rather than Endeavour and Coles' house brands Follow the link for a list of wines brands owned by Coles, Endeavour and other major players.

Brazil's JBS, the world's largest meat company, now controls 25 per cent of Australia's beef industry after buying Australian Meat Holdings, Tasman Group, and Rockdale Beef between 2007 and 2010. Australia's second largest beef processor, Teys Bros, merged with Cargill Australia's beef division in 2011 creating a joint venture which controls another 21 per cent. Cargill, the world's largest grain trader, second largest meat packer, and USA's largest private corporation, also bought AWB (Australian Wheat Board) in 2011. JBS and Cargill have both been criticised for clearing Amazon rainforest to produce soy for animal feed. Find out about your meat and its story, support local meat suppliers, source farm-gate produce.

A global system reliant on oil and hazardous chemicals, and controlled by large companies who abuse their power to maximise profit at the expense of farmers, factory workers and small retailers. With every meal, we have the opportunity to support a different food production system, one based on producing vibrant, healthy food with the wellbeing of people, animals and the land at heart. We encourage you to experiment in organic backyard food production, share healthy foods and the stories behind your food, and in doing this make a small, yet meaningful contribution to creating a food production system with a future. Check out Local Harvest, our sister resource for find good food close to you! Buy in bulk at a food co-op in your area, seek out free-range, organic products , or buy in bulk at a food co-op in your area. Share your excess produce and ideas at an urban harvest swap meet near you Grow a year's supply of vegetables in 40m square with a Diggers Club Mini Plot Transform your back yard into an edible food forest with the help of the community

Other chemicals, although safe in small amounts, do build up over time and this intensive long-term exposure does seem to present unnecessary health risks. These include mineral oil, DEA/TEA/MEA, D&C colours, aluminium, talc, and synthetic fragrances. Avoid known toxins. Decode the chemical nasties with the Chemical Maze app and book. Check out the Skin Deep cosmetics database with over 71,000 different products and a safety assessment of ingredients (US).

This includes smartphones, computers, tablets, gaming devices, GPS, cameras, and whatever you are reading this from! Another common use for these materials is jewellery, with gold being the most obvious example. Unfortunately, conflict minerals contribute to a great deal of human suffering. That is because they fund violence, torture, and death in wars in the regions they are extracted from. There is also a lack of labour regulation, meaning hazardous work conditions, child labour, and subpar wages plague mines in these conflict zones. Most conflict minerals are mined from Africa, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) being the most prevalent example. In countries like these, the government often has trouble regulating and monitoring the thousands of mines that litter the nation. This allows armed groups to control or extort the mines and their workers, with mining income directly funding the violence of many armed groups in the region. The situation also causes suffering as these groups fight each other for control over these mining sites. Beyond the violence perpetrated by militants, the working conditions in the mines are frequently deplorable. The workers, including children, are regularly coerced into work. Conditions are often dangerous, with the lack of government regulation and domination by armed groups preventing workers from fighting for sufficient labour rights. Choose to buy from companies that have taken steps to trace their supply chains and are attempting to avoid sourcing conflict minerals. As You Sow has ranked the largest electronic companies on their commitment to tracing their supply chains and using legitimately-sourced minerals What you can do: Avoid purchasing products made with conflict minerals and buy from companies committed to equitable and conflict-free supply chains. As You Sow's Mining the Disclosures' report offers comprehensive rankings in many industries. Buy jewellery and electronics second-hand. This avoids supporting conflict minerals while also being less wasteful. Contact your local member of parliament and express your desire for greater regulation of conflict minerals and further effort in addressing the underlying problems in these regions.

The small size of cages means that birds are unable to turn around easily, stretch out, flap their wings or exercise. Cages do not satisfy the hen's behavioural need to perch, dust bathe, forage, and lay their eggs in a secluded nest. Beaks are trimmed to prevent cannibalism. In 2008, the European Union announced a ban on conventional battery cages to come into effect from 2012 (Directive 1999/74/EC). This will mean 'Enriched' cages must allow at least 750 cm2 per hen, and contain a nest, litter, perch and clawing-board. This is equal to 9 hens per square metre. BARN-LAID EGGS Hens are housed in a large barn or shed, which contains perching facilities, litter, nest boxes, feeders and drinkers. Most barns have around one-third of the floor space covered with litter that allows for scratching and dust bathing. Flocks may be small (500 birds) or large (5000 birds or more). Conventional barns house 12-15 hens per square metre. The RSPCA-accredited barn-housed hens ('Choose Wisely' branding) house up to 9 hens per square metre. FREE-RANGE EGGS In May 2016 a new national standard for free-range egg production was introduced, requiring the density of chickens outdoors must be no more than one hen per square metre (10,000 hens per hectare) and hens are to have "meaningful and regular" access to the outdoors. It also requires the disclosure of outdoor stocking densities. This legislation is significantly less strict than the 1,500 birds per hectare standard, recommended by the CSIRO and preferred by the RSPCA, a standard previously in place in the Australian Capital Territory. Consumer advocacy group CHOICE responded to the new standards by calling for a consumer boycott of eggs from companies with high stocking densities. Three voluntary certifications that have documented standards are: (1) FREPA (Free Range Egg & Poultry Australia). 7 hens per square metre. Farms are inspected annually, hens have access to pasture and water, do not lay under lights, and are not debeaked. (2) Organic certification. ACO (Australian Certified Organic) guarantee birds are fed organic grain, are free from pesticides, chemical fertilisers and antibiotics, with a maximum of 5 hens per square metre. (3) RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme includes standards for barn or free-range production where farms are assessed by the RSPCA at least twice per year. The standards are focussed on animal welfare where hens can perch, dust bathe, scratch and forage, and lay their eggs in a nest. (4) Australian Egg Corporation 'Egg Corp Assured', which represents 90% of producers, code of practice for animal welfare as part of their quality assurance scheme has 14 hens per square, and 'access' to outside. Allows beak trimming. Recipients of Choice's 2008 "Shonky Awards". If you want to buy free-range eggs with hen welfare in mind, look for independent certification such as FREPA, RSPCA or Certified Organic. Or use the Choice free-range eggs buying guide to see which brands meet the recommended model code of 1500 hens per hectare. Learn more

This often leads to a large number of animals being confined to small living spaces, including indoor sheds, cages, crates, or pens. Hormones and breeding practices are often used to distort these animals' bodies in the name of greater meat production at the expense of their welfare. One example is selective breeding to make chickens reach slaughter weight three times faster, causing several skeletal and cardiovascular issues. Unfortunately, these cruel, overcrowded conditions create the perfect environment for diseases to cultivate. Because giving animals a more ethical environment would reduce profit, however, these farms pump the animals full of antibiotics instead of addressing the underlying issue. When these seep into the environment, they allow microbes to become resistant, making it harder for us to fight certain illnesses. Factory farming places a significant toll on the environment. The amount of water, fossil fuels, and land used in these farms is significant and unsustainable. Animal waste and the pesticides used in the animal feed contaminate waterways to the point that some become dead zones unable to support life! Due to long hours, exposure to disease, and simply the nature of the work itself, workers at factory farms are more likely to suffer from physical and psychological problems. Further, these environmental and health impacts more greatly affect the rural communities surrounding these farms compared to other populations. This list of problems is only scratching the surface. Still, I'm sure you are already wondering how to avoid contributing to this cruel practice. What you can do: Learn more at Voiceless You can stop the problem at its source by reducing or eliminating animal products from your diet. This isn't always easy, so try to remember it is a gradual process. Animals Australia is a great place to go for more tips. If you continue to eat animal products, look for those which are independently certified by organisations like the RSPCA. The ethical standards for these items are higher, although far from perfect. If buying meat, Sustainable Table's Ethical Meat Suppliers Directory will help you find butchers offering free range and organic meat. Find cafes and restaurants serving higher welfare food near you at RSPCA's Choose Wisely website.

Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) refers to mining conducted with low-tech machinery and physical labour. Independent reports have consistently recorded the poor working conditions in supplier companies. In 2012 a report of ten electronics manufacturers in China found the average overtime of employees was between 100-130 hours per month - well in excess of the maximum 36 hours allowed under Chinese law. 11 hour days with very few days off are common. See 'Who Pays the Price? The Human Cost of Electronics' See 'The Truth of the Apple iPad Behind Foxconn's Lies' See RankaBrand's Sustainable Electronics Report 2014

Nanoparticles are incredibly small, measured in nanometres (nm), or one-billionth of a meter. They are found in cosmetics, moisturisers, and some sunscreens, and are used to increase products' penetration into the skin. Concerns have been raised that if nanoparticles are absorbed into living skin cells, they could increase the risk of skin cancer. Testing commissioned by Friends of the Earth, found nanoparticles in foundations and concealers sold by 10 top name brands, including Christian Dior, Revlon, and Yves Saint Laurent. Only one of these, Christian Dior, labelled its use of nano ingredients. Companies are not legally required to test the safety of nanoparticles before using them in products, or to label their products as containing nano ingredients. More on nanotechnology in sunscreens Emerging Nanotechnologies - concerns overview

Aquatic life is often thrown back after being fished, usually because they are too small or not the correct species. However, even this often causes injury or death because of rapid decompression, air exposure, and the stress of being captured. The plastic from fishing equipment is another issue. 45 per cent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in weight is discarded fishing nets. This can be combated in a few ways. The most obvious is limiting how much fishing is done in the first place, particularly for species that are at risk. Government-mandated fishing quotas help, and we can do our bit by cutting or reducing our seafood intake. If you continue eating seafood, you should ensure that what you eat is sustainably sourced. Unfortunately, this isn't always easy. Manufacturers often name their products to obscure the underlying animal, such as using "flake" to describe shark. Aggregate products like fish sticks or patties also tend to include unsustainable seafood without the consumer realising. It's important to check the label and learn what products and species are sustainable choices. What can you do? Eliminate or reduce your seafood consumption. Tofu is a great protein-rich alternative. If you are concerned about omega-3, flaxseed, walnuts and algae oil are great substitutes. When buying seafood, use GoodFish: Australia's Sustainable Seafood Guide to help you find the most sustainable options. Avoid species most at risk, such as shark products, rays, bigeye tuna, and southern bluefin tuna. Choose fish lower down the food chain, such as sardines and anchovies. Look for the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) logos. These certify that the seafood production occurred in a reasonably sustainable manner.

From our smartphones to our latest weaponry, the technology that underpins modern life would be impossible without rare earth minerals. Despite the name, the 17 metallic elements are common in the earth's crust, but the techniques used to extract and refine them is labor-intensive, environmentally hazardous and increasingly costly. China is now responsible for approximately 95% of the world's rare earth mineral production, and has at least half of the world's reserves. China imposed a limit to the export of rare earth minerals in 2009, citing the need to conserve a dwindling resource and limit environmental damage from mining. The United States and others challenged the quotas in 2012 in a WTO complaint, which was upheld in January 2015 with export restrictions dropped. Australia, the third largest producer of rare earth minerals, is responsible for 2.0% of world production and has 3.9% of the world's reserves. Further information on rare earth resources in Australia, including interactive map See 'Why We Need Rare Earth Elements' (a great introduction) See 'The Global Race for Rare Earths' See 'National Security, Rare Earth Elements'

The more market share they have, the more influence they have over suppliers, and the easier it is to stamp out smaller independent retailers. Criticisms of the Woolworths/Coles duopoly include market dominance, squeezing suppliers, creeping acquisitions, predatory pricing, restrictive covenants, and building supermarkets in small towns despite local protests. Woolworths is Australia's largest supermarket operator, and NZ's second largest. After years of criticism for being Australia's largest owner of poker machines, Woolworths spun off its liquor retail and hotels businesses in 2021, leaving the poker machines business. Woolworths also operates over 150 Big W stores around Australia. Wesfarmers bought Coles Group in 2007 for $22 billion, but spun off the supermarket and liquor business in 2018. Wesfarmers kept Officeworks, Kmart and Target, which were part of Coles Group when it was acquired by Wesfarmers. Coles Group now owns Coles supermarkets; 1st Choice, Liquorland and Vintage Cellars liquor stores; Coles Express (with Shell) fuel & convenience stores. German-owned ALDI operates over 570 stores in Australia, accounting for 11% of supermarket sales. Most brands in store are ALDI owned. Over 80% of products are Australian made. Metcash accounts for 7% of supermarket sales in Australia and distributes primarily to independently owned stores including IGA and Foodland supermarkets; IGA Liquor, Bottle-O and Cellarbrations liquor stores; Mitre 10, Home Timber & Hardware and Total Tools hardware stores. Take action: Shop at independent supermarkets See article: Tactics used to maintain power over the grocery market in Australia See program: Super Power - The cost of living with Coles and Woolworths Take action: Shop at farmers markets and food co-ops

Tin is an important metal used as a solder in tablets and smartphones. Four smartphones contain around the same amount of tin as an entire car. Tin is contained within the crust of the earth and extracting it involves clearing and ploughing land, or dredging the seabed. About one-third of the global tin supply comes from the Indonesian islands of Bangka and Belitung. Large-scale deforestation to make way for the mining threatens to leave up to half of Bangka's forests arid, and previously fertile ground and water aquifers have acidified. Purchase electronics goods from companies that are open about where they source tin from, acknowledge the damage tin extraction has caused in Indonesia, and support the introduction of sustainable mining practices. Friends of the Earth Netherlands has assessed major electronics companies based on their transparency and support for sustainable mining See Friends of the Earth's three part documentary: Mining for Smartphones

Many of our ancient forests in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales are presently being logged, clearfelled, burnt, and turned into millions of tonnes of woodchips for paper and cardboard every year. Say 'no' to Reflex and other Australian Paper products (including Post Office brand), which use Australian native forest fibre and are chlorine bleached. Choose copy paper with recycled content Find out more about protecting our forests