Introduction
It is the intention of HOPE to make sure all people understand that they affect the environment.
In order to be good humans, we need to understand the importance of action and reaction.
A good example of this train of thought is thinking globally, acting locally.
This is why HOPE has decided to try and help people to adopt this practice in their daily
lives by giving examples of ways in which they can help lead a more environmentally friendly
life without changing their lifestyles.
Every little action does help! No matter how small; just picking up a piece
of litter on your way while walking (instead of driving!) to the shops will contribute to your
conscience and to the protection of our lovely community.
Environmentally friendly products/services
This section of the page is gives examples of how you can choose the more environmentally
friendly option.
- Ditch the incandescent!
There is a whole range of energy-saving light bulbs now on the market.
These bulbs cost slightly more than standard incandescent bulbs, but use up to 80% less energy,
and last around 6 times longer. Most supermarkets, hardware and lighting stores carry these
products. Electricity providers also provide the option of a “green tariff”, where for
a small extra charge on your monthly bill you can help boost investment in renewable energies.
- Appliances and equipment
The energy used by general household appliances and equipment is a major source of
greenhouse gas emissions in our community. Of course, you do not need to ditch all your
working appliances, but consider the appliances which carry favourable energy ratings on them.
All white goods now carry a star rating which shows their energy consumption. An energy efficient
appliance will not only be better for the environment, but will also be cheaper to run.
The following link provides information on appliances around the home and things you should
consider when purchasing items.
 http://www.energyrating.gov.au/
- Tank Mother Earth!
Tanks are one of our favourite inventions. To harvest one of our most necessary resources
which is free is justification enough to enjoy the beautiful flavour of fresh water. Test it!
Next time it rains, get some of the fresh stuff and be amazed, the smell, the taste, the refreshment,
it's all beautiful. A rainwater tank is also necessary in our community. Lets take the pressure
off the local water systems and use the water on our roofs. You can find a stack of local companies
which will sell you a water tank. So help out our water systems and enjoy the taste of fresh water.
- Test for Lead First!!
Before you start preparing old paint for repainting or start stripping
paint, demolishing old buildings or even just a ceiling or a wall, and
before you consider installing a rainwater tank for drinking or watering the
vegies - Test for Lead First!!
The LEAD Group (a charity registered in NSW)
has developed a DIY home lead assessment kit which can be used for
laboratory analysis of lead in paint, dust, soil, water, roof flashings,
nails, washers, children's toys, jewellery, etc. Don't take the risk with
your family's health - lead is everywhere! Find it before it finds you or a
loved one. This kit is fabulous value for money and the price includes the
lab cost and the interpretation of the results. All proceeds of kit sales go
to running the Global Lead Advice and Support Service.
W: www.lead.org.au
or phone 1800626086 to order a kit today.
- Start buying eco-friendly products.
Ever thought about how your shoes contribute to global warming? The production of
ANYTHING contributes, but by being a little more aware, you too can help the environment.
These sites are all based on eco-friendly products and hope to lessen impact of production
on the environment.
- Biome - http://www.biome.com.au/
This place has a stack of gear you can buy - homewares, gifts, body and skin care, etc.
- Vital Resource Management (water and waste treatment) -
http://www.vrm.com.au/
The primary aim of this company is the fostering of cooperative, sustainable environmental
management. In keeping with this, the members see water and soil humus as perhaps our most
precious resources and their care as one of our most important responsibilities.
This has led to a focus on waste water and waste re-use programs and an interest
in controlled soil conditioning. VRM has cleaners and conditioners which are great at breaking
down wastes which feed soil. They also have treatment systems and inoculation programs
for more large scale operations. Check out how technology can help the environment!
- The Green Directory -
http://www.thegreendirectory.com.au/index.shtml
This is a GREAT one stop green, conscience aware website that will direct you in many eco-friendly ways.
It is a directory to many businesses which have the environment as a priority in their objectives,
whether they are providing products, services, environmental education or something else. Check this
place out and broaden your horizons.
- Green Harvest publishes the
Australian Organic Gardening Resources Guide in July each year. The
Guide includes information on Seeds and Plants; Natural Pest
Management; Books; and Tools and Accessories. For enquiries or to
place an order, phone freecall 1800 681 014 or visit their website
at www.greenharvest.com.au
- Ecospecifier (building materials)
www.ecospecifier.org
Ecospecifier is a knowledge base of over 1000 environmentally preferable products, materials
and resources. Linking independent information with a powerful search interface, Ecospecifier
does your materials research for you, delivering innovative solutions with a unique difference.
Designed to help designers, builders, consultants and those looking to deliver a best practice design,
Ecospecifier can help reduce environmental impacts and create healthier and more productive living and
working environments.
- Earthlink (formerly known as the
Green Pages) - is a portal directory for supporters of buying green
earth friendly products. This site promotes businesses that produce
products that have a positive environmental influence. They
encourage both environmental and humanitarian groups to use this
site to form a cooperative foundation for information sharing. http://www.earthlink.org.au
- LanaB Natural Skin Care Every one of our natural skin
care products has been made to do more than just cleanse or moisturise your skin. Wonderful
natural ingredients that will rejuvenate and repair skin damage, reduce wrinkles and lines and
also nurture your skin to create a more youthful appearance are added in generous amounts to
all our natural skin care products so you can maintain naturally beautiful skin easily and quickly.
Visit http://www.lanab.com.au to find out more.
- Otek ozone technology to give SMEs the green edge for a fraction of the price
For SMEs, embracing green laundry technologies has often been seen as a prohibitively expensive process,
but the latest developments in ozone generation technology mean that this is no longer the case.
Australian company Ozone Technologies Pty Ltd (Otek brand) has not only pioneered ozone laundry technology to
allow operators of all sizes to enjoy water and energy saving benefits, but they are now offering an affordable
and accessible package that any sized business could consider.
For further information:
Jamie Keenan Ph: 02 9331 6611 E: Jamie@tmte.com.au or
Lisa Kinahan Ph: 02 9331 6611 Mob: 0416 363 202 lisa@tmte.com.au
Feedback and Suggestions
If you have any comments on any of the above, or can suggest any other good
websites to include on this site, please let us know. Send comments to
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