Environmentally Friendly Products & Services

Introduction

What’s New

At the heart of The Thin Green Line shop is the spirit of community. Co-operatively run by a number of small business owners and passionate individuals who have come together with a shared desire to contribute something positive to the wellbeing of humanity and the earth. Our aim is to educate, communicate and inspire a healthy, sustainable lifestyle by creating, sourcing and providing Certified Organic and Fair Trade products such as; bedding, clothing, skin care, food, gifts, books, natural paints and the latest in eco-developments. Our unique products and services are available in store and on-line for all specialty product-lines. We also supply local and Fair Trade products with the same vision. You can find us at

E:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

W:  www.thethingreenline.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 our email.

Australian Building Greenhouse Rating Scheme The Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR) Scheme is a 'world first initiative' to help building owners and tenants across Australia benchmark their greenhouse performance. Visit www.nabers.com.au/

The Australian Business & Climate Group (ABCG) is a group of nine major organisations - Anglo Coal, BP Australia, Deloitte, Mirvac, Rio Tinto, Santos, Swiss Re, VicSuper and Westpac. The group’s major objective is to identify a supporting role for business in the acceleration of the development and deployment of Australia’s low emissions economy. It has released a report entitled Stepping Up: Accelerating the Deployment of Low Emission Technology in Australia in August 2007, which is available in hard copy from Santos Corporate Affairs by phoning 08 8116 5219, or downloadable from http://www.businessandclimate.com/report.htm.

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BeGreen.com.au is one of Australia’s most comprehensive information sources for the application of Green thinking to daily routine. It provides a little bit of everything when it comes to being Green (environmentally friendly). Whether you want to live green, build green, work green, act green, think green, or invest green, there is plenty of information, products, advices and services to be found. See http://www.begreen.com.au/live_green.php

Bellis is the house that Jerry Coleby-Williams (Gardening Australia) and Jeff Poole have completely transformed into a sustainable house. This website is devoted to the transformation process and the end result, showing you in detail what has been done. Watch and learn!  Go to  http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Home.html  

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Carbon market is an eco friendly online store for environmental products and services in the categories of Accommodation/Travel, Art/Fashion/Design, Building/Construction, Banking/Finance, Books/Magazines/DVDs, Carbon Management, Carbon Trading, Education/Training, Energy, Events, Farm, Food/Hospitality, Garden/Landscape, Gifts, Health, House, Job/Employment, Land/Property, Office/Workplace, People, Pets/Animals, Solar/Renewable, Transportation, Waste/Recycle, Water/Water Saving. It is associated with Eco Voice, Carbon News, and Eco Clubs. Go to http://www.carbonmarket.com.au/index.php

Cities for Climate Protection ^TM Australia – is a program by the Australian Government to reduce gas emissions to 8% above 1990 levels by 2010. It is funded with a $13 million over 5-year commitment. It is being delivered with the collaboration with the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). The incentive is to work with local government, industry and the community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As at September 2003 there were 176 local governments, representing over 71% of Australia's population, that are committed to achieving sustainable, long-term reductions in their greenhouse gas emissions through their participation in CCP^TM Australia. www.iclei.org/index.php?id=800

Solco Choice Electric is one of Australia's largest, oldest and most respected wholesalers of solar power and solar water pumping systems. This website contains information on products using solar energy, such as GridPower® solar home system kit, solar regulators, deep cycle batteries, and solar pumping kit. Its offices and warehouses are in Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Murwillumbah, providing services and technical assistances. Call 1800 074 007 for further queries, free of charge or go to http://www.choiceelectric.com.au/

Chrysalis Landscape Consultants (CLC) offer a comprehensive landscape and environmental design service that caters for all needs - commercial, residential, planning, environmental compliance, conservation farming, and organics.  Go to   http://www.grubbclc.com.au

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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. Visit www.earthlink.org.au .

Eco-living: An exciting example of how accommodation planning and design can be achieved at low cost while at the same time keeping our eco-footprint small.www.ecoshelta.com

Ecoshop is an online business where you can directly purchase all sorts of environmentally friendly products, from personal care to books to cleaning products. Go to http://www.ecoshop.com.au/asp/default.asp

EcoMart The aim of EcoMart is to set up community owned supermarkets or neighbourhood shops selling local produce, goods and services which will promote –

• LOCAL production, business, and economy 

• SUSTAINABLE goods, services, employment, community initiatives and individual lifestyles - small carbon footprint.

• PRODUCER-BASED pricing - profit to producers not middlemen.
• EDUCATION about sustainable products and services - transport miles and business practices.

• INTERACTION with EcoMart supermarkets in other localities for distribution of surplus goods and services.

The plan is to form a network of EcoMart supermarkets or warehouses supplying local stores, which will be owned by incorporated community organisations with the above aims. These will be run on a low profit basis which will be returned to the community for resilience building. Sustainability ratings will be displayed on all goods and services offered for sale and used to inform and educate consumers. EcoMart’s website is interactive and is based on the concept of Wikipedia where registered members are invited to contribute or edit articles about this community based sustainable business concept. For more info go to http://www.ecomartaustralia.org/tiki-index.php

Eco Voice, Australia’s leading Eco E-Newsletter (previously The Environment Newspaper) is the place where you can find the latest free eco information online. It consists of Environmental News, Eco Events, Eco Directory, Eco Guide, and Eco Articles and contains a lot of information regarding climate change, clean energy, awards, eco produces, habitat, tourism, water conservation, leisure, recycling and more. Simply subscribe to its monthly e-newsletter for free at http://www.ecovoice.com.au/

Ecozine is providing Eco Directory in the areas of architecture, body & soul, clothing, energy, environment, financial services, food & drink, gifts, household, landscape & garden, office, organizations, pet care, recycling & waste, technology, tourism & travel, transport, and water. Tips and ideas on water saving, energy saving, and others are available on the site. This is also the place where you can keep up with Eco News from ABC, BigPond, Greenpeace, Live News, Planet Ark, and Reuters.  Go to http://www.ecozine.com.au/index.php?option=com_sobi2&Itemid=76

Enviro Friendly Products is an online resource for environmentally friendly products. It 'has been created to help thoughtful and aware people reduce their needs for energy and water'. Their resources page lists 'as many worthwhile environmentally friendly products and resources' as possible, from Australia and around the world to help you help the environment. Go to http://www.enviro-friendly.com/environmentally-friendly-products-resources.shtml

Envirofund is an information service for people involved in the natural resources and environment management fields. It is free to receive, but there is a charge to advertise. View at http://halledit.com.au/onlineservices/enviroinfo.htm

eMagazine Now in its 15th year, E/The Environmental Magazine is a bimonthly "clearinghouse" of information, news and resources for people concerned about the environment who want to know "What can I do?" to make a difference. A 10-time Independent Press Awards winner and nominee, E is chock full of everything environmental -- from recycling to rainforests, and from the global village to our own backyards.  For more information go to http://www.emagazine.com/

Environment Business Australia is the peak body representing and helping organisations in the business of providing goods, systems, services, technologies, infrastructure, financing, research and development, and education that improve environmental outcomes. Visit www.environmentbusiness.com.au

ENVIROTALK is the not-for-profit Australian environmental discussion forum. Forum topics cover the full range of issues including eco housing, fire, endangered and threatened species, alternative energy sources, law and politics, sustainability, transport and recycling to name a few. To find out how to participate in Envirotalk discussions visit www.envirotalk.com.au .

Ethical Directory provides information about ethical and green businesses and products. Categories include construction, health, beauty, education, books/magazines, energy, business services, entertainment, recycling, charities, fair trade, shopping, retreats, computers/internet, conservation, food/restaurants and Transport/Travel.  For more information go to http://www.ethicaldirectory.ca/index.php

Ezynappy reusable, shaped cloth nappy, fast drying, stain resistant, designed to be outgrown, not outworn, ezy on the wallet, ezy on the planet, visit www.ezynappy.com

Food Connect Putting the Culture back into Agriculture Every week of the year, bring home a bounty of freshly harvested mixture of organic and eco produce � tender gourmet salad greens, old fashioned heirloom tomatoes, the sweetest carrots, spring strawberries -- all grown by our family of farmers in a manner that is healthy for you, your family and the land that supports us all. Visit www.foodconnect.com.au

Flora for Fauna - Is an initiative of the Nursery & Garden Industry, Australia aimed at bringing new life to the gardens in our cities, towns and rural areas. The nurseries and garden centres of Australia want to spread the message that Flora for Fauna gardens can be a joy to the people who create them as well as a life saver to the fauna that find sanctuary there. See - www.floraforfauna.com.au

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The Global Footprint Network Supports a sustainable economy by advancing the “Ecological Footprint”, a measurement and management tool that makes the reality of planetary limits relevant to decision makers throughout the world. The site offers information, tools and services, standards and resources to back the environmental footprint concept. www.footprintnetwork.org

The Green Guide is a free monthly E-Newsletter from National Geographic. It is targeted at general consumers, showing people how to make small changes that add up to big benefits to their expense, to their health and also to the environment. There are ‘Buying Guides’ which will give advice on the greener products, tips for greener travel, and ideas for a more sustainable home and garden. And there are regular updates about stories and trends on the topics of climate change, fuel efficiency, green chemistry, and sustainability in Green Guide’s blog page. See http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/thegreenguide/ or go to http://www.thegreenguide.com/

The Green Vehicle Guide provides on the environmental performance of new vehicles sold in Australia. You can use this site to see how vehicles compare on greenhouse and air pollution emissions. When buying a new car, use the site to identify the vehicle with the highest , which meets your needs. Visit www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/ .

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It's So Natural - Created by Alan Hayes' It's So Natural offers a wealth of information on natural alternatives for home, health and garden. See - www.itssonatural.com

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Kitchen Garden Foundation is a non-for profit organisation established by Stephanie Alexander to raise funds to support Kitchen Garden Schools across Australia. It is a program that introduces pleasurable food education for young children, leading children to more healthy food through developing their own productive food garden and an exciting kitchen as an integral part of the school curriculum. See http://www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au/

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Learning for Sustainability website Guide to on-line resources for government agency staff, NGOs and other community leaders working to support social learning and collective action around ICM and other resource management issues. A central section of this site links the reader to a range of guides, tools and checklists that can be drawn upon for guidance in this area to address issues such as participation and engagement. Other pages here highlight the lessons that have emerged from researchers and practitioners in different sectors. New pages link to resources on underpinning social research methods including systems thinking and action research. One page lists on-line resources for both post-graduate research students and their supervisors. Topics include thinking about the supervisory team, as well as tips for structuring and writing a thesis or dissertation. The site also manages additional pages on finding volunteering and job opportunities in the sustainability sector. These are directly accessible from the main site indexing system. As with the rest of the site these sections bring links to lot of on-line resources together in one easy to access site, each link is annotated to provide a guide to its contents. www.learningforsustainability.net

‘Living Smart Homes’ is a free program of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council. If you are residents in the council area and over the age of 18, you could become a registered user participating in Living Smart Homes Program and make more sustainable lifestyle choices by completing four living smart modules: energy, water, transport, and waste. Find out more information and become a part of it, simply visit http://www.livingsmarthomes.net.au/Default.aspx

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Native Australian Flora offers a comprehensive internet site relating to native Australian flora. Visit www.nativenursery.com.au

Neco: From toothpaste to turbines, solar power to stationary, composting to carbon, Neco delivers over 1,400 environmental essentials, sourcing the best green products so you don’t have to. www.neco.com.au

The New Internationalist is an independent not-for-profit co-operative based in Oxford UK with editorial and sales offices around the world dedicated to promoting social justice, environmental sustainability and cultural awareness. The New Internationalist’s Australian on-line shop http://www.newint.com.au/shop/index.htm is where you can order a wide range of products or, alternatively, you can subscribe to its monthly award-winning Magazine, New Internationalist. If you live in Adelaide, you can also visit their local shop at 28 Austin Street, Adelaide from 9:30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.  

New Scientist upgrades its website: New Scientist’s website has just had a major upgrade. You’ll now find expanded coverage of a range of issues in science and technology. Stories are grouped into 10 easy-to-navigate subjects, and news is reported as it happens. Their new special reports each come complete with an expert guide, and users can now search their online archive for free. You’ll also be able to access the entire print edition of New Scientist online. See for yourself at http://www.newscientist.com/home.ns.

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Organic Australia Online Is an organic products superstore specializing in Australian made organic and natural foods, personal care products, homewares, skin care supplements, toys, garden care and pest control. Visit www.organicsaustraliaonline.com.au

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Papyrus Australia - takes an abundant waste product and makes paper in an economical process that uses no chemicals, no water, and about 1% of the energy conventionally used. website: www.papyrusaustralia.com.au

Permaculture Features design and construction of permaculture systems for a highly productive edible landscape, sustainable land use and permaculture training. Visit www.sustainable.com.au/permaculture.html

Permaculture Research Institute Of Australia www.permaculture.org.au This site provides a range of information articles on permaculture, a discussion forum, notices about events and significant speakers/visitors and blog posts from individuals talking about and practicing permaculture on a daily basis.

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Queensland Conservation Council is celebrating its 40 years of commitment to protection, conservation and sustainability of Queensland’s environment. Campaigns page contains information on Climate Change, Save Water, Nature Conservation, State Issues, Grow Local, and Coral Sea Heritage Park. Current news, projects, and upcoming events are available in the site. Go to http://qccqld.org.au/Campaigns.html 

Queensland Youth Environment Council is a place where young people’s perspective on key environmental sustainability issues are heard by Queensland Government. Council members also act as youth leaders to enhance awareness and inspire other youths to take action to achieve a more sustainable future for the state. For more information, please visit our website www.qyec.org.au  

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Rainwater Tanks – For useful information on the installation and use of rainwater tanks visit www.savewater.com.au

As a part of ‘Sustainability Victoria’, Resource Smart offers ideas and advice of being sustainable in terms of resource use. From heating & cooling to lighting, from waste reuse and recycling to water saving, this site demonstrates how simple changes to your habits can make immediate and dramatic cuts to household emissions. It also contains sustainable solutions for educators, businesses, and government. Go to http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/for_households.html 

www.reusablebags.com , the American online shop, started with reusable bags, and now is offering hundreds of reusables in many categories, from bags, bottles to household items and beyond. It provides durable and stylish alternatives to use & toss items. Besides, it is also a place to learn more about bag facts and actions you can take to avoid non-degradable plastics. International shipping is available.

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Seedsavers Network: preserving the genetic basis of tomorrow's food:  http://www.seedsavers.net /

Shop Smart, Buy Green: This “consumer’s guide to saving money and reducing environmental impacts” is a readable introduction to understanding the impacts of what we buy, considering options and making the best choices for the environment and ourselves based on a range of criteria including: What is it made from? How was it produced? How is it packaged? Where was it produced? Howe efficiently does it work? Can it be repaired? How will it be disposed of? The booklet also gives information on how to contact industry, and how we might move towards a sustainable future. Available in hard copy from Environment Australia on 1800 803 772, or downloadable from www.deh.gov.au/industry/corporate/eecp/publications/shop.html.

Working with schools, state and local governments, community groups and individuals, Sustainability Victoria is a website where Victorians can find demonstrations of sustainable resource use which will reduce people’s everyday environmental impacts. In the site, you can become involved in programs designed to increase the sustainability, find a service, take action at home and work, or get informed with up-to-date research and publications. Go to http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1517-home-page.asp

Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) - Is a not for profit association totally committed to achieving real, continually improving and easily understood environmental solutions for gardeners. SGA provides advice on gardening practices and clearly identifies low environmental impact products. See - www.sgaonline.org.au

The Sustainable Home Program of QLD aims to provide the community with display homes that incorporate principles of sustainable design and performance. The object is to demonstrate and promote the importance of investment in sustainable design at the household and community level, and to increase the demand from homeowners, builders and developers for sustainable practices.  More information on www.sustainable-homes.org.au

Sustainable Living Foundation (SLF) specialises in the promotion of sustainable living practices for existing projects programs and organisations. We are a ‘Can-Do’ organization offering individuals, government organisations and business positive, solution oriented actions that address the challenges we collectively face.  The Sustainable Living Foundation was established to bring together committed individuals and the expertise, funding and resources needed to achieve sustainability. We provide assistance to community or projects. The Sustainable Living Foundation’s vision is to accelerate the uptake of sustainable living practices and principles which will protect and improve our environment. For further information visit www.slf.org.au .

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At the heart of The Thin Green Line shop is the spirit of community. Co-operatively run by a number of small business owners and passionate individuals who have come together with a shared desire to contribute something positive to the wellbeing of humanity and the earth. Our aim is to educate, communicate and inspire a healthy, sustainable lifestyle by creating, sourcing and providing Certified Organic and Fair Trade products such as; bedding, clothing, skin care, food, gifts, books, natural paints and the latest in eco-developments. Our unique products and services are available in store and on-line for all specialty product-lines. We also supply local and Fair Trade products with the same vision. You can find us at

E:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

W:  www.thethingreenline.com.au

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Waterwatch Queensland An upgraded Waterwatch website is now available to help Queenslanders look after the state’s waterways. The website www.qld.waterwatch.org.au is a one-stop-shop for the latest information, activities and contacts for community water quality monitoring across Queensland. For educational purposes there are high quality graphics of healthy and unhealthy waterways, an interactive game for school-children, and an option to download or order many other educational resources.

Water rating - To find the water conservation rating of your appliances, dishwasher, washing machines, taps, toilets and shower heads and find information and a list of recommended products, visit https://www.wsaa.asn.au/Pages/default.aspx

The Weeds Australia web site has been updated to enable searching of their weed identification tool by NRM region. You can find the general jump off page at http://www.weeds.org.au/ntmap.htm or you go directly to Queensland’s jump off page at http://www.weeds.org.au/qldmap-nrm.htm#map .

This is Wollongong City Council’s website on Sustainability. It deals with issues such as environment protection, estuary management, floodplain management, bushfire protection, biodiversity, threatened species, tree management, urban drainage, waste and recycling in the city of Wollongong. Go tohttp://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/environment.asp

This is an entry to the Publications and Documents from the World Bank. Through the section ‘Online Bookstore’, you can gain access to the World Bank’s formal publications covering the full range of economic and social development. ‘Documents & Reports’ contains over 65,000 documents, downloadable for free. Archives of the Banks official records and IMF-World Bank Libraries are also available. Go to http://www.worldbank.org/reference/

World Ocean Observatory website A place of exchange for ocean information, education and public discourse about the future of the ocean and its implication for human survival. Incorporating THE CULTURAL OCEAN, a survey of maritime arts, cultural manifestations and research tools; The Physical Ocean, the UN Atlas of the Oceans, UNESCO Ocean Portal, NOAA, NASA, Census of Marine Life, climate, and other useful sites; The World Ocean Directory, an indexed network of more than 20,000 organizations worldwide with ocean interests; The World Ocean Forum, a digest of breaking news, monthly letter, publications, exhibits, and media; FORUM EVENTS include dynamic, media-rich sites on critical ocean topics such as Ocean Acidification and Cities and Oceans; and THE WORLD OCEAN CLASSROOM, an inventory of curricula, portraits of ocean exemplars and schools, and listings of on-line educational resources for global distribution. Visit http://www.thew2o.net

Providing insights and ideas on various global issues, such as climate change, resource degradation, and population growth, Worldwatch Institute carries on the interdisciplinary research seeking innovative solutions for achieving a sustainable society. This website consists of publications (State of the World, World Watch Magazine, Vital Signs, and etc.), blogs (Dateline: Copenhagen, Nourishing the Planet, Green Economy, and Transforming Cultures), and programs. You can sign up for one of their e-newsletters to stay up-to-date on the latest global sustainability analysis.  Go to http://www.worldwatch.org/

WWF-Australia is part of the WWF International Network, the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. This website is presented by WWF-Australia and addresses the issue of Climate Change. It focuses on Global Warming, providing recent news and publications dealing with Climate Change. From basic knowledge of what is global warming to what are the impacts to carbon solutions, almost every aspect of the issue is covered.  Go to http://wwf.org.au/ourwork/climatechange/

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Xeriscape Waterwise - drought tolerant plants feature on Gardening Software that incorporates organic pest control and organic gardening practices. For more information go to http://www.thewaterwisegarden.com/

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Your Home – a FREE guide outlining environmentally sustainable design and building solutions to creating a stylish, comfortable and healthy home. For copies call 1800 803 772 or visit www.yourhome.gov.au