A Guide to More Sustainable Living

A Guide to More Sustainable Living

The problems of the world; climate change, the ozone hole, biodiversity loss, labour exploitation, increasing waste volumes, polluted waterways, human rights abuses - and there are many more - distress many but leave most of us feeling helpless. The good news is that there is something people can do on a daily basis to improve the status quo – by shopping ethically.

To do this however people need GOOD INFORMATION. “This has been the key motivation behind the development of this Guide” says Rachel Brown, Chief Executive of the Sustainable Business Network. “The Guide provides a simple classification for assessing products, features over 50 examples of sustainable products and services and provides an introductory list of products or services available here in New Zealand”.

“As consumers we all have the power to make this world a better place by choosing goods and services that are sustainably made. Decision making can get complex and until now good information on the environmental or social aspects of products or services has been hard to find”.

The Guide which was developed by the Sustainable Business Network was launched at the 2005 Sustainable Business Conference and GreenStreet Expo. The Guide showcases an array of sustainable products from green buildings and hybrid cars to organic food, fair trade goods and more. “For many, this Guide will be the start of a journey towards sustainability”.

The Guide is divided into sections on Worklife, Homelife and Alfresco, and includes useful purchasing tips, points readers in the direction of sustainability tools and resources and advises on which third party labels and verifications to look for when deciding on which products and services to purchase.

Copies of the Guide can be purchased from the Sustainable Business Network. Please email support@sustainable.org.nz to request a copy of the Guide.

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