Before reaching automatically for the product you always buy, look through this A–Z list of commonly purchased items for information about problem ingredients and healthy alternatives. You may be surprised to learn that earth-wise choices are often the most cost-effective.

Air fresheners
Whether aerosol or wick-based, many air fresheners contain toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde and dichlorobenzene, which are both possibly carcinogenic and also tend to persist in the environment for a long time. Most air fresheners also contain synthetic fragrances, which may cause adverse reactions in some people.

As alternatives, try bicarbonate of soda or vinegar. Both will absorb odours at a fraction of the cost of commercial fresheners. Or, if you like a scent, use products made with herbs or essential oils – the main thing is to avoid synthetic fragrances. Also don’t forget that fresh air works wonders too.

Aluminium foil
The production of aluminium requires large amounts of energy and aluminium never breaks down.

Try to use aluminium foil sheets and containers sparingly, reusing and recycling whenever possible. Recycling aluminium uses just 5 per cent of the energy used in producing new aluminium.

Baby bottles
Clear plastic baby bottles are usually made of polycarbonate, a plastic that has been shown to leach out minute amounts of the hormone disruptor Bisphenol A, especially when heated.

Polycarbonate is one of several plastics grouped and identified by a number 7 inside the recycling triangle symbol. As an alternative, look for glass bottles or safer kinds of plastics, such as polyethylene (recycling symbol 1, 2, 4) or polypropylene (symbol 5). Contact the manufacturer if you are unsure.

Babycare products
Baby oil often contains mineral oil, a petroleum derivative. Gentler, more earth-wise choices include cold-pressed vegetable and nut oils such as grapeseed, jojoba, almond and apricot kernel.

To protect your baby’s skin from the detergents, preservatives and fragrances found in many commercial soaps, shampoos and creams, choose plant-based alternatives.

Barbecues
Look for clean fuel such as untreated wood, or buy a gas barbecue that doesn’t produce smoke. Avoid compressed charcoal briquettes and fire starters.

An LPG cylinder produces fewer emissions than solid fuel, but if you barbecue a lot and have natural gas in the house, consider installing a permanent gas outlet as it is considerably cheaper and produces even fewer emissions than LPG.

This all-in-one
guide helps you
make greener,
safer choices for a
better, healthier life.