Better Health Victoria explains why we should think twice before using antibacterial products in and around the home, as overuse could cause multi-antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The article advocates the use of soap, warm water and plain detergent in keeping you and your family clean and healthy.
Archive | Otter Pick
Green Heating Solutions
Did you know that heating and cooling accounts for around a quarter of the average household’s energy use? This Ausgrid guide looks at green heating, offering tips and a buying guide that can keep you warm, help you save money and reduce your impact on the environment. For more information on sustainable heating, also check out the Alternative Energy Association’s guide to home insulation.
App of the week: Fairly Local Australia
Tried, tested and loved by the Otter team, this free app helps you find certified fair trade products and outlets near you. The related website also lets you contribute listings, a feature missing from the app. Unfortunately, there is no Android version for this app yet.
Green Screen: TV Buying Guide
National Geographic in the US has released this TV buying guide which has great tips on what to look for when choosing a TV. Whilst the guide is aimed at a US audience, most of the tips are similarly useful for Australian consumers.
What the beef? Be informed when buying your meat
Confused by cruelty-free claims on supermarket meat? Animal Welfare Labels offer simple and ethical guides to supermarket labeling.
Play it safe! How to make sure you’re buying the right toys for your kids
CHOICE has exposed a whole bunch of unsafe children’s toys on the market. In this article, CHOICE provides a toy safety checklist, offering you smart tips and things to keep in mind when next toy shopping.
‘Exchange for Change’- do it yourself kit
Have you got piles of old clothes sitting in your wardrobe collecting dust? Are you keen for a fresh look that’s green and fair? This
3 Things kit shows you how to host your very own clothes swap; a great way to reduce your fashion footprint.
App of the week: Seasons
Eat fresher and import less! The ‘Seasons’ iphone app let’s you know what fruits and vegetables are in season now, as well as providing a guide to farmers markets near you. The Otter team have been dining well using info from this great new app.
Ethical threads: buying smart clothes for your kids
In the wake of the Bangladesh factory collapse in April, Essential Kids offers practical advice on how to be mindful of workers’ safety when buying your kids’ clothes. It includes a simple buying guide and useful links to reputable organisations.
And you could – and probably should – take a look at the Behind the Barcode guide. It ranks the performance of 128 fashion brands on labour rights in the supply chain.
Palm Oil- what’s the latest?
A new report supported by WWF Australia and the Australian Food and Grocery Council gives the current facts, misconceptions and challenges around palm oil. Both organisations endorse Certified Sustainable Palm Oil. Also, check out consumer watchdog CHOICE’s take on palm oil labelling or view this list of palm oil free products.