A guide to responsible shopping in the context of Australia

This is a short note, with examples of specific businesses and practices in Australia, about responsible shopping. The criteria of success involve that your money spent shopping allows you to surround yourself with healthier substances and foods, and avoid unhealthy chemicals.

Shop local
For example, it is better to buy fruit and vegetables grown locally rather then those imported from another country. This could include things like oranges (some of them are imported from US), olive oil (imported from Spain), they often have a local, even if slightly more expensive, alternative.

Avoid unhealthy chemicals

 * Soap, shampoo should not contain excessive amounts of un-natural chemicals. Examples of good options?
 * Good option - compostable laundry powder

Avoid processed food

 * Better to cook at home - products cooked at a factory may follow unsafe practices (?)
 * The healthiest food rots quickly
 * Organic food preferred (?)