Do you know that you can live an eco-friendly life each day without sacrificing comfort and health?
There have been lots of articles and shows written and produced about it but it seems many more are not heeding the call to live “green” to offset the harmful effects of global warming. (Unless you belong to that group living in the past who’s still in denial about this looming problem.) I have met a lot of people who still “worship” their cars! Filipinos especially adore their cars! They cannot believe when someone says he doesn’t own one or [at least] holds a driving license!
I am among those who have ditched driving almost 15 years ago. We’ve decided to buy a house that is near to all the amenities – shops, banks, medical centre, schools, parks, etc. We do not rely on cars to live a happy life!
We are now in our second home and we have followed the same principle. We are near most amenities [so] that everything is within walking distance!
Of course there are people who need their cars to go to work. Just make sure you get a car that is not a gas guzzler and a pollutant. If not, join car pools or leave your car at the station and take the train or bus. It will even save you money! Do you really need a big car just for shopping, going to your child care centre, or even just going to the park?
Online shopping is eco-friendly!
SHOPPING: Do you know it is eco-friendly to shop online? You save time and resources plus you’re free from accidents and even road rage. Grocery shopping on the web is my favourite these days! I regularly shop at www.homeshop.com.au
The service is operated by Woolworth’s. You can see all the specials in one go, while at the supermarket, you tend to miss items or cannot find the specials. Sometimes you still get charged the original price instead of the special! Then it is too late, you’re back home and you don’t have time to complain and recover your hard earned money!
Online, all you have to do is make sure there is someone to receive the goods (for groceries especially) or arrange to have them delivered to someone you know who will be home. Delivery fees vary – from $5 to $10 depending on the day and time. I usually pay $5 for waiting between 3pm and 6pm midweek. Lately, I discovered it is free from 4pm—10pm if you’re quick to place your order early!
For grocery shopping, you also have the option of paying by mobile EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale Terminal) so you pay only when the goods arrive at your door! No worries regarding credit card fraud too! For fresh fruits and vegies, I am assured that they are really the best quality. If not, I can always ring the customer service and tell them if there is a problem. They usually credit my account if the product is faulty or not of good quality.
For instance, I found the lid of the Logical spread I ordered to be cracked. I wasn’t sure if the contents have been contaminated so I reported it and the amount was duly credited at my next order. Another time, there were nappies and no cereals so I reported it and was given credit. Just check the goods as soon as they arrive. Make sure you have your ATM card ready to save time looking for it when the delivery man comes!
Another advantage of ordering online is the ease of shopping. You don’t have to carry heavy stuff or even hurt your back. I also get lots of sample products or freebies which I am encouraged to review (optional).
If you’re like my family who loves rice, shopping online will make buying in bulk very economical and easy. Heavy goods like big jugs/cartons of milk, juices, sacks of rice, etc. are easily delivered to you by a friendly person. It is safe as the employee is a duly-registered personnel of the grocery chain
or usually handled via Australia Post for other goods.
I also make sure I get valuable points as I link my Everyday Rewards card which gives petrol discounts, to my Qantas Frequent Flyer card which I got fee-free. Hence you also save money as you can get rewards just for purchasing your everyday essentials. Coles has a similar offer and I have FlyBuys with them. I shop at whatever supermarket chain has good prices for my everyday needs. Franklins and Aldi’s also have good offers so check the junk mail you get, I love browsing through them so I can compare the prices.
If you don’t like getting paper mail, all you have to do is join the mailing list of these companies. You will get first hand look at their weekly offers and there’s no joining fee. I am in the mailing list of all four major chains—Woolies, Coles, Franklins and Aldis.
Come to think of it, I rarely pay full prices for many of my favourite items as I can easily check the prices online. I still buy at other supermarkets wherever the goods I need are on sale. That is during the week when I just get a ride from my husband on his way to work and then I usually walk or take public transport going home. It is even good exercise as our home is around a kilometre from the nearest bus stop.
Quite often, Asian products like coconut milk/cream, vinegar, soy sauce, etc. seem to be cheaper at supermarkets than the Asian/Pinoy shops. I still patronise our local Filipino stores but choose to get only items like dried fish, sardines, and marinated baby milk fish,
If you are still not convinced, you can let your fingers do the walking. Go online and be stress-free and help the environment at the same time! If you have no internet connection like some people I know, stop living in the dark ages and get connected NOW!
I invite you to share your tips on living green to this column. Send me an email at