Plastic free living

Each year, over 300 million tons of plastic is manufactured worldwide. It is estimated by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish floating in the ocean with over 46,000 pieces polluting every square mile of the sea.

Plastic pollution is nearing crisis point. We have produced more plastic in the first ten years of this century then we have in the whole of the last twentieth century. It is now more important than ever before for all Australians to reduce their plastic use and lead the plastic free movement.

Society’s view and reliance on plastic has lead us down an environmentally destructive path. Rather than seeing plastic as a precious petrochemical resource that contaminates our environment, we see it as a convenient, affordable and disposable product. Plastic never breaks down entirely. Every piece of plastic manufactured still remains in some form and continues to pollute our environment and endanger our wildlife.

Using plastic free products and refusing single use plastics is the easiest way to live a plastic free life. Use alternative plastic free products made from glass, stainless steel, organic cotton, hemp, jute, bamboo and wood, and avoid any excess plastic packaging.

Reducing the use of plastic is not only good for the environment but your health too. Plastic is made from a concoction of chemicals and releases tons of toxic emissions during its production, transportation and disposal. Some chemicals used in plastic production are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors. By living a plastic free life, you are eliminating your exposure to numerous chemicals and reducing your impact on the environment.

Five ways to reduce your use of plastic:

1. Use reusable products
Carry around a reusable pack containing reusable cutlery, a straw, food container, drink bottle, coffee cup and bag to avoid using single use disposable plastics when out and about.

2. Use non-plastic food storage containers
Store your food in glass or stainless steel containers to avoid any toxic chemicals leaching into your food.

3. Buy in bulk
Buy your food in bulk from a wholefoods supplier and use glass or stainless steel storage jars to eliminate plastic food packaging.

4. Use beeswax or vegan food wraps
Plastic food wrap is the worst single use kitchen product. Swap this for reusable beeswax or vegan food wraps.

5. Plastic free shopping
When shopping, use reusable produce bags and shopping bags to avoid using single use plastic bags.


Related: Pledge single use plastic free in July; The environmental impact of plastic straws; Why is BPA the only concern?

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The environmental impact of plastic straws

Straws are a damaging global environmental hazard increasing by millions daily, polluting the environment and waterways and injuring wildlife.

Over 500 million straws are used daily worldwide for an average of 20 minutes before being discarded. They are an item of convenience and essentially useless but people continue to use them despite their effects on the environment.

Plastic straws are one of many types of plastic polluting our earth and harming our wildlife. From production to disposal, plastic straws consume non-renewable resources and take thousands of years to break down. These chemically produced products are non-biodegradable and when disposed photodegrades over time, causing each piece of plastic to break down into small fragments.

Straws are one of the top 10 items collected in ocean clean-ups. The environmental effects of plastics are permanent and widespread with plastic contributing to approximately 90 per cent of the rubbish floating in our oceans. Approximately 46 thousand pieces of plastic contaminate every square mile of the ocean.

To illustrate the extent of global plastic straw pollution, imagine how many straws the world’s most popular fast food chain McDonald’s would hand out daily. McDonald’s operates over 34,000 restaurants in over 118 countries and serves over 50 million people daily. If only one quarter of the 50 million people McDonald’s serves daily purchased a drink with a straw, they would contribute 4.5 billion straws annually to global waste.

To reduce your use of disposable straws, refuse one with your next order or use a reusable straw. It’s these small actions taken by individuals collectively that leads to extensive positive change.

Quick facts about plastic straws:

1. Over 500 million plastic straws are used daily worldwide.
2. Straws are made from natural resources including crude oil, natural gas and coal which cannot be replaced once depleted.
3. 20 minutes is the average time a straw is used before being discarded.
4. Straws are one of the top 10 items littering our marine environment.
5. 90 per cent of rubbish floating in the world's oceans is plastic, primarily straws, bottles and caps.
6. Studies estimate 1 million sea birds, 100,000 mammals and countless fish are killed every year from plastic.
7. 6,263,319 straws and stirrers have been collects at beach clean-up events over the past 25 years.
8. Reports indicate there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050.

Sources: choosetobestrawfree.com; weforum.org; marineconservation.org.au; cleanuptheworld.org; mcdonalds.com.au/about-maccas/maccas-story


Related: Battling Australia’s bottled water crisis;  Pledge single use plastic free in July; Your war on waste  

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Why it is better to eat seasonally

Seasonal eating is often promoted by heath practitioners for it nutritional benefits. When produce is harvested at the peak of its season, it is full of beneficial nutrients and flavour, however there are additional benefits to seasonal eating that extend beyond the body and tastebuds.

When you eat produce that is grown locally and in season, you not only support local farmers, but reduce your environmental footprint by minimising your food miles. We are fortunate to live in an era and country where we have access to a large array of produce year-round, but what can be deceiving about this is the environmental impact of this offering. Like flowers, fruit and vegetables grow in season. Citrus fruits are at their peak in winter or cooler climates, and tropical fruits ripen in summer or in tropical climates.

When certain produce is out of season, supermarkets import them from other countries with opposing seasons to maintain their offering. The imported produce has usually been harvested earlier to ensure it doesn’t spoil and will be ripe by the time it reaches stores. The produce is placed in a shipping container and shipped to its intended destination, using countless tonnes of fuel and expelling pollution in the meantime.

Instead of eating produce that is available from supermarkets opt for purchasing produce from your local farmer’s markets or green grocer as it would have been grown locally, picked in season and have significantly less impact on the environment.

Below is a guide to help you buy produce in season. This guide may differ slightly depending on your location.

Autumn:

Fruits: avocado, apple, blackberries, banana, cumquat, custard apple, feijoa, fig, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew, kiwi fruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, mango, mangosteen, nashi, orange, papaya, passionfruit, peach, pear, persimmon, plum, pomegranate, prickly pear, quince, rambutan, raspberries, rhubarb, rockmelon, strawberries, tamarillo

Vegetables: artichoke, asian greens, avocado, beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celery, choko, corn, cucumber, daikon, eggplant, fennel, leek, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onion, spring onions, parsnip, peas, potato, pumpkin, radish, shallot, silverbeet, spinach, squash, swede, sweet potato, tomato, turnip, watercress, witlof, zucchini

Winter:

Fruits: Apple, avocado, cumquat, custard apple, Feijoa, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, Lime, mandarin, nashi, orange, lemon, Pear, persimmon, pineapple, quince, Rhubarb, tamarillo, tangelo

Vegetables: asian greens, avocado, beetroot, broccoli, broccolini, broad beans, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, Chokos, fennel, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, leek, Lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onion, spring onion, parsnip, Peas, snow peas, potato, pumpkin, radish, shallot, Silverbeet, spinach, swede, sweet potato, turnip

Spring:

Fruits: Apple, asparagus, avocado, banana, blueberries, cantaloupe, Cherry, cumquat, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi fruit, lemon, Lime, loquat, lychee, mandarin, mango, Mulberries, orange, papaya, pepino, pineapple, Rhubarb, strawberries, tarfruit, tangelo, watermelon

Vegetables: Artichoke, asian greens, avocado, beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, Cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celery, choko, corn, Cucumber, daikon, eggplant, fennel, leek, lettuce, mushrooms, Okra, onion, Spring onion, parsnip, peas, potato, pumpkin, Radish, shallot, silverbeet, spinach, squash, swede, sweet potato, tomato, turnip, watercress, witlof, zucchini

Summer:

Fruits: Apple, apricot, banana, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, Cantaloupe, cherries, currants, fig, grapefruit, Grapes, honeydew, lemon, loganberries, lychee, Mango, mulberries, nectarine, orange, passionfruit, Peach, pear, plum, pineapple, rambutan, Raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, tamarillo, watermelon

Vegetables: Asparagus, avocado, beans, beetroot, cabbage, Capsicum, carrot, celery, corn, cucumber, Daikon, eggplant, leek, lettuce, okra, Onion, spring onion, peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, Potato, radish, shallot, silverbeet, squash, Tomato, watercress, zucchini, zucchini flower

Related: Because native bees matter; The health impacts of synthetic fragrance; Plastic free living

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The health impacts of synthetic fragrance

Synthetic fragrance is now infused in the most basic household products used daily, from toothpaste and cosmetics to washing powder and bin liners. Society is suffering with the excessive use of synthetic fragrance and its effects on people with sensitivities are beginning to show. Research completed by Professor Anne Steinemann from the University of Melbourne has revealed one third of Australians experience health problems when exposed to fragrance including migraines, dizziness, nausea, skin irritation, asthma attacks and seizures.

Initially derived from flowers and used sparingly, fragrance is now chemically produced to make it more cost effective than natural versions. Over 4000 chemicals are available for the self-regulated fragrance industry to use in the production of their products, and due to proprietary knowledge regulations, the industry is not legally required to reveal the specific ingredients used in each product. Most of the chemicals used in the fragrance industry have previously never been tested for their health effects and the ones that have been tested are allocated a safe dose due to low usage levels, however this does not account for the thousands of other chemicals a person is exposed to throughout the day.

Due to the health impacts of synthetic fragrance, it is likely in the coming years fragrance in the workplace will follow the same trajectory as smoking. The study found 7.7 per cent of Australians leave work for the day or resign, and 16.7 per cent leave a shop due to illness from fragranced product exposure.

While there aren’t any laws enforcing fragrance-free workplaces in Australia, there are precautions you can take to reduce your daily exposure to these chemicals. Purchasing fragrance-free products will significantly reduce your exposure. If you are affected by fragrance within your workplace, address your concerns with management and discuss options about enforcing a fragrance-free policy within the office. To learn more about the research into the science of scent, read Kate Grenville's book The Case Against Fragrance. This insightful and thought provoking book uncovers the truth about the production of synthetic fragrance and its heath impacts on society.

Related: Cutting chemicals out of cosmetics; What toxic chemicals are in your toothpaste?; Why is BPA the only concern?

 

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Cutting chemicals out of cosmetics

The inexplicable rise of certain health conditions along with research conducted on the health impacts of chemicals raises concerns about the safety of ingredients in chemical produced personal care products. Beauty is one industry where the use of chemicals in the production of personal care products is unsystematically monitored and tested.

The beauty industry selects from a palette of approximately 12,500 chemical ingredients to produce a range of products with the average chemical produced beauty product containing between 15 to 50 ingredients. Each product formulation varies slightly, however, most cosmetics contain a concoction of ingredients including water, fragrances, emulsifiers, emollients, colouring agents, preservatives, thickening agents, and pH stabilisers. Most of the chemicals used in beauty products have previously never been tested for their health effects and the ones that have been tested are allocated a safe dose due to low usage levels, however this does not account for the thousands of other chemicals a person is exposed to throughout the day.  

The main chemicals of concern used in the production of cosmetics include Phthalates, Parabens, Talcum powder, Nanoparticles, Formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors, Lead acetate, Coal tar, UV filters, Triclosan, Resorcinol, Toluene and Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) due to their links to cancer and hormone disruption. Furthermore, the production and disposal of these chemicals affect our environment with most beauty waste being washed down the drains, threatening marine biodiversity and the quality of our oceans and waterways.   

Research has uncovered women use around 9 and 15 beauty products daily, applying approximately 515 chemicals to their skin through the use of cosmetics, beauty products and perfumes. Making your own natural beauty products at home is an easy and affordable way to significantly reduce your daily exposure to chemicals. Using a small selection of natural ingredients, you can make your own chemical free deodorant, mascara, face mask, body scrub, toothpaste and more. Switching to a natural alternative is better for your health and the environment.

Related: What is in your sunscreen?; Looming health hazards of synthetic chemical repellents; Natural toxin free deodorant

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Because native bees matter



Bees play a significant role in our food chain. They are responsible for one third of the world’s produce, however millions of beehives have unknowingly disappeared worldwide. Up to one fourth of all colonies have been destroyed, with losses reaching up to 80% on some farms.

Australian native bees play an important role in the ongoing development of our native ecosystem. There are over 1500 varieties of native bees which are more fragile than the introduced European honeybees and have suffered greatly from urban deforestation. Over the years, they have co-evolved with Australia’s native flora resulting in many species relying solely on native bees for cross pollination.

Honeybees are important for the earth’s bionetwork, however they pose a threat to Australia’s native fauna and flora as they rival other animals for tree hollows and floral resources. The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species of Conservation Act have highlighted the species at risk of being displaced from hollows by rivalry honeybees which include the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Squirrel Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Regent Parrot, Brushtail Possum, Greater Glider and Sugar Glider. Other native animal’s honeybees threaten include honey eaters and native bees due to their ability to remove more than 80 per cent of the floral resources produced from their frequent visits. Certain plant species are also vulnerable to honeybees as their process of pollen removal affects their seed set preventing correct crosspollination.

We can protect Australia’s future bionetwork by providing a safe place for native bees to live and by planting specific plants to attract them to our gardens. Most native bees are solitary and rise their young in hollows and tiny nooks. Bee Houses provide a perfect place for native bees to nest and be protected from the harsh elements or predators.

Anyone can create a bee friendly garden regardless of the size or location of your backyard. Planting a variety of flowering plants will help to attract many species of bees to your garden. The list below is not extensive but offers a variety of bee friendly plants to get you started in creating a haven for bees in your garden. For more information, read A Bee Friendly Garden. It provides a thorough guide to encouraging bees and other good bugs to your green space.

Bee friendly plants

Herbs: Basil, Corriander, Rosemary, Borage, Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram, Fennel, Sage, Rocket, Lavender, Chives, Mint and Rocket.

Fruit and vegies: Lemons, Limes, Mandarins, Passionfruit, Strawberries, Cucumbers, Squash, Raspberries, Apples, Avocado, Watermelons, Pumpkins and Peppers.

Flowers and trees: Alyssum, Cornflower, Lilly Pilly, Cosmos, Poppies, Echinacea, Eucalyptus, Echium, Forget-me-not, Foxglove, Callistemon (Bottlebrushes), Geranium, Marigold, Roses, Sunflowers, Zinnia, Banksia and Grevilleas.


Related: Why it is better to eat seasonally; Top environmental documentaries to watch; How to detox your home

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Top environmental documentaries to watch

Under the Dome (2013)

Theme: Air Pollution

About: This documentary which uncovers the state of China’s air pollution and its long-term effects became a viral sensation when released clocking up over 200 million views in its first weekend before it was removed from all major Chinese websites. Renowned investigative journalist Chai Jing uncovers the leading contributors to the country's toxic smog and criticises the government’s actions in preventing this issue from getting worse.

A Plastic Ocean (2016)

Theme: Plastic and ocean pollution

About: This feature-length adventure documentary reveals the full extent of our global disposable lifestyle uncovering the shocking truth about the state of our oceans. Brought together by an international team of adventures, researchers and ocean ambassadors, this documentary captures never-before-seen footage of the damaging extent of plastic pollution on our oceans and marine life.

How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change (2016)

Theme: Climate Change

About: Oscar Nominated director Josh Fox sheds light on climate change by traveling to 12 countries on 6 continents to understand our future and explore the human qualities that global warming can't destroy.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

Theme: Animal agriculture

About: Until Cowspiracy was released, the environmental impacts of the animal agriculture industry were almost entirely unchallenged. Animal agriculture is the primary contributor to many environmentally damaging processes including deforestation, water consumption and pollution, mass greenhouse gas production, species extinction, habitat loss, topsoil erosion and ocean dead zones. This ground-breaking feature-length documentary revels the destructive nature of this industry and investigates the reasons environmental organisations are fearful to challenge this industry.

More Than Honey (2013)

Theme: Colony collapse disorder

About: Bees play a significant role in our food chain. They are responsible for one third of the world’s produce, however millions of beehives have unknowingly disappeared worldwide. Up to one fourth of all colonies have been destroyed, with losses reaching up to 80% on some farms. Oscar-nominated director Markus Imhoof investigates the sudden demise of the world’s bee population, also known as colony collapse disorder.

The Human Experiment (2013)

Theme: Chemical exposure

About: This full-length feature documentary analyses our exposure to untested chemicals in products we use daily including toothpaste and cleaning products, and examines links to the rise of many diseases. It follows the stories of people personally affected by chemicals and exposes the corrupt system the powerful and profitable chemical industry tries to hide from consumers.


Related: The state of Australia’s waste; The true environmental costs of disposable coffee cups; Looming health hazards of synthetic chemical repellents

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Battling Australia’s bottled water crisis

Bottled water provides no benefit, it only enables a narrow-minded vision for the future of our society and environment. Now is the time to boycott this bad habit and work together to reverse our environmentally destructive actions.

Australian’s consume over 726 million litres of bottled water every year. This single use consumption that has escalated into one of the world’s most environmentally damaging consumer habits is now affecting our health and posing a major threat to the future of our environment.

In 2015 Australians spent approximately $500 million on bottled water. Over 5.3 million Aussies drank bottled water in any given seven days with Mount Franklin being Australia’s favourite bottled water brand to consume (40 per cent) followed closely by Coles Natural Spring Water (14 per cent). Boycotting bottled water does not only mean you support the future of our environment but it also removes your dollars from contributing to the billions in profits that multinational corporations receive from producing this environmentally destructive product.

Bottled water uses over 50 million barrels of crude oil during the production, transportation and refrigeration processes, and uses over three times the water to produce as to fill the bottles. It contributes the most predominant form of ocean pollution with over 46 thousand pieces of plastic contaminating every square mile of the ocean, including the ocean floor.

Plastic disposable water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. Although completely recyclable, they are non-biodegradable and when disposed photodegrade, causing them to break down into small fragments called microplastics. The microplastics then absorb toxins and pollute our waterways and soil, harm our wildlife and pose potential future health hazards to humans.

Single use plastic water bottles contain Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Bisphenol A (BPA), a combination of man-made chemicals that have been linked to health issues including reproductive problems and various types of cancer. When bottles produced with these chemicals are exposed to direct sunlight and heat or become old and brittle, it causes the chemicals to leach from the bottle and contaminate any liquid contained within it.

Giving up bottled water means you a taking one giant step forward to not only reducing your impact on the environment but immediately cutting your support for the production of bottled water. The more profit large corporations make from bottled water, the more they will continue to produce it. Boycott bottled water and choose to reuse. It is better for your health, the environment and will save you money in the long-term.


Related: Top environmental documentaries to watch; The state of Australia’s waste; The true environmental costs of disposable coffee cups

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What toxic chemicals are in your toothpaste?

Toothpaste developed by multinational corporations is commonly formulated using a combination of toxic ingredients recognised, to a certain degree, for their health risks. Ingredients such a Triclosan, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Artificial Sweeteners and Fluoride are used in most commercial brands. The mouth’s oral mucosa is one of the most absorbent areas of the body, therefore anything placed inside the mouth has a high chance of being absorbed and transferred into the bloodstream. This is concerning when chemically produced toothpaste is used widely everyday by both children and adults.

One widely promoted and used toothpaste, particularly in Australia is Colgate Total. Its claims promise 12-hour complete oral care protection against plaque and gingivitis. The chemical used in its formulations of this toothpaste is Triclosan, an antibacterial compound linked to various health concerns.

Toothpaste is one of the most potent delivery vehicles for Triclosan. Although the chemical can prevent gingivitis, it has also been linked to numerous health concerns including antibiotic resistance, endocrine disruption and breast cancer progression. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can be the cause for several adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects. Triclosan also has close links with dioxin, a highly carcinogenic chemical that can weaken the immune system, decrease fertility, cause miscarriages, birth defects and cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a chemical used in most toothpastes to promote the foaming action of the paste. This chemical is used in thousands of beauty products and industrial cleaners as a surfactant, detergent and emulsifier. Although SLS naturally occurs in coconuts, the chemical form is usually combined with various chemicals to produce desired results including dioxin, a carcinogenic by-product that has been linked to cancer.

When SLS is used in toothpaste, it affects your taste buds by breaking up the phospholipids on your tongue. This chemical is responsible for changing the taste of food and drinks after brushing as it enhances bitter tastes. SLS is not only bad for our health but for our environment as well. The manufacturing process of this chemical releases carcinogenic volatile organic compounds into the environment.

Made up of aspartic acid and phenylalanine, Aspartame is a common chemical in most artificial sweeteners added to commercial toothpastes to enhance the flavour. The chemical Phenylalanine has been adapted to contain a methyl group which is known as a phenylalanine methyl bond called methyl ester. This bond is frail which can easily detach the methyl group from the phenylalanine causing it to form methanol. Although methanol is found in fruit and vegetables, it is firmly bonded to pectin which allows it to be safely passed through your digestive tract.

Methanol created by aspartame is not bonded to anything which causes the body to process it rather then let it pass through the body. When processed by the body, the methyl alcohol travels through your bloodstream and penetrates sensitive areas including your brain which is then converted to formaldehyde, damaging tissue and causing other serious health concerns. Symptoms from methanol poisoning can include headaches, ear buzzing, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, weakness, vertigo, chills, memory lapses, numbness, and shooting pains in the extremities, behavioural disturbances, and neuritis.

Fluoride is thought to be the best ingredient for preventing tooth decay, however recent studies indicate it may not be as effective as once thought. The study discovered the layer of fluorapatite build up on your teeth from fluoride is only six nanometres thick. The thickness can be comparable to 10,000 of these layers measuring the same width as a strand of hair. This is causing scientists to question the strength and protective abilities of this ultra-thin layer.

Fluoride is a toxic chemical that builds up in your body over time and causes various health problems. It is particularly concerning for children using fluoride toothpaste as studies have found fluoride to be the single biggest source of intake for young children due to them swallowing a large amount during brushing. This can cause several health issues including disfiguring dental fluorosis, a symptom of fluoride poisoning. Research has recognised that children can swallow more fluoride from toothpaste alone than their recommended daily intake.

Organic and natural toothpastes are effective in providing complete oral care without the toxic chemicals. Most natural toothpastes used ingredients including bentonite clay, coconut oil, baking soda, salt, peppermint oil and water. You can make your own natural toothpaste at home. It’s easy, affordable and most importantly, toxin free.


Related: How to detox your home;  Zero waste toxin free washing; Natural toxin free deodorant

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The true environmental costs of disposable coffee cups

Society’s increasing addiction to coffee has become a major cause for concern for environmental groups and conscious consumers worldwide. With Australians using over 1 billion disposable coffee cups each year and Americans using 58 billion alone, it’s no surprise this single use product is now the second largest contributor to landfill waste after water bottles.

Environmental awareness around disposable coffee cups is usually centred on its end of life impacts however, the social costs and negative production externalities is deeply concerning and an issue that needs to be discussed more often. When considering the impacts of disposable coffee cups, its negative production externalities far exceed the convenience they offer with the average disposable cup being used for approximately 15 minutes before being discarded.

What are the true costs?

 Each year over 20 million trees are cut down and 12 billion gallons of water is used to manufacture disposable coffee cups. Along with this, tonnes of crude oil is used during the production and transportation process. This results in significant loss of natural resources, ecosystem degradation, reduced carbon absorption and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

The most common misconception about paper cups is they are recyclable. Most paper coffee cups are coated with a plastic resin (polyethylene) which prevents them from being recycled. Some waste collection centres can recycle disposable coffee cups by extracting the plastic from the paper however, this can be very costly and time consuming. This also raises a valid health concern about carcinogenic chemicals leeching from the cups and being ingested.

The plastic lining of paper-based cups. Image by Choice.

After use, disposable coffee cups are discarded in landfill where they are left to degrade. During this process, they release countless CO2 emissions and the plastic breaks down into smaller fragments polluting the soil and waterways, potentially harming wildlife. 

How can we make a difference?

Sitting in the coffee shop and drinking from a ceramic cup is the best way to avoid using a disposable coffee cup but this does require time – a luxury not all of us have. A realistic alternative for our time conscious society is to use a reusable ‘on-the-go’ coffee cup such as a KeepCup. It only takes 15 uses for one KeepCup to break even, every use thereafter benefits the planet.

If we can all begin to reduce our reliance on ‘convenient’ disposable products by simply being prepared with our own reusable products, we will significantly reduce the pre and post production environmental impacts of these products. It’s time for consumers to stand up and start leading change themselves rather than waiting for it to happen. The more we use single use disposable products, the longer businesses will continue to offer it to us.

Responsible Cafes connects thoughtful cafes with conscious consumers by offering incentives to customers that bring in their reusable cups. Find your closest responsible cafe here. 

Refuse or reuse!

Related: Pledge single use plastic free in July; Your war on waste; The environmental impact of plastic straws 

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What is in your sunscreen?

Choosing a sunscreen can be hard. There are numerous options on the market that offer various levels of protection and contain countless ingredients both of which can be good and bad for your health and the environment.

When purchasing sunscreen, our main aim is to protect ourselves from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. Our relentless quest for sun protection can sometimes lead us to believe the chemical produced sunscreen products developed and marketed by multinational corporations offer the best protection, but the question remains - how are these products affecting our health and the environment?

Luckily, the earth produces a natural sunblock that is just as effective at protecting your skin from the sun without the potentially harmful synthetic ingredients. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two natural ingredients that protect your skin from sun damage. They form a topical layer that physically blocks the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin.

Titanium dioxide comes from titanium which has a natural white chalky appearance that is highly reflective. Zinc oxide comes from mineral zinc and is manufactured into a substance that is a highly effective sunblock. Similar to titanium dioxide, zinc oxide makes your skin look white when applied and feels slightly heavy on the skin.

Both substances are effective at protecting your skin from the sun however, zinc oxide provides the most protection due to its ability to block out various types of rays. UVA (UV-aging) and UVB (UV-burning) are separate rays that affect the skin differently. Titanium dioxide protects the skin from UVB and short UVA rays, whereas zinc oxide blocks long UVA rays providing further protection against various rays. To offer broad spectrum protection, zinc oxide is often combined with additional UVB blockers.

Conventional sun protection products are commonly made with a concoction of synthetic ingredients that pose a threat to your health and the environment. The ingredients listed below are commonly included in most chemically produced sunscreen products and ones you should avoid using.

1. Oxybenzone is a penetration enhancer that helps the skin absorb additional chemicals. When this substance is exposed to UV rays it experiences a chemical reaction which can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. This chemical has also been recognised to disrupt hormones.

2. Octinoxate is a chemical used in most commercial sunscreens that contain SPF. Our skin absorbs this substance easily and promotes the absorption of other ingredients. Octinoxate isn’t known for causing allergic reactions, however the substance has been linked to effecting hormones and endangering wildlife if leaked into waterways.

3. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) helps to improve the anti-aging properties of sunscreens. Retinyl Palmitate is a combination of Vitamin A and palmitic acid. Studies have linked this substance to numerous health concerns including the ability to increase the development of malignant cells and skin tumours. When retinyl is exposed to UV rays, it breaks down and releases toxic free radicals that can damage cells, DNA and promote cancer growth.

4. Homosalate is a substance that helps sunscreen penetrate your skin and absorb UV rays. The chemical is easily absorbed through our skin and accumulates in our bodies at a rate much faster than our body can process it. As this chemical accumulates in our body, it becomes toxic and can disrupts hormones.

5. Octocrylene is a UV ray absorbing chemical that produces oxygen radicals when exposed to UV light which can cause further damage to cells and cause mutations. This substance also has the ability to accumulate in your body. This substance can be toxic when released into the environment.

6. Paraben Preservatives have been known to cause allergic reactions when applied. Studies have also revealed the substance can disrupt hormones, and cause developmental and reproductive toxicity.

Although sunscreen is an important product to use to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, the best form of protection it to cover up and stay out of the sun as much as possible.


Related: What toxic chemicals are in your toothpaste?; Looming health hazards of synthetic chemical repellents; Why is BPA the only concern?

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Consumer power - Emma Watson quote

Small changes, big impact!

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Why is BPA the only concern?

The humble rubber duck made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) receives less recognition as a harmful product but places equal health concerns to Bisphenol A (BPA).

The term ‘BPA-free’ is well-known due to the Australian Government’s regulated actions in 2010 to declare a voluntary phase out of Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles. Research has found BPA to cause numerous health concerns due to its ability to percolate food and beverages, however the chemical Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) used in many everyday products places equal health concerns but is significantly less recognised.

Similar to BPA, PVC contains phthalates to make the plastic soft and malleable and is used in various consumer products including raincoats, shoes and rubber duck bath toys. PVC is currently one of the most common plastics produced and is made using numerous toxic chemicals that are harmful to both humans and the environment including lead, cadmium, organotins, colourants, fire-retardants, anti-oxidants and phthalates. Approximately 95 per cent of phthalates made in the world are produced specifically for the production of flexible PVC attributing it to the world highest environmental pollutant.

The use of BPA and PVC in certain consumer products is banned or restricted in many countries around the world including Europe and the United States of America. Australia is very slow to prohibit the use of certain chemicals that other countries have ruled out and I feel that as consumers we shouldn’t leave it up to the regulators. Consumers are choosing products that are being put before them by companies that are purely profit-driven.

As a society, we need to make a different choice that has no questions around its safety. There are many products on the market that offer a natural alternative to chemical produced plastics. Natural rubber is nontoxic to humans and biodegradable as opposed to chemical produced plastics that can take over 450 years to decompose. So why do we continuing to produce toxic plastic when we have safe and natural alternative?

I believe it is up to us as a society to decide what is good for ourselves, our families and the environment and we can influence change through our purchasing power. So why choose a PVC synthetic rubber duckie when you can choose a truly from nature rubber duckie?

Make a change by signing our petition to ban Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in products for children under 12 years of age in Australia!

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Alexx Stuart 30 day low tox life e course

So peaceful and clean.  Image source: http://bestpaperz.com/ct/8903757-stone-mountain.html

Lighten your toxin load to end the year on a healthy high with Alexx Stuart's 30 days to a low tox life e course. starting 15 October 2014.

For only $49 for the month of sessions plus all the course materials, you will learn how to:

• shop green
• make more green stuff yourself
• be a peaceful person
• choose great pantry, cookware and bake ware
• minimise your electronic exposure effects
• avoid 'greenwashing'
• avoid the top carcinogenic chemicals
• avoid hormone altering chemicals in your personal household care
• become a super sleuth that can spot a dodgy ingredient a mile away

Alexx has a lot of expertise to share and the e course is her way of sharing that knowledge with a whole bunch of people as time effectively as possible.  The 30 days to your low tox life e course is a simple, guilt free approach to lowering your toxic load. Your journey to ditching the weirdo, harmful chemicals all around us will be fun and empowering, NOT filled with fear, guilt or difficulty.

We're really looking forward to the course ourselves with several of the Biome team signing up; plus, Biome founder Tracey Bailey will participate in the expert sessions.

We love that it is all about positivity, encouragement, empowering you with the knowledge and motivation to make small but significant changes.

Among the course inclusions are a private Facebook group, expert interview sessions, an email a day, e course book and product guide, giveaways to the participants, access to Alexx to answer all your questions & more ...

Learn more and enroll in the 30 days to a low tox life e course here >
This is an affiliate link for which we may receive some commission.


About Alexx Stuart





Alexx is an avid researcher and recipe creator and shares her findings, recipes, endeavours and experiences on her blog and through her Facebook community. Her food philosophy: Keep it real. Keep it unrefined. Try for organic as much as possible.  With thyroid issues and PCOS, Alexx tends to stay away from most grains and sugars. She is also interested in traditional foods & food as medicine, how big business affects the food we eat and the products we use today. 

Alexx's Real Food Manifesto image is popular on Pinterest!

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About Vinegar, Imitation Vinegar, Acetic Acid, and E260.

Beauty and the Bees Tasmania

Following our last blog post questioning whether all vinegar was 'eco' and may have been made from petrochemicals, Australian Vinegar CEO, Ian Henderson (whose Australian made distilled vinegar we referenced in the article) received a lot of emails from people eager for more information.  We are thrilled that so many people are interested in questioning how products are made, what from, and where.  We love being part of a an engaged community of conscious consumers who want change for the better.

Ian was also pleased about the interest in vinegar, but has clarified that my hunch about home brand bulk vinegars being made from petrochemical derived acetic acid was not correct.  I was so delighted to receive a phone call from Ian and his help by preparing this blog post.  Please check out their Australian Vinegar family company.

In his post below, Ian explains that Australian Food Standards dictate that when pure acetic acid that has been made from petrochemicals is mixed with water and sold as food, it must be labelled “Imitation Vinegar”.   Ian says that if we buy a product made in Australia that is labelled as vinegar, it will be made from ethanol that is either grain based or sugar based. 

Everything you ever wanted to know about Vinegar, Imitation Vinegar, Acetic Acid and E260.  By Ian Henderson, CEO and principal Vinegar Maker at Australian Vinegar. 

Vinegar is a great cleaning tool. It’s a good weedkiller and a great preservative of food. It has so many uses. We thoroughly recommend its use in cleaning.

However, there is miss-information around Vinegar, Imitation vinegar, acetic acid and E260 that I would like to address so everyone can make their own educated decisions.

Q: What is Synthetic Acetic Acid
A: There is no such thing. There is only acetic acid, which can be made a number of ways. But regardless of how it is made it is still just acetic acid made of Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen molecules. C2H4O2 There is several ways to make acetic acid, and some confuse the method with the term Synthetic.

Vinegar always contains Acetic Acid. Plus maybe flavour, sweetness, or malliard Sugars (they make Balsamic black, but that’s another story)

Q: How can Acetic Acid be made?
A: There are 3 methods:
1.       By oxidation under high temperature of Ethyl Acetate (from oil usually, but not always)
2.       By fermentation of Ethanol by a bacteria called Aceterbacter.
3.       By Fermentation of sugar by a bacteria called Gluconobacter.

Method 3 is very rare, slow and difficult.  Almost all vinegars are made using method 2 from ethanol derived from yeast fermentation of grain or sugar.  Vinegar fermentation is simply a part of the carbon cycle, returning carbon back to the soil from fruit that hasn’t been eaten and fallen form the tree.

Q: So what is the difference between the three products produced above?
A: Method 1 produces pure acetic acid, that if mixed with water can be sold as food under the label “Imitation Vinegar” and not the term “Vinegar”.

Methods 2 and 3 can be sold as vinegar provided the amount of acetic acid is greater than 4%. This is for food safety as this is the level required to stop moulds growing in vinegar.

Imitation vinegar is pure acetic acid (yes, petrochemical derived) and water.  Whereas fermented vinegar is pure ethanol (usually from grain or sugar) fermented into pure acetic acid and then mixed with water.  We have done the trials ourselves, even under mass spectrometry analysis the two vinegars are essentially chemically identical. 

Acetic acid vinegars must be declared as “Imitation Vinegar”.  If it is fermented it can be declared as just “vinegar”. The law surrounding this is governed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (Called FSANZ).   The FSANZ law on this is very clear (see the extract below).

If you start with wine, instead of pure ethanol you get wine vinegar, is you ferment apple cider you get apple cider vinegar. The source of the alcohol defines the end product.

Q: What is food additive 260?
This is pure acetic acid. It may or may not come from fermentation. But it probably does not come from fermentation, so it is best to assume is the pure acetic acid form (method 1 above).

Q: What is Distilled Vinegar? Why is it different to just “Vinegar”?
Sometimes, because the ethanol used to make white vinegar is fermented to a low concentration it needs to be “distilled” to remove excess water and concentrate the ethanol.  Sometimes you will see “Distilled Vinegar” on the label. Distilled Vinegar and just plain vinegar are the same product. Its just a bit of marketing.   Rest assured, if it had added acetic acid from oil it would not say “Vinegar” or it would have to have food additive 260 on the label.

Q: So what does my cheap white vinegar at the supermarket contain?
The plain white vinegar you can buy at the supermarket, if labelled “Vinegar” is fermented. If it is not from grain or sugar it will declare “Imitation Vinegar” or food acid 260.
Its actually rare to see imitation vinegar in retail. Its used a lot in industry, and a lot of preserved foods are declared with food acid 260.  I have never seen it for sale at a grocery store, only real “Vinegar”.

Q Cleaning vs cooking vinegar?
You can cook with white vinegar, but don’t.  Its flavourless.  Use a nice wine vinegar or apple vinegar. You get the acid that will make the dish lift, plus you get some extra flavours.  Choose cooking vinegars with lots of colour, lots of flavour and ideally with no sulphites or added colours. Know your producer, know how they make it and where they source the alcohol from.

Vinegar also has health and digestion benefits. But not all vinegars do. That’s a whole other topic for next time.

About Australian Vinegar and Ian Henderson

Ian has two science degrees and a diploma in vinegar making from Austria where he studied and worked in 2006. Ian was awarded a Churchill fellowship to study vinegar making in Europe. Ian is the CEO and principal Vinegar Maker at Australian Vinegar. Australian Vinegar is Australia’s leading vinegar maker.  LiraH is the retail brand of Australian Vinegar and makes a range of caramelised balsamics, wine vinegars, apple vinegars and Verjus.

An interesting tidbit: Ian started with a vinegar 'mother' from his wife's family of third generation winemakers, and after much trial and error  launched his first commercial product under the LiraH brand-Oak Aged Shiraz vinegar.

Excerpt from the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act

FSANZ  Standard 2.10.1      Vinegar and related products
       Note 1  This instrument is a standard under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 (Cth). The standards together make up the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. See also section 1.1.1—3.
       Note 2  The provisions of the Code that apply in New Zealand are incorporated by reference into a food standard under the Food Act 1981 (NZ). See also section 1.1.1—3.
2.10.1—1           Name
                This Standard is Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code — Standard 2.10.1 — Vinegar and related products.
2.10.1—2           Definitions
          Note  In this Code (see section 1.1.2—3):
                                      imitation vinegar means a food that:
                                            (a)     is prepared by mixing water and acetic acid; and
                                            (b)     contains no less than 40 g/kg of acetic acid.
                                      vinegar means a food that:
                                            (a)     consists of the sour liquid prepared by acetous fermentation, with or without alcoholic fermentation, of any suitable foodstuff, and including blends and mixtures of such liquids; and
                                           (b)     contains no less than 40 g/kg of acetic acid.

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How does vinegar kill germs? And is vinegar eco friendly?

Australian Vinegar makes distilled traditional vinegar in South East Queensland.

 Answering a quick question is not so simple in some matters eco-friendly!

Because we are often suggesting vinegar as an eco friendly household cleaner and disinfectant, I wanted to understand how vinegar does kill germs.

It is the acetic acid in vinegar that kills bacteria and viruses by denaturing (chemically changing) the proteins and fats that make-up these nasties (source: Professor Peter Collignon, see below).  Most general purpose white vinegars contain about 5% acetic acid.

The stronger the acetic acid content the more effective the vinegar will be at disinfecting. 

Unfortunately, due to the lack of transparency in food labelling by mass food producers, it is hard to find a vinegar that states the acetic acid percentage or even what it is made from.  Generally the ingredients just say "Vinegar".  You may find some boutique brands of cooking vinegar that do give the percentage. 

Some "vinegar" is made from petrochemicals (but will be labelled "Imitation vinegar")

What we are presented with as vinegar today is not necessarily the vinegar "that our grandmothers used to clean with".  As with many products in our modern world, cheap petrochemical processes are corrupting how nature intended things to be done.

All vinegar contains acetic acid.  Acetic acid is the chemical name for the naturally occurring substance that is created from distilling or fermenting a grain or plant.  However, it is also the name given to acetic acid that is made from petrochemical derivatives such as butane.

Companies such as Monsanto and BP manufacture acetic acid on large scale that involves using carbon monoxide and methanol to create a chemical reaction, or heating butane in the presence of metal ions such as manganese, cobalt and chromium, which decomposes to produce acetic acid.

This is the pure acetic acid often used in foods as an acidity regulator and is labelled E260

Given the lack of any information on the packaging, I had a hunch that "home brand" bulk white vinegar most likely contained acetic acid not made from fermented grains, rather petrochemical-derived ethanol. However, Australian Vinegar CEO, Ian Henderson, has explained that Australian Food Standards dictate that when pure acetic acid that has been made by oxidation under high temperature of Ethyl Acetate (including from oil) is mixed with water and sold as food, it must be labelled “Imitation Vinegar”.  This appears to be different to the Food Standards in the USA.

Ian is adamant that if we buy a product made in Australia that is labelled as vinegar, it will be made from ethanol that is either grain based or sugar based. 

The home brand vinegar I looked at says on the label "product of Australia".  And according to the ACCC, 'Product of' means that each significant ingredient or part of the product originated in the country claimed and almost all of the production processes occurred in that country.

However, Ian does say that E260 pure acetic acid may or may not come from fermentation, but probably does not (instead coming from petrochemicals), so it is best to assume it does not.  Thus it appears worthwhile to avoid E260 in foods.

We were pleased to find an Australian vinegar maker based in south east Queensland making vinegar from distillation.  See here a post Ian has written for us to clarify any miss-information around Vinegar, Imitation vinegar, synthetic acid, acetic acid and E260.

Australian Vinegar specialises in technically challenging 'Clean Labelled' vinegar which is free from allergens, sulphites, artificial colours and flavours and all 'E' numbers.  LiraH is the retail brand of Australian vinegar and makes caramelised balsamics, wine vinegars, apple vinegars and Verjus.

Thank you to TheEcoMum blog for your detailed article on the topic of petrochemical derived acetic acid.  Please read that article if you are interested in delving further, although the information about Australian Food Standards is not correct according to Ian.

Vinegar to kill germs

Back to using vinegar to kill germs.  According to Ian Henderson, whether acetic acid is made from petrochemicals or distillation, the end product is the exact same chemical structure (the magic of chemistry).  That said, if you are wishing to reduce the use of petrochemicals in our world, the source of the ingredients is important.  For others, using any white vinegar to clean is still a far preferable solution than toxic bleaches and ammonia.

Professor Peter Collignon recommends that when cleaning at home we should keep it simple.

Rather than concentrating on disinfecting or killing the bugs, we should focus on cleaning with hot soapy water and good old-fashioned elbow grease to physically scrub away organic material.
"You've got to clean the surface first and that's usually enough. Then you have to ask yourself whether you need to disinfect at all," he says.
"For the kitchen sink, for example, you probably don't need anything except cleaning."
However, that dirty chopping board might warrant disinfecting – but only after you've given it a good scrub with hot, soapy water.
It's only the act of rubbing and scrubbing a dirty chopping board that can break down the slimy matrix around certain types of salmonella, allowing the disinfectant to then get to work.
As for commercial cleaners, Collignon says we don't always need the level of disinfection in the home that these products provide.
"We over-use chemicals," he says. "Instead of using one unit, we use 1000 units, and the benefits are marginal."
"All of us would like to use a magic potion so that we don't have to use the elbow grease. But that's a false premise."

If you do need to disinfect, clean first, then disinfect with the least toxic, most biodegradable product that does the job.  Vinegar is at the least toxic and most biodegradable end of the scale when it comes to disinfectants.

I have yet to find in Australia any "cleaning vinegar" labelled with a stronger concentration of acetic acid such as you can find in the United States.  Nor have I found any vinegars promoting that they are made from "non petrochemical sources" as is also happening in the States.  Perhaps due to the fact in Australia it would need to be labelled Imitation Vinegar.

With your consumer purchasing power and questioning of the companies selling "vinegar" on Australian shelves we can achieve greater transparency in labelling.

Sources:
Ian Henderson has two science degrees and a diploma in vinegar making from Austria. Ian was awarded a Churchill fellowship to study vinegar making in Europe. Ian is the CEO and principal Vinegar Maker at Australian Vinegar. 
Professor Peter Collignon, infectious disease physician at the Australian National University's Medical School, who was interviewed for and ABC article. 

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What is the planet happy to give me to eat today?

Yallingup Wood Fired Bakery, Dunsborough, Western Australia uses locally grown biodynamic flour. Photo credit: my bro.

Let's flip around the concept of looking in a recipe book for something that we would like to cook, heading off to the supermarket to buy the required ingredients then coming home to make that for dinner.

Most of us love a little food homage whether admiring the artfully plated meals on MasterChef or glistening images in Donna Hay magazine.  They entice us to create such a delectable dish, but often without thought for whether the planet has those ingredients to offer us sustainably right now.

If we reverse that process, we can instead go the local farmers' market or grocery store, buy what we know has been grown locally and freshly harvested (or even browse our own veggie patch), then look in our recipe books to find a dish that can be crafted from the produce.

For me, the meal at the end of this approach nourishes our family with more than nutrients, it connects us with the earth and the people that grew the goods, and enhances our contentment with life.

Some tips to help you move towards more sustainable food choices:

• Do what you can.  Don't be overwhelmed by changing everything, just open your mind to the possibilities and start!
• Try researching just one food a week to see if you can find a locally grown alternative. 
• Choosing a final product made in your area is a great start, but you can also move on to thinking about where the ingredients were grown.
• Define your own limits for "local" - for example, 200 km may work in the city but not for those living in remote areas.
• It may be challenging to find alternatives, but there are resources to help - seek and you'll find. 

One of the greatest joys of a local, seasonal food approach is that it simplifies life.  You might think it is more complicated, but actually, limiting choice is liberating.

About Yallingup Wood Fired Bread

We visited Yallingup wood fired bakery in December 2013.  Hand crafted, traditional wood fired bread is baked fresh every afternoon (check the time, but usually comes out around 4pm).   Western Australian Certified Biodynamic grown grain is stone milled to the finest flour, gently kneaded in a slow moving dough mixer and fermented over many hours. The loaves are hand-moulded and rested, then baked in wood fired ovens built from volcanic stones.

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Dairy farmers direct

Since the supermarket price wars, many consumers have made a conscious decision to support Aussie dairy farmers by choosing branded milk (such as Dairy Farmers, Pura, Pauls) over the supermarket home brands. 

We think that by choosing the more expensive milk we are helping the farmers.  It's an important gesture, showing with our purchasing power that we believe the production of milk has a true value of more than $1 per litre.  Unfortunately, according to The Checkout on ABC1 by buying those big brand names we're not helping the dairy farmer.  The farmers are actually paid the same for the milk because the milk that ends up in either branded or home brand bottles is bought from the same farms and is processed in the same plants (by Lions and Parmalat) - it's just different packaging. All we're doing by paying more for these big brands is increasing the profit Coles and Woolworths make on the same milk!  

This episode of The Checkout explains, recommending that the best way to help dairy farmers is to buy milk from collectives or direct from a farmer who produces the milk in your region (see a list below).

For those that can, the benefits of buying from local dairy farmers include:

• the milk is less processed and more fresh (retaining more of the nutritional value)
• it has travelled less food miles
• we know the actual farm that produced the milk and thus we can learn more about animal welfare and sustainability practices
• they tend to offer more unique choices such as unhomogenised and glass bottles.  

The welfare and treatment of dairy cows is also of great concern to many people - that is why growing numbers of people choose not to eat any dairy products at all, or want to know specifically how the cows and calves are treated.  Calves being sent to abattoirs is a concerning reality of the dairy industry.  When you know exactly which farm the milk is coming from you can ask the farmer (or even visit to check for yourself).  For example, Barambah Organics gives this statement on its website:

At Barambah Organics all the calves that are born on our property stay within our care. Our calves are not considered by us to be waste products.  At the age of 6 months we take the females and males to our other properties... No Barambah calves are sent to the abbatoir.  We often get asked the question "When are the calves separated from their mothers?" Each calf is different and needs to be individually assessed and monitored after birth... The calf is not separated from its mother until it is truly on its way and fit and healthy.

 

We started a list of dairy farmers direct milk that may be local to you, but then we found this very comprehensive list by Flavourcrusader.com  Thank you to them for the research to help us all.  We have not assessed the sustainability or animal welfare practices of the below.

SE Qld
Scenic Rim 4Real Milk (only distributes within a two hour drive of their South East Queensland farm)
Barambah Organics
Maleny Dairies (seen at FoodWorks)
Cooloola Milk (Gympie region, seen at IGA - Rainbow Beach)
Cooloola Jersey Organic milk (available at Food Connect)

SA
Bd Paris Creek Farm
Fleurieu Milk Co
Alexandrina Milk

NSW
Liddels for lactose free milk (Murrary Goulburn Co-operative)
Devondale long life (Murray Goulburn Co-operative)
Norco (seen at HIlls Bakery - Ferny Hills, Megafresh - Carine, Woollies - Annerley)
Country Valley (Picton)

VIC
Organic Dairy Farmers

WA
Brownes

For unhomognised and unpasteurised (straight from the cow) you can consider raw milk marketed in Australia as "bath milk" (i.e. apparently for bathing in, not for human consumption).  Heavenly Bath Milk from the Northey Street Markets in Brisbane and Cleopatra's Bath Milk at organic/wholefood stores.

As Flavourcrusader.com says:
While supermarkets compete over the price of milk, dairy farmers step out of the ring and compete with quality. For distinct flavour, seek low temperature pasteurisation and milk from a single-origin herd. For creaminess, look for Jersey and Guernsey cows, or unhomogenised milk. For a better world, support those who cultivate rich soil, minimise plastic and go above and beyond for animal welfare.

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