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Consumer. Now you know.

Environmental issues

Our investigations of environmental issues and advice for buying “greener” products.

Aerial view of green fields and the sea in New Zealand.

Latest reports

Field of barley.

How did a banned herbicide end up in organic grain?

Globe on a plate with fork and spoon.

Can changing your eating habits save the planet?

Tomatoes packaged in plastic.

How green are New Zealand's supermarkets?

Plastic bottle floating in water

Environmental issues survey

Coastal erosion

How will sea level rise affect you?

Hot cross buns

Is palm oil in your hot cross bun?

16mar palm oil hero

Palm oil

New Zealand forest

Carbon offset schemes

Green shopping trolley icon made of trees

Green claims

Question mark over environmental landscape

Environmental awareness quiz 

Product sustainability

Cathode Ray TV old technology

Obsolete technology

Man checking smartwatch

Does early technology become obsolete quicker?

Vacuum cleaner head cleaning up dirt on green carpet.

Buying a "greener" vacuum cleaner

Kitchen, heating and laundry appliances.

Appliance life expectancy

19feb spare parts hero

Right to repair: Too many products being dumped

Black Sonos speaker on a desk surrounded by art supplies.

Tech obsolescence and what you can do about it

News stories

Replacing goods too soon costs environment
New Zealand less clean and green
"Green" sunscreen company warned
Cosmetic chemical up for review
King Salmon farms fail guidelines
Hand sanitisers under scrutiny

Recycling and waste

Recycling bins put out on Auckland neighbourhood street

What you can and can't recycle

reusable bin liners

Reusable bin liners: Right for your rubbish?

Recycling logo and used batteries

Household battery recycling

Flushable wipe container.

Flushable wipes

Pile of packaging waste waiting to be recycled

What are the best ways to cut packaging waste?

Capsicum wrapped in plastic

Plastic packaging

14jan2016 e waste

E-waste

Old containers of hazardous chemicals

Hazardous waste: A guide to disposal

Groceries in cotton and paper bags

Reusable bags: how "green" are yours?

Tea bag in white tea cup with spoon and saucer.

Is there plastic in your tea bag?