Avoid

• painting, paint stripping or using DIY products with high levels of VOCs , especially if you or someone in your house is pregnant;
• occupying a newly-painted room - first, open the windows and ventilate it for as long as possible;
• exposing passengers to fumes when re-fuelling your car - shut the doors and windows;
• using pesticides indoors or in the garden - use alternatives and try gardening organically;
• using creosote-based preservatives. They are now banned for domestic use. Take any remaining products you may have to a proper hazardous waste disposal facility;
• using products pre-treated with creosote such as fences or garden furniture.

Buy

• water-based cleaning products, paints, stain removers, sealants and adhesives, or ones with low levels of VOCs ;
• organic or natural paints made from plants oils - ask in the store to find which products are available.

Change

• your gardening habits - go organic to minimise the use of pesticides;
• to a range of products to help you garden organically from the WWF shop
• chemical pesticide treatments for natural pet treatments in the "flea war". Natural treatments can help keep fleas at bay - place dried lavender and rosemary around your pet's bed, and add a chopped clove of garlic to your dog's food twice a week. If your pet becomes infested, ask your vet to treat it professionally rather than using hazardous pesticides in your own home;
• your car as infrequently as practical. That "new car smell" comes from high levels of chemicals escaping from the plastic, upholstery, carpeting and other synthetic materials used in a car.