* Use water-based paints - they don’t give off so many toxic fumes.
* Try not to buy toys made from PVC, which is likely to contain phthalates.
Tell the shop why.
* Use shops that are aware of the chemical issues - the Friends of the Earth website has a league table (Ikea came top, with Body Shop, Marks and Spencer, B and Q and the Co-op close behind), and details of what action you can take.
* Throw away all worn or scratched plastic bottles and beakers - they are likely to leak phthalates.
* Don’t buy scented bathroom and kitchen products for the home.
* Reduce the quantities of washing powders and washing up liquid that you use.
* Reduce your use of chemically based shampoos.
* Look for lipsticks with natural oil rather than petroleum bases.
* Try not to use chipboard for your DIY jobs - the glue used in making it contains potentially harmful chemicals.
* Don’t bring pesticides into the house from the garden on your shoes.
* Think what you’re putting on your baby - baby wipes and bath products contain chemicals - do you need to use them so frequently, or at all?
* Make yourself aware of the campaigns and advice on chemicals from the Friends of the Earth, WWF and Greenpeace websites.
* Write to your MEP showing your awareness of REACH and asking what he or she is doing to expedite it.
* Use fewer aerosols and air fresheners. Squeeze a lemon or an orange if you want a pleasant fresh smell around the house.