The average American generates 3.5 times the global average of carbon dioxide emissions annually. That’s 18.55 tons of CO2 emissions per American each year. The stuff we buy is the second-largest source of emissions in the U.S. — 26% of the national total. One way we can reduce our emissions is by considering the impacts of an item before we make a purchase. Let’s become responsible consumers.

How can we change our shopping habits to reduce our carbon footprint? We can eliminate impulse purchases, buy only what we truly need, and choose the highest quality product that we can afford so it will last. Will the item be recyclable at the end of its useful life? Is its packaging recyclable? These are also concerns that affect the impact of things we buy.

Data source: Good, Better, Best: Cutting Your Consumer Carbon Footprint

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