Savvy Citizens: Environment

In our post about carbon footprints, we examined how through our daily routines we produce levels of carbon dioxide.  This creates our carbon footprint – something we are all being encouraged to reduce.  Products themselves have a carbon footprint too, equating to the amount of carbon it produces to operate or how much carbon has been used to get it to the shop you bought it from.  So, one way we can reduce our own carbon footprint is by making sure we buy environmentally friendly products – but how can you find out how environmentally friendly something is?  What should you consider before purchasing? 

As implied above, buying locally sourced products will make a big difference.  The longer the distance something has travelled to get to your local supermarket the greater the carbon emissions produced.  This could be applied to almost all products that you buy, whether you’re buying fruit and vegetables, clothes or electronics.  A helpful way of calculating how far your product has travelled is by using an online calculator, such as this: http://www.organiclinker.com/food-miles.cfm 

Another reasonably easy tip would be to avoid buying groceries, toys, electricals and so on, that come in bulky and often unnecessary packaging – unless of course you plan to recycle it!  Buying products made of materials that can be easily recycled is another tip.  There are many sources online for buying eco-friendly versions of everyday products, such as The Green Store and Green and Easy.

 You can check your local council’s website to find your nearest recycling centre.   Links to local council recycling information can also be found on our resources page. 

The most recognised method of ensuring a product is environmentally friendly is its Energy Star label.  The Energy Star label was first introduced through a partnership between the US government and the Environmental Protection Agency – but is now being rolled out across Europe as part of a scheme from the EPA and the EU.  If your product has been approved as energy efficient it will have a blue energy star label, like this one:         

Qualifying for an energy star means products must meet strict guidelines.  A full list of these can be found here: How a Product Earns the ENERGY STAR Label .  The most interesting of which stating that if a product’s retail price needs to be increased to account for its energy efficiency, the extra money paid for the product must be recoverable by the consumer through a reduction in energy bills. 

Using the various resources online, being environmentally savvy about the products you buy is easy.  Not only will buying energy efficient products help you to reduce your energy usage, reduce your carbon emissions and ultimately help to save the planet, but it can also result in a reduced monthly energy bill – saving you money!