When we purchase a product whose production minimizes green house gas emissions, we validate the producers and enable them to continue environmentally friendly practices. 

If we disregard the environmental practices of polluting producers, we may pay less for products up front that will cause us to pay far more later in hopes of curing a more damaged environment.

Consumer Reports has a web site on green purchasing in general.

TheDailyGreen.com is a, easy-to-use, self-proclaimed consumer's guide to the green revolution.

Aspects of carbon or green house gas (GHG) footprint of an item: 

• Pipeline the energy/emissions in producing raw materials, manufacturing and delivering the item
• Operating the ongoing energy consumption involved in using the item,
• End of Life any energy consumed in disposal or recycling of the item. 

To fully compare the carbon footprint of alternative products, one would want to measure the green house gas emissions associated with its entire life cycle.  A number of efforts are underway to measure and standardize carbon footprint for consumers.  Online Carbon Calculators help individuals measure their operating carbon emissions in their homes and travels and with specific appliance purchase decisions.  

What we Eat has an Enormous Influence on our Carbon Footprints:

To find out how you can lower your carbon footprint by way of your eating habits click here!

Simplified Principles:      

• Buy Local:  when you buy products produced within the region, you support and develop the local economy while minimizing the emissions involved in delivering products from distant sources. 

Farmers markets make locally grown food accessible in season.

•  Buy Renewables:  Choose products made from renewable resources and ingredients and avoid or minimize use of petroleum-derived products.

•  Buy products made from recycled materials:  Look for paper products made from recycled paper, outdoor furniture and deck materials made from recycled tires, and building supplies salvaged from demolition.  Habitat’s ReStore accepts donated building supplies and appliances and offers them for sale at very reasonable prices  Re-use items and recycle items by passing them to others with a need or recycling them into new products. 
• Choose biodegradable:  Select products whose ingredients, use or disposal returns natural elements to the environment.
• Find products with fewer toxins.  If you are renovating your home, VOCs are a common culprit to avoid.  GreenSeal certifies some products, the MPI standard is a great source for paints.
• Avoid excessive packaging:  Choose products with as little packaging as necessary.  Carry your purchases home in reusable satchels (backpacks, canvas sacks, etc.) where possible.
• Read Labels:  Producers and manufacturers are increasingly aware of consumer’s interest in green products and reducing carbon footprint.  Carbon footprint labeling initiatives are in development and will be increasingly available.  Factor carbon footprint labeling into purchase decisions.
• Buy products that are Certified "Green."  There are lists of Eco Label organizations.
• Speak Up:  Let retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers know that you prefer less and environmentally friendly packaging.  Thank them when you see improvements in packaging.
• Shop Energy Star:  When replacing appliances, look for energy star products.  Remember that ongoing energy costs of operating inefficient appliances add up to far more than your initial purchase price.  Energy Star Products
• Repair when possible:  Often (but not always) repairing an item involves less cost and lower carbon footprint than disposal and purchasing new.  Consider your options.

Explore Life Cycle assessment,

for institutional and organizational purchases:  The large volumes associated with commercial purchases often merit quantitative assessment of environmental impacts.  The following references are available online:

• Life Cycle Assessment for Purchasing Agents (Seattle)
• Also from King Co. in Washington
• Life Cycle Assessment in Agricultural Products

For specific Product Information

• Take is Back provides extensive info on recycling electronics
• Scientific Recycling is a Louisville recycler

Share your example:  If you have suggestions, web references or experience to share with central Kentuckians, please contact LexCoolCity.org.   Your may inspire others – and by sharing, create an environmental benefit far beyond your individual project.  Thanks!