Consumption & the Environment

Yesterday we asked our fans on Facebook and Twitter what they think are the seven most harmful consumer activities, in terms of their effect on the environment. Turns out you guys know your stuff! Answers included plastic bags, food waste, meat consumption, water waste, and driving, among others.

Here's the real breakdown, according to "The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices: Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists."  They analyzed the impacts of 134 different human activities, and these were deemed the most harmful in terms of greenhouse gases, air pollution, water pollution, and habitat alteration.

• Cars and light trucks
• Meat and poultry
• Fruit, vegetables and grains
• Home heating, hot water, and air conditioning
• Household appliances and lighting
• Home construction
• Household water and sewage

What else do you think should be on the list? Is it possible to reduce our consumption? You can visit the Union of Concerned Scientists' web site to learn more about the book, as well as their other studies and publications.