Super Eco

Photo credit: jenn_jenn, flickr

We're using less and thinking abut the environment more, according to a new study conducted by the National Geographic Society and GlobeScan. The GreenDex measures consumption among consumers in 17 countries across a wide spectrum of areas and behaviors, including housing, energy use, transportation, local vs imported goods, food sources, recycling behaviors, and purchase of environmentally friendly products. Across the board, consumers in every country scored higher this year than in 2008.

Not surprisingly, the poorer countries (India, China, Brazil) scored highest; people with less money don't buy as much and tend to make do with what they have. Current worldwide economic conditions have played a part in causing an overall decrease in consumption. Predictably, the U.S., Canada, and Japan were the lowest-scoring countries.

What we're doing right:

• Washing laundry in cold water
• Keeping heating and cooling settings lower
• Buying used rather than new items
• Repairing broken items rather than replacing

What we can do to improve:

• Grow more of our own food
• Live in smaller homes
• Walk or bike more; drive less

Calculate your personal GreenDex score and see how you stack up. Or take the Knowledge Quiz and see how well you know environmental issues compared to your global neighbors (you might be surprised!).