issues
support pci
Natural Gas in Asia
Related Report
Report author: Joshuah Stolaroff
Report publisher: Product Policy Institute (PPI). Bill Sheehan, Executive Director
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This paper builds on a new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Opportunities to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Materials and Land Management Practices,” which off ers new insight into the impact of products and packaging on climate change. Based on the report, nonfood products are associated with 37 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. This paper extends the EPA analysis to include the impacts from producing products abroad that are consumed in the U.S. Th is brings the share of products and packaging to 44 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
A comparison with these national-level fi gures is made with previous research on U.S. household carbon footprints, which similarly fi nds that products make up a large share of the average household’s greenhouse gas impact and a signifi cantly larger share when international emissions are included. Examples are given of how state and local governments can measure and reduce emissions associated with products. Extended Producer Responsibility is discussed as a policy option to reduce the greenhouse gas impact of products.
Like this report?
Keep the information flowing: Donate to Post Carbon Institute
Stay connected: Receive our monthly e-newsletter
Reposting: See our reposting policy
meet our fellows
what is pci?
