I started the Environmental Consumer in late 2007 with the idea that it’s really hard to know how to be friendly to the planet in our everyday lives. Most of us (in the United States, at least) are taught how to live successful, prosperous lives without considering environmental constraints. To be environmentally friendly, we are essentially relearning the most basic functions of our lives – and that’s really hard. The organization was meant to provide information to people in transition – those who want to be environmentally friendly, but know nothing but consumption. As I’ve made this transition myself, I’ve realized how much more information needs to be available in order for others to do the same.

Today, the goal remains the same, but our approach is slightly different than our initial intent – in part due to increasing environmental awareness by U.S. consumers; however, we’re still trying to put you in the driver’s seat by providing databases and tools that make environmental choices and decision-making possible. As it stands, it’s often difficult and time consuming, if not entirely impossible, to find the information that you need to make socially responsible choices. We’d like to change that and provide it in one place.

In that vein, on the site, look for:

1. Tools – The first web tool, which helps you quickly convey your concerns to large companies (we take care of the annoying parts), is already available at http://www.enviroconsumer.com/tell – we’re busy making it better and building more tools and systems like it.
2. Databases – We want you to be able to find information on socially conscious companies and facilities in your area. We’re preparing the first one now – look for it in the coming months.
3. Reports – Occasionally a database isn’t enough information to help you make the right choices. When we see something that needs expert analysis, we’ll research it and provide it to you in an easy to digest form.
4. Some fun – Sometime soon we’ll be posting slideshows of the more interesting and ridiculous trends in consumer goods. You can also expect our first shirt, printed with “Buy Recycled,” soon. It’s printed on previously used shirts so the impact is low and every item is completely unique.

Similarly, what you can expect on our blog is:

1. Updates on our progress – Sometimes projects take time and we’ll want to let you know in the interim some interesting findings or give you some information to build excitement – and we want you to be as excited as we are. Similarly, when we release something new, we’ll tell you about it here too (à la Google’s blog)
2. Tips – It seems like there are a half-million places on line to find a listing of ways to live sustainably. We’re not trying to duplicate those. Instead, we’re going to provide strategies for you to change your thinking and point you to other helpful resources.
3. Analysis of major events – This isn’t a news blog – if you want green news, you should probably check out Treehugger (and dozens of other sites). They fill a different niche than we do. However, occasionally something will happen on consumer issues that warrants discussion and commentary – and you’ll be able to find that here.

So that’s what we have coming up!  We’ll let you know (or keep checking back) as these projects come together projects come together. We’re pretty excited and hope this helps you understand what you’ll be able to get from this site. Should you have any questions, you can reach me via email – my address is “nick” (minus quotes) at this site’s address. Thanks and happy reading.

Hybrids are a great step toward fuel-efficiency and better transportation, but they need to be combined with driving less whenever possible if you wish to reduce your carbon footprint and your oilprint. If you get in the mindset that it’s ok to drive more places because you’re using less gas per mile, you’ll end up using a similar amount of gas as if you had a less fuel-efficient car, but drove less.

This is part of our series on principles of being an environmental consumer

Just as you would only assume any other brand’s performance only reflects on the brand, assume the same for environmentally friendly goods and services. If a product doesn’t work, try a different manufacturer, and if you repeatedly run into poor products, write the manufacturers a letter telling them you need their products to improve.

This is the first in our series on principles of being an environmental consumer

This series will come out as we think of them, so the number on each post won’t have relevance to its priority in your life. Take them as you will and incorporate them as you can.