Priority Actions for American Consumers Transportation Choose a place to live that reduces the need to drive Think twice before purchasing (or replacing) another car Choose a fuel-efficient, low-polluting car Set concrete goals for reducing your travel Whenever practical, walk, bicycle, or take public transportation Food Eat less meat Buy certified organic produce Household operations Choose your home carefully (size, location, etc.) Reduce the environmental costs of heating and hot water Install efficient lighting and appliances Choose an electricity supplier offering renewable energy   Avoid High Impact Activities Powerboats (and snowmobiles, jet-skis, etc.) Pesticides and fertilizers Gasoline powered yard equipment Fireplaces and wood stoves Recreational off-road driving Hazardous cleaners and paints Products made from endangered or threatened species   Seven Rules for Responsible Consumption Give special attention to major purchases Become a weight watcher (heavier products generally have higher environmental impacts) Analyze your consumption quantitatively Don't worry or feel guilty about unimportant decisions Look for opportunities to be a leader Buy more of those things that help the environment (c.f.: water saving faucets) Think about non-environmental reasons for reducing consumption