OUR MOTIVATION

Debate over whether humans are changing the world’s climate has now ended.  The scientific evidence that we are changing the climate is unavoidable, and the changes are growing and accelerating (more on the Science of Climate & Energy).  Put very simply, when we burn fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal in order to produce energy, carbon dioxide gas (CO2 ) is released to the atmosphere, where it traps heat from the sun and warms the planet.  You might think of our Earth as a car parked in the summer sun and CO2 as the windows that let light in but won't let the heat out.  We’re rolling up the windows further and further, and the extra heat can melt glaciers and ice, create larger and more powerful storms, flood coastlines and decrease our food supply. We must recognize that the choices we all make every day mean more or less CO2 is released. Unfortunately for us, it's not simply the choices of whether to bike, take the train, drive a hybrid car or an SUV, turn on the heat or wear a sweater.  The products we choose to buy everyday such as groceries and clothing also have an impact on the planet.  At the Climate Conservancy, we're convinced that, given a choice, people would prefer to buy products made and delivered to the marketplace at a lower cost to the climate — that is, with less CO2 released.  By labeling such products Climate Conscious, we arm consumers with information and give them that choice. Informed consumers can reduce the rate of climate change by choosing Climate Conscious products. Purchasing Climate Conscious products will reward companies that are making the right decisions, and tempt others to follow.  These products are no more expensive. In fact, manufacturers can often save money by improving the efficiency of their production processes. Perhaps best of all, consumers voting with their dollars in the marketplace can do an end-run around politics and act to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases immediately. TCC uses process-specific life cycle assessment techniques to scrutinize not just the manufacturing process, but the entire life-cycle of products from the source of raw materials, transportation, storage and disposal of waste. All of this goes into our calculation and certification of just how Climate Conscious the product is. Bottom line, if we can all use products that consume less energy, we can limit the amount of CO2 that gets into our air and leave the Earth more like the way we were brought into it.  Let's work together.