Includes bibliographical references and index.

We always hear the same old green advice: fly less, turn the thermostat down, drive a hybrid car. But what about all the other things we buy and do? Part green-lifestyle guide, part popular science book, this books provides the facts we need to make carbon-savvy purchases and lifestyle decisions. It discusses the carbon footprint, the carbon emissions used to manufacture and transport everyday items, including paper bags and imported produce, and provides information to help build carbon considerations into everyday purchases. It also helps put things into perspective with entries for the big things (bushfires, volcanic eruptions and the Iraq war) as well as the little things (newspapers, sending a letter, a pint of beer). This book is packed full of surprises: a plastic bag has the smallest.