As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
I've been thinking a lot lately about all the gear we buy, from phones and laptops to outdoor equipment and clothes, and the environmental cost of producing it all. It's easy to focus on recycling and disposal, but what about the energy, water, and raw materials used in manufacturing? Mining for rare earth minerals for electronics, for example, has a huge impact.
Does anyone have good resources for learning more about the environmental footprint of specific types of gear? I'm particularly interested in knowing if brands are clear about their supply chains and manufacturing processes.Are there certifications to look for that reliably indicate a lower impact? It seems like "eco-friendly" marketing is everywhere, but it's hard to know what's genuine and what's just greenwashing. What steps do you all take to minimize the environmental impact of the gear you use? Are there brands you actively support (or avoid) based on their environmental performance?