Consumer Climate Change Index

This indicator tracks purchases made in Washington and measures the output of greenhouse gases related to product life cycles. The index shows how consumer purchasing patterns and habits are changing and how they are affecting climate change.

Climate change tied to greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, constitutes one of the impact areas measured in the Washington Consumer Environmental Index (CEI). Greenhouse gases are emitted during the manufacturing, use, and disposal of a product. The CEI tracks the environmental effects of consumer purchases.

1. Data series is scaled to make the initial value 100. A value below 100 indicates lower emissions or a positive outcome.

Click here for more information on the development of this indicator.

The emissions associated with climate change as measured by this indicator are increasing. Between 2000 and 2006, there was an approximate 21 percent increase in greenhouse gas emissions, or 20.5 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. These greenhouse gas emissions as measured in the CEI are generated in our state, other areas of the country, and abroad. Many of the products purchased in this state originate abroad, but since data is not available for emissions associated with manufacturing in other countries, the indicator measures only emissions generated from manufacturing within the United States. The increase in greenhouse gas emissions is primarily due to an increase in purchases of products in Washington that have a higher rate of emissions related to the manufacturing of those products.

Why should we be concerned about our state's climate change index?

Climate change is a collective, global problem that requires everyone's efforts to solve. Washington's consumers can play an important role in solving this global dilemma. Washington's economy is approximately the 14th largest in the nation, and the 40th largest in the world.

In the case of greenhouse gases from consumer activities, about 75 percent of emissions occur in the production and transportation phase, close to 25 percent occur during the use phase, and less than half a percent occurs during the disposal phase.

What are the benefits of reducing consumer greenhouse gas emissions in Washington?

Reduced risk from climate change.
Cleaner air now and for future generations.
Saves energy and natural resources.

What are some Beyond Waste actions being taken to reduce consumer greenhouse gas emissions in Washington?

Ecology (in partnership with other organizations) is:

Providing training for contractors and builders working on green building projects.
Encouraging industry to design electronics for easier recycling.
Encouraging government purchasing practices of environmentally preferred products.
Increasing the recycling of electronic waste.
Encouraging composting of organic waste materials.

Consumer activities with largest increases in greenhouse gas emissions, 2000-2006

Activity	Increase in tons of equivalent carbon dioxide emitted from 2000-2006*
Electricity use (at home)	4,752,249
Gasoline and diesel fuel (ground transportation)	2,135,373
Computers and computer hardware purchases	1,547,748
New truck purchases	1,064,067
Airline travel	923,328

*Purchases of each activity increased and therefore the CEI shows greater emissions associated with the activity. Amounts for each activity are calculated by subtracting tons of equivalent carbon dioxide emitted in 2000 from the equivalent carbon dioxide emitted in 2006.

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