Understanding our Consumption
Consumption of goods and services (like food, clothing, electronics, and air travel) are not currently measured at the town level. The County of San Mateo is beginning to track emissions from countywide consumption and has developed consumption-based objectives to achieve a truly carbon-neutral community.
Transportation
Air Travel
Airplanes burn large amounts of fossil fuels, producing significant greenhouse gas emissions. Alternatives to air travel include:
- meet virtually
- take a train
- skip that long-distance trip altogether
Taking one less long-haul return flight can reduce emissions by up to almost 2 tons of CO2e.
Food
Reducing Emissions Through Food Consumption
Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and less meat and dairy produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Eating less meat and dairy also means using less energy, land, and water. Shopping at local farmers' markets is a great way to find more low GHG emitting foods and keep the emissions from delivering the food down. Use the resources here to find local farmer's markets near you!
Purchased Goods
Being Conscious About What You're Purchasing
By making some changes to our purchasing habits, we can reduce our impact on greenhouse gas emissions in significant ways. We have identified two objectives in this area:
Shift consumer spending from discretionary goods to local recreational activities
For example: Rather than gifting material goods, consider purchasing a County Parks Pass or tickets to a local show.
Reduce the emissions intensity of consumer goods
For example: Buy goods manufactured locally or produced in a carbon neutral facility.