Todays tip: How to be a green gearhead, presented by backcountry.com.

Let's face the facts. Even the folks most committed to reducing their carbon footprint travel for business and pleasure. Everyone has a favorite recreational activity that requires gear. In short, we all lust after something that's shiny and new.

The folks at backcountry.com know this–they keep their lights on by selling outdoor products to consumers. At the same time they recognize the contradiction between what they do and what they "say."

We know that the products we sell, and are addicted to ourselves, come at an environmental cost. It takes oil to make my polyester long underwear, and chemicals to get the funk out after wearing it for a week. While we can’t eliminate all of the environmental costs of using and selling outdoor gear, we can try to minimize our impact. We started The Green Goat to call attention to manufacturers that are taking steps to make their products and manufacturing processes more sustainable. As a consumer, you can limit the environmental impact of your addiction too. By asking a few questions before buying a new piece of gear you can make yourself, and the earth, happier with your purchase.

So, if you've thought at least twice about whether or not you've "gotta have it," and have come to the conclusion that you do, be sure to browse The Green Goat section for products and brands that meet backcountry.com's standards for taking steps to minimize detrimental impact on the environment.

Carbon Neutral Journal's tips are brought to you by Nuts & Bolts.

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