Every product has an environmental "footprint." This includes the resources used and toxins released during its production, use and disposal. While the "carbon footprint" is the most well-known, businesses are also looking at water usage, toxic chemicals, and other environmental impacts.
The Oregon Sustainability Board (OSB) worked with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the State of Washington and a group of stakeholders from across Oregon and Washington to explore the potential benefits and challenges in product-level environmental footprinting. Together, they completed three main projects: Case studies, and analyses of food and concrete.
Case studies
Product footprinting helps businesses identify ways to improve, reduce impacts, and connect with customers. The following companies were part of this project:
Food
Studies about food footprints are posted on the Oregon DEQ Website. These studies show the environmental impacts of different foods, including those produced and consumed in Oregon. The studies can help producers and buyers make choices that reduce environmental harm. Begin your exploration with the project Foreward.
Food study reports include topics like:
- Tomatoes, wine, beer and coffee
- Land-based aquaculture and ctrus fruits and juices
- Packaging and food waste
- Transportation impacts
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Concrete
DEQ, with help from the Oregon Concrete and Aggregate Producers Association, created a tool for concrete producers to calculate the carbon footprint of their concrete mixes. Oregon also offers support to verify these calculations so producers can share results with customers using an "Environmental Product Declaration."