This research focuses on the multiple impacts on the environment are associated with the consumption and production patterns in the economy. These impacts can be mitigated by preferring products and services with a lower environmental impact, such as products that are resource efficient during their use phase (i.e. lower electricity use, lower water consumption); products that are manufactured in a non-polluting process; products that are designed for extended life; etc. The task of preferring a better environmentally designed product lies in the hand of consumers, therefore consumers are a key factor in tackling the pressing environmental challenges that we face.