Carbonle #108 — September 16, 2026
Today: the stuff you buy
The order that day, lightest footprint to heaviest.
- 1A newspaperA day's paper, printed and delivered. Mostly the weight of the paper.0.25 kg CO₂e
- 2A cotton tote bagCotton is thirsty and land-hungry. You'd need ~150 uses to beat a plastic bag.3.5 kg CO₂e
- 3A backpackSynthetic fabric, zips and a frame. More than you'd think for a bag.16 kg CO₂e
- 4A sofaFrame, foam, fabric and freight. Furniture is quietly carbon-heavy.90 kg CO₂e
- 5A bicycleA metal frame and parts, but it pays back fast if it replaces driving.130 kg CO₂e