Energy inefficient lifestyles

Many aspects of modern consumer-oriented society demand large amounts of energy to sustain. Many products are energy-intensive in the manufacturing process, require energy for their use, and are constructed such that they cost more to repair than to replace. The packaging used for such products also requires large amounts of energy, whether through the use of chemicals, wood or plastics, or through the cost of their subsequent disposal.

The energy consumed in producing a 12-ounce can of diet soda is 2,200 calories. The total food energy it contains is 1 calorie. The annual per capita consumption of soft drinks in the USA in 1989 was 176 litres (compared with 140 litres of tap water).