my guess is just the opposite - if the goods are made here, we have stricter environmental regulations than most other countries.... goods made in asia are not subject to the same regulations, which is one reason they are so much cheaper than goods made here (labor being primary cost savings). the more goods that are imported means that more goods are being manufactured over seas under less environmental controls - hence more pollution... we must think globally - and act locally . one way we can do this is to purchase goods that are manufactured here under stricter environmental regulations.

Perhaps I was unclear, because you are agreeing with me.

By "our" environment, I mean that inside the US. This effectively amounts to the entire country acting in the way many communities do - importing much goods and thereby avoiding the production and associated impacts. Not on as extreme a scale, but it's trending that way.

"Act locally" is critical I agree, especially for those whose environments are getting nailed. They can't afford to wait for yuppies and urbanites or even good ol boys to start buying locally made products.

"our" environment is the globe. things that are done in Asia effect people in the United States and vice versa. its not a good thing if one environment is improving while someone else's environment is being decimated. a US trade deficit is not good for anyone's environment - the net increase in pollution is greater not less...

Could be.

Reversing the deficit would need americans to buy fewer items at higher prices, or start making more stuff. It would also greatly reduce the numbers and size of box stores, a lovely side-benefit.

My local environment is pretty nice. I try not to buy stuff made in those far-away environments and hope the habitants stay far away as well.