Here is an interesting piece of open-source on-line software that lets you research where a product and its components come from, what the carbon footprint might be and what could be saved by more local options.
This fascinating MIT developed interface is visually rich and reminds me of my first digital watch - I couldn't stop looking at it and fiddling with the buttons.
Mother Earth News article: http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-home-living/track-products-origins-with-sourcemap.aspx?newsletter=1&utm_content=2.18.2011+GEGH&utm_campaign=GEGH&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email
YouTube video of Sourcemap software in action (click image):
(https://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g166/jraabe/source.jpg) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g30laGwoYTU&feature=player_embedded#at=16)