Green Hands USA: America Volunteers

American consumers like to spend a lot of green, but they aren't the world's greenest shoppers, according to a new study by the National Geographic Study. In fact, Americans came in 17th on the list of the nations with the most eco-friendly shoppers. Out of 17.

The study (conducted annually since 2008) looks at 65 categories relating to spending on housing, food, transportation and consumer goods.

So who came in first? India, believe it or not. They scored high by making eco-conscious spending decisions on food and consumer goods, and by having a relatively low number of cars. Indian consumers apparently like to buy goods used, would rather repair something than replace it, and avoid products with excess packaging. They also get a benefit from their tropical environment, since few Indian households are likely to have heating systems or even hot water.

American and Canadian consumers, on the other hand, not only had the biggest eco-footprints, the survey found them less likely to care about environmental issues.

But there is good news, Americans: the survey found we do care more than we did three years ago. In fact, almost all nations do. We're just not translating that into action enough in the States.

Here are the quickest ways to lower your footprint, according to the survey: take public transportation once in a while, or drive a smaller car; eat less meat; use less hot water; consider "greener" choices even if they cost a bit more green; and believe that your individual efforts make a difference. Because they do.