What’s My Carbon Footprint?
Greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide emissions, fossil fuels … unless you're an environmental policy wonk, an earth activist or an ecosexual (a new breed of online singles looking for sustainably committed partners -- seriously!), it’s hard to keep all of today’s green-minded jargon straight. Carbon footprint -- a phrase that has become as ubiquitous in pop culture as “LOL” -- has a simple definition, but for the everyday person, understanding its parts takes some digging.
In short, our individual carbon footprint equals the amount of carbon dioxide we give off. You're giving some off right now just by exhaling, but what concerns environmentalists are the emissions we release indirectly. Heating your home, driving a car and even buying a carpet (more on that later) all contribute to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Of course, some carbon dioxide in the air is natural -- and necessary, since trees and plants absorb it and use it for photosynthesis. But climatologists are concerned that we’re producing too much of it. The result is that carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is trapping heat from the sun and sending it back to Earth, resulting in global warming.
It’s a big problem, but there are ways to reduce your own carbon emissions (carbon footprint sounds much cooler, right?), thus helping decrease global warming. Here are five easy ways to step lightly:
1. Change your bulbs.
Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). They last longer, use less energy and will save you money.
2. Take a walk.
Drive less, bike more. Your bod -- and the globe -- will thank you.
3. Warm up your windows.
Adding a layer of insulation to your windows will keep warmth in and heating costs down.
4. Reduce waste.
Cut down on what you throw away, and use reusable goods whenever possible. If you can, compost your food. Reducing household waste and putting energy back into the earth means less trash in landfills and more land to plant carbon dioxide-absorbing trees.
When it comes to rugs in your home, smaller ones require less energy to make. Perfect for your smaller footprint!
Read more about: climate , conservation , energy , go green , home , reduce waste
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insulation in windows?
Posted on March 7, 2012
Don't put insulation in your windows. You won't be able to see outside. Instead, add a layer of clear plastic to reduce heat loss. Insulation belongs in your walls and attic.
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Posted on March 21, 2012
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Posted on April 15, 2012
Since I'm becoming a faehtr soon, I wanted to find ways to improve how I live in order to set a good example. Just this past week, my trash pickup company started a rewards' program to inspire people just like myself to start recycling, or recycling more. I'm now a bit of a geek about what can and can not be recycled, but I soon noticed how my trash' can fills up very slowly, and the recyclables' can fills up quickly.
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Posted on May 28, 2012
even if you believe in clamite change. or if your like me and believe in clamite change and don't care because it changes all the time. then you need to be realistic and thorough in any proposed changes you want to make. so far silly people have been making crappy inefficient hybrid vehicles and trying to tax people to use less. or worse tax people and still use the same amount and just blame it on the developing nations.just think a little bit people. i know it's hard but please try.
