With temperatures going up across the globe, glaciers disappearing, and ocean levels rising scientist have developed a measure that shows how much of an impact each person has on the environment. You’ve probably heard the term “carbon footprint”, this is a measure of how much carbon is pumped into the environment based on the amount of energy an individual use.
In well established industrial societies the carbon footprint is much higher than it is in developing countries because industrial societies consume more coal, gas and oil; as an example data shows the United States consume 25% of the worlds energy. This means that our society has a massive carbon footprint.
For every electrical or gas powered device you use or ride in, you contribute to the worlds carbon footprint, this means taking a train, bus, car, boat, your lawnmower, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, refrigerator, range top, microwave oven, your home entertainment center, computer… Well you get the picture, all these systems and devices use energy that is derived mostly from carbon based fossil fuels and as such these energy source when burned produce CO2 and other pollutants that have a negative impact on the environment and our health.
We each also have a carbon footprint impact when we import goods from abroad, due to the fact that an entire infrastructure that consumes massive amounts of energy needs to be created to transport those goods. That’s why it’s always best to buy locally, especially the foods you eat., besides it’s fresher and helps the local economy.
So Here Are A Few Tips To Help You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Turn off unused electrical devices like home entertainment systems, computers and peripherals using smart power saving power strips.
Determine which appliances like your refrigerator, washer, air conditioner… are energy consuming monsters using an Home Energy Monitor and follow recommended manufactures instructions to help these devices operate more efficiently or replace them with higher efficiency models.
Insulate your home and caulk cracks and crevices, this well save you energy in the winter months by keeping the heat in as well as during the summer by keeping the heat out and preventing your cool air from leaking out of your home. Change your windows or use a high R rated film to minimize infrared infiltration during the summer which causes you air conditioner to work harder.
Recycle, Recycle, Recycle! It takes far less energy recycle used products than it does to excavate the raw materials to build new ones. Stop buying bottle water, plastic bottles are made from oil and consume large amounts of energy to produce; on top of that they are harmful to the environment as they do not breakdown over time like organic materials do.
It has also been found the water bottled in plastic containers for an extended period can leach chemicals from the plastic into the water. So while you think you’re drinking healthy fresh water you’re not, buy a quality water filter instead and use a glass or stainless steel vessel to store and consume your water from.
Check out this blog to see the whole article and learn more about our carbon footprint and what we can do to make a difference.
