by 5 people |
Local Changes Can Affect The World
You are just one person...you aren't rich...don't run a global corporation...don't command an army of millions...and frankly can't even control your desire to finish off that bag of Lay's potato chips!!! So how do you create change in the environment that will actually have an impact on something other than your feelings about yourself??!! Empowerment of the individual is what we will explore on this site in the coming days, months, years!
What is a Carbon Footprint?
Know Thy Self!
According to Wikipedia: "A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service. There are a number of more specific definitions available, and a comprehensive review of definitions can be found in ISA-UK research report 07-01[1]. A carbon footprint is usually expressed as grams of CO2 equivalents, which accounts for the different global warming effects of different greenhouse gases (Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology POST, 2006). The carbon footprint is calculated using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. This established method has been standardised under ISO 14044. Create a Personal Plan to Make an Impact
There are so many great resources out there for guidance in the quest for a cleaner world. These are some of the better ones I have found lately.
- Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
- You need to know the ways you contribute to the release of CO2 into our environment before you can begin to make meaningful changes. This site will start you on the journey.
- Great List of Quick Changes
- This list of changes you can make also provides estimates of the impact reduction you will make.
- National Geographic's Green Guide
- Nice guide to changes you can by room in your house (eg. Replace on 75 watt incandescent bulb in your bedroom with a 19 watt CFL and cut 55 lbs off your diet!)
- Offset Overview
- A brief introduction to Carbon Offsets and the types of plans that are out there.
Simple Changes That Also Help Locally
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/Minimise_cfp.html
As well as your primary carbon footprint, there is also a secondary footprint that you cause through your buying habits.
- If you buy foods out of season at the super market, then these will have either been flown or shipped in from far away - all adding to your carbon footprint.
Reduce your consumption of meat
Don't buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink (especially if it has been shipped from far away)
Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own
Don't buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season, they may have been flown in
Try to buy products made closer to home (look out and avoid items that are made in the distant lands)
Buy organic produce
Don't buy over packaged products
Recycle as much as possible
Think carefully about the type of activities you do in your spare time. Do any of these cause an increase in carbon emissions? e.g. Saunas, Health clubs, restaurants and pubs, go-karting etc. etc...
Greater Thinkers Than I
links for more info
- The Other Side of the Coin
- While everyone agrees that a constant move toward individual, environmental responsibility will improve the community around us....there are still many questions surrounding the cult-like adoption of the man-made, thermometer popping, global warming theories that are swirling around. One group that is arguing point-by-point against the man-made climate change cabal is SPPI. This site is very interesting no matter which side of the argument you are on.
Information From Amazon
Freeform Search of Titles from Amazon
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: 365 Simple Ways to Save Energy, Resources, and Money
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 12/14/2009) 
The Carbon Footprint Wars: What Might Happen If We Retreat From Globalization?
Amazon Price: $29.50 (as of 12/14/2009)
Tracking Your Carbon Footprint: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and Inventorying Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Amazon Price: $10.95 (as of 12/14/2009)
Cooking Green: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint in the Kitchen
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 12/14/2009)
The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Your Carbon Footprint
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/14/2009)
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