Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Carbon footprint leaves me feeling like Big Foot

I wear a size 6 shoe, but that has nothing to do with my carbon footprint, which is 22.95 tonnes.

I calculated my carbon footprint this morning to see what kind of impact I'm having on the environment, and it's bad. The average U.S. carbon footprint is 20.4 tonnes; it's 11 for the average industrial nation and 4 tonnes worldwide.

The website, carbonfootprint.com, takes how much energy you use at home, in your ride, the number of flights you take per year and whether you take the bus or train, and combine that with if you eat meat or organic foods, buy second-hand clothes and how often you remodel you home, to determine your effect on the environment.

The website also gives you tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint.

I try to be conscious of the environment: I use reusable bags at the grocery store and recycle plastics, aluminum and cardboard. But according to the website, I'm not doing enough. I need to be more cognizant of what I eat and where it comes from. I need to buy foods and products with very little packaging. I need to turn off the lights when I leave the room; unplug appliances and electronics when they're not in use and maybe open a window, rather than turning on the air. These are all easy changes that I am going to try to incorporate in my life. It's a win-win. I will save money and help the environment at the same time.

What's your carbon footprint?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you plan to become more aware of the impact you are making on our planet. Energy conservation and recycling are important given the current state of our economy.

I'll check back for updates on your carbon footprint.

Unknown said...

My carbon footprint is 17.56!!! Yay!!! I be tthe national average. I still see where I cna improve. Thanks for the article, I watched the Kimora Lee Simmons show where the calculated her footprint, and with her size 11 shoe, her footprint was huge!!!