What Size is YOUR Footprint?

Your carbon footprint. For those of you who aren't sure what this is, it's defined by carbonfootprint.com as

"A measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc.

The carbon footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent."

What that means is...

Everything we do, from the moment we wake up each morning, to the time we fall asleep (and even while we're sleeping, though it's significantly less) has an impact on the environment. We produce carbon dioxide by using things, especially through fuel combustion that occurs when we drive our cars. Even by leaving laptops turned on, or cell phone chargers plugged in, energy is being taken from the huge system of matter and energy that circulates through cycles over the entire planet, and it is wasted.

So what can we do?

The "Green Tips" blog, managed by the Union of Concerned Scientists, records that the average American single-handedly produces 20 tons of carbon dioxide each year! That's an outrageous number that can be significantly reduced by becoming aware of our wasteful actions. To determine what areas of our lives need minor improvements and changes, it's important to begin by calculating your carbon footprint. To do so, follow the link below. Then, post a comment to this post with your findings -- they may surprise you.

Carbon Footprint Calculator

Here are my findings. My household of three produces 13 tons of carbon dioxide each year. That is about 5.58 tons/year below the national average of 18.58 tons of CO2 for each household. You may find that, like me, your number may be a little off. I only drive one of the two cars I listed for my household, so the number doesn't necessarily reflect my personal use. Nonetheless, it can always be improved.



Ways to lower your carbon footprint include simple, non-life altering changes like:

• Unplug chargers when they aren't in use. It's a waste of latent energy to leave them plugged in, and the little LED indicator lights take up more electricity than you can even imagine; unplugging your electronics means big electric bill savings.
• Recycle as much as you can. Check availability of local recycling resources. So many household items can be recycled, even printer cartridges, old cell phones, and most glass products.
  
• Buy local. UMaine's new dining location, Nature's Palate, features brands that are made and packaged in Maine. What this means is that huge trucks aren't driving across country to deliver the products to us, and the savings in fuel is worth a slightly more expensive product. Plus, they're usually healthier.
• Drive less. Walking won't kill you, and as the weather gets nicer, it's more pleasant to take the scenic route by foot than get stuck in traffic anyway. Save yourself some gas and walk, ride your bike, or use public transit if you must.
  
• Check online for other ways to green your life.