Addressing the challenge of global climate change will require a sustained effort for many years to come. Reducing your own carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and supporting legislation that requires mandatory greenhouse gas reductions are first best solutions, while offsetting unavoidable emissions is a second best solution.
Almost 25 Tons per Year!
The average American is responsible for generating 50,000 pounds or 22.67 metric tons of CO2 per year. This equates to 136 pounds per person, per day! This pollution stems from our electricity use, driving, flying, and our consumption including the energy needed to produce our food, clothing, computers, etc.
Go Carbon Neutral Today!
For as little as US$272 you can go Carbon Neutral and offset over 22.67 pounds of CO2 and support carbon-reducing projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects. Click here to go Carbon Neutral by using our carbon calculator to calculate your own carbon footprint.
Reduce What You Can, Offset What You Can’t
If you’re concerned about the potentially negative environmental effects of an energy-intensive lifestyle, consider reducing your carbon footprint. Here are our not-too-comprehensive suggestions for reducing your carbon footprint by 50% or more without turning your life upside down.
Little Things Make Big Differences
Looking for an instant savings of almost 4 metric tons per year without making significant changes? Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents or better yet, LED bulbs. Turn off your computer and other electrical equipment and appliances when not in use, or unplug them. Wash clothes in cold water and air dry them when possible. Carpool, telecommute, or use public transportation to get to work.
- Home Improvement. Some home improvements pay for themselves and reduce your carbon footprint by another 4 metric tons. Weatherproof your home, beefing up wall insulation and weatherizing your doors and windows. Patch air leaks typical of standard construction by insulating your heat ducts, hot water heater, pipes, attic and basement. Although you won’t realize the savings up front, the savings in your heating and cooling bills will repay the cost over time.
- Traveling Light. Flying emits more carbon dioxide than anything else, but the carbon emissions associated with driving quickly add up too. Consider taking a train or charter bus on your next vacation or ecotour, which could save 3 metric tons or more. Make day-to-day travel more efficient by consolidating trips or riding a bike to work or to run errands. Evaluate the cost versus the benefits of a more energy efficient vehicle. For every gallon of gas not burned, you’ll save another 20 pounds of CO2.
- Small Changes Add Up. Being a more conscientious consumer can make a big difference to the environment, can save you money and can positively impact your local community as well.
- Sign up with a green energy supplier, who will supply electricity from renewable sources like wind and hydro power. This will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero.
- Try cutting down on the amount of meat you eat to once a day. According to research by the University of Chicago, you can shrink your carbon footprint by up to 1.5 metric tons if you become a vegetarian. Don’t want to change your diet? Try buying locally instead. Most of the food we eat has traveled as much as 1,500 miles to reach our plates.
- Recycling, reusing, and composting, combined with reducing the stuff you buy and stopping junk mail can significantly reduce the amount of waste contributed to landfills.
