Carbon Footprint

laura — Thu, 17 May 2007 03:08:00 GMT

There are easy steps we all can take on the way to reducing our own personal ‘carbon footprint’. Unfortunately, on one hand, U.S. public service announcements will likely not come until new, more forward-thinking leadership takes the wheel and encourages the public to do the 1-2-3 basics. On the other hand, energy reducing products and services should really be made available in stores near you.

Things You Can Do At Home:

-Set up sensors to more efficiently use of lights and control air conditioning demand.

-Install white roofing to reflect not absorb sunlight.

-Install solar panels on your roof.

-Check out options to sell or get credit for your excess solar power from your local power company.

-Check and possibly reinforce seals around windows and doors. Set timers on outdoor lighting and water systems.

-Recycle more efficiently.

-Donate reusable items to local institutions. (magazines, clothing, books, videos, DVDs, cell phones, glasses)

-Use ‘energy star’ products during off-peak hours.

-Use mass transit or request improvements in your city’s mass transit system.

-Buy a hybrid next time you buy a new car or minivan.

-Change your bulbs to fluorescents.

-Use organic gardening products.

-Buy food grown locally and/or organically.

-Plant a tree on Earth Day this year.

-Find out which companies use recycled paper in products like tissues, toilet paper, napkins and paper towels.

For more options and in-depth information, check out http://www.myfootprint.org/ to take a carbon footprint test or kids and teachers can visit, http://www.kidsfootprint.org/

By consciously shopping for Green products and services and spreading the word to your family, friends and neighbors to do the same, you’ll be doing your part to increase demand – thus sending the message that Green is what people are looking for. You’ll see that the markets will respond and free enterprise will kick in with more and more Green options.

Once you understand how to save money and energy by implementing a new Green policy for yourself, Pay it Forward. Why not volunteer some time at a school, senior citizen’s home or other public facility to show them the Green way.

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Carbon Footprint