Tons of Carbon Dioxide

Anyone interested in getting a better idea of their impact on the environment might try using the EPA's greenhouse gas emissions calculator.  It takes into account a multitude of different factors including: heating and electric costs, monthly miles driven, recycling habits and vehicle maintenance.  Since all of these things affect the amount of  CO2 going into the environment, the EPA's calculator can estimate how much carbon dioxide you contribute to annually, also known as a carbon footprint.  This estimate is expressed in pounds of carbon dioxide, and the average emission per person in the United States is 20,750 pounds per year.  This came as an unwelcome surprise to me considering there are over 300 million people in this country.

Recently I used information about my own household to calculate my carbon footprint and compare it with my parents household.  Both are 2 person households (and pets), but there are some major differences between the two.  Our annual emissions were 18,309 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, but my parents' annual emissions turned out to be over 34,000 pounds per year.  There are a few reasons for this.  First of all, my parents drive more often than we do.  Their vehicles get better gas mileage, but the amount of miles put on the vehicles daily is enough to negate the fact.  Secondly, we have a smaller house, it costs us much less to heat and illuminate it.  Another major difference is our lack of air-conditioning, which neither me or my girlfriend feel is necessary.  My parent's house, like many others, is cooled non-stop all summer long.

Once the carbon footprint is calculated, it makes it a bit easier to make changes.  The EPA's websites gives plenty of suggestions for reducing total emissions, including using Energy-Star appliances and turning the thermostat down at night  (Turn it down just three degrees and you'll take roughly 488 pounds of CO2 off your carbon footprint!). Once these things start to become part of your routine you might wonder why you didn't start earlier.  Many of us are already practiced in these areas, and realize that the whole house doesn't need to be cooled, and that a car isn't required everyday.  For those who don't, calculate your carbon footprint and see if it doesn't make you change your mind.