10 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

With all the buzz about "green living" and rising utility prices, I decided that for my first post on this environmentalism blog, I would show you how to reduce your carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint can be defined as the impact on the environment in the form of carbon emissions from your automobile or used electricity. Many things on the list are very simple and can be done immediately.

1. Turn out the lights and fans when you leave the room

   Your father was right. Most households see some of the greatest energy savings simply by turning off the lights, television, and fans when you leave the room for a while. Studies have shown that your energy bill is increased five to ten dollars per fan left on during the month. This could really add up over a few months!

2. Raise the temperature on your thermostat

   This needn't be a very significant change to notice results on your monthly power bill. Try starting out at a temperature around 76°F (about 24°C). If you find this to be too warm for you, take it down a degree or two until you are comfortable. I personally keep mine at 80°F at all times, and hike it up to 85° when I know that I will be out for a while. Be sure to talk this over with your roommate or spouse and see how they feel as well.

3. Change your computer's energy settings

   In Windows and Mac OS X one can set their energy saving preferences. Both operating systems have a "better energy savings" mode which will turn off the monitor after five to fifteen minutes and the computer after 30 minutes to an hour.

   In Windows this can be found under the Control Panel under "Power Options"

   In Mac OS X this can be found under the System Preferences utility (Applications/System Preferences) under the "Energy Saver" tab

4. Unplug appliances while not in use

   Research shows that most appliances and electronic devices draw 70% of their power when they are turned off. For seldom-used kitchen appliances such as a blender or a toaster, plug them in only when you're about to use them.

   You can also plug in related devices into a power strip and turn off the power strip when the devices are not in use.

5. Change the Bulbs

   It's all about compact fluorescent light-bulbs. While they may cost more initially than a conventional light-bulb, they last over three times longer than a conventional bulb and use much less power in the long run.

6. Look for Energy Star® labeled products

   These products typically use thirty to fifty percent less electricity than comparable products without this label. Most computer monitors and kitchen appliances can be found with this label.

7. Recycle

   This long-promoted practice still works to our benefit. You can recycle in many ways you may not be aware of:

   • Most grocery stores sell canvas bags which you can bring your groceries home in without using the plastic bags
   • Most grocery stores also have recycling bins specifically for their plastic grocery bags
   • Refill and reuse plastic water bottles
   • Wash plastic forks and knives
   • Plug the sink while shaving to reduce wasted heated water
8. Change your commuting routine

   There are many things that can be done to change the wave you drive.

   • Drive sensibly

     When you drive aggressively, accelerate and brake quickly, or drive over 60 miles per hour, you wreak havoc on your gas mileage. Leave for your destination with plenty of time to drive the speed limit and accelerate at a reasonable rate. This will not only save you money at the pump, but be safer for not only you but others as well.

   • Start a Carpool

     Most people simply do not like carpools. Highways jammed with traffic have completely empty carpool lanes because people do not want to give up their independence they have in their own vehicle. If you have a friend or co-worker whom you can carpool with, then be sure to always be on time and give plenty of notice if there may be a delay. This will prevent others in your carpool from becoming frustrated.

   • Use Public Transportation

     Unfortunately, America does not have a good unified or nationalized public transportation system. Most smaller US cities do not have practical form of public transportation. If your city does have a public transportation system, such as a bus or subway system, these can save a great amount of money in gasoline and car repairs. If you are within a mile of a bus-stop or train station, I suggest to ride a bicycle and either chain it at the stop or take it with you.

   • Ride a Bike or Walk

     A few months ago I lived in a part of town far away from common places that I go such as the grocery store, work, and class. I have since moved into a more centralized location and now I can comfortably ride my bike anywhere. Many times I find the bicycle to be faster or as fast as driving to the same location. If you cannot bike or walk to class, work, or the grocery store, consider moving to a more centralized location. Think of all the money you spend per week on gasoline alone.

9. Buy Locally

   Locally created clothing, food and other products do not have to travel as far as goods for larger chains of business. This reduces the amount of overall travel required for the product to reach you.

10. Consult your local utility company

    Most all power companies give information on saving energy at home. Many have easy-to-read brochures, pamphlets, and websites. My local utility allows you to pay five dollars a month to support renewable and alternative energy resources. Look around, you'll may be surprised what you can find!