Do you have any idea what your carbon footprint is?  Have you ever even heard of your carbon footprint?  Many people haven't. Sure we all have heard the terms: Going Green, Global Warming, and probably even Carbon Emissions, but Carbon Footprint is a new one!

The formal definition of carbon footprint is: It is the measure of the exclusive global amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses emitted by human activity or accumulated over the full life cycle of a product or service. (Wikipedia)

Basically, in laymen's terms, it is how much each one of us has impacted and destroyed our environment. Pretty harsh huh? It is true though; we are now all trying to clean up our acts and finally taking notice that the things that have been destroyed can't necessarily be replaced.

Do you know what YOUR carbon footprint is?  There are tons of calculators online where you can take a short quiz and it will tell you just how bad, or how good you are for the environment. It is amazing how much we can impact the environment if we just make a few easy changes in our life styles.

So how can you reduce YOUR carbon footprint or your FAMILY'S carbon footprint? Here are some great suggestions and best of all, they are pretty easy and will save you money in the long run!!!

Adopt energy saving habits:

• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Unplug your electronics when not in use. Even when Electronics are turned off they are still drawing power.
• Put your electronics on a power strip so that they are easy to turn off when not in use.
• Only run your washer, dryer, or dishwasher when they are completely full. Hang clothes outside whenever possible!
• Defrost your refrigerator and freezer on a regular basis. When the ice builds up inside it takes down the efficiency of the appliance.
• Choose green electricity if you can!! The power companies aren't going to just sign you up unless you ask! Many have the option of electricity generated by wind and solar power for a small rate surcharge. Check it out!!!
• Keep your thermostat relatively low in the winter and a higher with the air conditioning. Keep both at an even temperature if possible. It uses more energy when you change the temperature constantly. Also make sure you clean filters for both the heating and the AC as it will help them run more efficiently!

Energy Saving Features for your home:

• As your light bulbs burn out buy compact fluorescent bulbs. They last much longer and are energy efficient. Look for the low mercury models and make sure you dispose of old bulbs through your local hazardous waste program.
• Insulate your water heater. Put an insulation jacket around the heater. (Make sure to follow all instructions!) Turn your hot water heater down to 120 degrees. No need to have your water up any higher and then have to use cold water to cool it down. Kind of defeats the purpose!
• Switch to a tankless water heater so the water is heated only as you use it.
• When buying new appliances do your home work and look for the best energy efficient appliance that fits your needs.
• Weatherproof your house. Get rid of drafts with caulking, weather strips and storm windows & doors. Double paned windows are great and good insulation will keep the heat in!

Cleaner Transportation:

• Carpool, one car on the road is better than two...or three...etc.
• If you live close enough, walk to work or ride your bike. Public transportation is a great alternative too.
• Try to avoid letting your car just run while it is sitting there (except in traffic of course!) Turn it off whenever you can. Instead of going thru a drive thru where you may be force to sit for a while. Pull in, shut off the car and walk inside.
• Service your vehicle regularly. Maintenance is very important in keeping your vehicle running efficiently. Check your air filter monthly and keep the tires inflated properly to maximize gas mileage.
• Instead of flying when taking short trips, consider taking a bus or train instead.

Money Saving Tips that reduce your Carbon Footprint:

Water:

• Take shorter, less frequent showers. This saves both water and energy!
• Compost instead of using a garbage disposal.
• Run the washer & dishwasher only when full. This saves both water and energy!
• Take your car to the carwash instead of washing it yourself. Carwashes use less water plus they drain the water into a sewage system instead of into storm drains, which protects aquatic life!
• It may look nicer but try to avoid hosing down outside areas such as driveways, decks or walkways. It uses up way too much water!
• Hand water your flowers instead of running a sprinkler.

Choose Sustainable Cleaning Products, Furnishings and Building Materials:

• We already talked about efficient appliances but don't forget things such as low flush toilets, shower heads and toilets.
• Buy second hand furnishings, or items that are recycled or sustainably produced.
• Plant drought tolerant plants in your garden and yard.
• Use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products, laundry detergents, and soaps.
• So there are a few great ideas, many of them won't even cost you a thing; they will actually save you money! But what else does our carbon footprint consist of? It isn't all about energy and transportation. There are other footprints that we need to look out for as well.

Reducing your Food Footprint: 

• Plant a garden.
• If you can't plant a garden then buy local organic foods.
• Natural food stores are cropping up everywhere. Shop there and/or at your local farmer's market. Look for local, in season foods that haven't traveled long distances to reach you.
• Choose food with the least amount of packaging, with recyclable packaging or biodegradable packaging.
• Nobody wants to hear this, but meat makes a BIG footprint! Going meatless for just ONE meal a week can make a HUGE difference. It is estimated that meat consumption makes up 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions. (myfootprint.org)

Reduce your Goods & Services Footprint:

• Only buy items that you need and only replace items when they need replacing.
• Join something like Green Dimes to stop all that unwanted junk mail.
• Recycle paper, glass, aluminum and plastic!
• Build a compost bin. You can compost all of your food waste and then use the rich soil for your garden!
• Buy recycled products.
• Donate items you no longer need or use.

Reducing your carbon footprint is as simple as going green! They are pretty much the same thing!! It is understandable that nobody is perfect but with a few simple, easy and even money saving changes everyone can help impact the environment in a positive way!

Looking for a great place to buy organice, all natural products? Check out our store The Happy Earth Emporium

Works sited:

Redefining Progress - The Nature of Economics. myfootprint.org