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Leaky Lounge > HP-Related Discussion: Diagon Alley > Leaky Sites: Cauldron's Corner > Special Event Archives > Earth Day Event Forum

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Your Carbon Footprint, and how to make it smaller
DorisTLC
post Apr 21 2008, 10:02 AM
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As we strive to be better stewards of our earth, I am reminded of an old Quaker proverb that goes like this...

QUOTE
Live simply, so others can simply live.


There is a website called Iamrevolting.com that also uses this phrase as its motto.

You can measure your carbon footprint here.

What things are you doing or plan to do to help reduce your carbon footprint?

Some of my plans to reduce the carbon footprints of myself and my family are:

  • I've built a house using recycled materials for the roof and carpet
  • Riding my bike to the grocery store and to the gym in the morning
  • Shopping at places like Ten thousand Villages to help support those that are less fortunate


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innkeeper_tom
post Apr 22 2008, 12:40 AM
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Rather easy things to do, and constantly observed in our family:

  • make your way to work or school using public transport
  • use regional products instead of products having a long way to travel (like flown-in veggies or the like)
  • don't overheat your house/flat, keep temperature within reasonable limits
  • use passive means (like shutters) to keep out cold and heat
  • avoid leaving your ecceltricity operated appliances on stand-by

This post has been edited by innkeeper_tom: Apr 22 2008, 09:09 AM
Reason for edit: clarification


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Amontillada
post Apr 22 2008, 09:31 AM
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A couple of suggestions related to crafts (perhaps they should be in that thread):
  • Follow Molly Weasley's idea and knit sweaters, slippers, or throws to warm yourself and family members, so that you don't have to set the thermostat so high in winter.
  • Use more natural fibers (such as wool, cotton, or newer yarns like soy, bamboo, or corn) and fewer synthetics like acrylic, based on petroleum.


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mushaboom
post Apr 22 2008, 10:10 AM
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These are some of the the things that I already do:
  • use public transportation 100%
  • turn off lights when I'm not using them
  • bring my own bags when grocery shopping - if I forget/don't have enough, I reuse the plastic bags
  • wash all laundry in cold water
  • use toilet paper made from recycles materials


I would like to buy my food locally grown, but I don't have a car and no other means of getting to and from farmers markets. I also can't afford to consistently buy organic/local foods, though I do when I can.
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JohannMdlAmerica
post Apr 22 2008, 10:34 AM
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OK, I'm a US national, but I know Leaky is international in nature.

1) Talk with your elected representatives, wherever you are. Encouraging active solar and active geothermal to generate heat and electricity, along with industrial waste heat co-generation, as governmental policy goes a long way to reducing need for carbon energy.

2) Have the power and gas companies give you an energy audit. Many will either for free or at a nominal price. Then, retrofit to reduce the leakage. Insulate and replace older doors and windows as needed.

3) The next time you re-roof, look at reflective colors (closer to white) instead of absorbing colors (closer to black).

4) Trees! Plant trees on your Northern and Western exposures, help keep the afternoon summer sun off your house.

5) Finally, look at where you live relative to where you work. The shorter your commute, the less fuel you use.

6) Relook your home. It seems to me most "starter homes" these days are 2,000 sq ft and two car garage, and most "1st move-up" homes are 3,500 sq ft and 3 car garage. Do we really need that much space?

7) If you're planning to build your home soon... look at alternate materials to wood framing, including masonry and steel.

8) Use a set-back thermostat!!! Last winter, my overnight temp was 60F (down comforters are wonderful), my "nobodie's home" temp was 60F, and my "we're home" was 67F.

This post has been edited by JohannMdlAmerica: Apr 22 2008, 01:25 PM


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hedwig2323
post Apr 22 2008, 10:46 AM
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One thing we do in addition to many of the things suggested on this list is use gray water for our garden and lawn. We use both dish water at times and also will hook the washing machine hose over a trash barrel and then take the water outside in buckets.

ETA: Also I haven't bought any bottled water in a couple of years. I use a Brita filter and keep a reusable container with me.

This post has been edited by hedwig2323: Apr 22 2008, 10:56 AM


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DorisTLC
post Apr 22 2008, 11:25 AM
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QUOTE(hedwig2323 @ Apr 22 2008, 10:46 AM) *
One thing we do in addition to many of the things suggested on this list is use gray water for our garden and lawn. We use both dish water at times and also will hook the washing machine hose over a trash barrel and then take the water outside in buckets.

ETA: Also I haven't bought any bottled water in a couple of years. I use a Brita filter and keep a reusable container with me.




Giving up bottled water, an using a refillable bottle saves money at the grocery too!

I've read a lot about gray water, but finding a way to "do" this is hard. If you use Gray water, did you purchase appliances that just naturally funnel the water elsewhere?



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theotherhermit
post Apr 22 2008, 11:32 AM
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Thanks for the "Iamrevolting" link, Doris. The site and the links it provides are very interesting.

My spouse and I sold our car some years ago. We did it out of financial necessity, not concern for the environment, and we expected to hate being without a car. Now, however, we don't miss our car at all, and don't want to buy another. We walk or bike to work, and use public transportation for longer trips. For the one or two occasions each year when only a car will work, we rent one. That's a bit expensive, but it's still cheaper in the long run than maintaining our own car. Not owning a car lessens our impact on the environment, and has some nice side effects as well. We get more exercise, and we can enjoy the world around us as we go to work and do our errands. We don't have to spend time getting the oil changed or the tires rotated, and we needn't worry about the price of gasoline. Going car-less isn't a workable plan for everyone, I know. Some jobs, and some responsibilities, require a car. Still, if anyone is considering doing without a car and fearing to take the plunge, I can assure you that we've never regretted it.
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Baroness Malfoy
post Apr 22 2008, 11:56 AM
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QUOTE(mushaboom @ Apr 22 2008, 10:10 AM) *
These are some of the the things that I already do:
  • use public transportation 100%
  • turn off lights when I'm not using them
  • bring my own bags when grocery shopping - if I forget/don't have enough, I reuse the plastic bags
  • wash all laundry in cold water
  • use toilet paper made from recycles materials


I would like to buy my food locally grown, but I don't have a car and no other means of getting to and from farmers markets. I also can't afford to consistently buy organic/local foods, though I do when I can.


-shop at a local Farmer's Organic Market
-recycle everything you can
-use only those things that have been recycled
-if you have to cut down a tree, plant another in it's place
-compost
-switch to the new energy efficient lightbulbs
-during the spring/summer...instead of using the dryer, hang your clothing outside.
-use a grill instead of the stove/oven...saves quite a bit of gas/electric.


Some Farmer's Organic Markets deal directly online...see if any are in your area, and check to see if they can ship the products to you. darkmark.gif


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FreedomStar
post Apr 22 2008, 01:03 PM
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Two things that I can think of off the top of my head:

1. Use recycled or post-consumer printer paper. It's still white, and it's still good.
2. Turn your computer off at night.
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