Last night I was doing some research when I got sidetracked by a “calculate your carbon footprint” tool. I have seen many of these calculator’s online and have found some to be misleading while others overwhelming. The one I stumbled upon was created by Earthlab (https://www.earthlab.com/createprofile/reg.aspx). Earthlab is a community formed to bring awareness to the climate crisis issue. Anyhow, I messed around with the carbon footprint tool and was shocked to find my score was slightly below average. I mean it’s good to be below average in this situation but I was expecting to be HUGELY under average. After I wiped the shocked look off my face I decided to challenge myself and hopefully others will start to challenge themselves. I challenge myself to lower my score with a 3 month, 6 month and 1 year goal. I will “retest” myself to see if I am able to improve my score by lowering it. I now put the offer on the table and challenge my readers to do the same.
Below you will find some helpful tips on how to start reducing your carbon footprint:
1. Install a solar electric system
2. Water your grass only in the morning
3. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
4. Car pool
5. Use recycled products
6. Turn off lights and electrical devices when not in use
7. Buy local products
8. Use a coffee mug instead of disposal cups
9. Plant a tree or bush
10. Use cloth towels instead of paper towels
