Calculate your Carbon Footprint

Do you know what your carbon footprint is?

We all leave a mark on our planet. Think of your carbon footprint as your personal impact. In technical terms, your carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas you produce in units of carbon dioxide. This footprint is determined by your daily lifestyle and activities, such as travel, electrical use, consumption of products and services, foods you eat, etc. Knowing our impact is the first step in educating ourselves on the impact we have on our environment and is the first step to affecting positive conservation. To calculate your footprint

1. Multiply your monthly electric bill by 1052

2. Multiply your monthly gas bill by 105

3. Multiply your monthly oil bill by 113

4. Multiply your total yearly mileage on your car by .79

5. Multiply the number of flights you’ve taken in the past year (4 hours or less) by 1,100

6. Multiply the number of flights you’ve taken in the past year (4 hours or more) by 4,400

7. Add 184 if you do NOT recycle newspaper

8. Add 166 if you do NOT recycle aluminum and tin

9. Add 1-8 together for your total carbon footprint

An “ideal” carbon footprint (or a “low” footprint) is anywhere from 6,000 to 15,999 pounds per year. 16,000-22,000 is considered average. Under 6,000 is considered very low. Over 22,000? You may want to take some of these practices into consideration:

There are numerous ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Reduce Energy Consumption:

   • Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.

   • Turn off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use.

   • Use programmable thermostats and set them to conserve energy when you’re away or asleep.

   • Consider renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines for your home.

     
     

2. Transportation:

   • Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation whenever possible.

   • Choose fuel-efficient vehicles or consider electric or hybrid options.

   • Keep vehicles properly maintained to maximize fuel efficiency.

   • Combine errands to minimize trips and reduce mileage.

     
     

3. Diet:

   • Reduce meat consumption, particularly beef and lamb, as they have high carbon footprints.

   • Choose plant-based alternatives or sustainably sourced meats.

   • Buy locally produced and seasonal foods to reduce transportation emissions.

   • Minimize food waste by planning meals, storing food properly, and composting organic waste.

     
     

4. Waste Reduction:

   • Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials whenever possible.

   • Choose products with minimal packaging and opt for reusable alternatives.

   • Compost organic waste to reduce methane emissions from landfills.

   • Donate or sell items instead of throwing them away.

     
     

5. Water Conservation:

   • Fix leaks and install water-efficient fixtures.

   • Take shorter showers and turn off taps when not in use.

   • Collect rainwater for outdoor use.

   • Choose water-saving appliances and practices.

     
     

6. Travel and Tourism:

   • Choose eco-friendly travel options such as trains or buses over planes.

   • Stay in accommodations with green certifications and practices.

   • Minimize waste while traveling by bringing reusable items and avoiding single-use plastics.

     
     

7. Advocacy and Education:

   • Support policies and initiatives that promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.

   • Educate others about the importance of reducing carbon footprints and the actions they can take.

   • Participate in community initiatives, events, or organizations focused on environmental conservation.

     
     

Source: Justenergy.com