How many of you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint?

Question

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Answer 1

I no longer have a footprint or a shadow

Answer 2

I admittedly don't recycle, partly do to the fact that the actual process of recycling burns fuel but also do to that there's no recycling plan in my area that doesn't involve my driving so far to get to a drop-off point that I figure I may very well make more co2 getting there than I save...plus I don't generate much trash beside simple food packaging and reuse drinking bottles.

But I do bicycle to most places within 6 miles of my home instead of use the car...and the car I drive is a four cylinder (and would be an electric IE a 1500 pound "Comuta-Car" if they weren't so rare I could afford one)...I would use public transportation if I didn't live so far from where I work (time is a huge issue).
Most importantly, I keep track of the usage of everything in my house and know the TV, fridge, and desktop (not just the a/c) are energy hogs..
My 300watt-hour TV doesn't get more than 1 hour's use a day and instead my 40-watt/hr laptop is my main entertainment. Also I have a 4 cubic foot mini fridge and only run a room/window a/c instead of internal unit. Far as lights, I have one 12-watt fluorescent flood light in the living room 90% of the time it's the only light on in my apartment it can still light the whole room.
On top of that I use Green Mountain Energy...who claims to be saving me about the same carbon footprint as 40-50 miles worth of driving per month.

But I believe the underlying issue of the climate crisis is psychological...the person who keeps their house chilled cold all the time, has a huge car, keeps all the lights on, take vacations involving a lot of travel...is often considered rich, well disciplined, competitive...sadly it's part of the American image/dream to be a high energy user.

Answer 3

I use only public transportation, or ride with friends when I go anywhere.
I wash dishes (and often clothes) by hand rather than running the dishwasher and washer/dryer.
I cook/bake large batches and do warm-ups throughout the week rather than cooking every day.
I turn the water-heater on an hour before my shower, and off almost immediately after.
Would like to re-cycle, but that's not an available option in this community.
Cook from scratch almost exclusively to eliminate most packaging. (and I know what's in what I'm eating)
Wish I could have a garden, but that's tough in an apartment.
Frequently have vegetarian meals (beans and grains consume fewer resources than producing and shipping animal protein).
I've replaced standard light-bulbs with compact fluorescent.
I've been doing most of these things for more than ten years now.

Answer 4

With increased life style and higher income, there is a tendency to increase carbon footprint.

As an environmental practioner, my carbon footprint is far lower than those in any developed nation or for that matter far lower than any average Indian. But do you know what is your carbon footprint??

Answer 5

I am! I'm living for two years in Britain, and it's much easier to have a reduced carbon impact here because European homes and appliances are built for much less energy use. But I'm also making conscious decisions about travel based on carbon costs as well as financial ones.

Answer 6

Yes me too.We try to cut back by not using fans unless its too hot say 45 degree c.We even try to cut back by not using heater during winter unless its too cold to resist.We switch off the lights when it is not needed.We switch off the laptop when its not needed.We use fluroscent bulbs which uses less energy and also saves us some money.We use our car only to go to office daily and to the grocery store once a week.In this way we consume less fuel and also saves money.We recycle bottles and cans.Yes I even tried to recycle batteries
but I couldn't find any recycle warehouse where I live.We cut back on our water usage such as washing dishes immediately after finishing our meals because it cleans up fast(by hands not dishwasher).
I really like all those above who gave their answers to this question.All were positive and I hope by keeping up this good work we can save our Mother Earth to a great extent.

Good Luck.

Answer 7

I drive a 4 cylinder car and turn off the engine at long lights and rr crossings. I combine errands to conserve gas and coast downhill just for the fun of it. I recycle bottles and cans, including some that my son and I pick up on the side of the road. I take all my household paper to work for the recycle barrel.

Answer 8

Not directly. I do, however, try to keep my energy expenses as low as possible and this of course does reduce my "carbon footprint".

Answer 9

I recycle newspaper, aluminum and plastic. I drive a 4-cyl car. I manage my travels to maximize time and efficient use of energy. I conserve electricity by turning off lights when not needed. I leave my thermostat at a constant temperature because I know Jimmy Carter was as big a fool as Al Gore.

Answer 10

I do. I swapped out my V-6 Explorer for a Toyota Matrix. I then swapped out my Ford Focus for Honda Shadow (motorcycle that gets 50 mpg). I use flourescent bulbs instead of incandescent. I keep my A/C thermostat set at 79. And 3 years ago I sold my riding lawn mower for a push mower.

A little bit at a time. If we all do a little bit it tends to add up.