My carbon footprint was 13 tons of CO2 per year which is below the U.S national average(27) but it is still a lot of carbon dioxide a year going up and into the atmosphere. A carbon footprint is the total set of greenhouse gases emissions caused by a person, organization, event, or product. Our carbon footprints relate to the concept of sustainability in a negative way. Sustainability is the capacity to endure; to continue to be diverse and productive for years to come. I don't think my carbon footprint helps sustainability at all because I am putting 13 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year, and that is just me alone. If I add up the entire school's carbon footprints, it would be in the millions. Millions of tons of carbon dioxide going into the atmosphere every year! I think that would definitely hinder sustainability at a faster pace than we want. I think I would start seeing the effects of our carbon footprints in our lifetime...if we keep this pattern going. I know there are ways I can reduce my carbon footprint and I am sure there are other people that know of ways as well. We just need to start now and I know where I have to start.
An area where I can reduce my carbon footprint is my home energy. I don't think about how many electrical appliances I have plugged into my walls but they definitely add up. I just don't think that it would make a difference if I unplugged my ipod dock from my wall or not but I guess it would make a huge difference. I also keep my light on all the time at college so I could also turn it off as well during the day, and I could turn off all appliances when I am not using them. For a week, I will turn off my light during the day and I will not run the water when I am washing my hands. This is going to be hard, but if it will keep sustainability from being destroyed I will try my hardest. :)
Its pretty crazy how much CO2 each human uses everyday. even the smallest of actions raises everyone's carbon footprint significantly. I couldn't even imagine what everyone at this university's carbon footprints would add up. I use a lot of electronics at my house too. I didn't even realize how many devices I have plugged in just in my room alone, until Professor Vallier mentioned it. It's pretty sad to think that we rely on so electronic devices.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, as I am reading all the other blogs I am noticing how high my carbon footprint is. I must give your props, because compared to me you are doing fine. I think I could do some work on reducing my carbon footprint at home too. I have a huge problem with unplugging everything, so that would be a great place to start. I agree with Reid that it is very sad that we rely on these electronic devices so much.
ReplyDeleteHey megan you need to start turning your lights off!! I will come at your house sometimes to check if you do your job because this is important!!
ReplyDelete13? thats crazy. you must not drive anywhere and when you do u must have a nasty hybrid. I got 19 but thats because I drive to school daily and thats about 11,000 miles yearly on my car. so that really killed my carbon footprint. I as well have a lot of electronics plugged into my wall but these days who doesnt?
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