Photo source: collegian.com
No doubt you’ve heard the term “carbon footprint” floating around lately. But what exactly does this term mean? Well, it is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the environment as a result of human activities. It is referred to as a “carbon footprint” because it is measured in units of carbon dioxide.
As you may suspect, people tend to create a larger carbon footprint during the winter time, when thermostats are cranked up, and we spend much greater amount of time indoors. But there are a few simple steps we can all take in order to lessen our carbon footprint during the winter months. If you’re a person who likes to visualize your environmental impact, calculate your baseline using The Nature Conservancy’s Carbon Footprint Calculator, then check back after a few months once you’ve implemented our suggestions to see your improvement.
Unplug:
 Appliances such as your coffee maker can continue to draw up to 25% off their electricity usage when they are switched off. To kill this extra energy consumption, make sure to unplug appliances when they are not in use. In the winter, this definitely goes for your space heater, as well as your electric tea kettle. |
Lighting Alternatives:
 Modern Solar Lanterns When it gets dark at 5:00 pm, we all feel inclined to turn on all of the lights in our homes. If you are flicking on incandescent bulbs, you are using a known energy gobbler. Try switching out your bulbs to fluorescent ones, which are an efficient alternative. For ambient lighting, turn off the bulbs and instead go for some fragrant flickering candles. And for outdoor lighting, you’ve got to try the Modern Solar Lanterns. These lanterns soak up energy into solar panels during the day, then automatically light up at night. All it takes to power them is a single rechargable AAA battery. So efficient! |
Adjust Your Thermostat:
 Try to keep your thermostat under 68 degrees. Each degree set below 68°F (20°C) during colder weather uses 3 to 5 percent less heating energy than each degree set above 68°F. How can you keep your house warm without cranking up the heat? Change out your breezy linen curtains for heavier draperies, and make sure to seal up all the cracks around your doors and windows. It will also help to make sure your attic is well insulated. Hot air rises, and cold air drops, so if the space above you isn’t well insulated, this cold is descending right down on you. |
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
You’ve probably been hearing this maxim for years, but do you know how to effectively apply it? In order to truly adopt a green lifestyle, we must all apply not one, not two, but all three of these principles into our daily lives. If you’re feeling a little intimidated and aren’t sure where to start to make a positive change, Nancy H. Taylor has written a super helpful book for you. It’s called Go Green, and it presents simple solutions that any person can adapt to fit his or her lifestyle. |
Carpool:
Blustery weather may prevent you from waiting at the bus stop, walking, and riding your bike. If this is the case, consider carpooling. This is a really practical way to conserve energy, and it can mean major monetary savings, too. Try sticking a memo up in the breakroom at work. You are sure to find other people who are interested in carpooling and saving money as well. |
