Carbon offsets are really quite simple. We are all responsible for carbon dioxide emissions in some way or another, whether it’s through our driving, heating and cooling of our homes, cutting the lawn, or watching TV. Carbon offsets represent the act of reducing an equal amount of carbon somewhere else to counterbalance the carbon emissions from your energy-using activities (called your “carbon footprint"). In essence, carbon offsets enable you to reduce your climate footprint by supporting projects anywhere in the world that reduce carbon dioxide emissions to balance out your own carbon footprint, thus you become carbon neutral.
Getting to Carbon Neutral
While most people can reduce their energy use by improving the efficiency of their homes, buying cars that get better gas mileage and making assorted other changes, changes, reducing it to zero through individual actions is nearly impossible. Carbon offsets are a cost effective way to reduce the remainder of one’s climate footprint.
Ideas for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint at Home
* Programmable thermostat – Costs about $50 or less and will save you that much or more in the first year.
* Weatherstripping and Caulking – Costs almost nothing while reducing your energy use, reducing drafts, and improving comfort.
* Lighting – Utilizing Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) whenever possible can save you more than 2/3rds of the energy of a regular incandescent bulb. In fact, each CFL can save $40 or more over its lifetime.
* Heating and Cooling - Keep your heating/cooling system tuned up and checked annually for efficiency, and replace filters every two months When the time comes to replace your system, do your research and ask for ENERGY STAR.
* Insulation – Weatherstripping, caulking, and insulation all work together to save a great deal of energy, improve the comfort of your home, make it quieter and save you money as well.
* Showerheads – Replace older showerheads with low-flow fixtures to reduce your water and power bill.
* Appliances – Always pay attention to the total lifetime cost including energy, not just the price tag. Look for the ENERGY STAR label (check out energystar.gov).
* Bigger isn’t always better - Just get the size you need. Also, do you really need that freezer or extra fridge in your basement?
* Electronics – Likewise, look for the ENERGY STAR label whenever shopping for new appliances. And remember to turn everything completely off at night. Better yet, plug everything into a power strip that can be turned off completely so the passive drain is nil.
* Windows – These can be expensive, but when it’s time to replace them, make sure they are ENERGY STAR rated, double-pane of course
* Solar Energy – We love solar, but be it solar, wind, or any other type of alternative energy source, make sure you reduce your energy load first in all other ways to keep your costs down.
If you’d like to know how you can reduce your carbon footprint where you currently are and live a carbon neutral life, please contact me to discuss ways to easily and affordably reduce your climate footprint to zero. I can be reached at 415.307.0505, or jmarks@pacunion.com.
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