Credit: Gary J. Wood

In the United States, we live in an automobile based culture. Many people don't think twice about driving their vehicle short distances to run errands - a mile here, a mile there. What many people don't realize or choose to ignore is that driving alone is one of the least climate-friendly forms of transportation.

Driving Alone

How bad is driving alone relative to other forms of transportation? According to the Sightline Institute with a single driver, you can expect an average of:

• 1.57 lbs of CO2/Mile in a "Sport Utility Vehicle" (15 MPG)
• 1.10 lbs of CO2/Mile in an "Average car" (21.5 MPG)
• 0.59 lbs of CO2/Mile in an "Economy car" (40 MPG)

Obviously filling your vehicle to capacity helps, just consider this:

• 0.37 lbs of CO2/Mile in an "Average car" (21.5 MPG) when Carpooling with three people

While filling to capacity can help for short errands it isn't always an option. So what can you do?

Credit: jpctalbot

Riding a Bicycle

Riding a bicycle isn't just good for the environment with a net 0 lbs of CO2/Mile, but it's good for you too. Short errands are just one of many uses you'll find for your bicycle - once you start riding again. While you may miss your trunk space at first a quality bicycle grocery bag, panniers or even a basket can reduce this stress. Which one you choose is up to you based on your own personal needs but for the average grocery hauler I would recommend one the following three products:

• Jandd Grocery Bag Pannier
• REI Grocery BagREI Novara 'Round Town panniers
• Cobbworks Oyster Bucket Panniers

If you expect to be hauling lighter loads then you may be a good candidate for a removable handlebar mounted basket - these can often double as a "reusable shopping bag" too.

How Energy Efficient is a Bicycle?

Did you know calories are actually a unit of measurement for the amount of energy that your body can extract from foods . With many new biofuel technologies available today, many of the foods we eat can also be converted into fuel for our vehicles.

According to World Watch Magazine the average automobile burns 1,860 calories per mile per passenger. How does that compare to the average bicycle? The average bicycle and rider burns 35 calories per mile.

Why are bicycles so much more efficient? The key to the energy efficiency of the bicycle is simple - a bicycle and rider are extremely light compared the average car. In a 2 ton vehicle with a 170 lbs driver the driver is only 4% of the total weight. On a heavier 30 lbs bicycle that same driver will be 85% of the total weight. In a vehicle 96% of the energy used each mile is used moving the vehicle itself - not the drive. On a bicycle only 15% of the energy used moving the bicycle itself.

Bicycles are so efficient in fact that under the right conditions a rider can ride faster then a cheetah. In 2002, Canadian rider Sam Whittingham reached 81 mph using a recumbent bike called the Varna Diablo II. That is 11 mph faster than a cheetah which over short distances can attain a top speed of 70 mph.

It's often said you never forget how to ride a bike so why not take advantage it. Riding a bike is not only one of the most energy efficient modes of transportation, it is also one of the most relatively inexpensive. Do you part to fight global warming by taking your bicycle out for a ride.

Labels: article, automobile, bicycle, bike, calories, car, earth, energy efficiency, environment, exercise, green, health, transportation

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Credit: bennecontentos

According to the April 2008 edition of PC Magazine flaws in Windows XP's sleep mode may have added up to $5 billion a year to power bills worldwide. Unless you purchased a special energy efficient model, have used third party applications to manage your power management setting or have manually adjusted your power management settings then your current computer is most likely not as energy efficient as it could be.

What can I do to improve my existing computers energy efficiency?

Unless you are a computer expert, managing your system configuration for optimal energy efficiency may be a bit daunting. For the sake of simplicity to optimize the power management settings in Windows machines I recommend free software such as the CO2 Saver from Snap.com.

The CO2 Saver

This lightweight computer program manages your computer's power setting when it is idle. By managing your idle power setting the CO2 Saver can save you energy and in turn reduce harmful CO2 emissions and more. As an added benefit of the CO2 Saver clearly shows you what your personal CO2 reduction has been as well as total CO2 reduced by everyone using the program.

How effective is it?

To date Snap's CO2 Saver has prevented 607,206 lbs or 303.6 tons of CO2 emissions. To put that into perspective the total savings provided by this software is equivalent to:

• Not driving a vehicle for 552,005 miles. Why? The average car with a single driver emits 1.10 lbs of CO2 per mile.
• Planting 60,720 trees. Why? On average a tree absorbs 10 lbs of pollutants from the air each year.

Downloading Snap's CO2 Saver

You can download Snap's CO2 Saver free of charge at:

• Download Snap's CO2 Saver
  

Even though this application is currently only available for Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista based computers it has already shown significant environmental benefits. It's easy to install, is free of any malware or spyware and gives you a constant reminder on your desktop of your personal environmental responsibility.

Labels: article, co2, computer, computers, desktop, earth, energy, energy efficiency, environment, green, laptop, technology

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Credit: azrainman

While most people assume becoming green means making major changes in their own life this isn't always the case. It doesn't have to be disruptive or difficult. To many peoples surprise becoming green is easier than they might expect.

The longer humans repeat a pattern the more we are locked into it - on some levels it simply becomes automatic. To start your own greening, you must become aware of these human patterns. Just because something feels automatic does not mean it is - it can be changed. You can always make the conscious decision to change for the better. This applies to even the most deep-rooted patterns.

For many people where and what they purchase has already become fairly automatic. It's easy to make small changes in this particular pattern to benefit the earth. By choosing to make green purchases you can reduce your impact on the environment.

What may surprise some people is the large volume of green products that are already on the market today . Some common misconceptions are that green products will be hard to find and always expensive. The green industry is already estimated to be a $230 billion dollar market - and growing between 20-30% annually. For consumers this means they can find more retailers and more products at competitive prices. It is estimated that over 13,000 green only retailers already exist today.

Shopping Green

Shopping green can happen anywhere. Many traditional retailers have begun to tap the green market by integrating safer, natural and sustainable alternatives into their more traditional product offerings. If your only option is to shop at conventional retailers then try to focus on lower impact product choices. If your favorite retailer has joined in the green movement they may already have a green section waiting for you to discover. If not then the easiest way is to focus on products that are locally produced, from renewable materials and can easily be recycled at the end of their life span. If that seems confusing then keep it simple and try to look for products marked with the blue Energy Star logo.

When shopping green at more conventional retailers it's important to be wary of greenwashed products. Conventional retailers are more susceptible to greenwashing. Many companies try to represent their products as "Earth Friendly" or greenwash for marketing purposes only. Always stay vigilant for greenwashing because many of the terms used to market products are undefined and unregulated.

Here is a short list of undefined and unregulated words that are sometimes used by greenwashers:

• Chemical Free
• Clean
• Green
• Renewable

Some common words that are defined but are still unregulated are:

• Biodegradable
• Recyclable
• Recycled

There may be a period of adjustment for some, but the good news is we already have many green products and technologies that can provide benefit the earth while still providing the same quality of life. By taking your own personal greening in steps you can minimize any stress and make manageable adjustments.

Labels: article, earth, environment, green, green purchasing, green shopping, habits, planet

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Credit: ninahale

According to a formal statement made on Wednesday by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) literally hundreds of US counties have air considered too dirty to breathe. In fact, breathing smoggy air can be hazardous because smog contains ozone, a pollutant that can harm your health.

The EPA announced new reduced tolerances on the acceptable amounts of ozone which is allowed in the air and still be considered safe to breathe. The original standard of allowable concentration of ozone, set a decade ago, allowed for no more then 80 parts per billion - the new standard is 75 parts per billion.

While EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson calls the new limits "the most stringent standards ever" and 49% of counties monitored will now be forced to make air quality improvements. This new standard is not in-line with the opinion of many health experts.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a colorless gas composed of three atoms of oxygen. At or near ground level ozone is formed by pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources that react chemically in the presence of sunlight.

What are the some of the dangers of Ozone exposure?

While most people with existing heart or lung conditions will already have been warned about the potential dangers of smog especially on hot and humid days, this common issue effects us all. According to Adam Brochert, MD, "All persons are at risk of being affected by smog. The most commonly cited effect of smog is on the lungs and breathing."

Common Symptoms of Heavy Smog Exposure

• Shortness of Breath
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Painful Breathing

• Drive your vehicle less, try car-pooling or ride a bike
• Properly maintain your vehicle
• Limit vehicle engine idling
• Reduce your energy consumption
• Use products with the Energy Star label
• Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products
• Have a fireplace? Use gas logs instead of burning wood
• Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste

If you have concerns about the air quality check your local Air Quality Index (AQI) as reported in your local newspaper or the EPA (http://www.epa.gov/). Once air quality becomes moderate you should avoid any prolonged strenuous outdoor activities.

If the Air Quality Index (AQI) is unsafe remember to:

• Try to limit the number of trips you take in your vehicle
• Reduce/Eliminate fireplace and wood stove usage
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment
• Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials

What years ago seemed at worst a frightening concept, "air too dirty to breathe," has now become our harsh reality. We all need to take actions to reduce air pollution and keep the air cleaner.

Labels: air quality, aqi, article, energy consumption, energy saving tips for your home, environment, green, ozone, pollution, smog

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Credit: young-in-panama

According to the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University, the food we eat now travels between 1,500 and 3,000 miles from farm to our dinner plate. This average distance has increased by 25% between 1980 and 2001.

Where we get our food is only half the issue. Our diets have changes substantially over time as well. According to the Factory Farming Campaign, in 1950, Americans consumed 144 pounds of meat and poultry per person on average. In 2007, they estimate the per person average to grow to 222 pounds. That's an additional 78 pounds of meat per person.

Understanding these facts it's clear to see what you choose to eat and where you choose to get it from has an effect on the environment and thus your carbon footprint. That's why the simple act of reducing your meat consumption has a net positive on your carbon footprint.

Eating More Seasonal, Locally Grown Produce

A simple way you can improve your carbon footprint through your diet is by eating more seasonal, locally grown product. Try finding your local Farmer's Market and exploring what is in season.

The following are lists of upcoming seasonal produce by month.

Seasonal Produce for March

• Artichoke
  
• Asparagus
  
• Broccoli
  
• Cabbages
  
• Carrots
  
• Cauliflower
  
• Celery
  
• Celery Root
  
• Collard Greens
  
• Fennel
  
• Haas Avocados
  
• Meye Lemons
  
• Mushrooms
  
• Navel Oranges
  
• Peas
  
• Radishes
  
• Spinach
  
• Spring Mix
  
• Tangerines
  

Seasonal Produce for April

• Artichoke
  
• Asparagus
  
• Beets
  
• Cabbages
  
• Collards
  
• Dandelions
  
• Fennel
  
• Haas Avocados
  
• Lettuces
  
• Mustard Greens
  
• Navel Oranges
  
• Peas
  
• Rhubarb
  
• Sweet Onions
  
• Spring Mix
  

Supermarket Produce

At this point you may be wondering why you can get certain vegetables from your local supermarket if they "out of season." If they are available, then aren't being grown locally - the conditions don't allow for it. Thus each "out of season" vegetable they offer has an embedded carbon footprint gain because of the distance it traveled to get to your local supermarket.

Supermarkets also select produce using different criteria - primarily appearance and shelf-life. As a consequence supermarkets insist their growers and producers supply them with varieties of food which don't necessarily taste as good as other shorter-lasting or less attractive variations.

It's for these reasons I encourage you to try to find your local Farmer's Market where you'll be guaranteed to find fresh local produce. If you don't have that option then try to keep your supermarket produce purchases in-season and encourage them to buy locally with your purchasing dollar.

Why it Matters

The world around us is growing at an astounding rate and decisions that may seem unimportant now will become major issues later. Consider the following if the Chinese consume resources in 2031 equivalent to what we as Americans consume now, grain consumption per person there would climb from around 600 pounds today to around 2000 pounds. In that potential forecast the Chinese would then consume 1,352 million tons of grain or the equivalent to two thirds of all the grain harvested in the world in 2004.

Reducing your carbon footprint by choosing to eat locally grown, seasonal produce helps everyone - in todays world, and tomorrows.

Labels: article, carbon footprint, environment, in-season, local, local produce, locally grown, produce, seasonal

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