All of you have calculated your emissions and you have surely discovered the unexpectedly high impact of some of your behaviors (eating meat, flying to a sunny destination, etc.) on your total footprints.
Are there any behaviors that you are really willing to change or to improve for the sake of the environment? What challenges do you encounter or think you will encounter while trying to change these things? What help, support, and insights from others would make your life easier with these new behaviors?
Let's discuss these issues and make our pledges here!
Now It's Time for Action >
Light And Electricity Use in the Household
I feel like electricity overuse is a very prominent issue in most people's households. Things like leaving the lights on in certain rooms and leaving things plugged in to outlets can easily increase the amount of energy that we use in the day. I know that I leave both my phone and my computer plugged in for extended periods of time and often overnight, and I am sure this alone has a considerable impact on my energy usage. Many other people likely do things similar to this in their own households, and could easily cut down on their carbon footprint by becoming mindful of this, and only using lights or chargers when they are needed.
I agree. According to CHOICE, to reduce energy use we could unplug appliances and choose energy efficient appliances. People could also use insulation to keep the house warm. People could drive electric cars, walk, bike, or use public transportation. We could take shorter showers, collect rainwater, and much more. We don't realize that it's so easy to reduce our energy use. All we have to do is make an effort to reduce energy consumption.
I agree as well. There are so many ways we can reduce the mount of energy that we use. For example in the summer my family closes all of the curtains (nearly blackout curtains) in our house when we leave the house in the morning. When we get back it is a lot cooler in the house than outside. Since the sun isn't getting into the house through the windows it makes the house less hot. Just by doing this simple thing you don't have to turn on the air conditioner which uses a lot of energy. Electricity accounts for 37% of carbon dioxide that is emitted into the earths atmosphere annually. If everyone does little things like that we can get that percentage down and lower our overall carbon footprint.
Definitely, Using less electricity with lighting is a large problem. Knowing and remembering to turn off lights when leaving any room is very important for energy conservation. Additionally, using better and more energy efficient light bulbs is another way to save electricity with lighting in a house.
Yes I agree. We should reduce that problem