If I were to design my own home I would model it off of the sustainable buildings I have encountered in my life.  My school constructed a building called the Center for Environmental Studies (CES) which is a LEED-Platinum-Certified educational facility.   The two CES classrooms are designed to utilize natural lighting and utilize natural ventilation and radiant heating to lessen the need for electricity and heating systems.  Other buildings on campus have solar panels to produce electricity .  Additionally, Bishop O'Dowd has low-flow/dual-flush toilets installed and rainwater collectors to conserve water.  To make my house more sustainable and to reduce carbon emissions, I would implement these methods and systems.  I would also like my house to be near public transportation and my school/work place if possible.  Food-wise, I would try to purchase foods from local farmers' markets and grow some of my own produce in an edible garden.

Nice points, Cosette. I think that if we identify all of the ways that we can make our own lives sustainable through changing habits and use of devices, then we can become more sustainable as a community. Bishop O'Dowd is a great example of an organization that spreads awareness of climate change and attempts to practice sustainability, and shows that any organization can make tangible change.

Thank you Michael.  I am really glad that our school has made this much progress.  If communities all over the world begin to implement similar methods, we may be able to realize the possibility of a world that no longer depends on fossil fuels.  However, there is always more that can be done since our school does not run completely on sustainable energy, which realistically speaking may never be achieved.