Find Your Shoe Size
Remember how Time® magazine named each of us Person of the Year for 2006? Maybe we shouldn't be too quick to accept that award, since we just found out that we are to blame for global warming.
I saw one headline that read Man to Blame for Climate Change. I wondered, can't we find out who this guy is and stop him? I didn't think it was me, (I wasn't even in Paris!) . The only way to eliminate me as a suspect was to measure my footprint.
I have big feet, but a relatively small carbon footprint. Measuring one's carbon footprint is an emerging industry in the U.K. A Carbon Coach arrives at a client's home and measures the client's personal CO2 emissions. The coach also advises him on strategies and tips to reduce usage and emissions. The calculations are explained at How Green Are You?
My carbon footprint is 4357 kg. The U.K. national average is 6000 kg.
Interest in measuring one's carbon footprint has spawned Offsetting industries. Offsetters participate in activities aimed to replace the energy you use. The suggestion is that you donate to the offsetting group to atone for your usage. Dubious activities of some offsetters led to better regulations and standards in the offsetting industry within the U.K in 2006.
If you want to know how many trees must be planted to offset your personal CO2 emissions, try the CO2 Calculator provided by Tree Canada, a foundation partially funded by Natural Resources Canada.
So, 90% of the scientists agree that human behavior and greenhouse gases are accelerating global warming and affecting our climate...
Magazine cover photoshop-ped by Mr-Smartypants
What's your carbon shoe size?
*To convert m3 Natural Gas Usage to kilowatt hour:
| Total m3 used | X 1.00264 | X 39.25 | ÷ 3.6 = kwh used |
| (temp./ pressure factor) | (colorific) |
If you want to avoid digging up old bills and the math, go to BP Carbon Footprint. It's watered-down by comparison, but you'll know your CO2 emissions quickly (in tons).
Follow up read: The Biggest Carbon Footprint
Tagged at Technorati -
[Global Warming] [Climate Change] [Carbon Footprint]
7 comments:
Don't you think those who do a lot of exercise should pay more than those who do only a moderate amount of exercise? They emit far more CO2 into the atmosphere.
Validation for a sedentary lifestyle?
Suggested reading:
Things You Don't Know About Obesity
Would the members of the gym for naturists in The Netherlands have to pay even more?
Hi Christine
Like it - keep up good work. That chap 'anonymous' crops up everywhere doesn't he.
We all soooo want to believe anything, anything atall other than that we are going to have to quit smokin' fossil - or at least cut back dramatically... on our 20 a day habit (kilos CO2 that is)
Anyone interested in how - sign up to my free newsletter at www.carboncoach.com
Thanks for stopping by, Dave.
I think Anonymous's humor can be misunderstood.
Affecting social change is a long journey. Even small improvements we make have a positive impact.
Hey Anonymous...check out The Carbon Coach
I also recommend Newsletter Archives - Mythbusters
You're underweight, even in carbon emissions! I couldn't believe that you would leave a 4000 kg footprint.
I think its Mom's fault. After all, They (kids, psychologists, the court system) always blame the mother anyhow. She must have had a hand in this...or foot or something.
Maybe it's your Mom's fault...not my Mom.
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