Are you a carbon bigfoot? I sure am, sad to say
Carbon footprint, energy use, green tech: some phrases that won't be going away. From gasoline prices to global warming, we're likely to become more aware of what energy we burn up, just as most of us now have some sense of whether we're eating wisely (or not).
Front page of carbon calculator
(Credit: earthlab)Just today the Live Earth concert folks e-mailed me a link to their carbon calculator. This one walks you through several pages of simple questions about how you live, and especially how you travel. This calculator was built by Earthlab.org. They want to know the size of your dwelling, your car if you own one, energy bills, airplane and daily travel. After going through their process, I can't imagine how bad an airline pilot would look, environmentally speaking.
My score on the Earthlab quiz: 301, and 11 tons of carbon. So I'm clearly doing my bit to warm the planet. Live Earth folks say they'll post overall test scores and more information on 7-7-07.
Then there's this site, which gives you the really bad news--how many planets humanity would need to supply energy if everybody lived as you do. My score: 6.3 planets. I think that translates into a couple more solar systems 'cause I don't get the sense there's a whole lot of oil, coal or biofuels to be had out beyond Venus. I could probably do nicely with a tiny sun, however.
Then the Yahoo folks have built a carbon dioxide emissions calculator. My score was pretty much the same as what I got from Earthlab...until I added in my infrequent air travel. From a few plane trips: 21.8 tons of carbon dioxide. Where are the calls for solar planes? Or goose-powered, or human-paddled balloons, or something? How about those Star Trek transponders that would beam you up? Could they be energy efficient? No crappy airline "food" either.
Altogether these sites are: depressing, educational, geared to getting you to do something about your consumption patterns. Turn off your work computer when you are done for the day (or night). Carry your own shopping bags. Use alternative energy when possible. Use efficient bulbs and appliances. Walk more. Freak out over air travel. All good advice. And aimed at making each of us less of a carbon bigfoot.
- Topics:
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Education and reference
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green tech,
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carbon footprint,
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carbon dioxide,
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global warming,
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air pollution,
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energy,
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recycling,
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travel
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Sweet!
warming why does it matter how large our "carbon footprint" is.
The carbon dioxide glaciers on Mars are receding. Interesting
coincidence. Maybe its the slight variation of radiation emitted
by the giant burning fusion ball in our sky -- the sun -- that's
causing the change.
Its not like the Earth hasn't seen similar climate changes in the
past.
But if you're already sucked in and a Believer you're mind won't
be changed.
believe that larger forces are at work. BUT, who ever said that
conserving resources and energy only helped global warming? I
bought a solar install, because PG&E kills hundreds of people by
polluting their ground water, and they don't give a rat's a$$
about their customers. I recycle because I don't want any more
landfills showing up in the back yards of my friends and
families. I walk to work because big oil companies are nothing
but criminals, and I speak with my wallet. To dismiss one's
carbon footprint as it pertains to global warming is a very
narrow minded view of how we live our lives.
electrical usage, we have electric heat instead of gas heat, electric
water heater, and appliances. I live less than 3 miles from work and
walk there when it's not raining. I'd say you've got a ways to go
before you go declaring yourself a "winner"