How to Get Carbon Free in 10 Years – Reduce Global Warming

susan — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Cutting your carbon footprint is one thing - but becoming carbon free in 10 years? Sounds impossible? Putting out ZERO carbon emissions requires major deprivation and sacrifice, right? Not so. You’d be amazed at how simple, painless changes can help you snag the gold ring -- saving yourself money and saving the planet from fire and (melting) ice.

Now for the details: I found one of the best step-by-step breakdowns of how one family can do it in Yes Magazine. This helpful article takes a hypothetical family of three and proposes changes they’ll need to make each year to go from producing 60,000 pounds of carbon emissions per year to zero.Here’s a sampling of what you can do to make the biggest difference - with the least effort and expense. Remember, even if you can’t do it all and get to ZERO, taking any of these actions will be a move in the right direction.

Year 1

Switch to CFLs
Wash clothes in cold water and air dry them
Turn off the computer when not in use
One adult commutes by bus three days a week

Year 2

Insulate attic and basement
Insulate heat ducts
Patch air leaks around the home

Year 3

Commute by bus daily
Sell second car
Weatherize windows and doors

Year 4

Take train (not plane) when you go on vacation

Year 5

Trade in old car for an electric model

Year 6

Lower hot water heater temp
Insulate hot water heater and pipes
Replace old refrigerator with energy-efficient model
Eliminate second refrigerator

Years 7 to 10

Vacation close to home
Buy energy-efficient washing machine
Convert to solar hot water system
Commute by electric bikes 8 months of the year
Replace furnace with electric heat pump that also cools
Buy certified green, renewable power from their electric company

Now that wasn’t so hard was it?

For more details, see Yes Magazine.

For more on Reducing Your Carbon Footprint:

Carbon Footprints

What Exactly is a Carbon Footprint?

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint From Travel

Wash Your Carbon Footprint Away

The Quest For The Perfect Carbon Calculator

How Much Do Carbon Credits Cost?

Marcus — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Looking to purchase some carbon credits, but trying to shop around for the best deal? Well, unfortunately, determining carbon credit prices is a pretty complicated business. There is no one set market rate for individual carbon purchases, and prices tend to fluctuate based on a variety of factors. The type of offset being sold, whether or not the selling organization is non-profit, the level of offset certification included in the purchase, the type of project the purchased offsets will benefit, where the offsets come from, and the market demand for carbon credits are all taken into consideration before cost is determined.

Because carbon trading is a relatively new concept with so many potential variables, the buying process has yet to become streamlined. So, for your convenience, here are some helpful links to assist in your search for a good, honest, environmentally friendly carbon purchase:

EcoBusinessLinks.com

This site features an extremely helpful chart that offers a rundown on the leading carbon offset providers, including cost, project type, offset type, and method of certification. It’s a great place to begin your search.

This Wikipedia entry on carbon credits provides some useful background, from the origin of carbon trading in the Kyoto Protocol to the current economic climate in which credits are bought and sold.

SaveThePlanet.co.nz

This site offers an in-depth analysis of carbon credits and how they are incorporated into the global economy.

ClimateCrisis.net

Before buying carbon credits, calculate your impact with this carbon calculator on Al Gore’s site. It’ll give you a good ballpark idea of just how many credits you’ll want to purchase.

Want to learn more about carbon credits?

How to Measure and Price Carbon Credits

Selling Carbon Credits on eBay—Solution or Scam?

Carbon Footprints

The Quest for the Perfect Carbon Calculator