WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT CARBON EMISSIONS?
Carbon dioxide emissions are the most prevalent greenhouse gas, representing about 82% of greenhouse gases. To prevent global warming, we have to find a way as individuals and businesses to reduce our CO2 emissions. And we have to do it now.
In 2006, alone, the U.S. produced 130,083,000,000,000 pounds of CO2.
HOW DO CARBON EMISSIONS AFFECT GLOBAL WARMING?
Carbon dioxide is emitted when fossil fuels — such as gasoline, oil, and coal — are burned, and it traps heat in the atmosphere. We produce more CO2 than the environment can process, raising the temperature of the planet.* If the earth's average temperature increases even a few degrees, gigantic changes can happen. Glaciers can melt. Oceans can get too warm, causing fierce hurricanes. Basically, it's a different world than the one we know.(**)
WHAT CAN I DO?
Assess Your Carbon Footprint
Awareness breeds change. The average American household emits 55,000 pounds of CO2 each year. Find out how big your impact is on the planet and start reducing it today. Click here to start
Use Alternative Energy
Electricity production is the leading source of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Switching to green power, made from sources like wind and water, can dramatically decrease your household's carbon footprint.
Take Public Transportation
If the number of Americans taking public transit to work increased by 10% we could reduce CO2 emissions by almost 6,000,000,000 pounds per year.
Recycle
For every pound of office paper recycled, CO2 emissions are reduced by 4 pounds.
Reuse
The BlueAvocado line of bags invite you to use them again and again — in fact at least 100 times a year. Invest in products that help you shift from a "disposable" to a "reusable" way of life. It feels good.
Excerpts taken from: *The Good Sheet, September 11 — 17, 2008, Good Magazine and Iconologic. GreenMountain Energy BeGreenNow.com and The Down—to—Earth Guide to Global Warming by Laurie David and Cambria Gordon.
