What We Can Do Today
The average U.S household is responsible for about 60 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Carbon dioxide emissions from petrochemical power plants, refineries, and automobiles contribute to climate change. According to leading scientists, this climate change is becoming more drastic and causing severe weather and devastation around the world. At least one-third of that huge 60 ton carbon dioxide footprint we leave on the earth is controllable through the choices we make on the things we take for granted like electricity and transportation.
Producing electricity is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the United States. We can reduce almost 10 tons by switching to cleaner electricity. For example, purchasing 100 percent wind power for a year will offset more than 17 thousand pounds of carbon dioxide, as much as taking a single car off the road for one year. Another way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is to make smart transportation decisions. Plan your travel each day to minimize the number of trips you make and miles you drive. Walk, ride your bike, or take public transportation when possible.
Consider a hybrid car when you are ready to buy a new one. The most energy efficient models get 57 to 60 miles per gallon in the city. Better fuel economy means lower carbon dioxide production. Five miles per gallon difference is equal to about 28 hundred pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Making conscious changes in your lifestyle to reduce consumption and waste will help reduce carbon emissions and other air pollution for a cleaner more sustainable future for planet earth.
That's EarthCare for today and a better tomorrow.