Most of us are unwilling to give up our motor vehicles or flat screens to make a small impact upon the continued health of our planet but there are a few things which we can do. This small list is by no means complete but contains hints which can improve our lifestyle while reducing our carbon footprint.
1. Plant a fast growing deciduous tree where it will shade your house during the summer. A large tree can provide enough cooling to reduce the load on your air conditioner and result in a smaller electric bill. Being deciduous, it will drop it's leaves in the fall, allowing the sun to provide warmth to the house when needed. Additionally, while in leaf, it will convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. This is true of any green plant.
2. Plant, at least, a small garden. Did you know that many of the items on the grocery shelves are transported over 500 miles? No space for a garden? Even a couple of tomato plants in containers can save you money and reward you with taste not found at the store. Patronize the local farmers market for locally grown vegetables in season.
3. Garden organically and mulch lawn clippings. Compost vegetable scraps, weeds from the garden and other yard waste. Used in the garden, compost will condition soil and provide a wide range of plant nutrients. Mulching lawn clippings reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Overused chemical fertilizers can run off , polluting our streams and lakes.
4. Support community recycle programs. Let's not fill up the landfills with material which can be reused. Recycled metal generally uses far less energy than new material. Recycled paper and cardboard can save some of our valuable trees. Many areas have recycle centers which will pay for metal and other materials.
5. Check your home for insulation and leaks around doors and windows.
6. Use your imagination to find ways to save energy such as combining shopping into one trip, rather than two or three. Is there a nude beach closer to home?
Obviously, one person cannot make an impact but there is the personal satisfaction of doing one's part and maybe a few extra coins in your pocket.
Replies
- TH
ThomasMay 16, 2011These are some good suggestions. I built my house where trees already were, so didn't need to plant. The trees help so much in keeping my house cool, I normally don't turn on AC till temps are consistantly above 100. Vegatables fresh from garden or from local farmers market are definatley better. You also aren't affected by scares like in the past with contaminated spinich and tomatoes. I combine my trips into town as much as possible. I also hike to lake to fish and swim instead of driving.
ReactReply - MEMemberMay 16, 2011[quote]Most of us are unwilling to give up our motor vehicles or flat screens... [/quote] I ride a bike to work year round and have for three years. And my (small by todays standards) flat screen uses one third the power of the TV it replaced. I am remodeling one room of my house at a time and tripling the R value of the insulation in each one. The list goes on and on.ReactReply
- RE
renebbareMay 16, 2011
The best thread I have read on TN in a long time.ReactReply - RO
RoosterockMay 16, 2011A person has to be careful when saving the planet. Trees are a great thing do, but buying a hybrid car? Is does more harm than good when you buy one of those cars. Look into what it takes to make one of those batteries. That there will scare you off.
ReactReply - NO
NoneMay 16, 2011I own more trees than you can ever count! We have a garden the size of a football field. We raise our own eggs and chickens. We raise our own beef. We both have full time jobs. We can't do a whole hell of a lot more but fat asses like AL GORE and that moron from PENN STATE ( Mr. hockey stick ) could. Look at AL's carbon foot print. This is so BS. Who really wants to kill the planet? Electric cars are not and never will be the answer nor will wind mills and I am not holding out much hope for solar at this point. What is the saying? Do as I say not as I do?
ReactReply - MEMemberMay 16, 2011[quote]A person has to be careful when saving the planet. Trees are a great thing do, but buying a hybrid car? Is does more harm than good when you buy one of those cars. Look into what it takes to make one of those batteries. That there will scare you off.[/quote] Much like what it takes to dig up coal or oil. Except when that battery is all used up 10 to 20 years from now it IS 100% recyclable. Oil will just be gone.ReactReply
- FF
FF32404May 16, 2011[quote]I own more trees than you can ever count! We have a garden the size of a football field. We raise our own eggs and chickens. We raise our own beef. We both have full time jobs. We can't do a whole hell of a lot more but fat asses like AL GORE and that moron from PENN STATE ( Mr. hockey stick ) could. Look at AL's carbon foot print. This is so BS. Who really wants to kill the planet? Electric cars are not and never will be the answer nor will wind mills and I am not holding out much hope for solar at this point. What is the saying? Do as I say not as I do?[/quote] Amen SunluverReactReply - FFFF32404May 16, 2011
Also I have to say, it's not all about the so called "Carbon Footprint", it's about simple conservation which everyone has the capability of doing. Improving the R value of your home is great, planting a large garden, or planting trees, changing light bulbs all are good. I'll add that of my years in the plumbing business, our industry has been the leaders of the "Green" movement by manufacturing and installing water saver toilets and faucets, high efficiency water heaters and heating systems, etc. So, I guess you could say that my business somewhat capitalizes on the "Green" movement (in a good way) which also prompted me to go a step further and get into the Green Energy business promoting it in de-regulated markets. While what we do at home is great to improve sustainability inside the confines of your own property, don't be afraid to capitalize on it and go beyond the confines benefitting others and yourself while building sustainability.
ReactReply - ST
SteveMay 17, 2011We take off clothes when it's hot, put them on when it's cold, and don't have heat nor air conditioning, at all (nor did we in San Francisco.) We are two people with one vehicle. We are beginning to add charcoal to our soil - paradoxically, since charcoal is made with fire, this is a great strategy for carbon sequestration; charcoal-enriched soils in the Amazon are still black with carbon over 500 years after their Indian gardeners stopped tending them. We looked at solar hot water - our usage is evidently pretty small; the payback for us would have been 40 years, longer than the life of the system. If costs sensibly represent the energy required to create the system, then not such a good energy deal. For heavier users, probably. We will be looking at something lower tech, even tho it will probably not be up to code.
Our local powers that be are in process of enacting a "green" building code that will require heavy insulation in walls - nonsensical, of course, for a naturally ventilated house that doesn't even have heat or air conditioning installed! In fact, the insulation will slow down the natural convection that vents vernacular-style hot-weather houses, and more or less REQUIRE air-conditioning - not a green outcome at all. I suppose it depends on your assumption base. If you're gonna air condition, then insulate. If you're gonna drive, then use a light vehicle.
ReactReply - CD
Cheri Donna DawsonMay 17, 2011We recycle cardboard and plastic. Our county doesn't take other things unfortunately. When we visit any place that does such as nudist parks we visit, we definitely recycle.
Redbud trees grow quite quickly in decently amended soil (fertilized) and once grown during summer do provide shade. We've stopped using our central A/C unit and use window units in bedroom and our home offices when we're in them. We do have ceiling fans. Wish I had one in my home office and kitchen, that'll wait.
I do drive less than in previous years (being unemployed helps there). I also use ethanol-free gas in my car to get better mileage. I am going to start stockpiling incandescant bulbs for our front entry way as I use that "room" to bring in my outdoor potted plants.
This year we have 2 tomato plants growing.
ReactReply - GE
Gerry-4May 17, 2011[quote]Obviously, one person cannot make an impact but there is the personal satisfaction of doing one's part and maybe a few extra coins in your pocket.[/quote] On the contrary, YOU just made a VERY important impact with your post. Now it's up to the rest of us to take up the challenge.ReactReply - MEMemberMay 17, 2011
Our grandparents all understood the idea of waste not want not. They knew to recycle, use some ingenuity to reuse items around the house, canned homegrown food, never wasted things we now consider trash.
Consider....perhaps all this recycling we are now doing is just a continuation of what we have always know to be good policy, just with rebranding, and the "global Warming" advocates throwing in their own wisdom as a scare tactic?
we are all on this blue ball together, we should all be willing to help make it work!ReactReply - MEMemberMay 17, 2011
I build my home in the middle of once was a soybean field. I first surveyed and strategically planted decidous trees to shade the building site. Then designed my own home to incorporate balconies to allow in the winter sun and exclude the summer sun. Then Insulated the attic ceiling to an r=60 and the exterior walls to an r=30. Heat and cool with geothermal open loop water source heat pump.
Use recycled newsprint for horse bedding in barn and spread on fields. Must use farm truck, but combine trips and burn as little fuel as possible.
RockyReactReply - CDCheri Donna DawsonMay 18, 2011
bump
ReactReply - RORoosterockMay 18, 2011[quote][quote]A person has to be careful when saving the planet. Trees are a great thing do, but buying a hybrid car? Is does more harm than good when you buy one of those cars. Look into what it takes to make one of those batteries. That there will scare you off.[/quote] Much like what it takes to dig up coal or oil. Except when that battery is all used up 10 to 20 years from now it IS 100% recyclable. Oil will just be gone.[/quote] You need to ask a mechanic how long one of those batteries last. There is no way you will ever get that many years out of one. They are not cheap to buy another one either. Try thousands of dollars for another battery and please check out what it takes to make one and then see if you still think you are saving the planet.ReactReply
- RORoosterockMay 18, 2011[quote]Al Gore has one of the largest carbon footprints on the planet. He is heavily invested in compact fluorescent technology and has been successful in banning the incandescent bulb in 1012. Wind turbines use more energy to produce than they will ever produce in their lifetime. Global warming uses shaky scientific facts and we have been recording the coldest years on record. Think I will increase my carbon footprint so we can enjoy a nudist lifestyle!!![/quote] You are right on that one. Al Gore is a joke when it comes to the carbon footprint. He uses more elec than some small towns.ReactReply
- MAmacnudeOriginal PosterMay 19, 2011[quote]Al Gore has one of the largest carbon footprints on the planet. He is heavily invested in compact fluorescent technology and has been successful in banning the incandescent bulb in 1012. Wind turbines use more energy to produce than they will ever produce in their lifetime. Global warming uses shaky scientific facts and we have been recording the coldest years on record. Think I will increase my carbon footprint so we can enjoy a nudist lifestyle!!![/quote] I don't know how Al Gore snuck in here. Last thing, I heard, was that he was very busy defending himself on a sexual assult charge. Does it really matter what he is doing while you are planting that tree which will make yourownhome more comfortable while saving on your utility bill?ReactReply
- MEMemberMay 19, 2011[quote][quote][quote]A person has to be careful when saving the planet. Trees are a great thing do, but buying a hybrid car? Is does more harm than good when you buy one of those cars. Look into what it takes to make one of those batteries. That there will scare you off.[/quote] Much like what it takes to dig up coal or oil. Except when that battery is all used up 10 to 20 years from now it IS 100% recyclable. Oil will just be gone.[/quote] You need to ask a mechanic how long one of those batteries last. There is no way you will ever get that many years out of one. They are not cheap to buy another one either. Try thousands of dollars for another battery and please check out what it takes to make one and then see if you still think you are saving the planet.[/quote] Early Li-on batteries had there problems but battery chemistry is getting better and better all the time. There are many Rav4 EVs with +100K miles and going strong. There are even more prius' with much more milage than that. Most of the failed hybrid batteries out there had only one failed cell and could easily have been repaired. Then after about 10 years of good service in a car re-purpous that battery to a solar array and that same battery will have 10 more years of life. After that recycle it and start all over, without mining again. Or use up all the oil and "drill baby drill" until its all up in smoke. But thats OK because we'll all be dead by then, Right? {cough} Hybrid cars are only a stepping stone to help push battery tech along. We are quickly approching the end of internal combustion powered cars.ReactReply
- MEMemberMay 19, 2011[quote]I believe that God put us on this planet to use it's resources. All of them. [/quote] If that isn't the most selfish attitude. That explains a lot. My favorite quote is " I didn't inherit the earth from my parents, I borrowed it from my kids." [quote]We should be miniaturizing nuclear technology[/quote] So sitting on 20 gallons of flammable gas isn't crazy enough. [quote]How is it that the liberals say we have to find renewable energy sources because oil is running out and in the same breath oppose tapping into abundant and available oil resources?[/quote] Renewable resource - finite resource. figure it out. Abundant? Some agree, some don't. Available? By decimating whats left of unspoiled nature. See my favorite quote above.ReactReply
- FFFF32404May 23, 2011
Natureboy, oil being a finite resource is more referring the to the fact that once it's burned, it is gone not the fact that it will run out. There is no scientific evidence that the oil the US is sitting on will ever run out yet there are sources that say we have at least an 100 yr reserve under our noses. Regardless of what you want to believe, simple logic dictates that in order for us to be energy independent, we must utilize OUR OWN resources, and work to make these resources more efficient before we can move towards more renewable sources. There is a give and take for everything, and this international push to force renewable energy on all of us in place of oil, gas and nuclear is only going to drive the cost of living sky high and make it so no one can afford anything. Energy independence must start with independence from foreign oil. As far as I know, they have not created a solar powered or wind powered semi truck that transports all goods thoughout the US. (not to even mention rail, and boats). Once again, I will re-iterate that I'm all for Green Technologies, in fact I'm in the Green energy and water business, but the choices to implement them should be encouraged by governments through education but the choices should be made by the individual on how much they can afford them.
ReactReply - JAjandcin0zJul 29, 2011
You can also reduce your carbon footprint by using less petrol/gas. I mow our grass using a manual reel mower. You also get the added benefit of good exercise from doing this. Our grassed area is not too big - about 500 square metres. Most of it is in the front of the house - so I need to be clothed for this, but the bits round the back are generally ok. By not using the petrol/gas mowers you also reduce emissions. Did you know that running one of those petrol/gas mowers for an hour is equivalent to driving your average car for 320 kilometres?
ReactReply - CO
Curt, or CowboyJul 29, 2011Years ago, maybe 35, maybe 40, I was involved with a group who invented a geothermal home heating/cooling system.
It used about 1/10 the energy of conventional systems at the time, and is still far more energy efficient ( measured in dollars ) than anything out there today. It worked exactly the same, anywhere on the planet.
The government said absolutely not !!
The government said geothermal was ONLY technology that used volcanic heat, and not the quiesent heat available anywhere on the planet.
A guy in Finland invented a way to fine tune an automotive engine dynamically, improving efficiency something like 8-13 percent.
I invented a way to adapt his technology to ANY gasoline engine. It didn't work. After some communication with Dr. Erikson, we concluded that government mandated additives, those that reduce emmissions in 1% of motor vehicles by 10% or so, killed the technology for ALL motor vehicles. In fact, killed the technology for any and all gasoline engines everywhere.
Around 45 years ago, an uncle and myself invented a neuclear powered motor vehicle. Not really practical in an everyday sense, but quite possible.
The government said no ! The government said WHEN ( not if ) such a vehicle was involved in an accident, there was a small possibility of some small amount of neuclear fall-out. Not definite, but remotely possible, under rare and unique circumstances. Further, such technology would completely negate gasoline taxes, so no.
Around 25 years ago, my brother and I were looking into compressed natural gas powered vehicles. Again, the government, for purely tax reasons, chose to tax energy independence as such to make the technology 20% more costly than gasoline.
About 45 years ago, my friend Scott ( now deceased ) and I, but mostly him, invented a true "100 MPG carburettor." Would it really get 100 MPG ? No, but it could get 50 in that day, when 15 was considered great.
Again, the government said that WHEN ( not if ) a wreck occured, there was a small possibility that it could cause a fire, so no. Also, legal challenges from Detroit quickly killed our incentive.
Today, I have a design for a thermal-neuclear ( NOT thermo-neuclear ) powered vehicle. It would need refuled approximately once in 25000 years, and the same technology can power a private home for roughly the same time period.
Unfortunately, the efficiency ( measured in dollars ) is quite poor, and the government with irrelevant concerns about anything with the word "neuclear" anywhere in it's design or operation....
After all of this, and a bit more, I've concluded that "green technology" is merely lip-service to a political idea. No one is seriously interested in a scale that could really matter.
A few individuals are, but not enough to make a serious difference. Typically, they do their own thing, and do live in solar powered houses and such. More power to 'em, I say !
Maybe some day governments will get out of the way. Not likely in my lifetime.ReactReply - EV
EvansBetterHalfJul 29, 2011And another bump
ReactReply - COCurt, or CowboyJul 30, 2011[quote]I'm hoping President Obama makes a diffenece, I know he can.[/quote] Not only can, but already has ! For good, or ill, already has.ReactReply