What you can do to reduce your carbon footprint
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In the spirit of the upcoming 10/10/10 Global Work Party, we’ve gathered together some environmental tips, facts, and other information we can all do right away to help reduce our carbon footprint.
So, what is global warming and why is it such a big deal? The folks at 350.org tell us “Global warming is caused by releasing what are called greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The most common greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. Many of the activities we do every day like turn the lights on, cook food, or heat or cool our homes rely on the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which emit carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases when burned. This is a major problem because global warming destabilizes the delicate balance that makes life on this planet possible. ”
To some “going green” feels like a undertaking but we’ve gathered some information about what you can do to curb your carbon footprint and work towards a greener planet – and some are rather simple, really. Here they are:
10 Green Home Improvement Resolutions You Must Make Right Now
Why not make some resolutions now that will help you lower your carbon footprint and increase the energy-efficiency of your home throughout the winter and for years to come. You know what they say, “If you can’t change yourself, you can at least change the environment in which you live.” Nobody actually says that…
15 Ways to Practice Water Conservation at Home
Water is a precious commodity, and Americans and Canadians use more water per capita than people in any other part of the world. A lot of the water we use is wasted, but you can save a lot of water between simple adjustments…
Interview With The Authors of The Carbon-Free Home
This beautiful two-story house produces enough energy to fill all of their energy needs and is outfitted with all kinds of ingenious projects straight from their book. In front, a garden grows everything from artichokes to pomegranates, while chickens roam around in the backyard.
Wanting to learn more about how you can reduce your carbon footprint?
Join us at the Kentlands 350 Global Work Party.
When: Sunday, October 10th, 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: Whole Foods Market Cafe – 316 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Pre-register for Kentlands 350 Global Work Party
What is Kentlands 350?
Let’s celebrate climate solutions. Join Whole Foods Market, Solar Energy World and Greenavise at a 10/10/10 Global Work Party. Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint by powering your home with 100% renewable solar power and teach your children the importance of the number 350 through an art project.
Three Reasons to Eat Locally Grown Food
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As we mentioned in our first post, one of the things we want to use this blog for is promoting all the actions—big and small—that each of us can take make the world a greener planet. That’s why we’re introducing this monthly feature called Green Living. Each month, we’ll focus on a single tip you can do to live your life more greenly, and leave a smaller footprint behind.
This month, we’ll focus on buying and eating food that is grown locally. Here are three reasons you should start today:
- The impact on the environment: According to studies conducted at the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the average fresh food travels 1,500 miles to reach our dinner tables. Buying local reduces or eliminates the climate-changing carbon emissions that occur as a result of their transport.
- The impact on the local economy: When you eat locally produced food, you support local farmers. When you purchase fresh food at your grocery store, the farmer who grew it (1,500 miles away, mind you), only sees a portion of the financial benefit of your purchase. But when you buy locally grown food, the farmer generally sees 100% of the financial benefit. In turn, the local stays in business, pays local taxes, spends money on other local businesses, etc.
- The impact on your health: There’s really no better reason to eat locally. Think of all the processed foods we eat, day in and day out. It’s no wonder why almost 35 percent of adults in the U.S. are considered obese. Eating locally means eating natural, organic foods that are easier for your body to process and can promote healthier bodies.
Here are some good links to various eating local resources to get you started:
Maryland Department of Agriculture 2010 Farmer’s Market Directory