Calculating Our Impact on the Global Culture - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... Using the same carbon footprint calculator, I changed the number of miles I drive annually to 10,000 miles and got a carbon emission reading of 4.88 metric tons of CO2 for car usage. This still gave me a total emission reading more than twice the national average.
Aiming for a lower CO2 emission count, I next changed the type of car I drove to a 2006 Toyota Corolla with manual transmission and used the same mileage reading (10,000). For this type of car with this mileage, the calculator gave a reading of 2.85 metric tons. Reverting to my current mileage reading but with the Toyota, I was able to get a reading of 8.54 metric tons. The changes shows that the amount of C02 emission for my car usage actually depends on how many miles I drive or how often I use my car. Needless to say, I can decrease my CO2 emission by also decreasing my car usage.
My total household CO2 emission reading of 27.00 metric tons is primarily composed of flights, car usage and secondary sources. After reviewing the Climate Crisis website, three easy measures I can adopt would be to a) start carpooling with my co-workers, b) take other means of transportation whenever I can to avoid driving and c) try meatless Mondays or other days. Three complex measures that can further reduce my CO2 emission from the same website can be a) insulating my home, b) switching to green power and c) protecting and conserving forest worldwide.
After seeing the results of the Carbon Footprint Calculator, I am motivated to implement the measures I have enumerated above as soon as possible. Whenever I avoid driving, I can actually accomplish two good things. I spend less on fuel and generate less carbon dioxide. (Levinson, W. & Rerick, R., 2002) I not only help myself but I help nature as well. I am also willing to try using less meat when cooking for my family. “Another way to reduce the amount of energy needed ...Download file to see next pagesRead More