Carbon Footprint and How to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Inevitably, in going about our daily lives — commuting, sheltering our families, and eating — each of us contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. Yet, there are many things each of us, as individuals, can do to reduce our carbon emissions. The choices we make in our homes, our travel, the food we eat, and what we buy and throw away all influence our carbon footprint and can help ensure a stable climate for future generations.

 What is my carbon footprint? My estimated greenhouse gas emissions are 33 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent per year, which is above the U.S. national average. The two largest sources contributing to my carbon footprint are home energy at 20 tons of CO₂ eq/year, and driving and flying at 9.4 tons of CO₂ eq/year. My result for home energy was 104% above the U.S. average, and for driving and flying it’s 19% below U.S. average. I’m totally surprised by the amount of CO₂ that I’m putting out each year. I consider myself to be a frugal person, and am concern about my carbon footprint. The most important behavioral change I need to make is to reduce my energy consumption. One way to reduce my carbon footprint is start riding a bicycle around town instead of driving a vehicle. This way, I could travel more by bike (10 miles) and not use my truck at all.

What’s your carbon footprint and how can you reduce it? Check out the link below created by Firm Green, the world of renewable energy.

Web link: http://www.whatsmycarbonfootprint.com/calculate.htm

Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Area

Are you in an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine area? Ash trees on your property may be at risk from this destructive pest because EAB only kills ash tree species. The EAB adults feed on the foliage, while the EAB larvae under the bark feed on their vascular system, killing them within 3 to 4 years. Losing important trees in your community can be visually and emotionally devastating. Being proactive is the key to fighting against EAB! 

An EAB management plan begins with a careful assessment of the condition of each ash tree, and calculations to compare the cost of the various option for treatment or removal. While some of the ash trees should undoubtedly be removed to diversity the species mix, it may be possible to save the healthier ones and chemically treat them to protect them until the EAB threat subsides. Here is a web link to Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, which focus on EAB and how you can start a management plan for your community.  

  Web link to PA DCNR- EAB

“Conservation is the slow and laborious unfolding of a new relationship between people and land.” ~ Aldo Leopold

Aldo Leopold was an environmentalist ahead of his own time and land ethic was his major message. Today, his legacy continues to inspire projects all over the country to connect people and land. The Aldo Leopold Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, and Center For Humans and Nature united to create a film called Green Fire, which is a documentary about the legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold. West Chester University is holding this film at the Madeleine Wing Alder (Music Building), at 7 pm on Monday, March 10^th 2014.

Check out Green Fire’s web link to view this film near you.

Web Site: http://www.aldoleopold.org/greenfire/index.shtml