Offsetting Carbon Emissions

Wouldn't it be great if you could neutralize the carbon you contribute to the atmosphere? Well, I have good news! Now there are simple steps to zeroing out the carbon dioxide you generate.

Climate change is being driven by the increasing amounts of carbon in the atmosphere. Your input of CO2 to the atmosphere, about 20 tons per person in the US, is mainly produced by gasoline burned in vehicles, electricity use, and natural gas consumption.

Carbon offsetting is an increasingly popular method of reducing one's burden on the planet. Projects are created and supported to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Offsetting projects include planting forests, investing in renewable energy, and increasing energy efficiency.

Many new organizations provide easy payment methods to offset some or all of your carbon emissions. For example, a Toyota Camry, would typically emit about 8,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year (based on 12,000 miles/yr.) You can zero this out by purchasing carbon offsets for about $5o per year. Take a look at the following carbon offsetting organizations and see how easy it is reduce your burden on the planet.

• Terrapass
• Carbonfund
• Native Energy
• Carbon Footprint
  

Certified Wood and Paper

Half of the world's forests have been destroyed, most in the last few decades. We lose 33 football fields per minute of forest land. This is not sustainable!

There is a simple way to help protect the world's forests. When purchasing wood or paper products, check for certification from an organization seeking to guarantee sustainable management.

To be certified, a product is produced from a forest which grows and harvests trees with the long-term protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality. Around the world, logging can displace native peoples and lead to violence against people and wildlife. Global warming will place a great burden on the world's forests. We can something by making practical decisions to only purchase certified products which contribute to the health of the planet.

Certifying organizations include:

• Forest Stewardship Council
• American Tree Farm Systems
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative
• Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes

Look for certification before your next purchase. Encourage others to do so.

Waste Not, Want Not

When I launched a Sacramento county-wide recycling drive in the 1970's, our group was asked to stop by national paper companies. They said there wasn't a need for more paper and we would hurt church groups and boy scout troops who made money recycling newspapers. Our goal was to educate the public and encourage the local government to recycle.

I am happy to say that today recycling is not only accepted, but expected. Recently, I helped launch a desk side recycling program for Sonoma County employees. After receiving blue recycling cans at each desk, employees were happy to recycle and felt better about their workplace.

Today California, participating in a worldwide effort, has a goal of zero waste. It revolves around changing attitudes about waste and considering resource management. Proper management of our resources should change our attitudes about waste. Creating waste is not efficient and thus costly in many ways.

The basics of approaching zero waste are:

1. Reduce- purchase products with less packaging, buy in bulk, get off junk mail lists, bottle your own water
   
2. Reuse- take bags to the store, donate items to charity, buy recycled products
3. Recycle- always use recycle containters and demand them where you work and shop; use a mulching lawnmower; take electronics, paint, batteries, and other items to special recycling points.

The Earth 911 website can help you locate local information on wise use of resources. Another great resource is the Zero Waste International Alliance.

Passive Solar

Passive solar design is actually an old concept. Ancient dwellings were constructed to take advantage of passive solar. The Anasazi Indians built homes facing south to allow the winter sun in while using overhangs to block direct sunlight in summer. The homes had thick walls and floors to help maintain even temperatures. The Greeks and other cultures also used design to best utilize the sun. Most of these concepts were forgotten when energy was cheap.

The basic concepts of solar design include:

• Orient the structure on an east-west axis.
• Place most windows on the south wall.
• Use overhangs or shading options to reduce summer sun on glass.
• Insulate well.
• Add mass, such as cement or stone.
• Provide proper ventilation.
• Place rooms where heat is most desired near the south wall.

Many forward thinking communities are incoroporating passive solar concepts into community planning. Simple design ideas can greatly reduce, or even eliminate, energy use. Some modern technologies, such as low-e glass, make passive solar even even more practical. A good book on the subject is 'The Solar House', by Daniel D. Chiras.

Many useful tools, such as a sun angle calculator and a sun chart program, can be found on the web for those wishing to explore solar design in detail. However, it doesn't have to be complicated to use simple and practical ideas to increase efficiency.