Climate Change. This dreaded phenomenon has already begun affecting our world and threatens many problems in our near future from rising oceans to deadly mega storms. We humans are using too many resources and burning too many fossil fuels. We're pulling carbon stored in the ground and releasing it into the atmosphere through our reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas for energy. The increased carbon in the air traps more heat from the sun and warms the average temperature of the earth. This increased heat pushes the global climate systems creating storms of incredible strength. Because the carbon levels in the atmosphere are so high and are released at increasing rates the global climate system may be on the brink of changes that would take millions of years to reverse. We must act now to reduce our carbon and carbon equivalent emissions. We must use less energy and use it more efficiently.
The fear of danger in the changing climate sometimes seems the driving force behind efforts to "go green." While there is reason to fear, I feel we may make a more authentic and long lasting response to human caused climate change. I desire to take responsibility for how my life affects the world around me. I'm becoming more aware of how I am connected to my family, friends, and neighbors; the soil, water, and air around me; the ants, birds, and coyotes in my backyard; the coal mines in West Virginia, oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, logging fields in Brazil, and the many people who toil in these places. I desire healing in my relationships where the economic and material systems that I live in exploit the people and the earth. Owning up to my contribution is a first step to this healing. Further I hope to live in a sustainable way that assures that children many generations into the future will enjoy a healthy world.
Part of taking responsibility for my affect on the environment has been learning how to reduce my carbon emissions. Since we've had such cold and snowy weather the past couple months in Chicago, I’ve been pondering just how much energy is wasted in my home. The Nature Conservancy suggests that home energy use causes 36% of the average carbon and equivalent emissions released in the U.S. That is quite a large portion of emissions. When combined with food and waste that means 55% of the average U.S. emissions occur in the home.1 Because I live in an apartment building with seven other men, I have a feeling we waste quite a lot. The trash is always full, the electric meter keeps spinning, and our groceries are far from local. However, we've made some efforts to use less energy and emit less carbon.
Last year we started recycling our paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass, and plastics. We haul the recyclables that are accepted to a local recycling company. This isn't a glamorous task but does lessen our impact on the environment.
We also use compact fluorescent lights in about half of our house. This is again a small impact, but each CFL uses a third or a quarter less energy than the typical incandescent bulb. Every little bit helps.
It took me a year to do it, but I've also installed foam tape along some of our entry doors. Before you could feel the wind coming through the cracks between the metal doors and the jambs. Now there is very little air movement coming from the outside. I'm also examining how to simply and inexpensively seal our windows that leak plenty of cold air this time of year.
Unfortunately we have only touched the smaller contributors to carbon emissions in our home. The heating/cooling, hot water, insulation, kitchen appliances, and other electronics contribute far more than trash, lighting, and door/window seals. Because we rent and the building owner manages the heat, hot water, and wall/attic insulation, we are somewhat limited in how we can lower our energy impact.
However I’m sure we can still improve. We can turn off electronics and lights when they’re not being used. Unplugging or turning off power strips for televisions and other electronics that go on standby would reduce passive electricity use. We can also use less hot water by taking shorter showers, conserving hot water in the kitchen, and only doing laundry in full loads. Finally, we can use more organic, locally grown, vegetables, and less processed foods. When the time comes to buy new appliances like a refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, or cooking stove we will have to find ones that are certified energy efficient. Obviously we have much room for growth in how we can use less energy.
Ultimately I believe making changes in how I use resources is a way of improving my relationship to the environment. I will continue taking more responsibility for the impact my life choices have on people and environments all around the world. I long to live in a way that promotes the health and freedom of the whole world and all its peoples. This is my reason for responding in a hopeful way to our environmental, ecological, and very human problems of global climate change.
The Nature Conservancy, Carbon Footprint Calculator
The Climate Crisis Site, Many Tips for Reducing Carbon Emissions
The Empowerment Institute, a straightforward Low Carbon Diet Calculator:
Smart Energy Living Alliance, Resources for Comprehensive Home Energy Audits.
