Carbon diet
Carbon diet is a term for reducing carbon footprint through changes in one's lifestyle and practices. It is a way of minimizing the impact people's activities have on the environment, and in particular on climate change, by reducing greenhouse gas (principally CO2) production.
Like traditional food diets, carbon diet can be a temporary change or a life change; this can be either strict or loose; and there are many different diet gurus around to lead dieters in the path of reduced usage of our planet's resources. Glossary - Carbon Diet
The Carbon Diet Priorities chart illustrates what makes up the environment's typical pollution (measured in carbon footprint) and shows that the highest priorities for change are in the transportation section.
Individuals and businesses produce carbon dioxide from daily activities such as driving, heating, and the consumption of products and services. To reduce the effects of climate change, we could reduce our carbon output by going on a carbon diet. This differs from a low carbon diet which refers to making choices about eating that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon dieters may make small changes in their home, such as replacing light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs; unplugging electronic equipment; hanging clothes to dry instead of using a dryer; changing to natural gas from electric appliances; wrapping water heaters; installing storm windows; and other methods of reducing energy usage.
Typically, carbon diets involve a great reduction in driving automobiles, either replacing car commutes with bicycling, walking or public transportation; combining trips; tele-commuting; or carpooling. Carbon dieters will likely avoid flying as airplane travel is the biggest part of many individuals' carbon emissions.
Carbon diets also often include a change in diet, either switching from meat to vegetarian cuisine, eating more local and seasonal produce, or a combination of those strategies.
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[edit] Key components of a carbon diet
A carbon diet is similar to a food diet. It starts with assessing weight (measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide) and then determining where the ideal weight should be. The following outlines the steps of a carbon diet:
[edit] Carbon footprint calculation
Calculate a carbon footprint to understand the amount of carbon dioxide emissions
[edit] Comparison of carbon footprint results
Measure the carbon footprint against peers (e.g., similar company size or for individuals, a national average)
[edit] Determining ideal carbon footprint
Determine the ideal carbon footprint
[edit] Identifying carbon dioxide emission sources
Identify the source of the most significant carbon dioxide emissions
[edit] Carbon footprint reduction
Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by starting with the most significant sources first
[edit] Carbon Diet Priorities
[edit] Transportation - the highest priority
The ease at which people and goods are moved from one location to another is the hallmark of industrialized civilization. This makes transportation a vital key to survival.
The movement of goods from manufacturers to end users and the removal of wastes to prevent accumulation to dangerous levels are but a few important functions played by transportation. Whether it’s for getting to work, going to school, grocery shopping, or a trip to the doctor, people need a means of getting around. For the average person, transportation is the highest source of greenhouse gasses that cause global warming.
Here are some tips to reduce carbon footprint by saving gas:
- Walk or Bike More. It takes some practice to change the habit of using our vehicles, but think before you head out. Can you walk or bike instead? It's a great way to save gas. It will not only prevent creating greenhouse gasses but it is also good for your health. It’s a win-win for everyone.
- Give Up Your Second Vehicle. Years ago, it was uncommon to have two or more vehicles per household. In some cities, it is uncommon to only have one vehicle, but you will save gas if you can embrace it. If you combine the cost of licensing, insuring, maintaining, and buying gasoline, it costs thousands of dollars per year to run a vehicle. By eliminating your second vehicle, you will save gas, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint and start going green.
- Trade SUV for A Fuel Efficient Car (i.e. a hybrid vehicle or an electric car). In the late 1990’s, SUVs started to become a status symbol. Today, people are beginning to see them as luxury that pollutes. SUV’s require large engines due to their weight and are designed for pulling heavy loads. In most cases, people use them as passenger vehicles. If you replace the average SUV with a mid-size Hybrid vehicle, you would make great strides to save gas (by approximately 70%). If you look at 100% electric cars, you can not only eliminate emissions, but save gas, oil, and maintenance costs too. If you have a few trips a year when you need a larger vehicle, consider renting one. It's also important to understand that mild hybrid cars are less fuel efficient than full hybrid cars.
- Don’t Fly. Flying is the single-worst action you can take to contribute greenhouse gasses to the global warming problem. Flying requires a significant amount of fuel for each trip, especially during take off. If for example you must fly as you are the maid of honour for your best friend’s wedding overseas, then purchase a carbon offset to reduce your impact on the environment. Eliminating flying is an important step in going green.
- Use Public Transportation. One city bus filled with passengers can take 40 vehicles off the road and keep about 50 tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere each year. This tip will give you back hundreds of dollars... save gas and maintenance costs.
- Carpool. The challenge is finding someone who you commute with and know you are safe. Some companies have begun participating in carpooling websites so you can find someone at your work to commute with. Ask your company to get involved and start a car pooling initiative (see also Green company). If you can find someone to commute with, you not only reduce your commuting cost by 50%, but you also prevent more carbon dioxide from causing global warming. In some cities, there are even special highway lanes for vehicles with more than one person (typically referred to as High Occupancy Vehicle – HOV lanes).
- Make Fewer Trips. Group errands into one trip instead of several trips. Run your errands in clockwise order to avoid left hand turns that typically require more idling while waiting to turn at an intersection.
- Buy Only What You Need. Tire size, engine size, vehicle weight, all-wheel drive, and influence the amount of fuel your vehicle uses. Even power windows and power seats add weight to a car, making engines work harder and burn more fuel. So when you're shopping for a new car, focus on what you need because passing on the rest will save gas, reduce your carbon footprint, and help you in going green.
- Check Your Tires Monthly. The average vehicle has at least one tire that is over or under-inflated. This causes your vehicle to work harder, using more fuel. Save gas by checking your tire pressure monthly and it will also save you more in tire replacement costs (see General car tips).
- Maintain Your Vehicle. A poorly maintained engine can use up to 50% more gas and produce 50% more carbon dioxide than one that runs properly.
- Walking School Bus. Dropping off children at school not only cause unsafe traffic congestion, but also creates greenhouse gasses from vehicles that idle. There have been a number of schools that have established "Walking school buses" that are supervised walks to school. An adult walks a specific route to school and the children join in the walking group. It’s simple form of green transportation and an active way for our children to get to school. Establish one at your school and show our children how to go green.
- Turn Off the Air Conditioner. The air conditioner in vehicles requires additional energy from the engine. This means greater fuel usage. On those days when it’s not too hot out, go green by turning on off the air conditioner to save gas, money, and greenhouse gasses.
As you can see these tips to save gas are great ways to help the environment. Tips for Saving Gas
[edit] Heating - heat energy and insulation
Heating our homes and workplaces is a basic need in winter. We also heat water on a daily basis. For the average person, using heat is the second highest source of greenhouse gasses that cause global warming. Here are some tips to reduce your carbon footprint and get you started with green heating (see Tips for Heating):
- Have an Energy Audit. An energy auditor will look at the heating equipment, insulation, and the building envelope to identify areas for improvement. For buildings more than 25 years old, an energy audit and improvement can yield a 20-35% reduction in energy use. There may be government grants available in your area to aid in funding these improvements.
- Install a Programmable Thermostat.
- Improve Furnace Efficiency. If you are upgrading your furnace, install an energy-efficient furnace. It can save you up to 25% of your home heating costs and depending on your existing furnace, could pay for the higher initial cost in about seven years (see also Improve insulation).
- Understand Heat Energy Sources for New Construction. There are a number of heat energy sources available that have a much lower impact on the environment than gas, oil, or electricity. The most basic form of heat energy is using nature by allowing sunlight through windows to act like a greenhouse. A house that is oriented to face South with properly designed window sizes and roof overhangs (for shade in the summer) requires less heating than a home that is not designed to take advantage of passive solar heating. Geothermal heating and cooling is another option where a network of pipes is buried in the ground to extract the constant temperature found below ground. It can be used for both heating and cooling. Radiant floor heating can be augmented with solar panels to provide some of the heat. While these could be installed in an existing home, it is less costly when installed while a home is being constructed.
- Upgrading Insulation. Upgrade the insulation in the walls, basement, and attic to retain the heat. In an older home, insulating your basement walls and attic can reduce your heat energy bill by as much as 25%.
- Seal Out the Cold. Reduce the heat lost from your home or workplace by getting rid of drafts around windows, doors, baseboards, and outside wall openings. This could save you up to 15% of your heating costs. Use caulking, expanding foam, and weather stripping to seal air leaks. Seal electrical outlets and switches on outside walls with foam gaskets. If you have a window air conditioner, remove it for the winter or seal it so it is air tight.
- Upgrading Windows. Windows can account for a large part of heat loss in a building. For example, a newly built home likely has walls insulated with an R27 insulation, and the roof insulated with R50 insulation (insulation is measured by the resistance to heat or cold, also known as the R-value). In general, a window is only R2.
- Understand Hot Water Options. Consider your options before replacing your existing hot water system. An on demand water heater provides hot water only when needed, but doesn't use energy to keep water hot in a tank. These systems have been used extensively in Europe and can save up to 30% in energy costs. Solar water heater systems are a great green heating source that pre-heat water for the existing hot water system, therefore reducing the energy needs by an average of 50% over the four seasons.
- Use Passive Solar Heat Energy. In the winter time, the sun can provide some help heating your home or workplace. It’s as simple as opening the blinds to let all the sunshine in. This is referred to as passive solar energy, a great form of heat energy. Depending on number of windows on the south side of the building, this can save you up to 5% on heating. Remember though to keep the blinds closed at night, to help keep the heat in.
- Turn It Off In Summer. Shut off the pilot light in your furnace, water heater, and fireplace in the summer to reduce the unwanted heat.
- Plant Some Trees.
- Install Ceiling Fans. This helps circulate heat in cathedral ceilings or high ceilings. Heat naturally rises, therefore circulating the air from the ceiling to the floor will help keep the lower portions of the room warmer.
- Maintain Your Heating Appliances. Periodically clean and service your heating system to maintain its efficiency. If your water heater has a tank, drain a bucket of water out of the bottom of the tank once or twice a year to remove sediment, which will help maintain its efficiency. In addition, you can insulate the tank with a hot water insulation kit to help improve the efficiency.
- Insulate Hot Water Pipes.
- Take Showers. To reduce your heat energy needs, install a low-flow showerhead. Don’t be fooled if you tried one of these several years ago. Newer showerheads use advanced technology to add air to the water, making the water volume feel similar to a traditional showerhead.
- Wash Cloths in Cold Water.
[edit] Electricity - energy conservation
Electricity, in most cases, is a large source of pollution. One major recommendation for reducing one's carbon footprint from electricity is to switch to 100% renewable energy. The easiest way to do this is to purchase electricity from a green source. With some research, investment, and a lot of dedication, it is also possible to produce your own electricity using wind and solar sources (Energy Conservation tips).
- Switch to 100% Renewable Energy. Reduce carbon footprint by using energy sources such as wind, solar, or low-impact hydro for electricity. Switching to a renewable electricity supplier may not be an option in some areas, so purchasing carbon offsets may be another option to consider. Introducing energy conservation measures at work or at home can reduce the additional cost.
- Reduce Your Fridge Energy Consumption.
- Dry Clothes Naturally.
- Reduce Summer Cooling.
- Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs'.
- Eliminate the Power Vampires. Many electronic devices use power when they are plugged in and turned off. The common term to describe these devices is “Power Vampires”. Use power bars and timers to eliminate power vampires. If you want to understand how much electricity is being used, purchase or borrow a Watt Reader, which will show you how much energy is being used.
- Turn Off Computer When Not in Use.
- Shade Reduces Demand for Air Conditioning.
- Conserve Energy in Summer. Turn off all sources of heat, such as lights, appliances and electrical equipment when not in use in the summer. This will help keep your home or workplace cooler and reduce the need for fans or air conditioning. At home you can do your washing, drying, and ironing early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler.
- Use Fans Instead of Air Conditioning.
- Use LED Lighting.
- Use Less Lighting.
- Dishwasher Efficiency.
- Efficient Cooking.
- Energy Efficient Pools.
[edit] Food - steps to a low carbon diet
Food contributes to global warming in such a way that it requires a great deal of energy to transport and freeze. Compared to purchasing food from a local source (market or farm), purchasing imported goods patronizes the use of fuel. Another way in which our food purchases contribute to climate change is the prepared food that is loaded into freezers without doors. Tips to a Low Carbon Diet
Here are some ideas about how you can reduce your carbon footprint and start going green:
- Eat Less Prepared Frozen Food. While prepared food is a convenient way to make a meal, it requires a great deal of energy to keep frozen in transport and storage, not to mention the waste produced by the packaging. Open top freezers are also used in department stores to display these goods which is tremendously inefficient. Compare this with cooking some food in a slow cooker while you are out of the house… an easy way to go green and live on a Low Carbon Diet.
- Grow Your Own Food. Energy consumed by shipping food, artificial fertilizers, freezing food, and processing food can all be skipped if you grow your own. It can be from growing tomatoes in a planter to something as extensive as producing all your food needs for the growing season and beyond. If you haven’t gardened before, there are a number of resources on the web to help you start off simple. As you get more experience, you can expand what you grow. Remember to have fun with it and enjoy your journey to go green.
- Shop for Local Food. The average Canadian meal travels 2,500 km to our plates. Those long trips are contributing to global warming.
- Purchase Organic Food. Not only is organic food a “pesticide-free” food, but it also minimizes the use of nitrogen-based artificial fertilizers that use considerable amounts of fossil fuel.
- Eat Seasonal Food.
- Eat Less Beef. (See also How to Eat Less Meat.)
- Eat Less Rice. Rice is another large source of methane (see Eat Less Beef). In fact, it makes up about 20 percent of methane produced from human activities which contributes to global warming.
- Improve Your Coffee. One of the worst environmental appliances made is the k-cup coffee maker that makes one cup of coffee using a disposable package that can't be recycled. The best solution for coffee is purchasing affordable organic coffee and fair trade coffee.
- Purchase Food in Bulk.
- Drink Water from the Tap.
[edit] Goods/Services
The choice of goods and services we use every day in our lives can mean the difference between going green and having a large carbon footprint. The general rule of thumb is that if something is convenient, chances are high that it is not good for the environment and will have an impact on climate change. Tips for Products and Services
- Stop Using Gas Powered Equipment. Stop using Gas powered lawn mower, leaf blower, grass trimmer, or snow blower. Using a reel push mower is not only good for the environment, it is also a higher quality method of cutting the grass. If not, an electric plug in mower is the second best option.
- Green Investing (Socially Responsible Investing - SRI). Investment dollars in corporations need to be aligned with our social values.
- Avoid Disposable Items.
- Avoid the Drive Thru. A basic rule of thumb is that Idoling a car for more than 10 seconds is a waste of fuel, and the engine should be turned off. In light of that, using a drive thru is a waste of energy and a source of pollution. Challenge yourself not to use drive thru restaurants anymore. Walk in and you’ll get a little exercise too.
- Avoid Waste From Fast Food. Have you noticed how much garbage you throw out after a fast-food meal? This is another convenience of disposable dishes. Switch to restaurants that don’t use disposable items.
- Green Lawn & Garden. Avoid using chemical pesticides or fertilizers on your lawn and garden as they damage the environment. Chemical fertilizers are a source of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas.
- Use Less Water.
- Compost Food Waste.
- Reduce Paper Consumption.
- Purchase for Durability. Make sure to re-think how you purchase goods and the impact your decision is having on the environment. Choosing a cheap drill over a quality brand name and thinking of just buying another one later on is wrong. The energy required to mine the ore that is made into metal for the motor and wires, the energy to extract the oil as a raw material for the plastic gears and housing for the drill, to produce and package the parts, and ship them from around the world, is a great deal of wasted resources.
- Donate Unwanted Items. Donate clothes, toys, used building supplies for others to use or resell.
- Precycle & Recycle. Precycling is a term used to describe thinking ahead about your purchases. Recycling is a good way to reduce our waste, but precycling is about avoiding excess packaging in an effort to reduce the need to recycle. After all, recycling still requires energy to pickup the material, process it, and re-make it into something useful.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- super eco Glossary - Carbon Diet
- Green Energy Sustainability Your Resource for Going Green
- Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia
- klima Climate Change Center
- The Unplanning Journal
