BY JANANI NAKULAN
There is a dirty little secret behind that lovely serving of steak on your dinner table. Have you ever wondered if that juicy piece of steak would cost the earth? Does it even matter? Well here’s something to think about. A steak is equivalent to driving 30 kilometers in your car. And that bowl of cereal you had for breakfast has the same carbon footprint as a 7 kilometer journey in a 4 x 4.
The harsh reality of it is that we all contribute to global warming everyday. The carbon dioxide produced when you leave the lights on or drive your car to work every morning adds up to the atmosphere very quickly. You may be surprised by how much carbon dioxide you and you ALONE emit each year. This is where a reality check should come in, in the form of the carbon footprint.
What exactly is the carbon footprint? It’s the measure of impact human activities have on the environment. The amount of greenhouse gases produced enable us to calculate the carbon footprint and this is measured in the units of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg). All global causes that give rise to carbon emissions are taken into account. Carbon footprints can either consider only direct emissions (typically from energy used in the home and in transport, including travel by cars, airplanes, rail and other public transport) , or can also include indirect emissions (including CO2 emissions as a result of goods and services consumed).
If we could see these heat trapping gases clouding our atmosphere, the cause of the problem would be obvious to everyone and you would do something about it. The unfortunate fact is we can’t. But the calamities that happen around us everyday are due to global warming. Our climate is changing ever so quickly and it’s about time we did something about it.
It’s time for a greener you
Here are a few ways you can reduce your carbon footprint, some that you may already be familiar with;
1.RECYCLE
Recycle those empty plastic bottles and newspapers lying around your house. Remember that the more you recycle, the less waste goes to the landfill!
2.SAVE ENERGY
Swap those energy consuming incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Fluorescent light bulbs use less power and have a longer rated life.
3.OFFSET YOUR VEHICLE’S EMISSIONS
Don’t idle. Even when carrying out quick errands its best if you turn off you car. If possible commute your way to work. Walking, taking public transportation or cycling are other alternatives as well. (hey! No one said it was going to be easy)
4.PLANT A TREE
Tree planting is the most common form of carbon offset. Planting a tree can help neutralize your carbon emissions. It’s easy and fun to do. You can get in touch with any local nature organizations like WWF Malaysia or MNS (Malaysian Nature Society) to find out how you can help plant a tree.
5.BUY ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Rechargable batteries and reusable bags are a good start. There are many eco-friendly products in the market now that may help you reduce energy usage and even cut your bills.
6.REFRIGERATION
The fridge uses a lot of energy and the older your fridge is, the higher the probability it will be a big polluter. Always remember to open the door of your fridge as little as possible when taking things out.
7.WATER HEATING
Hot water is the second highest source of greenhouse gases generated by households. Wash your clothes with cold water and for those of you who spend hours in the shower it’s time you cut your shower head some slack people!!
8.GET INVOLVED
Support environmental non-profit groups working to slow the process of global warming. You can become a member, take part in events like Earth Day or participate in letter- writing campaigns. Turn over a newer, greener leaf.
And if you think all these tiny adjustments you have to make just so the earth won’t end up as a deep fried ball of mass is such a hassle, meet Ken Dunn.
He’s 65 and as green as green can get, with a carbon footprint only ten percent that of an average American. He was discovered by the Chicago Tribune and is now known as the Chicagoan with the lowest carbon footprint. If you were Ken Dunn this is how your life would be like:
- You ride a bicycle instead of driving (even during winter!)
- You air dry all your clothes
- You grow and eat your own vegetables
- You eat expired and discarded food from your recycling job
Ken produces 3800 pounds of carbon dioxide a year compared to the 44 000 pounds of carbon dioxide the average American produces annually. Though many of us would not be willing to sacrifice much of the luxuries of life that we have become so used to, every small effort made counts. You can always calculate your own carbon footprint here and find ways to reduce your personal impact on the environment.
