Thursday, July 5, 2012

It's not easy being green.

Carbon Footprint:   measure of impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular, climate change.  It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to- day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation, etc.

I presume that all things being equal we would all prefer to purchase "green" products.  However, it's just not that easy.  Take for instance the Toyota Prius, an alternative fuel automobile ... It seems that the process of manufacturing this car and its parts makes it equal to the Hummer in the carbon footprint measurement.  Putting the old gas hog up on blocks to start making payments on a new fuel efficient vehicle doesn't make sense.  Parking your car and starting to carpool, bike or use public transportation does.

Then I watched a home remodeling show on tv.  The people were so proud of themselves for tearing out everything and replacing it with "green" products.  But into the landfill went working appliances,  good hardwood flooring and  new carpeting.  It's a tough call.  Replacing appliances with more energy efficient ones helps with your energy use, but the manufacture of that new appliance adds to the C.F.  Low flow toilets and shower heads is an improvement.  And if you have allergies replacing carpets is a must.  But true green living is

Reducing, Reusing and Recycling

1 comment:

Leigh said...

So true. Great post.