Carbon Footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organization of location at a given time, impacting the environment with carbon emissions.
Many folks have become aware of their own carbon footprints. I invite you to measure yours. visit www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx, or take a carbon footprint quiz at http://www.footprintnetwork.org/gfn.
Conservation International suggests these ten simple and immediate changes to reduce the greenhouse effect on our planet:
•1. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). CFLs last 10 times longer, use 66% less energy and deliver the same light levels. CFLs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and burn at a lower temperature.
•2. Turn your thermostat down just three degrees in winter and up three degrees in summer. This can prevent the emission of nearly 1100 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
•3. Inflate your car tires. Increasing air pressure in tires improves gas mileage---and can save up to 7 cents per gallon.
•4. Turn down the hot water heater to 130 degrees F. When going out, turn up your A/C to about 79 degrees F, or turn down the heat during the winter to about 55 degrees F. Such simple actions again can prevent carbon dioxide emissions of more the 1100 pounds per year and cut your energy bill by 10%.
•5. Choose seafood wisely. According to the journal, Science, the entire world's seafood population will be depleted by 2048. By buying and eating certain seafood, you can discourage harmful fishing practices. Check out "Seafood Choices Alliance" or "Seafood Watch" for more information.
•6. Purchase EnergyStar-labeled appliances. EnergyStar products are among the top 25 percent most efficient and provide a 30% return or better through lower utility bills.
•7. Wash and rinse in cold water. About 30 million tons of carbon dioxide could be saved each year---more than $3 billion in energy costs, if everyone in the United States switched to cold water with their washing machines.
•8. Buy locally produced meats and produce. Go on-lineto the "Local Harvest" website, type in your zip code for a list of farms and farmer's markets close to home, as well as nearby restaurants committed to supporting their neighbors.
•9. Drink more water from reusable glassware. The average American consumes over 400 beverage bottles and cans annually, causing high recycling costs. Also, dangerous chemicals from plastic bottles can leach into the liquids they hold. Using reusable glassware is great for your bank account, your planet, and your health!
•10. When you can, walk, bike and carpool. This doesn't mean you have to give up your car. Just keep fuel efficiency and possible hybrid choices in mind when choosing your next vehicle. Walking and cycling speak for themselves as great for your health, and a wonderful opportunity to spend time outdoors. If you live close to work, try one of these options instead of driving.
And, if you ever dreamed of designing your own energy efficient residence, I currently represent several extraordinary waterfront and Intracoastal point lot construction sites in Fort Lauderdale just awaiting the creation of an energy-efficient trophy estate. If I can assist you further in achieving this dream, please call me at 954.328.3665. Or visit my website, www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com to view these properties directly.
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