Opt2Go | Greenhouse Gas Exchange

tips for reducing your carbon footprint

Home & day to day living

Use energy consciously – The energy needed to heat, cool and light our homes produces greenhouse gases. We need to consume energy in order to live our lives however Americans use almost twice the electricity per person that the English do. The US comprises about 4% of the earth’s population, but emits about 25% of the total global greenhouse gases. When compared to 1.3 billion people of China, the 290 million people in the US emit over 7 times as much, per person.
There are lots of emissions generated to deliver water to your home or wherever you need it. Shower don’t bathe. The average shower use 7 to 10 gallons of water every minute, and you use about 10 gallons of water while brushing your teeth. Turn off the water while you shampoo or brush.
Turn lights off and unplug appliances when not in use. Most household electronic devices will go into a Stand-by Mode (which still draws power) even after you turn the devices off.
Lower your heating and hot water thermostat settings and raise those in your refrigerator.
Buy appliances with high- energy efficiency ratings
Turning off your air conditioner when you're not at home can save you hundreds of dollars in electricity costs in addition to reducing your footprint.
Be sure to recycle your electronics and batteries.
Build or renovate in an energy efficient manner with sustainable materials and construction methods. Consider solar panels.
Compost food and garden waste.
Recycle or reuse paper/cardboard/glass/aluminum/tin/plastic.

Food

Eat consciously - Over 12% of total greenhouse gas emissions result from just growing, preparing and shipping our food. The factory farming used to produce most of the beef, chicken, pork and fish we eat is one of the largest components of the carbon footprint of America and most other developed countries. This is due to animal/food waste, methane release and environmental degradation of farmlands. Read labels and ask questions of your server or grocer to determine where your food comes from. Consider going vegetarian for a few days a week to reduce your impact. Eat organic, Federal regulations for organic animal farms create a more ecologically friendly process and product.
Buy local - Supporting local farmers and fishermen reduces the significant impact of the emissions generated from transportation of our food all over the world. It's fresher and tastier as well.

Travel

By car...

Drive a fuel efficient vehicle
Keeping your car serviced and tires properly inflated will maintain your MPG (You lose 1% of fuel efficiency for every 2 PSI) this decreases the amount of fossil fuels you consume.
Walk, ride, use public transport or share a ride to save on emissions. You can also offset your travel when possible
Switch off the engine when in traffic jams.
Remove roof racks/boxes and cycle racks when not in use,

By Airplane...

Use the train or bus for short-haul destinations. Fly only when necessary, it is extremely emissions intensive. You can also offset your flight.
Direct flights save on emissions.
Did you know that there are "Green" hotels that are dedicated to being environmentally responsible? Find a list of some here

Shopping

Buy Consciously – take an interest in where the products you buy are made and what they are made of. Think of what it took to manufacture it and transport it to you. Can you re-use it? How long will it last?
The packaging of the products carries a significant carbon footprint. This includes the energy required to make it, materials used and the transportation required to get the product to the store shelf. When possible, purchase products with the least amount of packaging.
Avoid plastic shopping bags.
Re-use when possible, or give unwanted items to others for re-use.

Business