In my opinion, carbon footprint means the CO2 that people produce because of their consuming of natural resourses. According to this calculation, my estimated greenhouse gas emissions are 13 tons of CO2 per year, which is under the US national average but over world average. I guess this is mainly because I do not drive, in which way I consume less gas and produce less greenhouse than other people who live in America.
However, I have to admit that I do increase my carbon footprint after my arrival in America. I also worked out how much I would produce if I lived in the lifestyle that I have in China and save that long flight from Beijing to Fort Myers.It is 8 tons, still over the world average. First I was totally confused, because I did everything to save energy and recycle as much as possible in China,what is more, I only used air-conditioning in hot summer. Then I realize that I chose Florida as the place I live. What if there is an option called China? In another word, my over-average is because of the high American average.
After this calculation, I tried to figure out how can I decrease my use of energy. The central air-conditioning in my dorm has never been shut down, even if there is no one in the house. I can discuss this with my roommates and turn it off before our leaving. The lights are decided by the housing office of FGCU, which is not up to me, but I can turn off the lights in the livingroom and kitchen when they are in use. I can also unplug my laptop when I leave and take short shower everyday. Organic food may be selected when I am shopping, and it will definitely benefit both my health and our earth. Recycling was my habit in China, but I became lazy and didn't continue after my arrival here. I will recycle again from now on. If I follow those changes that I have thought about, my consuming will be declined to 9.1 tons of CO2. Actually enven if we did a little easy change, we could make our earth healthier.
My result on the carbon footprint is actually higher than yours. I don’t understand how that happens. I do not drive and I do not travel. = ( I think I need to reconsider my lifestyle before I “destroy” the earth. It is true that we do not have control on the central air conditioner, lights, and recycle trash cans. Also, I agree with you when students live on campus, there are no much we can do. However, we can make small changes in our personal life. For example, take short bath, shop for local and organic food, recycle products and etc. If everyone on the earth can begin make the change, we will save the earth for the next generation.
回复删除Hi Sophie, you are making a good point about the influence of the place we live at. This definitely changes our carbon footprint. I understand why your footprint is much lower in China. Mine would have been much lower as well, if I chose Bulgaria and considered my way of life over there. For example, back home I walk or use public transportation in the city. When I travel further, I rarely use a car, because it is so much more expensive than the train or a bus. Unfortunately, I cannot say that I recycled more at home. To be honest, I never recycled when I was in Bulgaria. I am glad at least for this positive change. Overall, I see the same results if I compare my two different footprints.
回复删除You also mentioned the air conditioner. I always have mine working. It is actually written on my lease that I am not allowed to turn it off completely, even if I am not in the house for days. I guess it is a humidity issue, but it is sad to know that that much energy is being used when we are away.
I enjoyed your blog and you have great ideas for lowering your impact on Earth!