What You Can Do To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
When I first heard this term my challenge was primarily to understand what the term “carbon footprint” meant. In doing my research I found many definitions, but the simplest one was the following: an estimate of the carbon dioxide I produce while living my life. I didn’t realize that my carbon footprint was the way I behaved at home, at work, and while driving in my car. It led me to think of how I might consider modifying my behavior.
• I really dislike throwing out food. It cost so much money, but now I found out that food waste causes the production of greenhouse gases so harmful to the environment.
• Everyone knows that maintaining their vehicle in good working order helps us to get maximum gas mileage. Now I know that the way I drive can also affect my gas mileage. Lately I am making a conscious effort to avoid intermittent acceleration coupled with excessive breaking. I am also trying harder than ever to maintain the speed limit to avoid paying extra for the already outrageous gas prices I am paying at the pump.
• Planes, trains and automobiles—-my preferred method of travel is by plane. I have limited vacation and need to get where I am going very quickly most of the time. Getting somewhere by train doesn’t usually occur to me, but the electric power used by trains certainly is less polluting than car or plane emissions. On my next trip, I will consider the use of a train, especially for shorter trips to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Who knows, I might really wind up enjoying the ride. I will certainly appreciate not having to get to the airport hours before my plane is due to take off. This will enable me to sit back and read a book rather than having off color conversations with other drivers on the road.
And these are only a fraction of the many ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprints and help save the environment all at the same time! Next time you renew your homeowners policy, find out if you are entitled to any credit for living greener. If not, well at least you can be confident you are doing something to save the planet.
Karen Skoler, CPCU
