We Count

emily — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:31:19 -0700

Every day, all over the world, we participate in activities that produce global warming gases. How much pollution are we generating? The global greenhouse gas emissions counter on the collage started from zero on January 1st, 2007 and increases at a rate of approximately 1,268.51 tonnes CO₂-equivalent per second. We refer to global emissions in metric tonnes (rather than short tons, with which we’re more familiar in the US) because metric units are the standard for global reporting and analysis.

I pledge, you pledge, we all win

emily — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:09:52 -0700

Talk is cheap, but inaction is expensive, especially when the climate is in crisis. Take this pledge and then post it on your fridge, make it your screensaver, tape it near the back door or put a tiny version inside your wallet. Then explain to others why this is important so that they too will take the pledge. Hang it up in the coffee room at work. Post it on the community bulletin boards downtown or at the local library. This is all about doing something for yourself and your loved ones.

Buses, Trains, Subway, Oh my

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:52:29 -0700

Among our American climate heroes is the mass transit user. Public transportation riders in the US save 855 million gallons of gasoline per year, for an 8.5 million ton reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to if they drove. In America's 85 largest urban areas, public transportation prevented 1.1 billion hours in time lost to traffic jams. The riders themselves can save even more -- hundreds or even thousands of dollars in driving and parking costs, and for some even the cost of an entire car.

Mass movement

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:17:35 -0700

Miss the train? If your neighborhood is out of the transit loop, you can work to change that. Cars don't have a lock on the American Dream. In fact, 100 years ago the road to prosperity was a streetcar line. The average urban dweller rode public transportation 250 times a year and the US led the world in the construction and use of mass transit.

Bike to Basics

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:06:34 -0700

If the complexity of solving climate change starts to overwhelm you even a little, it's time to climb on your bike. There's nothing like being outside, getting some exercise to clear the mind. Bicycles are also a fundamental tool for reducing your carbon debt. And we know you haven't forgotten how to ride.

Travels in climate land

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:48:07 -0700

How many times have you heard that it's cheaper to fly than drive? The extraordinary growth of airline travel in the last twenty years is often touted as a modern miracle of globalization, but it's looking more and more like the blowback may be the impacts of air travel on greenhouse gas emissions. Although the airline ticket might be cheap, jet travel releases more than 660 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.

Take the fast lane

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 11:22:13 -0700

Next time you're stuck in traffic, visually subtract every fourth car. Breathing easier? Now remove every third car and you're practically home already. That's that magic of carpooling.

It will take a bit of effort for carpooling to reach that level of market penetration, but it's among the most efficient solutions out there for cutting back on drive-time emissions. According to 2000 data, 97 million Americans drive alone to work, while 14 million carpool at least a couple of days a week.

On the road again

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:48:18 -0700

In the market for a new car? Now is your opportunity to change your carbon impact. Even if you're not looking yet, keep reading. The car market is changing and, the sooner you understand the changes, the better off you'll be the next time you venture onto the sales lot.

Pump your ride

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:35:11 -0700

Most people seem to notice their tires when they are flat, not realizing that an under-inflated tire uses up more gas, which is bad for the environment and bad for your wallet. Under-inflated tires reduce gas mileage because they are less round than properly inflated tires, and because of that, it requires more energy to begin moving and to maintain speed. If you don't believe us, try rolling a box.

Figure your footprint

emily — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:10:58 -0700

Wondering how your daily activities contribute to the climate crisis and how just a few changes in your life can make a difference? Tour the EarthLab calculator and learn about your climate footprint and the steps you can take.