LifeStyleZero

So, just thought I’d tell you about a new website. They are attempting to get a lot of people to take a pledge not to drive one day a week, and if you take it there are some possible rewards. They are saying that based on their membership so far they have saved about 1 million tons of carbon emissions over the last month, so they are due some credit. Click on the picture below to learn more…

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So, I have been looking into carbon offsetting programs, and I am of two minds about them.  On one hand, I think, that isn’t good enough.  It isn’t good enough for an SUV driver to buy a TerraPass sticker, stick it on their SUV, and feel OK.  Yes, it is a step, and a step in the right direction.  And, for now, it may be the easiest step for many people to take.

I hope that this is only for starters, though, because eventually, whatever carbon emissions you are offsetting will have to go as well if we are going to truly contain what is happening on the planet right now.  But, for those of you still on a non-renewable power grid (shame on you if there are other options available through your power company), or for those still driving cars that aren’t zero emission vehicles or taking flights - and I am in your ranks, although trying to do as little as possible of these things, offsetting carbon is an important first step towards becoming carbon neutral.

So, today there is a cool thing that you can do to help offset your emissions.  Plant some trees and help save the natural habitat of the Monarch Butterfly.  Check it out here:

http://michoacanmonarchs.org/ourstory(1).htm

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One simple way to make a difference is to choose to use clean electricity. The great part about this is that it is easier than you would think.

For most of us, all you need to do is call your electric company and ask them if they have green electricity options, including wind, solar, and water generated power. In Los Angeles, and I’m sure in some other places around the country (I only know because I live in LA) you can actually just check a box on your bill and opt-in to the green energy program.

It costs a couple of pennies more, but really nothing in comparison to the toll that coal burning plants are taking on the world - and global warming is a consequence that none of us can afford. So, do it today.

1. Look at your electric bill, and see if there is an easy option to go green

2. If there isn’t, call your electric company, and ask them about going to green energy

3. If your electric company doesn’t support green energy, threaten to switch companies if they don’t start, and then follow through. Look up alternative power suppliers in your area, and switch your electric company to someone that does use green energy.

Post some comments if you’ve gone through with it and let me know how it went!!

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