We need to do all of it. Reduce the carbon footprint of course, AND go to renewable energy. The Bush administration continues to oppose and put roadblocks in the way of both of these, because neither is in the interests of big oil companies.
Now, as for our own carbon output here, it may be higher than yours but probably not by as much as you think. We replaced almost all our lights with fluorescent too. We replaced our appliances with the most energy efficient ones we could get. Our heating system is geothermal assisted, and our house is very small, actually, for this area (about 1100 sq. ft.) and our thermostat is set to the mid 60s as well.
The barns are not heated. We don't use a tractor or other farm equipment. We may still be higher than you on carbon output, but we are far below our neighbors I assure you. Some of the carbon cost of living is simply due to location. One must drive a certain number of miles a week or do without groceries, job, etc. We do have vehicles that are above average in efficiency, but not hybrids because we still couldn't afford those when we replaced our older cars.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2007-02-04 09:51 pm (UTC)Now, as for our own carbon output here, it may be higher than yours but probably not by as much as you think. We replaced almost all our lights with fluorescent too. We replaced our appliances with the most energy efficient ones we could get. Our heating system is geothermal assisted, and our house is very small, actually, for this area (about 1100 sq. ft.) and our thermostat is set to the mid 60s as well.
The barns are not heated. We don't use a tractor or other farm equipment. We may still be higher than you on carbon output, but we are far below our neighbors I assure you. Some of the carbon cost of living is simply due to location. One must drive a certain number of miles a week or do without groceries, job, etc. We do have vehicles that are above average in efficiency, but not hybrids because we still couldn't afford those when we replaced our older cars.