How Does Your Carbon Dioxide Footprint Compare To A Typical Household?

The typical American household generates 55,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. By contrast, the typical German household contributes 27,000 pounds and the average Swedish household's contribution is only 15,000 pounds.

According to the Energy Information Administration, U.S. households account for 21% of all the energy consumed in the U.S. annually and directly account for roughly the same amount (21%) of the U.S.'s annual carbon dioxide emissions. Taken collectively, US households directly produce about 8% of the planet's carbon dioxide emissions, and through our purchases we are indirectly responsible for another 17%.

Clearly, we have much room for improvement. As David Gershon stated, “If the bad news is that individual Americans are a major part of the problem, the good news is that we can also be a major part of the solution. By making specific, targeted changes to actions we already take every day, we can significantly reduce our CO2 emissions.”

What Can You Do To Reduce Your Carbon Dioxide Footprint?

No doubt large-scale solutions, such as switching to cleaner energy sources, are necessary to address global warming, and government and industry each have crucial roles to play. But individuals likewise play a crucial role, and small adjustments in our daily habits can have a positive, and significant, impact toward solving the problem of global warming.

For example, according to the Alliance to Save Energy, if every U.S. household replaced just one incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb, it would save enough energy to light more than 8 million homes and save over $900 million in utility bills.

Will You Have To Make Major Sacrifices To Conserve Energy?

Those unfamiliar with the simple steps they can take to reduce their CO2 footprint may think they have to make major sacrifices in their daily habits to have a significant impact. That does not have to be the case. In The Mother Earth News Guide To Homes, Summer, 2007, Dan Chiras summed it up best by stating, “Energy conservation doesn't mean living an austere life. It means eliminating massive amounts of waste in our homes, places of businesses and lifestyles. It means living well, staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In sum, energy conservation means eliminating discomfort, slashing energy bills, saving money and helping to create a sustainable world.”

You can implement many of the following energy conservation measures yourself. Others may require the expertise of a licensed professional. Always read product information and instructions before beginning a project, and, when in doubt or when recommended, consult with a licensed professional.