If you are worried about the escalating cost of gas and/or the strange weather, you might find it empowering to learn about your own carbon emissions. A Cortes-specific carbon calculator is now available online at
www.stonebreakerdesigns.com/footprint. If you want help or have questions, Barry and I will at a table at the Sustainability Home Show on Saturday May 24 from 10am to noon to help you through the calculator and give explanations where needed.
If you want our help figuring your emissions, please bring your best estimates of the following information for the past year:
1) air travel: points of origin, destinations, number of people;
2) driving: make and model of your vehicle, and approximate km/year;
3) ferry trips: estimates fine.
4) electricity use: kilowatt hours used this year (this can be taken from old power bills or if you pay online go to your consumption data table. We can also help you make a rough estimate); and
5) propane: estimated gallons of propane per year;
6) other fossil fuel use: estimated gallons of propane per year; number of liters of gas per year for generators, boats, power tools, etc.
We found that doing our carbon footprint gave us great information about how to reduce emissions and still enjoy our lifestyle. It's a relief to know where we stand, and we welcome the opportunity to share the calculator with you.