Products and Practices

While exploring ways to find a greener environment, many of us hear new terms relative to our search. Sustainability, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), means "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Good sustainable practices integrate the environment, the economy, and the social system.

One area linked to the environmental aspect of sustainability that has received a lot of attention is reducing our carbon footprint. According to the website www.carbonfootprint.com, a carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular, climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating, and transportation, for example. Each of us has a carbon footprint that can be divided into two categories.

Our primary carbon footprint includes direct emissions from domestic energy use such as using a dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, air conditioner as well as daily transportation issues.

Our secondary carbon footprint is a result of our buying habits. For example, do we buy when we could reuse? Do we pay attention to how much packaging the product has? How far did the product have to travel to get to us? Are we conscious of recycling whenever and whatever we can? Visit www.carbonfootprint.com to calculate your carbon footprint and get ideas for making improvements.

What can do you as you go about the activities of your daily life that will make a difference?
How much do the choices we make affect the environment? How can you become more mindful of the products you use and the practices you choose?