Blue Sky Shining

News outlets, websites and documentaries are spreading the word about carbon footprints and saving energy. It’s pretty easy these days to get advice on how to live a little greener. This is great, but I already have the warm and fuzzies from helping mother earth. I want to see the bottom line too. Exactly how many pounds of carbon will I reduce and how much moola will I save if I do X or not do Y?

Minnesota residents can get the facts by taking the Minnesota Energy Challenge. I like this program for a number of reasons.

• It adds accountability by asking you to commit to concrete actions.
• It builds community by grouping the results of your efforts with a city, neighborhood, church, school, business or other organizations of your choice.
• It shows the benefits of your current actions.

My current annual household co2 emissions are 28,168 pounds at an energy cost of $2,193. Based on my new commitments, I will save $191 and reduce my co2 output by 1770 pounds annually.

I invite my fellow Minnesotans to join the challenge. What are your results?

Additional Resources:

• EPA’s Personal Emissions Calculator - includes home energy, transportation and waste
• Offset Your Emissions - learn how to offset the emissions that you do produce