QandAs: Buzz

How do I reduce my carbon footprint?

Answer:
The burning of fossil fuels is the most harmful

part of your carbon footprint, and it's directly tied to the growing crisis known as global warming. There are a lot of things you should be doing to reduce your carbon footprint.

To reduce your carbon footprint, it's important to reduce your reliance on transportation. Walk when you can. Don't drive a few blocks when it's possible to go on foot. During the holidays, if long-distance travel is necessary, take a bus, train or drive. Air travel is the biggest offender when it comes to fossil fuel consumption. If you're not carpooling yet, what's stopping you? This is a huge energy saver.

You should also reduce your use of gas. Renewable forms of energy are now available that do not create the same devastating effect as gas.

Save your hot water! Wash your dishes in cold water and help save the environment. If you want hot water, go solar! Solar water heating may cost a lot upfront, but over time you'll reduce your gas bill by as much as 70% each year. Not to mention the relief you'll be giving to the environment.

Avoid buying products that fill the landfills - and the environment - with plastic bottles and other materials that take decades to decompose. America has the safest tap water in the world, and most bottled water is actually tap water any way, so who are you kidding? Turn on the tap and drink.

Don't buy what you can grow yourself. Did you know that planting an apple tree not only provides you with great fresh fruit, but it also reduces carbon dioxide AND emits oxygenated air. That's the trifecta of social responsibility.

It's become increasingly clear that we must all do our part if we are going to reverse the terrible global warming trend that, if left unchecked, will dramatically change our world. Some experts say it's already too late, and that each day we fail to take responsibility is another day closer to a world none of us want.

Do your part. Calculate your carbon footprint today - and do everything you can to reduce it.