SHELTER-IN-PLACE ALTERS HABITS AND CARBON FOOTPRINTS By Tom Crowell, Sustainability Consultant During this period of COVID-19 travel restrictions and social distancing, I, like many, have been enjoying a few lifestyle changes: a short commute from my bedroom to my home office; reconnecting with relatives I haven’t seen in years (while still keeping them at a safe distance); and spending less on dining out, gas, and shopping (reusing, renting and borrowing instead). An added environmental benefit is these changes reduced my carbon footprint by generating fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To understand more about this benefit I took a closer look and researched some of the measurement tools available online. The Carbon Footprint A carbon footprint measures the impact of an individual’s lifestyle and habits on atmospheric emissions. Carbon calculators are tools measuring emissions attributed to individual lifestyle actions. Using a calculator I found at coolclimate.org, I was able to identify opportunities to reduce and offset the GHGs specific to my activities and choices. Here are my results:
Recommended Carbon Calculators The carbon calculator I used (based on a number of journal recommendations) is available at coolclimate.org. This calculator has a nice interface, the interview questions are simple, and information to be input is readily accessible. The results are clear and the recommendations for actions are practical. I also liked footprintcalculator.org, which includes an ecological footprint tool and has a similar visual appeal. There are many on-line calculators to choose from. Each has a different set of inputs and assumptions and produces a variety of results. Some calculators are better for business, while others focus on specific activities, such as events or travel. For more information on how to reduce your footprint and the carbon footprint calculators I researched, including their assumptions and issues, click here. Also, look for my in-depth discussion of carbon calculators for business in the next issue of Green Matters in Jackson Hole. How will your footprint shift post-COVID-19? Perhaps we can take some lessons from the COVID-19 shelter-in-place/social-distancing lifestyle and continue the emissions reducing benefits. I encourage you to check your carbon footprint now, and again in the coming months, as your habits shift to summer and fall and post COVID-19. Challenge yourself to act on the tips provided and measure your success in reducing GHG emissions.
Additional information on greenhouse gases & climate: www.epa.gov/ghgemissions www.climate.gov AUTHOR BIO
Tips I received from the calculator include avoiding trips to see family on the East Coast and vacationing locally instead (with COVID-19 the staycation is more relevant than ever). I also recognized the benefit of sourcing locally produced foods available at the People’s and Farmer’s Markets, among others.
Tom volunteers for the Silicon Couloir TEAMs program, Senior Center, Grand Teton National Park, Riverwind Foundation, Teton County Bike Task Force, and Good Samaritan Mission. He holds an MS Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England/Teton Science Graduate Program and advises businesses on sustainability. Most recently, Tom has endeavored to eat more tofu and less meat to reduce his carbon footprint. For more information: twcrowell@comcast.net
9
