How to Lower Your Carbon Footprint
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by: JerryD. | Total views: 87 | Word Count: 587
The number of pounds of carbon dioxide each individual generates a year is astounding; in the United States the average is 15,000 pounds. This number takes into account the amount carbon dioxide produced when the products and services we use are produced, the fuel we use to travel and the amount of energy we use in our homes. It is however possible to reduce and eliminate this number and live a "carbon neutral" life. Reducing our "carbon footprint" is an important step towards clean Texas energy sources.
Texans could begin lessening the carbon footprint through more efficient energy use. This entails people living their life while using lower amounts of energy. Some ways to go about this:
Switch to appliances and light bulbs that use energy at a more efficient rate. These kinds of light bulbs have been known to save more than 100 pounds of the carbon dioxide in just one year.
Stopping the use of so much hot water. Homeowners can get efficient energy using water heaters, reduced flow type shower heads, and do the laundry with cold water. This can lessen the carbon dioxide amount by about 300 pounds.
When people recycle it helps to lower carbon dioxide emissions by about 2,500 pounds. If one is not readily available begin a program for recycling.
Planting trees can reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by about one ton for each tree planted. The trees not only absorb carbon dioxide, they provide wind breaks to keep buildings warm in the winter and shade to keep them cooler in the hotter months.
Another way of achieving the objective of cleaner Texas energy resources includes changing to a renewable type of energy as in the wind power or solar power. Texas and the oil industry have always been thought of together. The state is starting to explore new sources of energy since the supply in fossil fuels is dwindling so much that since 1972 Texas' oil production has decreased by 73%. Texas has enough clean and renewable energy resources, that can supply more than the sustainable energy that the fossil fuels supplied. This possibility for the clean energy for Texas is based around the geothermal, solar power, biomass, and wind renewable energy resources.
Wind power is considered sustainable and cost effective and is perfect as a clean Texas energy source. Texas has the potential to produce enough energy from wind to be self reliant. Calculations also show an overflow of wind power, this excess can be sold within the region.
Texas is situated just right for solar power. The long, nice, sunny days make it easy to collect the solar energy. Rewards are reaped from whatever the investment it takes to do this.
With fossil oil reserves diminishing, Texas has many wells that are abandoned. These can be refitted for geothermal energy production. This is just another way to move closer to cleaner Texas energy and away from the use of fossil fuel.
Waste given off from landfills and agricultural processes can be converted into biomass energy. Numerous vehicles in various of the Texas cities and towns are powered by biodiesel in the fight to reduce the city's or town's carbon footprint.
Purchasing green power at the individual, city or government level can lead to widespread use of clean Texas energy. Texans can reduce their carbon foot print by building small scale renewable energy sources suitable for businesses or homes. The parts are affordable with wind and solar energy kits readily available. Individuals can also invest money in companies that sell, research and manufacture parts related to clean energy.
About the Author
Author: J. Dyess has been in the Texas Electricity business segment for the past 7 years and published many articles on Texas Electric news.
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