Global Warming and Your Carbon Footprint
The world’s climate scientists agree that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities—such as transportation, heating and cooling homes and buildings, and generating electricity—are changing our atmosphere and causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. This is called “global warming.”
The main cause of global warming is carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere when we burn fossil fuels including oil, gas, and coal. Your carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide you are adding to the atmosphere on a yearly basis. Every time you drive your car or turn on the lights, it is increasing your carbon footprint.
Wondering what carbon footprints and global warming have to do with your home? Well, did you know the average home produces more carbon dioxide than the average car! Though hard to believe, it’s easy to understand once you know that more than 50% of the electricity that runs our homes is generated by burning coal.
In fact, the average home requires more than five tons of coal per year to produce the electricity needed to power the lights, computers, air conditioners, and other appliances. Coal emits an enormous amount of greenhouse gases into the air. Add that to the natural gas or fuel oil that is burned to heat your home and that equates to tons of carbon dioxide. So, reducing energy use in your home lowers greenhouse gas emissions and reduces your carbon footprint.
The good news is whether your goal is to help fight global warming, make our country more energy independent, or simply to lower your utility bills, GreenHomes can make your home use less energy and help reduce your carbon footprint.
Want to know your carbon footprint? Click on the link below to find out!
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Innovations in Windows
Why You Need a Furnace Tune-Up - Safety and Savings
Most Homes Create More Pollution than a Car
Global Warming and Your Carbon Footprint
Generating Electricity at Home with Solar Panels
