Reducing Your Home's Carbon Footprint

Did you know that one of the main sources of greenhouse gases comes from our homes? "The term 'carbon footprint' is used to describe the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere each year by a person, household, building, organization or company," says Cathy Milbourn, a spokeswoman for the Federal Environmental Agency (FEA).Awareness Comes Before Change

By nature, we are creatures of habit and before we will make the necessary changes that contribute to the solution, we need to be made aware of how much we are contributing to the problem. Living greener means living smarter and with increased awareness and a little guidance we can all create a greener way of life.

According to Eric Carlson, executive director of Carbonfund.org, "40 percent of carbon emissions come from our homes. The three main sources of greenhouse gas emissions that come from our homes are electricity and heating use and waste (landfill emissions). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) the average carbon footprint for a household in the U.S. is a startling 41,500 pounds a year. Upgrading Inefficient Systems in Your Home

We can start reducing carbon levels by upgrading inefficient systems in our homes. When we reduce our energy usage, we reduce our energy costs as well as our carbon footprint. According to Consumer Reports, replacing an inefficient hot-water heater with a more energy-efficient one can reduce annual carbon-dioxide emissions by as much as 3,285 lbs. - not to mention energy costs by as much as $263 per year. Even the simple act of lowering the temperature of your thermostat by 5 degrees for eight hours and 10 degrees while you're not home can save 3,150 lbs in carbon emissions and as much as $252 in energy expenses per year.Do-it-yourself Home Energy Usage Audit

One of the ways you can start reducing energy expenses and carbon levels is to do a homeenergy audit by comparing your Charlotte, NC home's energy efficiency to similar homes across the country. You can go to energystar.gov and use their "Energy Star Yardstick" calculator. You will need to provide some basic information such as square footage, zip code and how many people live in the home. You will also need your utility bills for the past 12 months or you can contact your utility companies and request a 12-month summary.Everyday Household Carbon Culprits

Appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, gas and electric grills, fans, radios, TVs, lights, gas and electric fireplaces, computers and all the other conveniences we use everyday add to carbon levels and increase our carbon footprint. We can reduce carbon levels by choosing to buy appliances with the E.P.A. Energy Star label. Enesta Jones, a spokeswoman for E.P.A. says that "Energy Star clothes washers are at least 25 percent more efficient than the standard product and meet water efficiency requirements, which also helps save energy." You can find a list of Energy Star products for your Charlotte, NC home by going to "products" at energystar.gov.