getting around
Walking the walk. As in no driving. Or flying. Or even taking a train.
August 5, 2009
Like many of us, writer Colin Beavan was frustrated by the slow political response to the threat of climate change. (Can that pace still be referred to as “glacial”?) Unlike the rest of us, he decided to take matters into his own hands by becoming No Impact Man. No Impact Family, actually: “For one year, my wife, my 2-year-old daughter, my dog and I, while living in the middle of New York City, are attempting to live without making any net impact on the environment. In other words, no trash, no carbon emissions, no toxins in the water, no elevators, no subway, no products in packaging, no plastics, no air conditioning, no TV, no toilets. . . .” Not even caffeine. The experiment began in November, 2006, and you can find out how it went on Beavan’s No Impact Man blog. Or see the movie, which got a standing ovation at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Either way, you’ll be entertained and learn a lot — not just about genuinely effective ways to reduce our carbon footprint, but about the ripple effect that one person’s radical act can set into motion.
How’s your math?
June 10, 2009
One whole wall of the Climate Change exhibition is devoted to the Multiplier Effect: an interactive display that shows how individual actions can combine to make a real dent in our carbon footprint. What kind of change makes the most sense for the way you live? What if you drove less? Or planted a tree, or changed to energy-efficient light bulbs? What would happen to CO2 levels if more people joined you? Even more? Have fun with this cool interactive and find out the answers.
seeing changes up north
Submitted by Louise from Stamford, CTOn November 20, 2008 - 15:01
I have decreased my use of fossil fuels by buying a hybrid car and planning my trips around town. I am currently in Churchill, Manitoba, participating in an Earthwatch study that is examining plant growth on the tundra. The treeline up here is changing, and climate change could be a factor.
so many changes!
Submitted by Monica from Roslyn Heights, NYOn October 13, 2008 - 23:31
I've made so many changes and I keep finding more that I want to change. I've changed almost all the bulbs in my home to CFLs and that included investing in some inexpensive switches to replace dimmer switches. I've also started unplugging electronics that are not in use. These two actions brought my electric bill down 25%. Good for the earth and my pocket!
the weather in Germany seems to be changing
Submitted by Petra from Wiesbaden, HE, deOn October 13, 2008 - 23:14
How is climate change affecting you? I realized that the summer started earlier than the last years and therefore, fall started earlier too. It was very warm in April and May but then in June/July was it not so warm anymore (normally it is the opposite).
Have you changed your light bulbs? Yes, we use the good light bulbs and we do not have too many lights on. When we leave the room than we turn off the light.
Making changes at home, mostly
Submitted by Erin from New Orleans, LAOn October 13, 2008 - 23:14
I am recycling as much as I can at home. I donate my family’s used goods to organizations that need them. I am trying to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible by buying things in bulk (requires less packaging) when possible.
Have you changed your light bulbs? Yes, most of our lights are CFL’s.
Your driving habits? I drive a more fuel-efficient car and plan errands according to my location.
Your vacation plans? Not really.
Many things about my life have changed
Submitted by John from Holbrook, NYOn October 13, 2008 - 23:12
How has climate change effected me? A great deal. I spent this July studying the "Estimation of Primary Productivity and Particle Export Rates as a Function of Phytoplankton Community Structure in the Bering Sea." I was awarded a grant by the ARMADA project, funded by the NSF. I spoke to scientists first hand about the effects of global climate change and the anthropogenic causes.
RESULT
Here's an answer from out in the Heartland
Submitted by Beth from Springfield, ILOn October 13, 2008 - 23:10
My family and I are trying to do everything we can to live as "green" as possible. We live in a city of 110,000 people and have a small house and small yard. We have a backyard garden, which we hope to enlarge next year. We compost. We recycle everything that we can - the usual, but even batteries and fluorescent bulbs are saved for our region's hazardous waste day, held very two years. I am proud that for a three person household we only need one trash can each week. I would love to get it down to 1/2 a can.
