Electric Car Engines

<body bgcolor="#ffffff"> <p>Electric Car Engines<br /> <br /> <br /> Title: Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint<br /> <br /> Author: Beverly Saltonstall<br /> <br /> Article:<br /> The term carbon footprint is showing up in the media more and<br /> more these days, but few people understand its significance.<br /> <br /> Everyone, from individuals, factories and even countries leave a<br /> carbon footprint. This is simply the amount of carbon dioxide<br /> that each person emits going about their daily activities. When<br /> thinking of pollution, many people bring to mind the huge gas<br /> belching industries that spew toxic chemicals into the<br /> atmosphere. In reality, each and every one of us is contributing<br /> to the buildup of carbon dioxide which is a major factor in the<br /> problem of global warming.<br /> <br /> It doesn't matter what you believe is the cause of global<br /> warming, there is indisputable evidence that the carbon dioxide<br /> we are emitting from our everyday activities is contributing to<br /> global warming. We must look seriously at our own personal<br /> carbon footprint and make changes that can reduce our impact on<br /> global warming.<br /> <br /> Carbon Footprints<br /> <br /> Simply put, your carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse<br /> gasses that you are adding to the planet, and these greenhouse<br /> gasses are made up of two parts.<br /> <br /> Our primary footprint is the carbon dioxide that is emitted by<br /> burning fossil fuels. These are emissions from things that we<br /> have direct control over, such as our cars and electricity usage.<br /> <br /> Our secondary footprint is the emissions from the whole life<br /> cycle of products we consume. These are emission generated by<br /> the manufacturing process and eventual breakdown of that<br /> product. Simply put, the more manufactured products we use, the<br /> more emissions are produced in our behalf.<br /> <br /> How Do You Measure Your Carbon Footprint?<br /> <br /> A Google search of the term "carbon footprint calculator" will<br /> generate many websites that will help you calculate your carbon<br /> footprint. Simple calculators ask things like what type car you<br /> drive, how many miles you drive and what type home you occupy.<br /> Others are more sophisticated and go into more depth as to your<br /> actual energy consumption. These calculators will give you an<br /> estimate of how may tons of carbon dioxide you are putting into<br /> the atmosphere.<br /> <br /> Lowering Your Personal Carbon Footprint<br /> <br /> As we are becoming more environmentally conscious, we are<br /> looking for ways to reduce our levels for ways to reduce our<br /> levels of greenhouse gasses. There are thousands of ways to do<br /> this, some very simple and others that would require a<br /> substantial effort on our part. The fact of the matter is that<br /> we all need to be aware of the critical need to reduce these<br /> greenhouse gasses today.<br /> <br /> Automobiles and Your Carbon Footprint<br /> <br /> Automobile usage is a huge producer of greenhouse gasses. It is<br /> a major contributor to global warming and one over which an<br /> individual has the most control. Planning your errands,<br /> carpooling, using mass transportation, bicycles and your own two<br /> feet are the easiest changes to consider. Keeping your<br /> automobile in peak running condition, keeping tires properly<br /> inflated, learning to drive economically and using biofuels when<br /> applicable also reduce carbon emissions. If a new car is in your<br /> future, a hybrid car or at leas a more fuel efficient car should<br /> be considered.<br /> <br /> Household Utilities<br /> <br /> For years we have heard how a few degrees change in the<br /> thermostat setting of our heating and air conditioning units can<br /> affect our electric bill. Now that concept becomes critical,<br /> because the more electric you use, the higher your carbon<br /> footprint. Use of new Star Energy compliant appliances should be<br /> considered when purchasing new appliances.<br /> <br /> Another energy saver is to turn off appliances when not in use.<br /> Many appliances and chargers have "standby modes" which consume<br /> huge amounts of energy even when turned off.<br /> <br /> Switching to Compact Fluorescent Lamps(CFL) bulbs can result in<br /> significant savings in money and energy. These bulbs have a<br /> higher initial cost, but they last longer and use significantly<br /> less energy.<br /> <br /> Dishwashers, washing machines and dryers need to be used at peak<br /> efficiency. Always use them with a full load, and when possible,<br /> hang clothes out to dry. The wind is a renewable energy source.<br /> <br /> Shopping to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.<br /> <br /> Drinking bottled water has become fashionable in recent years<br /> and has also become a significant source of pollution. The<br /> manufacturing, packaging, transportation and disposal of empty<br /> bottles is an ecological nightmare. A simple household filter<br /> and reusable containers are great ways to offset your carbon<br /> footprint when it comes to plastic bottles.<br /> <br /> Shop local. Buying foods and vegetables at local markets offset<br /> the huge transportation costs, and fossil fuel consumption<br /> related to food production. Buying broccoli from a local farmer<br /> is environmentally more friendly than purchasing it from a<br /> farmer thousands of miles away, and it is fresher. While you are<br /> at the store, you are using reusable grocery bags instead of<br /> plastic-aren't you?<br /> <br /> Carbon Offsets<br /> <br /> Another emerging way to help reduce your carbon footprint is<br /> carbon offsets or carbon credits. Unless you live a Spartan life<br /> in the north woods, you will always have a carbon footprint.<br /> After calculating your carbon footprint, you can find companies<br /> in the fields of renewable energy, reforestation and wind energy<br /> that, for a donation, will provide you with an opportunity to<br /> offset your carbon load. These companies are developing<br /> technologies that lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and<br /> reduce pollution impacts.<br /> <br /> The fact remains that we must take steps to reduce the amount of<br /> pollution we are dumping on our planet. As individuals, we have<br /> the power to make a difference. We only need to reevaluate our<br /> own lives and make changes that will benefit our planet.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> About the author:<br /> Beverly Saltonstall writes environmental articles and has<br /> websites related to environmental issues.<br /> Http://sustainable-development-forecast deals with various<br /> energy sources and how to use them wisely, and<br /> http://pollutionwebsite.com deals with how to make changes in<br /> our lives that will make a significant impact in the fight to<br /> reverse global warming. This article may be used with proper<br /> credit the author.</p> </body>