we just purchased carbon offsets for the truck we just bought. Had to buy a truck for the horses (can't trailer a horse with a Prius, can you now?) but bought the offsets at www.terrapass.com.

At least we feel like we're making a dent.

Happy to see that people who have to use a vehicle that burns a lot of gas are trying to make a dent by offsetting.

Virtual Applause!

Keep up the good work!

 

 

Today there is an article about  bills that are being announced in Washington to help control and monitor carbon dioxide. 599292dce4cf75b&hp=&ex=1169182800&adxnnl=1&partner=homepage&adxnnlx=1169132899-+bFQXEQr/XHmENIk4Yv+yg...

Obviously this is something we all really need to take seriously.  Thanks for posting a subject we all need to think more about.

 

It never occurred to me how much energy is wasted by leaving my various chargers plugged in when I'm not using them. So I have been making an effort to remember to unplug them all when they aren't charging up. It seems like a small thing, but I guess it is important to start somewhere. 

Is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy use. It was one of the first things I did when trying to reduce my carbon footprint. I walked all my apartment, looking at every electrical appliance, charger etc. and asked myself, "does that really need to be plugged in" Then started unplugging, I now have all of these appliances/chargers unplugged unless I use them: Toaster, Microwave (I know I know the clock won't have the right time, but there's one on my oven, do I really need two clocks) cell phone chargers, iPod Charger, PSP charger, lamps in rooms I do not use as often.

The next step I  took was switching to compact flourescent light bulbs

Just trying to do my part and Live The Change 

You are not the only one trying to make the switch.  Wal-mart is trying to turn-on consumers to use flourescent bulbs as well.  They are launching an initiative to put them into a least 100 million homes by the year 2008.  I have also been toying with the idea of switiching over but I don't know if I am ready to lose the "mood lighting" in my home. I hear they are a bit harsh.  Have you ever tried one?

The light from these flourescent bulbs is of a much different quality, it does feel/seem much different and takes a litte getting used to. The light does not feel as "rich" as it would from a regular lightbulb. But honestly, it's just light.

I wouldn't say the lights are harsh, if anything, they are a little dull, but then again I use lower watt bulbs. If I was using a higher watt bulb, I could imagine the flourescents being described as h harsh.

 

Has anyone tried higher watt flourescent lightbulbs?