An Edmonton family commits to reducing its carbon footprint!
Carbon Busters and CTV News teamed up to challenge a local family to see what they could do to reduce their carbon footprint in just 30 days. The results aired on CTV News in Edmonton on December 13th, 2007.
Their initial carbon footprint:
26.3 Tonnes
Using ideas from the Carbon Buster’s Home Energy Handbook, Godo Stoyke, author of the book and green consultant, went in and made suggestions for changes the family can use to reduce their carbon footprint and save money.
Thirty days later Dawn McCory and her family were able to show an 84% reduction of the family’s carbon footprint, saving $500.00. This included the costs of investing in greener technologies and the cost of the carbon credits.
Changes undertaken:
- switching their electric utility carbon emissions to zero by changing to a green power producer. Examples available in Alberta include:
Enmax Greenmax: https://www.enmax.com/Energy/Res/Go+Green/Greenmax.htm
Bullfrog Power: www.bullfrogpower.com
- reducing the carbon footprint from their vehicles by purchasing carbon-offset credits. Examples available in Alberta include:
Terrapass: http://www.terrapass.com/
- To reduce their natural gas usage, they put an insulation jacket over their hot water heater and put plastic over their windows.
- To reduce their electricity usage, they put their televisions on power bars to get rid of vampire power draw and replaced incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones.
Their carbon footprint just 30 days later:
4.3 Tonnes
Well done Dawn and Brad McCory!
