To successfully combat climate change (induced by human activity) everyone on the face of the planet and in particular those living in North America and other developed countries MUST reduce their carbon footprint.  The average American has a carbon footprint 5 times the world average.  Bill Gates has an estimated footprint 10,000 times the average American.


You can eliminate your carbon footprint in two easy steps:  (1) become an old-order mennonite;  (2) plant enough trees to address any emissions generated while living a life of sacrifice as a mennonite.

Well perhaps these steps aren't so easy and presumably not palatable for most of us.  But at least I have your attention.
 

There are many green websites that provide common sense advice on CO2 emissions reduction;   ideas you can implement around your house, car or working environment.  These sites have lots of good information and you should definitely seek out and implement as many of the suggestions as possible.  Going Green For My Children doesn’t attempt to duplicate or consolidate these ideas but instead provides the following principles for guidance:

(1) Understand the big picture

• Understand the major contributors to your CO2 footprint.  Focus on reducing or eliminating these first.  It doesn’t make sense to micro-manage relatively small energy expenditures if there are large energy expenditures being ignored.
• Understand the total environmental impact (life cycle) of each product that you buy, not just the impact of product usage.  The life cycle includes the energy required to market, produce, ship and dispose of the product.

(2) Question Everything

• Most businesses are going green.  Unfortunately it is a different kind of green. Putting a green label on a product can be an excuse for charging outrageous prices.  There are different degrees of green and different opinions as to what green means.  Conduct your own independent research and make sure you are satisfied or don't buy.
• Your government leaders have their own political motives.  Scrutinize their promises and legislation.  If they propose something you don’t agree with then express your disapproval, either by writing, voting or becoming an activist if necessary.  Demand an environmental plan that makes sense.
  

(3) Improve continuously

• There is no magic solution or revolutionary invention.  Continuous improvement is the key to success.
• Set aside ten minutes every day to think about new ways to reduce your CO2 emissions. 
  
• Don't just think about new ideas but act on them as well.
  

 (4) Adapt your lifestyle

• Flying is one of the worst activities for carbon emissions.  Do you really need to take all those vacations?  Can you video conference instead of taking all those business trips?
• Buy local produce.  There is no sense in buying eco-friendly products that have been shipped half-way around the world.
• Maintain and drive your old car another 5 years instead of buying that new green car.  The relatively minor improvement in gas mileage for a green car does not justify the life cycle environmental cost of manufacture, shipping and disposing.
• Take the bus to work once in a while.  You might find it is not as inconvenient as you thought.
  

(5) Become involved

• Participate in community environmental efforts
• Make sure your voice is heard.  Write to newspapers, government leaders, give speeches, start a website.

By following these basic principles you will be a little closer to providing your children and grandchildren with the kind of future that you have.  Don't mortgage their futures for your (and everyone else's) selfish lifestyle.