Carbon Footprint calculation high!?

Question

my carbon footprint calculation on yahoo green was 243.7 tons CO2/year for my household where as the average is 9.44 CO2/year.

I guess it's from all the flying we do. How could we lower this number. Problem is I need to fly alot. And the majority (202.5 CO2/year) was from flying.

Answer 1

I'd say it's up to the aircraft builders to start building eco-friendly aircrafts... And I'd guess it's up to the governments to help finance the aircraft and car builders who are willing to make the change.

If you make sure to do the things you can do, like isolating your home greatly, leave your car at home when possible, ban your bulbs and use CFLs, install a solar water heater and solar panels, etc... I'm sure you do your part.

Answer 2

I haven't found the online calculators too reliable.  I got a wide range of scores from various sites.  They don't ask enough questions to be accurate.  Most are sponsored by a program trying to sell you offset credits.  Check out more than one to get a rough idea.  

You can look into buying offset credits when you fly but know that many of the plans are very flawed.

Recycle, reuse, change light bulbs, drive less (walk, bike, mass transit, plan errands and routes better), turn off / unplug things. Check out sites like treehugger, ecologue, and eartheasy for the basic tips.

Answer 3

Take a look at the questions asked, it should be obvious which answer would leave a smaller foot print. Try to adopt some new practices that will decrease your foot print.

Buying organic and locally grown produce. Adjusting your thermostat by a couple degrees. Recycle more. Makeing your home more energy efficient. Driving a more fuel efficient car and driving less. Using natural cleaning and beauty products. Buying sustainable furniture, and organic clothes. All these things help reduce our impact on the earth.

Answer 4

well going solar on your house saving money on gas taking the bus will help

Answer 5

yup, flying is a huge contributor. one or two trips a year is probably half of most peoples C footprint