Ten steps to make your life cooler!

Because every footprint matters...
The average American generates about 19 tons of carbon dioxide per year, while the average European generates only 10 tons. The average CO2 footprint per person on the African continent is less than 1/2 ton. Take the challenge and see if you can reach 10 tons this year or at least take a step or two in the right direction.

Be Local: Food should be LOADED with Goodness (Local, Organic, Affordable, Delicious, Elegant, and Delightful). The carbon footprint of food transport is significant. (1 pt.)

Be Efficient: Make your home more energy-efficient and save money. If homes were 25% more efficient, it would be equivalent to removing half the cars from the road. RisingSunEnergy.org will help you do this for free and even provide the labor and light bulbs. (2 pts.)

Be Deep: Sign up for 100% renewable energy through your local energy company. Here in Marin County, you can sign up for MCE's deep green energy program at https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/ or call 1-888-632-3674 and follow the prompts. Consider contacting the solar provider in your local community to see if you qualify for a payment plan for solar panels. (2 pts.)

Be Still: Air travel has a substantial carbon footprint, so flying less can significantly reduce your CO2 emissions and shrink your footprint. Fuel emissions amount to about 90 kg of CO2 per hour of flight time, which is roughly 2.5 tons round trip from SF to NYC per person. (2 pts per flight not taken.) If you have to fly, check out cooleffect.org for tax-deductible carbon offsets that increase biodiversity while drawing carbon out of the atmosphere.

Be Stylish: I am talking about cashmere pajamas. Turn the thermostat down and put on a sweater. Sweaters and slippers are the trendy new rage. (1 pt for every 3 degrees reduced.)

Be Conservative: Use less, fix things, lower the thermostat by a few degrees, reduce sprinkler time and frequency, take fewer trips. (1 pt for every 5 items.)

Be Hip: Have your next car be an electric car. Rebates of up to $7000+ are available, and you can drive in the fast lane. (4 pts.)

Be Adamant: Be a citizen, not a consumer, and demand environmental consideration in your purchases. Say NO to plastic containers, bags, and items that will turn into trash or storage bills later. (1 pt.)

Be Veg: Eating less meat is good for your heart, good for the planet, and of course, good for the cows. Every meat meal is equivalent to about a tank of gas (320 miles), unless it is grass-fed (see conservation farming). Foodprints (3 pts Vegan, 2 pts Vegetarian, or 1 pt no red meat).

Be Paperless: Pay bills online. Visit www.stopjunkmail.org or use the Paper Karma mobile app to mitigate your junk mail.

Verify that you use only 10 tons or less of CO2 per year, and we will send you a free Lifestyle journal and a certificate.
Taking Steps in the Right Direction

Future generations are depending on us to take precautionary steps to protect their climate. Every step we take is a step towards the trend and transition we need to make to protect our environment and health. If we live by example, people may follow. Help Cool Hive set the trend for a COOLER future by sharing your ideas or simply being as COOL as possible.