Ten steps to make your life cooler!

Because every footprint matters...

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

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

2. Be Efficient Make your home more energy efficient and save money. If homes were 25% more efficient it is the equivalent of half the cars being taken off the road. RisingSunEnergy.org will help you do this for free and even provide the labor and light bulbs. (2pts.)

3. 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. https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/ or call 1-888-632-3674 and follow the prompts. Consider calling the solar provider in your local community to see if you qualify for a payment plan for solar panels. (2pts.)

4. Be Still Air travel has a very big footprint so flying less can really reduce your CO2 emissions and shrink your footprint. Fuel emissions are about 90 kg CO2 per hour of flight time, basically 2.5 tons round trip from SF to NYC per person. (2pts 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.

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

6. Be Conservative Using less, fixing things, turning down the thermostat by a few degrees, reduce sprinkler time and frequency, take fewer trips. (1pt. for every 5 items.)

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

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

9. 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, 2pts.Vegetarian, or 1pt no red meat).

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

Verify that you only use 10 tons or less of CO2 a year and we will send you a free Lifestyle journal and a certificate.