1. By Seamus Sweeney http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/carbon- footprint-green.jpg

2.  Insulate your home-Make sure your windows close properly and insulate your attic. Also switch your incandescent bulbs out for compact fluorescent bulbs.  Put your water heater on vacation mode- When away for vacation turn put your water heater on vacation mode so it doesn’t use the energy it needs to keep the water piping-hot. http://www.greenandsave.com/utility_savings/gas/insula ted_attics_ceilings.html

3.  Unplug appliances- Unplug appliances that use energy when in standby mode like cell phone chargers, TVs, stereos, and laptops.  Use cold water- Not in the shower but when washing clothes that don’t need to be washed in warm or hot water.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle http://fusionclothing.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/reduce-reuse- recycle/

4.  Take direct flights- Whenever possible, take direct flights. Your impact is reduced and you don’t have to go through the hassle of changing planes.  Keep your car- Keeping your car until it doesn’t work anymore. Keeping it is better than even buying a hybrid because the footprint made while manufacturing the hybrid. Also use the bus, your bike, a train, or even walking when possible.  Group errands- This reduces how much gas you use by planning to do all of your errands in one general area.

5.  Buy organic and local- Buying organic and local when possible because it reduces the length of transportation. If it’s made locally it also probably means that it was made eco-friendly.  Notice packaging- Try to buy products with minimal packaging like tomatoes in a bag instead of in a plastic case. Also bring reusable bags to grocery stores. http://thegazette.com/tag/buy-fresh-buy-local/

6.  Window shop- Before actually purchasing something try browsing similar products first. This makes sure you really need something instead of impulse buying.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7zwrzEyzk A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7zwrzEyzk A

7. Works Cited Jefferson, Millie, producer, and Weekend America. "15 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint | Consumed | Sustainability Coverage From American Public Media." Sustainability Coverage From American Public Media. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Jan. 2012.. MLA formatting by BibMe.org.