ENV 101 Week 5 Discussion

ENV 101 Week 5 Discussion | Southern New Hampshire University

5-1 Discussion: How Much Energy Do You Use?

Calculate how much energy you use each year. Begin by calculating your total annual CO2 emissions (in lbs.) using the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Household Carbon Footprint Calculator. Place approximate values for Your Current Emissions from Home Energy, Transportation and Waste. As you input information for each section, you can review Your Carbon Footprint report and note your total annual carbon emissions (lbs.)

Note: If you do not have easy access to your utility bills, the EPA calculator provides estimates for the average consumption per person. See the (i) icons next to each energy source and use this as an estimate for calculating your approximate energy consumption.

In your initial post, share your total carbon footprint (in lbs. of CO2) and compare it against the U.S. Average for a similar household in your zip code.

Once you have completed your calculations, develop a solution that you can implement to reduce your carbon emissions. You can explore potential solutions within the Reduce Your Emissions section of the Household Carbon Footprint Calculator. Discuss some cost considerations involved, including potential costs involved in implementing the solutions you explored to reduce your carbon footprint. Assuming your neighbors use the same amount of energy as you, discuss the potential environmental consequences to your community if a solution is not implemented.

In your response posts, recommend two alternative solutions that your peers could use to reduce their energy use. Consider the cost of implementing the solutions, the cost savings, and the impact on the environment in your suggestions.