On line EPA carbon footprint calculator

[Kaleva]

According to the results I got, the footprint for my household of one is 1485 lbs of CO2 per year ( a rough ballpark figure) which is way below average. The site gives some tips on how to reduce costs and use energy more efficiently so I thought it would apply here.

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/ind-calculator.html#c=waste&p=reduceOnTheRoad&m=calc_instructions

[Curmudgeoness]

1. I will have to try this when I can gather my electric and gas bills together.

Does it account for all the trees I have that remove carbon from the environment? I have humungous trees on my property that might take more carbon out of the atmosphere than I put in.

I'll check back when I get the bills together.

[Curmudgeoness]

2. How did you get such a low number?

I came out with 20,959, and the average was 20,750 for a household of one. I can somewhat see this since I have a house, instead of an apartment, and that house is an old one. I have to drive a long way to work daily and there is nothing I can do about it. I live in the north, so winters are cold. But I don't have air conditioning, I use all cfl bulbs, I have thermal windows.

So how do you have 1,485?????

[Kaleva]

3. I don't have a car

I'll run it again with the assumption I do have a vehicle and I drive it about 18,000 miles a year which is the average annual mileage for my sex and age group.

Edit: Having one vehicle, driving it 18,000 miles a year and getting 20 miles to the gallon shot my CO2 emmissions up to 50,948 lbs. per year.

My average monthly electric bill since I moved here earlier this year is $44 a month. My highest monthly gas bill so far has been $19 and that's the amount I entered. I won't know my true monthly averages for both until next June or so.

[Curmudgeoness]

4. Ah, it is that pesky commute that got me!

I actually used the average usage from my utility bills, so I knew that was good. I didn't realize how much the car put on the footprint. If you live where you have to use gas to heat, I am sure your bills will be higher....mine are really low in the summer too.

But still, good for you.

[Starboard Tack]

5. That is truly amazing. Congratulations!

I thought we were doing pretty well, but not as well as you. Our score was 8,314 (4,157 each) for a household of 2. That includes a Prius, which we drive an average of 6,000 miles a year.
Time for us to add a wind generator.