Walking the Line

I recently realized that I am on my computer way too often.
I have prided myself ion not owning a TV for the last 10 years, yet now realize my computer has taken its place. Though I am a Master's student at the moment does not justify the immense reliance on this baby. I have started a user-responsibility declaration with myself. If I am beating myself over the head on sustainability, asking other people "Why are 'we' not more sustainable in our daily lives?" Well, then duh- that refers to me too. If I really want to pursue facilitating and promoting sustainability, then I better figure out how to walk the talk... and not just talk.

If you are wondering how to make small improvements in your daily energy use there are many online (of coarse) sources that help measure killowatts and carbon footprinting, as well as cost cutting advice on energy use.
Visit Michael Bluejay's site where you can calculate any appliance's kilowatt usage.

Simple personal goals and cost-cutting measures...

1. Try not to use the dryer- air dry my clothing
2. Aim to not use take away coffee- bring a cup with me
3. Always use my own shopping bag at the markets
4. Think about food- prepare my own food and chose wisely where I am buying food and who I am supporting
5. Unplug appliances when not in use
6. Regulate my 'need' and use of computer and electronic appliances... this should help me to pick up a book more
7. Use more candles at night and make more fires in the fireplace... it's more cozy and nice in winter anyway
8. Shop second hand more than retail when I 'need' something... there's more uniqueness in this anyway
9. Think about upcoming travel options. It's ok to fly on planes, but maybe it's better to take the train
10. Talk to as many people as I know about weighing options, choices and decisions on consumerism, climate change and sustainability

A Sustainable Cup of Coffee

What is behind a cup of coffee?

It's getting cooler and a little more rainy these days, which seems to instigate an increase in my coffee consumption. And of which makes me feel a necessity to look closer at what an increase in my consumption might mean behind the scenes. What type of business am I supporting? Is the supply chain sustainable or depleting to some population of people and place in the world? And even more, what is the quality of coffee I am putting in my body?
It's easy for me not to think of these questions when I am in the moment of craving my vice, but making a point of it now, will hopefully tattoo the importance of asking myself these questions for next time.

Simple things to think about:
Am I bringing my own cup?
Or, if I forgot and have to use a to-go, can it be composted? And if your in Sweden where theres great recycling- I can recycle the plastic top and cup.
Is the coffee Fair Trade, Organic, Ethically grown... 'eco-friendly'? Any of these improve the quality for yourself and the others that are part of the process.

Carbon Footprinting of a 'Cup of Coffee'
Quoted from Nature Next, Safety 1st
"Many activities leave a carbon footprint, but you can help shrink yours down.
The term “carbon footprint” is often used to talk about our impact on the planet, but many people are still a little confused about what it means. This article takes a brief look at the term and gives a few examples of things that can cause your footprint to grow larger. We also give some quick tips on how to reduce the size of your personal carbon footprint.

DEFINITION
A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a human or organization over a given period of time or for a given activity. It sounds simple enough, and may even have you thinking that your own carbon footprint must be small. After all, other than driving a car, what could you be doing that releases carbon dioxide? The answer is actually quite a lot!

Two examples of activities that cause a carbon footprint are buying a cup of coffee while you are out and making a cup of coffee at home. Let us reassure you, we do not expect anyone to stop drinking coffee! But this everyday drink can be used in two simple examples to show how a carbon footprint grows.

Going to the local coffee shop
Going to the local coffee shop involves getting a drink in a disposable cup. Seems harmless enough, but think about the energy that goes into getting that cup of coffee.
Carbon dioxide released during the drive to the shop.
Carbon dioxide released to make that disposable cup.
Carbon dioxide released transporting the cup and ingredients to the shop.
Carbon dioxide released making those ingredients into a delicious drink.

Before you wonder what sort of crazy coffee shop uses a fossil-fuel engine to make a cup of coffee, remember that the majority of electricity in the U.S. is produced by burning coal or other fossil fuels.
BOOM, your foot comes down hard onto the ground and there is your carbon footprint for the activity."

For the rest of this article go to- Carbon Footprinting