Econundrum: household conservation smackdown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free _Mother Jones Daily_. Q: If I could only choose one thing to do in my

lifetime to reduce my carbon footprint, what should it be? A: Switch out your bulbs. Insulate your house. Recycle. Cinderelly, Cinderelly. Frankly, it’s all a little overwhelming. Wouldn’t

it be great to know which personal conservation activities get you the most carbon-reducing bang for your buck? Researchers at Oregon State University calculated the lifetime impact of a few

popular ones. Here’s what they found: * Recycling newspaper, magazines, glass, plastic aluminum, and steel cans: 19 tons of CO2 saved * Replacing old refrigerator with energy-efficient

model: 21 tons saved * Replacing ten 75-w incandescent bulbs with 25-w Energy-efficient lights: 40 tons saved * Replace single-glazed windows with energy-efficient windows: 133 tons saved *

Reducing miles driven from 231 to 155 per week: 162 tons saved * Increasing car’s fuel economy from 20 to 30 mpg: 163 tons saved So: If you can’t afford to replace your fridge (or you’re

emotionally attached to your avocado green late ’70s model), drive 10 fewer miles a week. If you rent and can’t persuade your landlord to upgrade your windows, drive 62 fewer miles a week

(um, time to buy a bike). THE BOTTOM LINE: Keep recycling. Switch out those lightbulbs. But whatever you do, cut down on your car time, and if you must drive, do it in a fuel-efficient car.