Emitting the Global Average

I've been relatively dormant since my last post, but my efforts to be more sustainable have not let up. Many good things have happened to me, and I will be more than willing to share the results.

First, I sold my car and bought a bike. This was a HUGE decision for me, partly because I have always had immediate access to a vehicle. I remember when I was younger and I was totally into cars, and even as late as freshmen year in college I had a poster on my wall depicting all the various classic cars I wanted to have in my possession. I envied Jay Leno because I had heard he kept a garage full (thats an understatement, its more like a warehouse full) of classic cars. Then through college I gradually became more aware of the moral consequences of owning a car. Still I couldn't let myself give up that luxury. Last weekend, I gave up that luxury. While my decision was still half economical (owning a car was straining my already meager living stipend), I felt relieved that I no longer felt like a hypocrite. I felt relieved that I could finally walk the walk--that is, talk of sustainability, and also LIVE sustainability!

Since selling my car, I have already realized dramatic and somewhat comedic effects:
- I sleep much better at night
- My daily exercise has soared 200%
- Daily sun exposure to my pale skin has doubled
- I am genuinely happier
- I no longer feel direct effects of shifting oil prices

Now why have I titled this blog "Emitting the Global Average?" Since reading more and more about this global food crisis, I feel an obligation to be more considerate about the (hundreds of) millions of people who are less fortunate. The famous Gandhi quote comes to mind: "Live simply so others may simply live." I feel that a world more just, means we must all do our part to live simply. And there is a very practical, achievable goal that can ensure this. We can all choose to emit the global average. That means:

- Traveling less
- Eating lower on the pyramid
- Living in smaller places
- Biking/ Walking
- Buying less
- Using less services

One of the best carbon footprint calculators is offered by the Berkeley Institute for the Environment. Use it to gauge how much you emit compared to the global average, and then take the necessary steps to reduce your footprint. How committed are you?