How Low-Carbon Can You Go?
The U.S. emits five times more CO2 per capita than the rest of the world’s average. Lately, I’ve been feeling frustrated about my share in this heavyweight status. I don’t live in an urban location (Poulsbo, Washington, about a one-hour drive and ferry ride from Seattle), and since the bus stop (and the actual town) is still about 7 miles from my house, this forces me to drive almost daily. Leaving the car at home just isn’t a viable option.
So I was eager to read what writer (and former Tidepool publisher) Seth Zuckerman had to say in an article in this month's Sierra Magazine about his effort to define and follow a “Low-Carbon Diet." Here’s the question he raises:
…Morocco and Indonesia emit only as much carbon dioxide per capita as Earth can absorb--and they're hardly known for their high standard of living. Is impoverishment the only way to bring our carbon bender under control?
