Through the calculation of my carbon footprint, I have realized there is a lot more I could be doing to help the environment. At 2.652 tonnes of CO2 per year, my carbon footprint is relatively low, but I know that there are areas in which I can improve. I live out of province, so there is not much I can do to decrease my long distance travel, which accounts for 27.5%. I walk or bike everywhere on campus, and when I get the chance to venture out, I always use the bus.
I live in residence, and can’t control the carbon produced by the majority of the appliances I use, but I can help UBC to become more aware of how residences can decrease their carbon emissions and become more environmentally conscious.
While Place Vanier has an efficienct compost and recycling system, the UBC campus can work harder to provide locally grown and organic food. I recently attended a 100 mile dinner planned and cooked by a group of students in the Place Vanier, where every ingredient was grown within 100 miles. The food was delicious, and proved that it is possible to eat tasty, local food! Since food accounts for over 60% of my footprint, I believe this is an area in which the Vanier cafeteria can greatly improve.
Go beyond and calculate your own carbon footprint: http://www.go-beyond.ca/index