How are carbon emissions during food production generated?

When I think of activities that I do regularly that emit carbon (driving, heating a house), eating food is certainly at the top of the list. It’s something I do every day, by necessity, and it’s by far the most frequent kind of shopping I do. Numerous studies have suggested that making dietary changes is … Continue reading How are carbon emissions during food production generated?

Three Ways You Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint when Imbibing Alcohol

Laura, setting a good example for all us by drinking wine from a can! Participating in the modern economy is tough… As I’ve been doing research for this blog, more and more I’ve come to the conclusion that unfortunately, to be a human in the modern world is to create carbon emissions, many of which … Continue reading Three Ways You Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint when Imbibing Alcohol

What’s the carbon impact of your La Croix hobby?

The SodaStream in its new home. Summer is coming!! (Sorry for you Game of Thrones people- no more of these “winter is coming” shenanigans, summer is the glory time of Seattle, and I’m all over it.) That beautiful warm weather (hopefully) means more time sitting outside, sipping a refreshing beverage and staying cool. If I … Continue reading What’s the carbon impact of your La Croix hobby?

What’s the environmental impact of vegan substitutes?

Sampling the vegan burger at Beyond Burgers in a local Whole Foods store. It was pretty good, but didn't quite hit all the beefy notes I was hoping for. The sweet potato fries were great though. 🙂 Of the things I buy regularly, food (whether groceries or eating out) is absolutely my most frequent purchase. … Continue reading What’s the environmental impact of vegan substitutes?

Convenience and consternation: what’s the environmental impact of Amazon shipping?

An Amazon Prime package, observed in its wild habitat. Seattleites have a wildly conflicted relationship with Amazon. We (like most of the country) love Amazon for bringing any product we can dream of straight to our doorsteps. And Amazon has undeniably brought thousands of jobs to the city. But, there’s always a flip side: while … Continue reading Convenience and consternation: what’s the environmental impact of Amazon shipping?

Home away from home: What is the carbon impact of staying at an Airbnb versus a hotel?

The Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. Traveling is one of life’s great pleasures. It allows us to explore different cultures, connect with people for work and lets us visit friends and family. The downside is that travel is also carbon intensive; from flights, to ground transportation and hotel stays, these activities have significant environmental impacts … Continue reading Home away from home: What is the carbon impact of staying at an Airbnb versus a hotel?

Electrify Me! Should I get an electric car?

Transportation emissions are a major contributor to total global greenhouse gas emissions; in 2016, emissions from transportation comprised 28% of US CO2 emissions, and just over 20% of global carbon emissions. While some of these emissions of course come from transportation of goods that we can’t control, a large proportion of them come from individual … Continue reading Electrify Me! Should I get an electric car?

What is the carbon impact of skiing and other snow sports?

I love skiing; it’s one of my favorite ways to be outside. Checking on snow conditions also makes me highly attuned to the levels of snow in the mountains I visit, and extra aware of the consistent decrease year over year in snowpack and skiing conditions. I’ve also worried about the climate impacts of being … Continue reading What is the carbon impact of skiing and other snow sports?