Comments on: What’s Your Environmental Net Worth?

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Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:24:04 +0000

[...] Tyler at Frugally Green asks an intriguing question, What’s Your Environmental Net Worth? [...]

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[...] What’s Your Environmental Net Worth? @ Frugally Green [...]

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Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:41:47 +0000

[...] Tervooren presents What?s Your Environmental Net Worth? posted at Frugally Green, saying, “If you want to quickly take the pulse of your finances, [...]

By: Tyler

Tyler — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:33:41 +0000

Hey Aldra (#3),

You’re right, the tests aren’t at all “accurate.” Looking at how they group things, I don’t know if they were even intended to be. I think the purpose they serve is as a conversation starter – something to get you thinking about what you could do to improve. They’re based on conventions, so they’re unlikely to create a flattering score for people who approach sustainability from unconventional angles.

I think I’d like to try my hand some time at creating my own calculator. I’m such a details oriented person, though. I’m afraid I’d make it too complicated!

By: ConsciouslyFrugal

ConsciouslyFrugal — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:10:11 +0000

Me again! Here’s a link to the other test I mentioned. I took it again–my coffee and large portions equate 1.8 earths.

Oh, coffee and grub. How I love thee.

http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumerconsequences/

By: ConsciouslyFrugal

ConsciouslyFrugal — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:27:32 +0000

According to this site, my husband and I are at 13 tons collectively (2 tons more than the world average) and I’m at 5.5 tons individually (which is the world average). Yet according to another website, the earth would need 2.1 planets to sustain my lifestyle, simply because I put that I eat a lot (that “a lot” is organic and locally sourced for the most part). And the website you cited doesn’t allow the option of “zero” bedrooms. Some of us live in studio apartments!

So, I wonder about these tests. I think they give a decent gauge of where we could improve (my scores were drastically better once I started taking public transportation), but how could I be a world average on one and a typical American on another? Hmmmm…

By: Tyler

Tyler — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:18:14 +0000

Kevin, I’m in the same situation that you are. My little, old pick up is still running like a champ and I have no plans to replace it until it dies. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using something that still works. I’m actually trying to figure out how I can go car-less once it does die. That would be a really big step for me.

By: Kevin M

Kevin M — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:57:21 +0000

My estimate is 56 tons of CO2 per year vs. 80 on average. I know I could improve by driving a more fuel efficient car than my Jeep but it’s paid for so won’t be replaced until it dies. We’ve tried to make our new home as efficient as possible through new EnergyStar appliances, unplugging items not in use, etc but I’m sure there is more we could do. I just wish solar panels were cheaper!