A Cleaner Footprint
Don’t Do That / Do This
Whether you’re pursuing a degree, launching a business, or planning a wedding: once you start, it’s easier to keep moving forward than to change direction, even if shifting course is the right thing to do. The same holds true for US energy use. “We went down the wrong path,” says Peter Fox-Penner, a professor of practice and the director of BU’s Institute for Sustainable Energy. Our power grid is driven by fossil fuels and our transportation system relies on inefficient vehicles. Fox-Penner previously led the Brattle Group, advising major power companies and government agencies, and was principal deputy assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy at the Department of Energy during the Clinton administration. Since it takes experts like Fox-Penner years to redesign cities and electric power systems, individuals often feel powerless to reduce their carbon footprint in the meantime. We just keep hurtling down the road of least resistance—in our gas-guzzling cars.
Don’t do that Every year, each of us uses about 25,300 gallons of water, goes through 650 pounds of paper, and tosses 500 disposable cups. We keep about 40 household appliances constantly plugged in. We’ve all heard simple tips for reducing our carbon footprint—take shorter showers, use reusable cups, unplug power cords—but not enough of us are acting on them.
Do this Our impact is greater than we think, Fox-Penner says. By making small changes to our routines, we can inspire big changes in our communities. If we pack the buses, for example, our city may add to its fleet, making public transportation more convenient. Crowded bike paths beget more bike paths. “The only way to solve the climate challenge is for everybody to do as much as they can, as soon as they can,” Fox-Penner says. “That’s the only path.”
