You would have to live under a rock to not be familiar with the terms “global warming” or “climate change.” But what exactly do these terms mean? It is hard, sometimes, to believe in global warming when it is -40 out and you are looking at feet of snow. Not really understanding how these concepts work can make it easy to dismiss them.

Our earth is kept at the perfect temperature of 59 degrees. Naturally forming greenhouse gases have done an excellent job at maintaining this temperature in the past. Earth has a very thin coating that allows the sunrays to come through. A small percentage of the rays are bounced back by the earth’s atmosphere, while the majority exits the earth’s atmosphere. This small amount of sun gives us a planet that is not too hot or too cold. But, the earth has a very fragile atmosphere that we have been drastically changing by adding huge amounts of our own greenhouse gases. These gases trap more of the sun’s rays and have warmed our earth to a dangerous point.

You may be wondering what the problem is: A warmer planet means warmer weather right? No!  The ocean temperatures are rising which means a rise in devastating hurricanes that can not only hammer the southern US but also the east coast of Canada. Hurricane Juan roared towards the Maritimes in September 2003 over the Atlantic Ocean, an ocean that was only a few degrees warmer than normal. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina came very close to destroying a major US city, a city that is still struggling to rebuild. Global warming means that devastating hurricanes will increase in frequency and strength. Hurricanes are fed by warm ocean water and loose strength over cooler water. As the ocean temperatures around the earth rises, hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are being provided a huge energy boost.

There is also the problem of drought. Areas of the Canadian Prairies have experienced drought conditions for several years now. Vast regions of the United States have also experience prolonged drought conditions. Lake Chad in Africa has basically disappeared from the planet. There have been predictions that much of the southern hemisphere will face drought and food shortage, leading to a mass migration of people to the northern hemisphere. Another world war has been a possible dire prediction as food and water shortages grow, a “prediction” that is already happening on a smaller scale in Darfur, Africa (the area where Lake Chad used to be).

It is no longer possible to ignore the damage we are doing to our planet or the effects on all of its inhabitants. Ignoring this problem will not make it go away. It is not about saving our planet! Earth has survived for millions of years and has natural ways to fix climate change (i.e. Ice Age). It is just a question of whether or not the human species survives these natural and man-made climate changes. The earth will be fine, but will we?

It takes a village to raise a child. But, can a village change the world or save the plant? That is exactly what the village of Eden Mills, Ontario, is trying to do. Eden Mills, located near Guelph and only a short drive from Toronto, is a village of only 350 people and 150 households that are determined to make a difference. A long history of community spirit as well as volunteerism makes this village special.  Eden Mills is on the road to becoming the first carbon neutral village in North America. How does a village become carbon neutral? I was intrigued and had to find out more. If a village can become carbon neutral, then certainly, so can I!

The village of Ashton Hayes in England has served as the inspiration for Eden Mills. Ashton Hayes is a small village of 1000 in the English countryside on the edge of the Cheshire Plains. This village is like many other typical villages scattered around the countryside; however, this village began an eco-journey in January 2006. Ashton Hayes teamed up with the University of Chester with the goal of becoming England’s first carbon neutral village. Since 2006, when the village started their green journey, emissions in Ashton Hayes have been cut by 21%. A major discovery has been that trees are very helpful in filtering carbon out of the air. Nothing new here: we all know that plants are natures air purifiers. But Ashton Hayes, with the help of the university, has taken a much more scientific approach. Trees are only effective for filtration purposes for 80 years. Sixteen trees are needed to absorb sufficient carbon dioxide each year to make the average person carbon neutral. Even for a small village, that is a lot of trees. Experts have been brought in to ensure that these extra trees being planted will not have a negative impact on the environment.

The greatest cause of the greenhouse effect that is causing global warming is carbon dioxide. We all contribute carbon dioxide to the environment through our use of fossil fuels. How serious is Canada’s contribution of CO2 to the environment? Canada has a very high score, and when it comes to CO2 emissions, a high score is very bad (just like in golf!).  Canada’s contribution of CO2 per person is 200% greater than that of the entire United Kingdom, and 300% greater than France. Should we be worried about such a greater amount of CO2 emissions?

Here are some statistics to consider.

• The estimated population of the United Kingdom in July 2008 was 60,943,912, while Canada’s estimated population for that same time was 33,212,696.
• France’s estimated population was 61,538,322 back in April 2007.

Given Canada’s much smaller population, our amount of CO2 emissions are embarrassing and disturbing. We all need to take actions to reduce our carbon footprint.

Eden Mills has paired up with the University of Guelph in their pursuit of a greener future. Three important steps have been identified. First, less fossil fuels have to be used. Second, forms of renewable energy have replaced the use of fossil fuels wherever possible. And third, carbon emissions have to be absorbed.  Knowledge is power and so, Eden Mills has begun a campaign of informing schools, businesses, and the entire community about steps they can take and the difference it will make. The University of Guelph and college have been tapped for their knowledge. The entire community has become involved.

A baseline of initial carbon footprints has been taken so each home and business knows where they are and can see their progress. This base line was established by the University of Guelph and will be updated every year. Once a home or business knows its carbon footprint, information on reducing that footprint is made available. There are a number of initiatives offered by the government, including rebates on greener alternatives. Eden Mills hopes to establish wind, solar and hydropower alternatives. A large sustainable local woodlot is very important in filtering out the CO2 from the environment. This will be a long road for the village of Eden Mills, but they are determined to reach their goal and to make it fun. Eden Mills is certainly leading the way to a greener future.

I was inspired by Eden Mills to reduce my own carbon footprint. Before I could reduce it, however, I had to know what my footprint actually was. Sounds easy as there are numerous sites on the internet to calculate this. However, I tried three different sites and received three different results, leaving me confused and frustrated. I decided to take the average and see how much it would cost to offset my carbon footprint. For my family (my husband, little dog, and myself), it would cost around $500 to offset our footprint. Given the economic times that we are currently in, and the fact that we only have one income, this is not feasible at the moment. I want to make a difference: I want to be carbon neutral. I do not want to contribute to the destruction of our planet, but I also need to live on a budget. Can I make a difference and save my bank account at the same time? Trees may be my solution, just as with Ashton Hayes.  My household has two adults and a little dog. If I follow the research, that would be 48 trees for our family of three. Yes, my dog is counted as a person since her food production, trips to the vet and groomer, etc all add to our household carbon footprint. The Boy Scouts of Canada plant trees every year. In my area I could not get a price on individual trees because it is not yet decided if the trees will be donated or not. If I buy 48 trees for the Boy Scouts to plant or make a donation that would equal the cost of 48 trees to the tree planting campaign, I can sleep at night knowing I have made a difference.

For More Information:
Eden Mills is Going Carbon Neutral
Every Action Counts

Carbon Calculators
EcoNeutral
Take Action
The Carbon Neutral Company

Eden Mills area shot and building picture courtesy of  goingcarbonneutral.ca

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