Does Charcoal Have A Bigger Carbon Footprint Than Propane?

Barbecuers out there, are you ready for this? Which is responsible for a smaller carbon footprint – charcoal or propane gas?

Many have argued that using charcoal on the barbecue is better for the environment than gas. A researcher from England, however, has come to the conclusion that the carbon footprint of charcoal is around three times as big as that which comes from burning propane.

The study takes us to the biggest day of backyard grilling of the year, Independence Day, and ran a few numbers for us. On that day it is estimated that enough barbecues would be fired up to emit around 225,000 tons of carbon dioxide.

The argument of the study is that if all of the barbecues used were fired using charcoal an extra 89,000 tons of carbon dioxide would be emitted. If those same barbecues switched to propane gas the carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by around 26 percent.

From here it gets a little more complicated because the carbon footprint of a good or service isn’t only measured by its actual use. Carbon footprint measurement also includes all phases of the manufacture, the transportation from its origin to the final destination as well as the actual consumption.

There is also an essential difference between charcoal and propane. The carbon in charcoal was already out in the environment before it was used, while the carbon in propane was locked away deep underground before it was brought out and released into the atmosphere.

The study assumed that the charcoal was produced in developing African countries which greatly increases the transportation aspect of the carbon footprint. This is true of English charcoal. However, US charcoal is produced locally, so the carbon footprint is much smaller.

The final verdict? It’s not quite as clear cut as first thought. In fact, when push comes to shove the debate is still undecided. Perhaps it will simply come down to taste. If you like that woody flavor to your barbecued meat, then you’re going to go for the charcoal grill.

Living Off The Grid

One of the surest ways you can go about reducing your carbon footprint is to aim to live off the grid. What this actually means is to live without the reliance on public utilities such as electricity and water.

One might wonder, then how to live off grid and the first step may well be to start producing your own electricity. Two simple domestic options are available to you. The first is solar panels installed on the roof of your house or other structure that enjoys full sun for a majority of the day. The second might be a wind turbine. Essentially you must generate more electricity than you use.

However you go about living off the grid, your energy consumption is going to have to be tightly managed and the electrical gadgets you use will be cut to a minimum. Unless you're already used to living a frugal lifestyle there are going to have to be some major lifestyle changes made.

One thing is for certain, if you make the choice to live off-grid you will soon develop a special affinity to the environment, perhaps appreciating the taste of organically grown vegetables on your own property. Living off-grid is one of the steps towards self-sufficiency and could be the source of major carbon footprint reductions for you and your family.

Global Credit Crisis Reduces Carbon Footprint

An unexpected offshoot benefit stemming from the global credit crisis has been an almost forced reduction in the carbon footprint of individuals. Cost cutting measures undertaken by homeowners has had the effect of reducing energy usage, product consumption and generally, a search for ways to reduce expenses.

A survey by one British banking corporation has revealed that 72% of respondents have said they are trying to reduce their energy bills by turning off electrical items. Energy efficient light bulbs have been used by an increasing number of people and warmer clothes are being warm instead of turning up the heating.

Money saving is at the forefront of many people's mind and cutting the energy bill turns out to be one of the more immediately and, consequently most gratifying, methods of saving money. The Carbon footprint is shrinking and although it is not primarily due to an overt desire to save the planet, it is still of benefit just the same.

Carbon Offset Network Has Been Launched

The Carbon Advice Group launches the world's first multi-level affiliate carbon offset network today at CarbonAdviceGroup.com. London-based Carbon Advice group PLC has created a unique web-based service that enables individuals and businesses to take an active role in combating climate change. The site enables users to directly calculate their carbon footprint and immediately purchase offsets.

The Carbon Advice Group allows anyone to get involved and take an active role in the emerging green economy. The site also offers motivated social entrepreneurs a short process to set up their own micro-site to promote and sell carbon offsets as part of the Carbon Advice Group's network.

"We want to motivate the average person in the street to get online, build their own site and get the message across to everyone they know," says serial Social Entrepreneur and Carbon Advice Group founder Matthew Sullivan.

The Carbon Advice Group's mission is to create a worldwide network of social entrepreneurs by giving them the necessary tools, understanding and motivation for them to bring carbon emission reduction and offsetting into the mainstream and make it a vital part of everyday life. Allowing individuals to promote, purchase or provide carbon offsets, the group offers a compelling answer to the "What can I do?" response to global climate change issues.

Carbon offsetting enables individuals and businesses to compensate for unavoidable emissions by purchasing equivalent greenhouse gas savings. With the Carbon Advice Group, these savings can come from wind power, biomass power, or a renewable energy charitable contribution.

Available carbon credits meet international standards and goals outlined in the Kyoto Agreement. Users who purchase carbon offsets will receive certificates and luggage tags to display in vehicles, businesses or on vacation.

"Everyday we see, hear and read about the catastrophic effects of global climate change. We all know we need to do something, and we need to do it now. We believe we have solved the "What's in it for me" problem," says Sullivan.

Find out more at Carbon Advice Group