Goal For The Green

Have you ever wondered how much carbon dioxide your blog creates?

According to a study by Alexander Wissner-Gross, PhD, physicist at Harvard University and environmental activist, an average website causes about 0.02g (0,0008oz.) of carbon dioxide for each visit. Assuming an average blog gets 15,000 visits a month, it has yearly carbon dioxide emissions of 3,6kg (8lb.). This can mainly be tracked back to the immense energy usage from (mainframe) computers, servers, and their cooling systems.

So then, have you ever wondered, how much carbon dioxide does a tree absorb?

Unfortunately, no precise answer is possible. The carbon dioxide absorption of a tree can differ a lot. The amount of carbon dioxide that a tree can absorb depends on the type of tree, light exposure, length of the vegetation period, latitude, water balance, and the soil conditions.

There are many different calculations for the saving potential of a tree. The assumed values vary between 10 and 30kg (20 and 70lb.) for a tree each year. It is certain however, that in its first two to three years a tree absorbs relatively little carbon dioxide. In the growth phase following this, the absorption rate increases rapidly. During this time, the tree saves a considerable amount of carbon dioxide. The absorption rate decrease again , after the age of 18.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) assumes a yearly absorption of one tree, to be approximately 10kg (20lb.) carbon dioxide emissions. “Make it green”, the environmental program of kaufDA, is using a yearly absorption value of 5kg (11lb.) for its “My blog is carbon neutral” initiative. This is a very conservative calculation, ensuring that the neutralization of each blog is achieved.

One tree neutralizes the carbon dioxide emissions of your blog.

As demonstrated in the above calculation, the atmosphere can be relieved by an average of 5kg (11lb.) carbon dioxide every year, just by planting one tree. An average blog causes 3.6kg (8lb.) of carbon dioxide emissions. Consequently, a tree neutralizes the carbon dioxide emissions of a blog. Since, a tree lives for an average of 50 years, carbon dioxide emissions of your blog can be completely neutralized for a 50 year time period.

As you may recall, a series of lightning strikes triggered the Antelope Complex Fire on July 5, 2007, which burned nearly 23,000 acres of Plumas’ timber in less than a week. The Moonlight Fire struck just two months later, destroying 65,000 forest acres, and required more than three weeks to contain.

Currently, the trees are being planted in Plumas National Forest in Northern California by “Arbor Day Foundation” a  partner in the US, for the “My blog is carbon neutral” initiative. The “Arbor Day Foundation” is a non-profit conservation and education organization, with the goal of helping reforest 5,500 acres of Plumas National Forest with 792,000 trees.

For every participating blog, “Make it Green” and “Arbor Day Foundation” is planting a tree in Plumas National Forest. You can help in the  reforesting effort  of Plumas National Forest, by making your blog carbon neutral, also. Right now, Douglas-fir, red and white firs, and incense cedars are being planted alongside, Ponderosa pine and sugar pine trees. These new trees will help prevent soot and soil runoff into Plumas’ precious water supplies.  Just click on the widget in my sidebar here, and make your blog carbon neutral also.

Special Thanks to Auntie E ,for displaying the widget for this wonderful project, and prompting me to participate.