Plug In Zip Code, Find Carbon Footprint

EPA unveils a new Web tool for calculating, and reducing, carbon emissions People can now find out the carbon dioxide output of their local utility, compare it to other communities and identify ways to reduce the impact of their home electricity use. The Environmental Protection Agency debuted a new tool on its Web site today called the Power Profiler. By plugging in one's zip code, you can find out how much air pollution results from your electricity use, the fuels used to produce that electricity and how to reduce the impact. A series of steps take users through the process. In addition learning about carbon dioxide -- the leading cause of global warming -- consumers can learn about sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog, acid rain and their attendant health and environmental problems. People can also see what percentage of their electricity is generated by coal, oil, gas, nuclear, hydro-electric, and renewable sources. To try it out, visit www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/powerprofiler For daily tips for greening up your life, see The Daily Green feature, One Easy Thing. Click here. To learn more about carbon footprints, go here.