Our CO Emissions, Housing and Tiny Bubbles

Or not so “tiny bubbles” but huge balloons as our carbon footprint

Mid 1800's Home and CO Emissions in pounds

The mid 1800’s home in this time period typically was home to 7-8 residents including children. The calculation of CO per person would be a better unit of measure as per person CO emission would be about 500 pounds per person.

1950's Home and CO Emissions in pounds

The mid 1950’s home in this time period typically was home to 4-5 residents including children. The calculation of CO per person would be a better unit of measure as per person CO emission would be about 1200 pounds per person. This is also the start of the technical age where electronics such as TV’s, radio, refrigerators and other household gadgets start to enter the home.

Today's Home and CO Emissions in pounds

Today’s home in this time period typically was home to 3-4 residents including children. The calculation of CO per person would be a better unit of measure as per person CO emission would be about 4000 pounds per person, unless you lived here a lone occupant, then the CO emission would be 12000 pounds. This home is features a huge list of gadgets such as TV’s, radios, stereo systems, washers & dryers, dish washer, internet connection, ipods, phones, can openers, toasters, ovens - small and large, electric grills, hot plates, ceiling fans, security systems, garage door opener, computers, and many other electronic and electrical items.

This home is also home in 50% of the study inhabited by 1 resident. It would have a 2 car garage, 2.5 baths and 3-4 bedrooms. Most of the space is just to house the stuff that we accumulate. A friend that toured the exhibit with Jim commented that she never thought about the impact of her living in this typical home alone and is now going to take a new look at living large.

Using the math and computing what a Tiny Green Cabin Wildflower and Breathe Easy emission would be approximately 576 pounds of CO emissions when inhabited by 1 person. And I will agree that not all people would enjoy living in a tiny house, and yet the the disparity and CO emission would lead some to reconsider living smaller than what is a typical home today.

The photos are from the Bell Museum of Natural History exhibit on Sustainable Shelter. Tiny Green Cabins assisted with the exhibit and is featured in some of the videos put together by the Bell Museum.