For what it's worth, I've given up my car (I live within easy biking distance of work), live in a small townhouse (heating costs $20/month in the winter thanks to good insulation and neighbors eliminating heat loss to the sides). I purchase few goods, and try to keep most things as long as possible. Most of my entertainment/shopping is within walking/biking distance. I try to limit waste and compost/recycle everything I can.
My electrical usage is so low that I don't think installing solar would be a net win in carbon emissions.
Based on various calculators, my carbon footprint is about half that of a typical American. Now can I ask for a 28% decrease in carbon emissions?
I'm vegan. I ride public transit when possible, and moved next door to my job so I don't need to commute on a daily basis, I buy used whenever possible, and try not to buy stuff I don't need. I take carbon into consideration when making holiday plans (a few plane rides can double a persons carbon footprint). I compost. Future changes I'm trying to make include going to local farmers market and growing more of my own food, switching to solar power. But, realistically, I'm only one person. If everyone went vegan today, gave up cars (for bikes) and planes (for electric trains), and we started growing 51% of our food locally we'd be well on our way to meeting carbon emission reduction goals. The technology has been around for awhile. The will to make the choices has not. Which is why, I'm a pessimist on these issues.
