Grist Comment Feed en http://www.grist.org/article/2009-07-06-ask-umbra-green-movers/ Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:53:30 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-07-06-ask-umbra-green-movers/1 The CO2 released per gallon of diesel is not the only important factor here: engine efficiency makes all the difference. Recently U-Haul has been claiming that their gasoline-powered trucks are the 'green' choice for those who move themselves. The basis of their claim is the slightly lower carbon density of gasoline. But diesel engines are far more efficient than gasoline engines, and for moving the same amount of stuff the same distance, diesels emit much less CO2 than gasoline-powered trucks (and of course biodiesels fare even better). In this greenwash U-Haul is hoping to win customers by claiming a lower carbon footprint, but in fact is actively encouraging consumers to make choices that actually increase CO2 emissions. You can read more about this issue here.  

]]> The CO2 released per gallon of diesel is not the only important factor here: engine efficiency makes all the difference. Recently U-Haul has been claiming that their gasoline-powered trucks are the 'green' choice for those who move themselves. The basis of their claim is the slightly lower carbon density of gasoline. But diesel engines are far more efficient than gasoline engines, and for moving the same amount of stuff the same distance, diesels emit much less CO2 than gasoline-powered trucks (and of course biodiesels fare even better). In this greenwash U-Haul is hoping to win customers by claiming a lower carbon footprint, but in fact is actively encouraging consumers to make choices that actually increase CO2 emissions. You can read more about this issue here.  

]]> http://www.grist.org/article/2009-07-06-ask-umbra-green-movers/ Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:26:06 -0700 http://www.grist.org/article/2009-07-06-ask-umbra-green-movers/2 It's great to put so much thought into moving as it affects greenhouse gas emissions, something I think most people blow off since there are few to no options for making a move any greener. However, the less weight and stuff to haul also means less energy to burn in moving it. People should consider donating old, unneeded furniture, recycling those stacks of old magazines and newspapers--and hopefully donating their unwanted books, CDs, DVDs and software to Eco Encore, where we sell them Online and forward the profits to Seattle-area environmental nonprofits. These are all small steps toward offsetting a move, but the small things add up if we all do them.

]]> It's great to put so much thought into moving as it affects greenhouse gas emissions, something I think most people blow off since there are few to no options for making a move any greener. However, the less weight and stuff to haul also means less energy to burn in moving it. People should consider donating old, unneeded furniture, recycling those stacks of old magazines and newspapers--and hopefully donating their unwanted books, CDs, DVDs and software to Eco Encore, where we sell them Online and forward the profits to Seattle-area environmental nonprofits. These are all small steps toward offsetting a move, but the small things add up if we all do them.

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