Is it really possible to live a middle class lifestyle in the USA without the use of copious quantities of fossil fuels? As an engineer concerned about climate change, I did not think this was realistically possible back in 2009 when we embarked on our journey. But I decided to act and see what is possible. Now some 15 years into the experiment future we have cut our carbon footprint some 85%, and to our pleasant surprise, we found that not only is such a lifestyle possible, but it also has many advantages, in both energy independence and saving money. Along our journey we met and collaborated with several others who have also made drastic reductions. We learned what is possible today and how it could possibly save you money and improve your lifestyle.

Learning Objectives

• Learn what % of US emissions are attributed to households?
• Learn how the average US household uses power.
• How to logically look at one’s carbon footprint to make significant reductions.
• Review several case studies of households that have reduced their carbon footprints by 75%  or more.
• Learn how rather than a sacrifice, there are many benefits, and cost savings to a low carbon lifestyle.
• Learn how one can use passive solar, electric vehicles, solar and energy efficiency to dramatically lower one’s energy costs and gain resilience.