1. How can I reduce my carbon footprint? By: Valerie Stimpson

2. What can I do myself? I can talk to my parents about getting solar panels. $4.30 per watt. For a 50 watt solar panel, your total cost will be about $215. Solar panels have an effective lifespan of about 20 to 25 years. I can also change all of my lights to CFL light bulbs. CFLs use 50 - 80% less energy than an incandescent.

3. Continued... I can talk to my family about taking shorter showers, and I can do the same to conserve water.

4. Outside of my home... I can plant trees at my local parks and at my house. If I see plastic bags and stuff laying around I can pick them up and dispose of them properly. I can recycle more of my papers at school instead of throw them in the garbage.

5. Works Cited http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/solar- panels/solar-panel-cost.php http://www.solarpanelinfo.com/solar- panels/solar-panel-cost.php