Running head: CARBON FOOTPRINT HYPOTHESIS COMPARISION

Carbon Footprint Hypothesis Comparison
Lori Jaide Watson
Kaplan University
SC225: Environmental Science: Ecosystems, Resources, and Carbon Footprints
Anna Spaulding, Instructor
February 25, 2013

Science is an on-going and constantly expanding observation of the scientific method continuously resulting in revision. As a result, research is reviewed and revised which allow scientists opportunities to collect discoveries of world-wide new evidence. Once new discoveries are established and hypothesis tested, science is altered.
Consequently, there are some applicable rules relevant to scientific concepts specifically the steps leading to the Scientific Method that affirm the validity of research. Theories of law and nature are subject to change, based on new observations (Wiley, 2010). Testing and observation allows proven evidence (scientific method) that become facts and not fiction.
I was compelled to apply the scientific method in real life because I am making a conscious effort to think more deeply about the impact of lifestyle choices on overall carbon emissions. I recently considered earth-friendly ways to commute to work and give my car a break. I decided to walk to work because driving emits carbon dioxide and is a contributing factor to global warming. I now walk to work three days out of the week instead of two days to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money on fuel, and have influence over curbing vehicle emissions to reduce the air pollution as well as traffic congestion.
I drive a 2007 Infiniti M35X 4-wheel drive automatic with a 3.5 6 cylinder engine, fueled by gasoline. The fuel economy (mpg) for my vehicle is 16 estimated miles-per-gallon in the city and 22 estimated miles-per-gallon on the highway. As indicated, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states the air-pollution score for my vehicle is 6 out of 10 (10 being the best and highest score). The air-pollution score reflects vehicle tailpipe emissions that contribute locally and regionally to air pollution which create health issues and haze. The greenhouse gas score for my car is 5 out of 10 (10 being the best and highest score). The greenhouse gas score reflects fuel emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. By driving less and improving the gas mileage of my vehicle, I greatly reduce my carbon emissions. Typical yearly driving equates to 12,000 miles (667 gallons) per year. With an average of 20 pounds of CO2 emitted per gallon of gasoline consumed, the typical passenger car in the US releases over 5 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year, (EPA, 2012).
My carbon footprint’s scientific method was tested and formulated. To support my hypothesis, I recently reduced my carbon footprint pattern when I commute to work. My average round trip commute to work is about 3 miles. I originally walked to work two days per week but I now walk to work three days out of the week and reduced my CO2 by 409 pounds and, by keeping my car properly maintained reduces my CO2 to 545 pounds and ensuring sufficient tire pressure reduces my CO2 to 327 pounds. As a result, the total pounds of CO2 emissions I have avoided is 1281 which differs from walking to work only two days each week which reduce my CO2 to 272 pounds that equate to 1144 total pounds of CO2 emissions circumvented. Based on the carbon footprint calculations I received from two websites, both accurately captured my carbon impact of my driving behavior. I also reduced my carbon footprint because I added an additional day of walking and not driving to work. The total car footprint equals 30.19 metric tons of CO2. My vehicle emits 12,947 pounds of CO2 per year.
In addition, the assumptions associated with walking presented the following theories: that there are no direct CO2 emissions, the average person commutes 50 weeks per year, that 20 pounds of CO2 are emitted for every gallon of gasoline consumed, and that the mileage for the car not driven is 22 miles per gallon. Because science is on-going, new discoveries and revisions are continuously expanded. Consequently, scientists reassess their assumptions, consult with colleagues for peer-reviewed acceptance and make necessary theoretical revisions to support their evidence. Scientists refine and alter theories by making observations and researching results until proven valid.
To help control carbon dioxide emissions, I drive less because I walk to work three days each week, I get regular tune-ups and adhere to the scheduled maintenance for my car which saves me money and prevention of unexpected repairs, I also ensure my car tires are properly inflated for optimal gas mileage resulting in cost-efficiency.

References

Wiley, J. (2010). Big ideas in science. Retrieved from the Kaplan University SC300 Course Home Page.
EPA's Climate Change, United States Environmental Protection Agency (2012). Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/contactus.html
Countdown Your Carbon (2013). Retrieved from http://www.countdownyourcarbon.org/calculator.php