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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

New Online Tool Helps Calculate, Offset Carbon Footprint

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Tuesday, August 15, 2017   

DENVER – An environmental group has set up a website that not only measures a person's carbon footprint but also shares ways to reduce and even offset that footprint.

Conservation International's Carbon Calculator provides an overview of how people's habits affect the environment, taking into account everything from commuting style to diet to the number of airline trips taken each year. It then offers tips for reducing emissions, such as taking the bus or meatless Mondays.

But Shyla Raghav of Conservation International notes it may not be possible for someone to completely neutralize their footprint.

"We wanted to offer everyone the possibility and the option to offset their emissions, which is essentially purchasing carbon credits from projects that have been able to demonstrate a reduction in emissions," she says.

The average American's annual footprint is 21 tons of carbon. Conservation International is featuring a project in Kenya, where credits not only support a forest that absorbs carbon dioxide but also helps conserve an area with the highest density of elephants in the world. There also are projects in Peru and Madagascar.

The calculator can be found at conservation.org.

In light of setbacks to the fight against climate change, such as President Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris Accords, Raghav says climate change has become a personal issue for more people.

"Climate change is really a global, collective problem that each of us really needs to internalize and respond to in our own way," she adds.

Raghav notes that citizens also have the power of their vote and can elect officials who support a shift toward a renewable-energy power grid, for instance.


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