In my everyday life, I am on an ongoing journey to figure out different ways to reduce my carbon footprint on the planet. A carbon footprint is the measure of influence our activities have on the environment, in particular climate change. It is calculated by the amount of greenhouse gas we produce in our daily lives. Fortunately, nowadays it is much easier to make eco-friendly lifestyle choices than, let’s say, 20 years ago. But one question has been on my mind a lot lately: is it better to buy new eco-friendly products or used traditionally produced goods?

After doing some research, I have decided that some things are better new and others are better used. Let me try to explain.

A carbon footprint is made up of two parts, the primary footprint and the secondary footprint. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions (排放) of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of fuels, including household energy consumption and transportation. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole life cycle of products we use—those related to their production and breakdown.

Based on this understanding, we have a good deal of control and responsibility over our carbon footprint. Things like dishes, clothes and furniture fall into the “secondary footprint” group, so less is more and we can focus on finding used goods to avoid the added production. However, for the car and the other appliances (设备) that we need we can go with new, energy-saving models. I heard somewhere that electronics and appliances give off 90% of their carbon footprint after they leave the factory. So it seems most reasonable to go for the energy-saving models. The main concern here is the amount of energy that goes into the making of new products and whether or not that extra carbon is worth the footprint the product will make once it gets to you.

What a lesson for me! It was August and it was hot. I had to wear a tie to do a survey door by door in this neighbourhood, but I was always refused. I finally caught on and began with “Before you close the door, I am not selling anything and I just need to ask a few questions about yourself and the community”.

The young woman inside the doorway stopped for a moment, confused by my rude introduction and finally said, “Sure. Come on in. Don’t mind the mess. It’s hard to keep up with my kids.”

“I just need to ask a few questions about yourself and your family. Although this may sound personal, I won’t need to use your names. This information will be used.” She interrupted me. “Would you like a glass of cold water? You look like you’ve had a rough day.” “Why yes!” I said gratefully. Just as she returned with the water, a man came walking in the front door. It was her husband. “Joe, this man is here to do a survey.” I stood and politely introduced myself.

“Joe works for the town,” she said. “What do you do?” I asked. She jumped right in not letting him answer. “Joe collects garbage. You know I’m so proud of him.”

There was a silence. I didn’t know what to say. I shook my head searching for the right words. “That’s unbelievable! Most people would not be satisfied with a job like that. It certainly is a difficult one. But your attitude about it is amazing.” I said.

She walked over to the shelf. As she returned she held a small framed（装裱）paper, walking toward Joe. “I have always been proud of him and always will be. You see I don’t think the job makes the man, but the man makes the job!” she said as she handed me the paper.

It said: If a man is called to be a cleaner, he should clean streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, “Here lived a great cleaner who did his job well.”

Dealing with behavioral problems at school is not easy, but Dr. Terrance Newton is doing that with a surprisingly effective solution.

In his first year as headmaster of Warner Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware Newton has already seen a tremendous change in his at-risk students. All it took was just a few quality conversations and a pair of scissors.

Newton saw the problem as soon as he started at the school. Bullying (欺凌行为) was out of hand, and students were constantly required to stop attending school for their behaviors. He believed the best way to solve this was to build positive relationships with students. So he decided to set up a barbershop at school.

Having cut hair before, Newton thought the barbershop could be a safe space for students to open up. And he was right — not only has he developed a good relationship with former troublemakers, but suspensions (停学) have dropped from 103 to 4 in the last year! Even better, bullying has nearly stopped. “I take care of my babies,” Newton said. “It’s about building the relationship, and I use that barbershop to build connections.”

Kamisha Collins has seen the difference in her 11-year-old son, Brandon Ponzo. “In the beginning of the school year, my son started off really rough and was not getting along with Dr. Newton, but now they have built this bond — he loves him very much.” Collins said. “Dr. Newton says positive things to them while he is cutting their hair. And my son’s grades have gotten so much better.”

What a brilliant idea — not to mention a fantastic leader! Thanks to Newton, a little love and care have made a big influence on difficult kids.