I'm Keith Smith, and I spent years lowering my own household emissions and helping friends and neighbors do the same. Now I want to show you the impact you can have by making changes to your home, your car, your lifestyle.
Reducing our carbon footprint is urgent, so I break down where a typical U.S. household's carbon footprint really comes from and walk you through practical, proven ways to reduce - or even eliminate it.
To get more specific about your own case, go to fadeyourfootprint.org, where I have created some free tools for you to use to calculate your emissions and see what options are best for you, as well as how much they will cost and how much you will save. I'm also available for a free consultation session to sit down with you, go over your specific case, and look at your options.
So if you're concerned about climate change, overwhelmed by all the advice and options, and want clear, free, experience-based guidance on what you can do, Fade Your Footprint is for you.
Rewiring America Tools to Save Money and Reduce Emissions on Home Electrification
If you need any additional help, book a meeting with Keith: https://calendly.com/fadeyourfootprint/30min
Wondering what home electrification rebates and incentives are available where you live? In this episode of Fade Your Footprint, we explore how Rewiring America helps homeowners find local savings for electric vehicles, solar panels, heat pumps, and other clean-energy upgrades using their ZIP code, utility, income, and household size.
Learn how to find location-specific government and utility incentives, compare potential savings, and connect with certified local experts. We also look at Go Electric USA and Go Electric DMV and how local electric coaches can help you navigate your options and reduce both costs and carbon emissions.
These resources also help you find local vendors to install the various projects.
Visit their website: https://www.rewiringamerica.org/
Visit Fade Your Footprint for free tools and resources: https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/
23 Sept 2026
How Wood and Pellet Stoves Can Lower Your Carbon Footprint and Save Money
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A5-7bdxecnA
Thinking about heating your home with wood or wood pellets? Wondering if it can lower your costs and emissions?
In this episode of Fade Your Footprint, Keith Smith breaks down how burning wood or wood pellets can help reduce your emissions and potentially save you money compared to other heating sources. He explores how biomass like firewood and pellets fits into the natural carbon cycle, why burning recent organic material differs from burning fossil fuels, and what makes this approach low-carbon.
Keith compares the cost and efficiency of firewood and wood pellets to other options like natural gas, propane, oil, and different types of heat pumps. You'll see how wood stoves and pellet stoves stack up for initial investment, operating costs, and effectiveness, including real-world tips from Keith's own experience heating a large home with a pellet stove—even during winter power outages with a small backup generator.
Book a meeting with Keith: https://calendly.com/fadeyourfootprint/30min
Visit Fade Your Footprint for free tools and resources: https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/
16 Sept 2026
Four Easy Ways to Reduce Your Electricity Costs Today
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EyFOyJb86uc
If you're not ready for a large overhaul of your home's systems, there are still small, easy, and effective things you can do to dramatically decrease your electricity costs without a lot of hassle.
In this episode of Fade Your Footprint, we will give you some of the easiest ways of reducing your electric costs, and you can start right away. Keith discusses how to reduce your bill on lighting, cooking, drying your clothes, and heating your water.
If you need any additional help, book a meeting with Keith: https://calendly.com/fadeyourfootprint/30min
Visit Fade Your Footprint for free tools and resources: https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/
9 Sept 2026
The No-Brainer Ways to Cut Heating and Cooling Costs
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qH9yoIXiW8M
You may not be ready to replace your heating and cooling system with a heat pump, but there are still simple ways to reduce your energy costs and carbon emissions.
In this episode of Fade Your Footprint, we look at some of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your home more efficient, from using a programmable thermostat to sealing air leaks and adding insulation. Keith Smith breaks down where these improvements can make the biggest difference, what you can tackle yourself, and where paying a professional may or may not be worth the investment.
Book a meeting with Keith: https://calendly.com/fadeyourfootprint/30min
Visit Fade Your Footprint for free tools and resources: https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/
2 Sept 2026
Switching from Oil or Propane to Heat Pumps: Huge Savings and Lower Emissions
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q7HyaBcpJcw
Heating your home with oil or propane can be expensive, but could a heat pump save you money while also reducing your carbon emissions?
In this episode of Fade Your Footprint, we compare heating oil and propane with air-source, cold-climate, and ground-source heat pumps to see how installation costs, operating costs, payback periods, and CO2 emissions change when you switch to heat pump technology.
The results show that switching from heating oil or propane to a heat pump can offer substantial financial savings and significant emissions reductions. We also explore how adding solar panels to generate the electricity needed to run your heat pump can further reduce fossil fuel use and move your home toward zero-carbon heating and cooling. If you're considering replacing an oil or propane furnace, this episode explains what to compare and how to evaluate the decision for both your wallet and the environment.
Using the Fade Your Footprint heating and cooling comparison tool, we look at different U.S. climate zones and compare real-world scenarios for homes currently using oil or propane 👉 https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/tools/heating-comparison-tool
Book a meeting with Keith: https://calendly.com/fadeyourfootprint/30min
Episode on Natural Gas vs Heat Pumps - https://youtu.be/Y0SfxV-1avg
26 Aug 2026
Are Heat Pumps Cheaper Than Natural Gas? Cost, Savings & Carbon Emissions
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y0SfxV-1avg
Are heat pumps cheaper than natural gas? And can they reduce your home's carbon emissions without breaking the bank? In this episode of Fade Your Footprint, we compare natural gas heating with air-source, cold-climate, and ground-source heat pumps to see how installation costs, operating costs, climate, and energy prices affect the financial and environmental tradeoffs.
The results show that there isn't one heat pump solution that's best for every home. Depending on where you live, a heat pump can reduce operating costs and significantly lower CO2 emissions, while ground-source and cold-climate systems can offer greater cost and emission savings but at a higher investment. We also explore how combining heat pump technology with additional solar can potentially improve the economics while moving toward zero-carbon home heating and cooling.
Heating and Cooling tool 👉 https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/tools/heating-comparison-tool
Book a meeting with Keith: https://calendly.com/fadeyourfootprint/30min
19 Aug 2026
Should You Buy a Plug-In Hybrid Car? The Real Numbers
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-4TeMcs9Irg
If you're wondering whether you should buy a plug-in hybrid, this episode looks at what a plug-in hybrid can offer compared with a gas-powered car and a fully electric vehicle. By combining a gasoline engine with a rechargeable battery, plug-in hybrid cars can use electricity for shorter trips while still giving you the flexibility of gasoline for longer drives.
But are plug-in hybrids actually worth it? Keith looks at real-world costs, charging, driving habits, return on investment, and carbon dioxide emissions to help you understand whether a plug-in hybrid could be the right choice for your wallet and your carbon footprint.
Use the Driving Comparison tool 👉 https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/tools/driving-comparison-tool
Book a meeting with Keith: https://calendly.com/fadeyourfootprint/30min
12 Aug 2026
EV vs. Gas: Does Going Electric Really Save Money?
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FoTnL7ccdrY
Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? This episode breaks down the financial and environmental realities of EVs versus gas cars.
What is covered in this episode:
✅ Head-to-head comparison of costs between gas and electric Chevy Equinox models
✅ Analysis of how driving habits and gas prices affect your savings and payback period
✅ Impact of electricity sources (including coal and solar) on your carbon footprint
✅ Pros and cons of EV ownership, from charging logistics to reduced maintenance
Driving introductory episode: https://youtu.be/VD_PmmW1A5I
Hybrid episode: https://youtu.be/8Je0K4_SuPg
Book a meeting with Keith: https://calendly.com/fadeyourfootprint/30min
5 Aug 2026
Hybrids for Your Wallet and the World: Calculating Real Benefits
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8Je0K4_SuPg
Shopping for a new car? This episode breaks down how hybrids stack up for your wallet and your emissions.
You'll learn about real-world savings, return on investment based on gas prices and miles driven, and how hybrids from different manufacturers compare.Keith also shows how to use online tools to personalize your options and why hybrids can be the simplest way to cut your carbon footprint without needing a home charging station.
Use the Driving Comparison tool 👉 https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/tools/driving-comparison-tool
Visit https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/ for resources and help.
Book a meeting with Keith: https://calendly.com/fadeyourfootprint/30min?
29 Jul 2026
Your Budget and the Planet: What Should Your Next Car Be? Hybrid, Electric, or Gas?
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VD_PmmW1A5I
Curious about the best vehicle for your wallet and the environment? In this episode, Keith Smith breaks down the real differences between gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
What you'll learn in this episode:
✅ Overview of basic car technology: generators, motors, and alternators
✅ How regenerative braking boosts efficiency in hybrids and EVs
✅ Real mpg/mileage comparison: hybrid vs. standard gas vehicles
✅ Explaining emission and cost savings from electric vehicles
✅ Step-by-step walkthrough of the Fade Your Footprint vehicle comparison tool 👉 https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/tools/driving-comparison-tool
22 Jul 2026
Best Heating and Cooling Options to Cut Costs and Carbon at Home
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/keLWoVk4ZDY
Learn how heating and cooling choices impact your wallet and the environment.
This episode of Fade Your Footprint breaks down key options for home HVAC systems and why planning ahead saves money and emissions. Keith focuses on understanding what a heat pump is and how it works, alongside the true costs of different heating options, including fossil fuels and electricity. He also explains how heat pump efficiency changes in cold weather and how carbon emissions compare across various home heating methods.
17 Jul 2026
Should You Get Rooftop Solar? Will You Save (or Make) Money?
Rooftop solar is one of the smartest financial and environmental investments for homeowners.
In this episode of Fade Your Footprint, Keith leads you through the calculator on our website, https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/, so you can find out if rooftop solar is good for you, specifically.
Visit https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/ for resources and help.
--
00:00 Considering solar panel installation
03:07 Calculating your electric rate
08:57 Exploring solar installation options
09:53 Getting solar panel installation quotes
14:38 Benefits of Going Solar
17:33 Exploring heat pump benefits
15 Jul 2026
How Everyday Food Choices Can Help Fight Climate Change
Curious how your daily food choices impact your carbon footprint? This episode breaks down the facts and shows you simple ways to make a real difference. No big investments required.
In this episode, we cover:
- How food's climate impact differs from driving, heating, and electricity
- Why red meat, especially beef and lamb, is the biggest food emitter
- Comparing the footprints of different diets with easy-to-use calculators
- The role of food waste and how to cut it at home
- Myths and realities of eating organic and local for the planet
Tools available for you:
Visit https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/ for resources and help.
Find the emissions for different types of food: https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local#article-citation
Calculate your footprint: https://harvard-foodprint-calculator.github.io/
12 Jul 2026
Decarbonize Your Home: Best Investments for Your Wallet and the Environment
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GdWzJxMPJvo (https://youtu.be/GdWzJxMPJvo)
Trying to decide between a heat pump, EV, solar panels, better insulation, or other home upgrades?
This episode of Fade Your Footprint helps you cut through the overwhelm and figure out which climate-friendly investments actually make sense—for both your finances and your carbon footprint.
Instead of guessing, we break down how to prioritize the upgrades that deliver the biggest impact first.
Visit https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/ for resources and help.
10 Jul 2026
Climate Change Facts, Myths & What Scientists Actually Agree On
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Daevk3ea94o
Is climate change real? Is it natural? How much is caused by humans?
In this episode of Fade Your Footprint, we cut through the noise and break down the science, misconceptions, and real debates surrounding climate change in a clear, practical, and approachable way.
Whether you're skeptical, curious, or simply trying to understand the basics, this episode will help you separate facts from headlines.
Visit https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/ for resources and help.
8 Jul 2026
How to Calculate Your Personal Carbon Footprint
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TpMDN6RZ_eM
Curious about your personal carbon footprint?
Find out why existing calculators like the EPA's fall short, and how this new tool addresses those gaps by focusing on the four categories that matter most: food, driving, home heating, and electricity. You'll get step-by-step instructions for accurately calculating household emissions and understand how changes—like installing solar panels or buying an EV—really affect your footprint.
US Department of Energy tool - https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymake/bymanuNF.shtml
Carbon footprint calculator - https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/carbon-footprint-calculator
Grid Status - https://www.gridstatus.io/
Visit https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/ for resources and help.
5 Jul 2026
Why Your Personal Carbon Footprint Matters
Welcome to the very first episode of Fade Your Footprint!
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5NzwAtqUIH0
In this kickoff episode, retired engineer Keith Smith shares his journey from climate confusion to practical action, and explains why individual choices can make a real difference in reducing global emissions.
If you've ever wondered:
• Does my personal carbon footprint really matter?
• Where do most household emissions actually come from?
• What's the smartest way to reduce emissions without overspending?
…this episode is for you. Head to https://www.fadeyourfootprint.org/ to try out the free tools to understand your footprint.
9 Jun 2026
Welcome to Fade Your Footprint
https://fadeyourfootprint.org
I'm Keith Smith, and I spent years lowering my own household emissions and helping friends and neighbors do the same. Now I want to show you the impact you can have by making changes to your home, your car, your lifestyle.
Reducing our carbon footprint is urgent, so I break down where a typical U.S. household's carbon footprint really comes from and walk you through practical, proven ways to reduce - or even eliminate it.
To get more specific about your own case, go to fadeyourfootprint.org, where I have created some free tools for you to use to calculate your emissions and see what options are best for you, as well as how much they will cost and how much you will save. I'm also available for a free consultation session to sit down with you, go over your specific case, and look at your options.
So if you're concerned about climate change, overwhelmed by all the advice and options, and want clear, free, experience-based guidance on what you can do, Fade Your Footprint is for you.
Contact Fade Your Footprint
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