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How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The term carbon footprint has been frequently discussed in the news lately. So, just what is a carbon footprint?
When you think of pollution, many people picture the huge gas belching factories that spew toxic chemicals into the air. However, everyone, from individuals, businesses, and even countries contributes to the carbon dioxide emissions problem and leaves a carbon footprint. But each one can make changes to your carbon footprint to help reduce global warming.
Your Carbon Footprint is simply the amount of greenhouse gasses that you are adding to the planet. The more products you consume, the more emissions that are produced, which increases your carbon footprint.
These greenhouse gasses are measured in units (tons) of
carbon dioxide and are composed of two parts.
1. Your primary footprint
is the carbon dioxide that is emitted by burning fossil fuels. These
are emissions you have a direct control over, such as your car and
electricity usage.
2. Your secondary footprint is the emissions from
the whole life cycle of products you consume. These are emissions
generated by the manufacturing process and the eventual breakdown of
that product.
How To Measure Your Carbon Footprint
A Google search for the term "carbon footprint calculator" will generate many websites that will help you calculate your carbon footprint. Simple calculators ask for things like what type car you drive, how many miles, and what type home you occupy. Others are more sophisticated and go into more depth into your actual energy consumption.
How To Lower Your Personal Carbon Footprint
As you become more environmentally conscious, you can start to look for ways to reduce your levels of greenhouse gasses. There are thousands of ways to do this, some below are very simple, but others could require a substantial effort on your part. What is important is that you need to be aware of the critical need to reduce these greenhouse gasses, and start making a change today.
Reducing Your Automobile Carbon Footprint
Automobile usage is a huge producer of greenhouse gasses and a major contributor to global warming. Automobile usage is one area over which you have the most control. The easiest changes to implement are planning your errands, carpooling, using mass transportation, bicycling, and walking. Keeping your automobile in peak running condition, keeping tires properly inflated, learning to drive economically, and using biofuels when applicable also reduce carbon emissions. If a new car is in your future, a more fuel efficient or hybrid car should be considered.
Reducing Your Household Appliances Carbon Footprint
The more electricity you use, the higher your carbon footprint. Switching to Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) bulbs can result in a significant long term savings of money. CFL bulbs have a higher initial cost, but they last longer and use less energy. Changing the thermostat setting of your heating and air conditioning unit by a few degrees can also reduce your electric bill.
When considering new appliances, Energy Star compliant appliances should be purchased. Dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers need to be run at peak efficiency. Always use them with a full load and, when possible, hang clothes out to dry.
Turn off your small appliances when not in use. Many appliances and chargers have "standby modes" which consume huge amounts of energy even when turned off. Use a power strip with an on-off switch to turn off the charger electric power when not in use.
Reducing Your Shopping Carbon Footprint
Shop local. Buying foods and vegetables at local markets offset the huge transportation costs, and fossil fuel consumption related to food production. Use reusable grocery bags instead of using plastic at the store.
Reduce the amount of bottled water that you drink. A simple household water filter and reusable containers are great ways to offset your carbon footprint, instead of disposing of all those empty plastic bottles.
Reducing Your Carbon Offsets Carbon Footprint
Another emerging way to help reduce your carbon footprint is to trade carbon offsets or carbon credits. Unless you live a Spartan life in the woods, you will always have some carbon footprint. You can find companies in the fields of renewable energy, reforestation and wind energy that are developing technologies that lessen your dependence on fossil fuels. These companies may provide you with an opportunity to offset your carbon load.
The carbon dioxide you are emitting during everyday activities is contributing to global warming. You have the power to make a difference, to reevaluate your own life, and make changes that will reduce the amount of pollution dumped on the planet. Look seriously at your own personal carbon footprint, and make changes that can reduce the impact on global warming.
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