How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
by Green Living on March 18, 2009
in Eco-Friendly
The term carbon footprint has been showing up in the news more and more lately. Just what is a carbon footprint?
Everyone, from individuals, factories and even countries leave a carbon footprint. This is simply the amount of carbon dioxide that each person emits. Many people, when they think of pollution, bring to mind the huge gas belching industries that spew toxic chemicals into the air. In reality, each one of us contributes to the carbon dioxide problem and each one of us can make changes to our carbon footprint and to stop global warming.
No matter what you believe to be the cause of global warming, there is indisputable evidence that the carbon dioxide we are emitting from our everyday activities is contributing to global warming. We must look seriously at our own personal carbon footprint and make changes that can reduce our impact on global warming.
Carbon Footprints
Simply put, your carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gasses that you are adding to the planet. These greenhouse gasses are measured in units (tons)of carbon dioxide and are made up of two parts.
Our primary footprint is the carbon dioxide that is emitted by burning fossil fuels. These are emissions we have direct control over such as our cars and electricity usage.
Our secondary footprint is the emissions from the whole life cycle of products we consume. These are emission generated by the manufacturing process and eventual breakdown of that product. Simply put, the more product we use, the more emissions are produced in our behalf.
How Do You Measure Your Carbon Footprint?
A Google search of the term “carbon footprint calculator” will generate many websites that will help you calculate your carbon footprint. Simple calculators ask 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 as to your actual energy consumption.
Lowering Your Personal Carbon Footprint
As we are becoming more environmentally conscious, we are looking for ways to reduce our levels for ways to reduce our levels of greenhouse gasses. There are thousands of ways to do this, some very simple and others that would require a substantial effort on our part. The fact of the matter is that we all need to be aware of the critical need to reduce these greenhouse gasses today.
Automobiles and Your Carbon Footprint
Automobile usage is a huge producer of greenhouse gasses. It is a major contributor to global warming and one over which an individual has the most control. Planning your errands, carpooling, using mass transportation, bicycles and your own two feet are the easiest changes to consider. 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 hybrid car or at leas a more fuel efficient car should be considered.
Household Utilities
For years we have heard how a few degrees change in the thermostat setting of our heating and air conditioning units can affect our electric bill. Now that concept becomes critical, because the more electric you use, the higher your carbon footprint. Use of new Star Energy compliant appliances should be considered when purchasing new appliances.
Turn off appliances when not in use. Many appliances and chargers have “standby modes” which consume huge amounts of energy even when turned off.
Switching to Compact Fluorescent Lamps(CFL) bulbs can result in significant savings in money. These bulbs have a higher initial cost, but they last longer and use significantly less energy.
The use of dishwashers, washing machines and dryers need to be used at peak efficiency. Always use them with a full load and when possible, hang clothes out to dry. The wind is a renewable energy source.
Shopping to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Drinking bottled water has become fashionable in recent years and has also become a significant source of pollution. The manufacturing, packaging, transportation and disposal of empty bottles is an ecological nightmare. A simple household filter and reusable containers are great ways to offset your carbon footprint when it comes to plastic bottles.
Shop local. Buying foods and vegetables at local markets offset the huge transportation costs, and fossil fuel consumption related to food production. And while you are at the store, you are using reusable grocery bags instead of plastic-aren’t you?
Carbon Offsets
Another emerging way to help reduce your carbon footprint is carbon offsets or carbon credits. Unless you live a Spartan life in the north woods, you will always have a carbon footprint. After calculating your carbon footprint, you can find companies in the fields of renewable energy, reforestation and wind energy that, for a donation, will provide you with an opportunity to offset your carbon load. These companies are developing technologies that lessen our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce pollution impacts.
The fact remains that we must take steps to reduce the amount of pollution we are dumping on our planet. As individuals, we have the power to make a difference. We only need to reevaluate our own lives and make changes that will benefit our planet.
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