Learning to estimate your carbon footprint and adapting methods for reducing it are positive first steps toward developing an earth-friendly lifestyle. The process of reducing your carbon footprint may seem initially overwhelming. Yet by gradually decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide, or CO2, that you release into the air, you'll soon make a significant dent in your carbon footprint.
Definition
A carbon footprint measures the effect each person has on the environment. It is called a carbon footprint because it estimates how much carbon dioxide is emitted through people's various fossil fuel-burning activities. Your carbon footprint can be measured by direct use, as when you use a fossil fuel source that immediately releases carbon dioxide into the air, or indirectly, such as through the purchase of foods or goods whose production requires a significant release of CO2.
Implications
The limit of carbon dioxide emissions each person is responsible for should not exceed two tons per year---yet globally, the average person is responsible for four tons a year, according to the World Health Organization, or WHO. These CO2 emissions add to the pollution of the world's oceans, according to a study published in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters. CO2 is also a greenhouse gas and may speed up the harmful effects of global warming
Conservation Methods
One of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to simply use less energy. For example, turn out the lights when you leave a room. This can reduce CO2 emissions by about 400kg per year, according to the WHO. Turn off water when it is not in immediate use, as when brushing teeth or washing dishes. Limiting the use of petrol-powered vehicles can greatly decrease CO2 production. Walk or bike wherever possible. Buy food at farm stands, farmer's markets, local butcher shops or other places where the food doesn't travel far from source to selling point.
Alternative Energy Sources
Along with conserving fossil-based energy, alternative sources of energy can be used. Consider investing in solar, water or wind energy systems to provide electricity to your home. Passive solar heating--simply allowing the sun into your house by day and covering the windows at night--can make a difference, as can simple cardboard and aluminum foil outdoor solar ovens. Instead of running new water for every task, store up rainwater, or recycle relatively clean dishwater to irrigate your garden or lawn. Use your own energy to move leaves and cut the lawn rather than relying on gas-powered tools; invest in good-quality rakes, clippers and non-motorized grass cutters.
Additional Benefits
Fossil-fuel emissions can stunt plant and tree growth, notes the study published in Geophysical Research Letters. Reducing these emissions can help the global warming problem, because trees soak up the carbon dioxide and hold it in their soil and roots. Reducing carbon-dioxide releasing energy sources can also be beneficial to human health, not only because it will make our air cleaner, but because participating in alternative activities, like walking rather than driving, can make the human body healthier.
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