Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint is a term used to describe our impact on the environment and our contribution to climate change. It is a measure of greenhouse gases emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels for heat, power, transportation, production of food we consume, products we purchase, and so on. A carbon footprint is typically expressed in tons of CO2 (or equivalents) emitted, and it is a useful tool for measuring progress in reducing these emissions.
And, as public consciousness of climate change has grown, the need to reduce carbon emissions has become an important goal. Many state governments, and soon the federal government, have established specific goals for reducing carbon emissions and increasing use of renewable energy (see below). Many public entities and commercial organizations are now taking steps to comply with these standards by reducing their carbon footprints, and many families and individuals are doing the same.
A carbon footprint is made up to two components:
- Primary Footprint – carbon emissions from fossil fuels burned to support our individual way of life – heating, power consumption, transportation (in its various forms), and hobbies.
- Secondary Footprint – carbon emissions from the food we eat and the material goods we consume. Their manufacture, transport and disposal all produce carbon emissions.
How do you measure your carbon footprint?
There are many online calculators to help you quantify your carbon footprint based on your actual energy consumption and lifestyle. We’ve chosen one developed by Carbon Footprint, a group committed to reducing carbon emissions located in the United Kingdom. Click below
How do you reduce your carbon footprint?
The obvious ways to reduce your consumption of fossil fuels are to use energy more efficiently and to use less of it. What's that mean and how do you do it? Many organizations are committed to combating climate change and their websites contain helpful tips.
- U.S. Department of Energy - EnergySavers -- Here you can learn how to use the energy in your home more efficiently. You can also learn how to use renewable energy to provide your home with electricity, heating, cooling, and water heating.
- The Nature Conservancy -- Lots of useful information about climate change and what you can do to help.
- Environmental Protection Agency a great resource with information about climate change and things you can do to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
- Flex your Power -- California's statewide energy efficiency marketing and outreach campaign. Initiated in 2001, it is a partnership of California's utilities, residents, businesses, institutions, government agencies and nonprofit organizations working to save energy.
- Consumer Reports - few people do it better than these guys! Great information.
- Energy Trust of Oregon - another excellent resource -- an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Oregonians benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources.
There are also community websites where you can connect with other people who share your goal of reducing carbon emissions. You can set reduction goals, share ideas, and even compete to be the "biggest loser!"
- Brighter Planet - This group makes it easy to get involved in the fight against climate change. They help people manage and mitigate their environmental footprint.
- CarbonRally - offers individuals and groups a fun, simple and social way to have an impact on energy consumption and climate change.
- Edenbee -- an online community of people who believe a little innovation can make a big difference to combat climate change. It's easy - just tell us a little about yourself, answer some simple questions and you're straight into a hive of activity.
- Carbon Salon -- Carbon Salon helps you to understand and take control of your carbon emissions. By providing you high quality, quantitative feedback on your carbon emissions we help you to reduce them in a manner that is both meaningful and that suits your lifestyle.