What is a Carbon Footprint

What is a Carbon Footprint?
Before you understand the different ways to reduce your carbon footprint, you need to know what is the definition of carbon footprint. Whenever we burn fossil fuels such as petrol, gas and coal, to support our lifestyle, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is released into the atmosphere. A carbon footprint is a measure of CO₂ emissions that result from various activities of an individual during a given time period. It is the total amount of CO₂ that your lifestyle produces. It indicates your impact on the environment through CO₂ emissions. Environmental issues such as global warming are also linked to CO₂ emissions. Modern lifestyle demands the usage of fossil fuels for transport, electricity and other purposes. In many countries, electricity is generated by burning coal. Driving a car burns fuel, which in turn releases CO₂. All these factors are taken into consideration when calculating the carbon footprint of an individual.

How to Calculate Your Carbon Footprint?
Carbon footprint is generally calculated over a period of one year. You can calculate your carbon footprint using a carbon footprint calculator. A carbon footprint calculator is the easiest way to measure your impact on the environment. There are plenty of websites that provide online calculators and you don't have to pay a penny to use them. Websites such as 'carbonfootprint' and 'nature' offer carbon footprint tests. Just enter the requisite data and you can access your full carbon footprint. Many people do not know what is the average carbon footprint. The average carbon footprint of any individual includes the CO₂ emissions from his car, home and air travel and everything he uses that contributes to his carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is usually expressed in tons of CO₂. It is measured in the amount of CO₂ that has been released over the life span of a product or service. According to the latest reports, an average American produces around 28 tons of greenhouse gases, mainly from transportation and energy used at home.

Carbon Footprint Calculator for Businesses
To access these calculators, simply go online and find out whether your business is environmentally friendly. Based on the results, you can take the necessary steps to decrease CO₂ emissions. The calculator takes into account your organization's electricity bill and sector, before giving a rough estimate of your company's carbon footprint.

Calculate Automobile Carbon Footprint
Automobile carbon footprint can be calculated by first dividing the total number of miles travel annually by the MPG (estimated fuel efficiency) of your vehicle. This amount is then multiplied by a factor of 19.564. To get the answer in metric tones, you need to divide the number by 2025. Buying a car that runs on E85 gasoline (fuel that consists of 85% ethanol and only 15% gasoline) can considerably reduce your vehicle's CO₂ emissions.

Carbon Footprint Reduction
Electricity and modes of transport are the greatest contributors to the greenhouse gas emissions. Lifestyle modifications that involve careful usage of home appliances and travel methods to minimize pollution, can help reduce your carbon footprint. There are various ways to shrink your carbon footprint. Some of them are listed below.

Transportation
The way you travel everyday directly affects the environment. For traveling short distances, there is absolutely no need to use a vehicle. Walking or biking will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also keep you fit. Whenever possible, commute by public transport as it decreases the strain on the environment. Instead of driving, using the bus, which is one of the best ways to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂). You need to service your vehicle regularly and ensure that the emission control system is operating efficiently. Check the fuel, oil and air filters and replace them if required. The tires should also be properly inflated as it reduces fuel consumption. Following better driving habits such as accelerating smoothly, driving within the specified speed limit and maintaining a steady speed can go a long way in reducing CO₂ emissions.

Food Carbon Footprint
An easy way to curb your food related carbon footprint is to purchase vegetables and fruits grown locally. Prefer local shops as it will also save fuel. This helps minimize transport related CO₂ emissions.

Use Energy Efficient Appliances
CO₂ emissions caused due to electricity usage can be brought under control by using energy efficient appliances. Compact fluorescent bulbs require less electricity, so installing them in all light fixtures can save lot of energy and help achieve an energy efficient home. It has been observed that energy demands of certain home appliances increase over a period of time. For instance, as appliances like refrigerators get older, their performance decreases but the consumption of electricity increases. So it is better to replace them with new ones. Replacing air filters of air conditioners and heaters every 3 months can also help the environment. This is because clean air filters allow you to save on an average 350 pounds of carbon emissions. If possible, use a cloth line instead of a dryer to dry your clothes. Electronic goods like computers and televisions sip power, even after switching off the power switch. A better way would be to unplug these devices. Using renewable energy products such as solar water heaters, can also save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

Recycling
Recycling can also help reduce your carbon footprint. It is possible to achieve a smaller carbon footprint by recycling materials like metals and paper. Waste materials generated in the house can be recycled.

Carbon Footprint Activities for Kids
You need to encourage your children to do activities that help the environment. Eco-friendly activities such as planting trees, can make the environment cleaner and a better place to live. You can tell your children to grow a vegetable garden which is not quite difficult. Field trips and events that educate them about our environment can enable them to know why there is a need to take care of the environment. Eco-friendly projects such as hiking or making claypots and baskets can also be organized.

The utmost priority of every individual should be to take preventive steps to decrease the impact of CO₂ emissions on the environment, so that the generation to come will be able to lead a healthy life.