A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. Simply put, it is how much an individual’s life affects the environment. The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Globally, the average carbon footprint is closer to 4 tons. (The Nature Conservatory)
What are some things that contribute to your carbon footprint?
Your daily commute, the food you eat, the clothes you buy, everything you throw away … and more. The larger your footprint, the heavier the strain on the environment.
Whatever changes you decide to make really depends on your starting point. If you are interested in figuring out what you carbon footprint is, use this link from The Nature Conservatory.
Then go from there and make changes. Every little bit helps.
Here’s How You Can Make a Difference
Here are several more practical things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint:
– Draw/print on both sides of paper
– Shop at thrift stores or swap clothes with friends
– Reuse gift bags and wrapping paper
– Always use a recyclable water bottle, not a plastic one. Many places now have refillable water stations
– Encourage others to reduce their carbon footprint too. (Actually when you follow what you preach, you are encouraging others as well)
– Avoid products with excessive plastic packaging
– Bike or walk instead of drive (when you can)
– Save food scraps to compost yourself – or take your scraps to a compost site
– Buy local sourced fruit and vegetables
– Turn off lights when leaving the room and unplug appliances when they are not in use
Start today!
