Carbon Footprint Reduction

By: Sean Kinnnally

What is it?

• A carbon footprint is a measure of our impact on the environment, and the climate, through our activities.

• This “footprint” is made through the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and through the burning of fossil fuels.

How is it Measured?• Carbon Footprints are measured using

multiple variables like:– Use of hot water– Lighting Efficiency– Use of home products– Travel Time– How you travel– How often you check things like air filters and tire

pressure

• http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=3304489n

Statistics

• The average amount of CO2 emitted by a person in the United States is about 27 Tons of CO2 eq/year.

• The average amount of CO2 emitted by a person in the world is only 5.5 Tons of CO2 eq/year.

Utilities

• Household utilities have a very significant impact on a families or persons carbon footprint.

• Just unplugging things like TV’s and game systems when not in use can have a very positive effect on one’s footprint.

• It is also very helpful to purchase more efficient utilities, like Energy Star Dish Washers and more efficient light bulbs.

• In terms of the more efficient light bulbs, switching from a standard 100 Watt light bulb to a low energy 18 Watt light bulb can lower CO2 emissions by more than 50 kg per year.

Foods/Products

• Buying foods from local markets or farms can drastically improve your carbon footprint.

• This is because buying local products means your products aren’t being shipped across the country.

• It is also helpful to use recycled grocery bags and have a compost pile for any leftover, recyclable foods.

• Limiting your consumption of meat is also helpful for reducing your carbon footprint.

Travel

• Travel is one of he biggest factors in determining your carbon footprint.

• If possible, try to carpool with people as much as you can.

• Avoid flying as much as possible, because it quickly hurts the atmosphere, and in turn, your carbon footprint.

• At this point, try to avoid driving large cars and think about Hybrid or very efficient vehicles.

Bibliography• Carbon Footprint Ltd. "Carbon Footprint - Carbon Footprint Reduction." Carbon

Footprint - Home of Carbon Management. RADsite, n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2010. <http://www.carbonfootprint.com/minimisecfp.html>.

• "Carbon Footprint Reduction - CBS News Video." Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. CBS, n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2010. <http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=3304489n>.

• "Carbon Footprint Calculator - What's My Carbon Footprint ? ." The Nature Conservancy - Protecting Nature, Preserving Life . The Nature Conservancy, n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2010. <http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/>.

• "Home | SEIA - Solar Energy Industries Association." Home | SEIA - Solar Energy Industries Association. Solar Energy Industries Association, n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2010. <http://seia.org/>.