It’s common knowledge that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases cause climate change and global warming. Every person and organisation is responsible for reducing these harmful emissions to conserve the environment and make the world a better place.
What is Carbon Footprint?
This is the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by individuals or companies. According to the World Health Organisation, this is a measure of the impact of human activities on the volume of carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels. It’s expressed by the weight of carbon dioxide emissions in tonnes.
How Do You Emit Carbon Dioxide?
Your carbon footprint is calculated according to the amount of greenhouse gases you emit to the surroundings.
Here are the factors that affect your carbon footprint:
Consumption and lifestyle: how much food do you consume? Which types of food do you love? How do you dispose of food waste?
House and energy: People living in large homes and owning huge electrical appliances have a larger carbon footprint than studio apartment dwellers.
Transport: cycling bicycles and using public means reduces your carbon footprint while using private cars increases it.
The Carbon Footprint of Firms and their Products
Generally, larger companies emit more greenhouse gases than smaller establishments. However, the big businesses have the resources to invest in sustainable energy sources like wind energy and solar. Most of these firms aim to become carbon neutral by 2050.
The carbon footprint refers to the total emissions made through a product’s development cycle, both direct and indirect, from conception until it reaches the intended user. It explains why electric cars aren’t carbon neutral, although they are more eco-friendly than fuel-powered automobiles.
How to Calculate Carbon Footprints
When calculating carbon footprints, it’s vital to consider direct and indirect emissions. Direct emissions come from burning fossil fuels to produce energy used to power factories and vehicles and heat homes. Indirect emissions are the consequences of human actions, such as manufacturing and service consumption.
Besides carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gases include methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and water vapour.
It can be cumbersome to calculate your carbon footprint manually. Luckily, several online tools make it easy for you.
The Importance of Calculating Carbon Footprint
The most significant benefit of calculating your carbon footprint is knowing how your activities affect the environment. With this knowledge, you can adopt more sustainable approaches to avoid adverse effects like climate change.
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The following are a few tips on reducing your carbon footprint.
Energy Consumption
The best way of reducing carbon emissions is by adopting solar or other renewable energy sources. Consider client reviews and reputation when choosing the right solar panel installer.
Also, invest in programmable heaters that go off when left idle or after your room reaches the desired temperature.
Disconnect your charger from the socket. It consumes electricity even if you unplug your phone.
Food and Waste
Reduce the consumption of animal products. Ensure that you don’t prepare large meals to reduce food waste. Also, locally sourced foods reduce indirect emissions.
Regarding waste, recycle as much as you can. If you have a garden, use your food waste to make compost manure.
Water Use
Cover your pots when cooking to reduce water loss. If possible, take cold showers and baths. Also, boil small amounts of water.
Transport
Instead of driving yourself, walk, cycle or use public transport. Don’t board an aeroplane if there are alternative ways of reaching your destination.
Wrapping Up
Climate change is taking a toll on living organisms. Animals, plants, and human beings suffer from increasing carbon emissions. It’s your responsibility to reduce your carbon footprint and save the world.
