Minimizing the Carbon Footprint

MINIMIZING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT

by Anton Antonio

September 5, 2015

This blog is some kind of sequel to an article I wrote before titled “Carbon Footprint” and published on my blogsite… http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/09/carbon-footprint.html.

“To understand carbon footprint, let us first dwell in its many definitions and the intricate process by which carbon footprinting is done.  Carbon footprint was originally called “ecological footprint”.  As an indicator of unsustainable energy use, the term “carbon footprint” was deemed to be more relevant than “ecological footprint”.  It is important, however, to note that both terms are measures of gas emission that largely contributes to climate change.  Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide or carbon compounds emitted into the atmosphere by the activities of an individual, company or country.  Historically, however, carbon footprint is defines as the total sets of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person.” (Antonio, 2014)

Not wanting to simply make narratives on what carbon footprint is all about, this article offers some simple solutions to minimize carbon footprint, such as:

1. Green Roofs – “Green roofs help reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a building during winter or cool it in the summer.  Roofs covered by different species of flora also become sanctuaries for birds in the middle of an urban jungle.  On the other hand, for building owners who opt to install solar panels instead, they help provide the buildings with renewable energy… which contributes to less carbon footprint.” (Antonio, 2015)  Another option is converting building rooftops to rooftop gardens which also makes green use of rooftops
2. Urban Reforestation – Urban reforestation is a reforestation initiative implemented in an urban setting.  This could be done by planting trees in every conceivable space especially vacant and unutilized lots.  Urban reforestation is the practice of planting trees typically on a large scale, in urban environments.  It sometime includes also urban horticulture and urban farming.  Reasons for practicing urban reforestation include urban beautification, increasing shade, modifying the urban climate, improving air quality and restoration of urban forests after a natural disaster.
3. Urban Landscaping – Like urban reforestation, the areas and spaces targeted for tree planting are vacant and idle lots.  However, there is an aesthetic twist by adding other decorative garden plants.  Household landscaping is the easiest initiative to promote owing to the fact that household gardens are an integral part of beauty maintenance for a house.
4. Urban Agriculture – Urban agriculture can be defined as growing fruits, herbs, and vegetables and raising animals in cities, a process that is accompanied by many other complementary activities such as processing and distributing food.  Urban agriculture can also significantly contribute to carbon footprint reduction.  Container gardening is also another form of urban agriculture which is increasingly becoming popular. 

The accompanying photo depicts another novel kind of green initiative.  It is rare for people to use bus rooftops as gardens.  Together with other lesser know initiatives, these can definitely help in minimizing carbon footprint.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader.)

REFERENCE:

Antonio, A. C. (2014). “Carbon Footprint”. Retrieved on September 5, 2015 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/09/carbon-footprint.html