How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

By Anton Antonio

January 16, 2016

Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular individual or a particular group of people.  A “carbon footprint” is defines as: “The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and/or indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent ton of carbon dioxide (CO2).  A carbon footprint is historically defines as “the total sets of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product or individual”.  The total carbon footprint, however, cannot be accurately calculated because of the very large amount of information and date required and the fact that carbon dioxide can also be produced by natural occurrences.  Having stated this, --- if accurately calculating carbon footprint --- the best way, therefore, to manage our carbon footprint is to concentrate on initiatives to reduce it.  But how exactly can this be done?

Our carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), or greenhouse gasses, we release into the atmosphere or the environment (in general) through our daily activities.  Natural gas, electricity and transportation are some of the generic things that primarily contribute to our carbon footprint.  By making conscious changes in our lifestyle, we can make a big difference.  Here are some examples:

1. Alternative to using motor vehicles.  Whenever possible, walk or ride the bicycle in order to avoid carbon emissions completely.
2. Get a low carbon vehicle.
3. Improve our driving style and behaviour.
4.  Avoid traffic.
5. Diligently maintain our vehicles… even simple maintenance practices like regularly checking tire pressure, etc.
6. Purchase energy-efficient home appliances.
7. Turn off lights, appliances and other electronic gadgets when they are not in use.
8. Configure your gadgets (computers, smart phones, etc.) to power saving mode.
9. Line-dry laundry than using electric dyers.
10. Participate in carpools.
11.  Minimize use of air conditioners and maximize use of electric fans.
12. Use less paper at the workplace.
13. Prefer the laptop over the desktop computer which consumes less electricity.
14. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg… I am very sure there are more ideas out there on how to reduce your carbon footprint.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

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