All You Need to Know About Carbon Footprint

What is a Carbon Footprint?

A carbon footprint is a colloquial term which refers to the amount of greenhouse gas produced by an individual, organization or industry. The emissions produced, in this term, are in reference to the direct or indirect daily activities of the subject.

The amount of greenhouse gases used to measure an entity’s carbon footprint is typically offered in metric tons of carbon dioxide. Based on the subject being analyzed (individual, household, company, state or nation) the carbon footprint can have a small or huge impact on the overall environment. As a whole, the carbon footprint is a small, yet vital part of our more comprehensive all-encompassing ecological footprint.

Types of Carbon Footprints:

According to the scientific community, there are two distinct forms of carbon footprints: the primary footprint and the secondary footprint. The primary carbon footprint refers to the activities we partake in those burn fossil fuels in a direct fashion.
As a result of this characteristic, the primary carbon footprint displaces an immediate effect on the natural resources of the planet. Examples of a primary carbon footprint include, driving a car, flying an airplane, heating our homes, using water or plugging in an electronic device.

The secondary carbon footprint includes all activities that yield a footprint from the products we purchase, such as clothing and food or products for our homes. The process that goes into creating or manufacturing these items, such as transporting the products to retail stores goes into our carbon footprint.
In addition to transport externalities, our secondary carbon footprint takes into account what happens after we have finished using the products, including the amount of time it takes the materials to break down and degrade the purchased items. Even if you’re particular activities are not separated into primary and secondary categories, both forms of carbon footprints are important and each action will affect the environment.

To determine your specific carbon footprint, you can access a carbon footprint calculator online. These resources will ask you question concerning your energy use, including the way you travel, the types of food you eat, the product you buy, your recycling habits and some of your personal activities. Once you have figured what your carbon footprint is, you can begin to take specific steps to reduce your energy usage; upon evaluating your carbon footprint, you should consider utilizing various sustainable energy sources to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle.

How do I Reduce my Carbon Footprint?

There are several steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. For example, to reduce your primary emissions, you can ride your bike, walk or utilize public transportation. Other important ways to reduce your carbon footprint include turning off your lights or electronic devices when they are not being used or contacting your electric company to switch to sustainable forms of energy such as solar or wind power.
To reduce your secondary carbon footprint you can purchase goods or items that are produced closer to your home. Although these activities will have a negligible effect in regards to the world’s carbon footprint, it is essential to use energy wisely and partake in such activities to mitigate the negative affect that carbon dioxide or haphazard energy use poses on the environment.