Carbon Footprints

This has become the conversation in the environmental movement. Do you know your carbon footprint?

Surprisingly many individuals do not know what this is. The carbon footprint is the sum of all the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by groups, communities, events, products, individuals and corporations. It is measured by calculating a greenhouse gas emissions assessment. With this information strategic action can be taken to reduce the footprint.

The intent of this section is to help individuals, communities and governments begin to reduce their carbon footprint. The first step requires becoming aware through education and information. Once informed, individuals can begin to act responsibly by taking conscious actions to help curb the effects of the accumulation of greenhouse gas in our atmosphere.

There are many things that contribute greatly to the total greenhouse gases. Surprisingly what we eat can be as much a contributing factor as our driving habits. There are many hidden causes of greenhouse gas emissions such as computers – especially servers. Computers and large servers generate a lot of heat which is wasted energy, this then needs to be cooled – more wasted energy…

There are many ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Traveling by air, driving, heating, cooling, food, electricity and waste all increase our carbon footprint so reducing these helps.

Renewable energies such as solar, wind, tidal, geothermal and hydroelectric all help reduce our carbon footprint. Nuclear energy minimizes the carbon footprint yet leaves a radioactive waste that is very controversial as to the long term hazardous environment affects.

Bio-fuels are great as long as they are not using our food supply to make them. Using corn and soy for bio-fuels is controversial. Switch grass and algae are thought to be some of the most cost effective sources for making bio-fuels.

Recycling helps yet reducing and reusing is much better.

To get more insight into carbon footprints take a few minutes to calculate your carbon footprint here.

Awareness is a great first step.