Carbon Footprint Definition
by Laurent
(Cousineau)
The Consumption of Fossil Fuels will Increase Your Carbon Footprint
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The carbon footprint is the total set of greenhouse gas emissions we individually cause.
Often, when considering someone's carbon footprint, it is usually in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide they directly or indirectly produce.
The carbon footprint is a means of determining someone's environmental impact that is often used.
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
There are many things that can be done to reduce one's carbon footprint:- Use alternative energy
- Drive a hybrid, an electric car, or even a hydrogen fuel cell
- Use public transit, walk more or use a bike
- Buy locally and buy organic
- Consume less meat or go vegetarian
- Reduce, reuse and recycle
- And much more
Carbon Offsets and Carbon Neutrality
In addition, not only can we reduce our carbon footprint, but in fact, we could purchase carbon offsets.Essentially, a carbon offset is a credit for greenhouse gas reductions achieved by one party that can be purchased and used to compensate (offset) the emissions of another party.
Eventually, by reducing your carbon footprint to zero, you could become carbon neutral.
Learn more about carbon offsets at the David Suzuki Foundation.
What is your Carbon Footprint?
You could now calculate your carbon footprint.However, it should be noted that carbon footprint calculators are not always that accurate, and they sometimes make assumptions regarding your lifestyle which could skew results.