What is Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is “the total set of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event or product” . For simplicity of reporting, it is often expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted.
For Individuals
Here’s a list of simple things you can do immediately
- Turn it off when not in use (Lights, Fans, Microwave, Television, DVD player, Charging devices, computer etc. etc. …)
- Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees C). Just 1 degree will help reduce your heating bill by about 8%.
- Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)
- Check the central heating timer setting – remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work
- Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load – this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder
- Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need
- Do your weekly shopping in a single trip
- Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it
The following is a list of items that may take an initial investment, but should pay for themselves over the course of 1-4 years through savings on your energy bills.
- Fit energy saving light bulbs
Energy saving light bulbs
Both CFL light bulbs (low energy light bulbs) and LED light bulbs offer substantial energy savings. LED bulbs offer the greater saving overall using less energy and lasting longer at 60,000 hours, however a greater initial investment is required. In addition alternative fittings may be required and at present they only provide directional lighting.
With improvements in LED’s making them more and more viable, they will be the choice of the future, but for now we would recommend choosing CFL bulbs. The energy savings are still very good and although they have a lesser life span at 6,000-15,000 hours, they are much cheaper and can directly replace your current bulbs which only last 1,000 hours, helping the environment and your pocket straight away.
- Replace your old fridge / freezer (if it is over 15 years old), with a new one with energy efficiency rating of “A”
- Replace your old boiler with a new energy efficient condensing boiler
Travel less and travel more carbon footprint friendly.
- Car pooling to work, or for the kids school run
- Use the bus or a train rather than your car
- For short journeys either walk or cycle
- Try to reduce the number of flights you take
- See if your employer will allow you to work from home one day a week.
- Next time you replace your car – check out diesel engines. With one of these you can even make your own Biodiesel fuel.
- When staying in a hotel – turn the lights and air-conditioning off when you leave your hotel room, and ask for your room towels to be washed every other day, rather than every day
As well as your primary carbon footprint, there is also a secondary footprint that you cause through your buying habits.
- Don’t buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink
- Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own
- Buy foods that are in season locally
- Don’t buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season, they may have been flown in
- Reduce your consumption of meat
- Try to only buy products made close to home (look out and avoid items that are made in the distant lands)
- Buy organic produce
- Don’t buy over packaged products
- Recycle as much as possible
- Think carefully about the type of activities you do in your spare time. Do any of these cause an increase in carbon emissions? e.g. Saunas, Health clubs, restaurants and pubs, go-karting etc. etc…
Source: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/
Posted by Bestsolver