Our Carbon Footprint

By Mac Trainor

DEFINITION:

• A carbon footprint is "the total set of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product" (UK Carbon Trust 2008). An person, country, or business's carbon footprint is measured by undertaking a GHG emissions assessment. Once the size of a carbon footprint is known, a strategy can be devised to reduce it.

CO₂ EMMISSIONS PER COUNTRY

Travel

Generating ElectricityCoal plants alone dump

Overall

Ways to Reduce• More Efficient use of water Select products that are water-based or

have low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Use water-based paints. Look for paints labeled "zero-VOC." Paint with a brush, not a sprayer. Store solvents in air-tight containers.

Use a push or electric lawn mower. Start your barbecue briquettes with an electric probe, or use a propane or natural gas barbecue. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Replace energy hungry incandescent lights with fluorescent lighting. Check with your utility company for energy conservation tips, like purchasing energy saving appliances. Use a thermostat that automatically turns off the air conditioner or heater when you don't need them.

How to Save Electricity

- Accelerate gradually. - Use cruise control on the highway. - Obey the speed limit. - Combine your errands into one trip. - Replace your car's air filter regularly. - Keep your tires properly inflated.

How to save gas

Install low flow showerheads. Dry your clothes on a clothesline. Choose recycled products. Choose products with recyclable packaging. Reuse paper bags. Recycle paper, plastics, and metals. Print and photocopy on both sides of the paper. Don't use your wood stove or fireplace on days with unhealthy air.

How to save water

FIN.