Reducing the Carbon Footprint Essay example

I have devised a reasonable strategy to decrease our CO2 production. If we watch 34 hours less of television, and use the fans almost 78 hours less a week by turning them off when we are not home or when we are out of a room where a fan is on; we can save about 1161 pounds of CO2 alone. Lastly, instead of using a dishwasher, my family has agreed to take turns washing the dishes by hand and since I have a gas water heater it will further decrease the amount of CO2 production we are responsible for. My strategy is reasonable because If no one is in a room where a fan is on, then there is no reason for the fan to be running. Also, by limiting the amount of time my children spend in front of a television, I can save money on my electric bill too. Plus, my kids are doing more productive things with their time, like reading, coloring or playing with Lego's. If my family and I follow this strategy, then we will be saving a grand total of 1370.30 pounds of CO2 and $128.14 a year. With this project, I have learned that by adjusting the amount of time I have certain appliances on or by changing how often I use other appliances, I can, in fact, reduce not only the cost of my electric bill but also

Support for these claims are documented through extensive research into numerous practices that individuals could take part in to diminish their carbon footprint and greenhouse gases emissions. These small changes include of catching public transport more regularly, replacing regular incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) which use 60% less energy than a regular bulb and buy more locally grown and produced foods.

Ecological footprint helps us understand human pressure on the planet. It compares human demand with the planet Earth’s ecological capacity to regenerate it is important to change our lifestyles in order to lead a fulfilling life without degrading the environment.

By calculating my carbon footprint score, it has tremendously opened my eyes as to how much I contribute to the destruction of the Earth’s atmosphere. However, it has also made me aware of a variety of ways that I can reduce the damage I cause.

* Purchase energy efficient electrical appliances, which use two to ten times less electricity for the same functionality, and are mostly higher quality products that last longer than the less efficient ones.

What has changed in the last few hundred years is the additional release of carbon dioxide by human activities. Fossil fuels burned to run cars and trucks, heat homes and businesses, and power factories are responsible for about 98% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, 24% of methane emissions, and 18% of nitrous oxide emissions. Increased agriculture, deforestation, landfills, industrial production, and mining also contribute a significant share of emissions. In 1997, the United States emitted about one-fifth of total global greenhouse gases.

Our carbon footprint is an estimation of the anthropogenic impact that we have on the environment. What it shows is the impact our every day decisions have in releasing green house gases into the atmosphere. Our individual carbon footprint adds up with the other 7 billion people in the world, and it becomes crystal clear that we are exploiting our resources. Each and every single person’s carbon footprint has an effect on global warming. It impacts not only humans but also our habitats, animals, and the millions of other organisms that call this earth their home. I have been working with the Oregon Zoo for the past 3 years teaching kids about their carbon footprint, and conservation so the results were not completely shocking to me. I was aware that the world, especially the United States has an enormous carbon footprint. However, I was definintly not aware that my personal carbon footprint is as big as it is.

The first way towards going green is a change of lifestyle. When going green it can be as easy as flipping off the light switch as you leave the room or by turning off the water while you’re brushing your teeth. It may seem insignificant at the time but long term, changing simple habits can save both the environment and utility cost. The big question here is,

Humans today are using much more electricity than we need to in our houses and this is impacting our world more then we realise. Although electricity is a huge advantage to humans it has the complete opposite effects on our environment. By using more electricity, we are using more of the earth’s resources and if we keep going down this road then we are going to run out. The solution for this mass overuse of energy is to build houses which are more energy efficient. Features like LED lightbulbs, insulating and even positioning your house in the correct position for natural airflow instead of using air conditioning are all ways we can help improve this problem.

　　　　 Secondly, unplug your home appliances when not in utilised. This process targets reducing unnecessary energy make use of by means of unplugging any

Obvious saving tips are, only turn on the light, when you need it, turn off electrical appliances when not in use, but ideas for preventing paying too much for electricity are plenty:

In the world that we live in today, energy is in high demand. Businesses and family budgets require energy efficiency in order to get their money’s worth. Technology is being constantly developed to help make our energy sources more efficient. More efficient lighting, like LED light bulbs are being produced to conserve energy, along with more efficient vehicles. Some of these technologies are more readily implemented, and affordable than others, but efforts are still being made to make the world a more energy-efficient place. In addition to energy efficiency saving money for businesses and households, it also helps reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.

While governments must take the lead in halting climate change, it is also our re-sponsibility as individuals to do our part to reduce our own contributions to green¬house gas emissions. At home, we can use more energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, properly insulate our houses, and recycle. We should drive more fuel effi¬cient vehicles and use public transportation whenever possible. Tools are available to help us calculate our personal carbon emissions to identify areas where we could potentially improve.

Secondly, unplug your home appliances when not in utilised. This process targets reducing unnecessary energy make use of by means of unplugging any home

Many individuals are unaware of the harm that they cause to our planet. We live in a society where we eat and use electricity without knowing where it comes from or what damage it might cause to our planet. We have needs that do no make sense to the rest of the world. While some of us enjoy our luxurious meals, other individuals are given little choice. Richer countries have been accustomed to the point where many are unaware of the problems that they cause. The ecological footprint is a very good tool to show us how we use our nature and raise awareness toward environmental protection.