| Our carbon footprint is the direct effect our | | | | increased the amount of greenhouse gas in the |
| actions and lifestyle have on the environment in | | | | atmosphere. Earth is now heating up excessively, |
| terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. CO2 | | | | a process called “global warming.” |
| increases greenhouse gases that contribute to | | | | You can reduce your carbon footprint by changing |
| global warming. We all contribute to global warming | | | | things that you do in your daily life. These are a |
| every day. | | | | few things you can do to reduce your personal |
| Carbon Footprints are made up of two parts, the | | | | carbon footprint: |
| direct or primary footprint and the indirect or | | | | · Walk to your destination if possible instead of |
| secondary footprint. The primary footprint is a | | | | driving. |
| measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the | | | | · Recycle glass, metals, plastics and paper. |
| burning of fossil fuels. These are probably the | | | | · Select the most energy-efficient models when |
| biggest contributors to your Carbon Footprint; | | | | you replace your old appliances. Look for products |
| they include electricity consumption and | | | | that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label. |
| transportation. The secondary footprint is a | | | | · Turn off and unplug stereos, radios, TVs, and |
| measure of indirect CO2 emissions from the | | | | DVDs when you leave home for a few days. |
| entire lifecycle of products we use - from their | | | | These appliances have a stand-by function that |
| manufacture to their eventual breakdown in the | | | | uses energy even when they are turned off. |
| ecosystem. | | | | · Only run your dishwasher when full, and let |
| The greenhouse effect is the increase in | | | | dishes air dry. |
| Earth’s temperature caused by the growing | | | | There are many things you can do to offset your |
| amount of certain gasses in the atmosphere – | | | | Carbon Footprint as well; one good choice is to |
| nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide. These | | | | plant a tree! An average tree absorbs more than |
| “Greenhouse gases” have the same | | | | 650 pounds of CO2 over its lifespan. Trees act as |
| effect on Earth as a greenhouse; letting sunlight in | | | | natural filters of our air; through the process of |
| and keeping heat from escaping. The greenhouse | | | | photosynthesis they absorb CO2 from the |
| effect is important to human life; otherwise, it | | | | atmosphere and store it in their trunk, branches, |
| would be too cold to live on the Earth. | | | | leaves, and roots while releasing oxygen back out. |
| By burning fossil fuels, we have tremendously | | | | |