Carbon Footprint and Reduction

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation.

The carbon footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

It can be classified into two categories.
1. Primary
2. Secondary


How can we reduce carbon footprint to save environment.


Carbon footprint reduction is today burning issue by almost all countries. specially for developed countries.now every country is worried about such issue and managing to use natural resources in best possible manner to that i put lesser pressure in natural resource use.


Steps to be taken to reduce carbon footprint

Companies, Firms

1.Draw a carbon management strategy and plan, set realistic carbon reduction targets and regular monitoring plan with performance achieved.

2.Stop production from old machines which are not efficient.


3. Close down sick industries which are not able too manage resource in best possible Manner.

4.Awareness among workers, Labors and operators which are directly engaged in machines/vehicles which run by fossil fuels

5. Replace your old boiler with a new energy efficient condensing boiler

Individuals

1. Turn it off when not in use (lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, etc.

2. 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%.

3. Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)

4. Check the central heating timer setting - remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work

5. Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load - this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder

6. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need

7. Do your weekly shopping in a single trip

8. Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it

9. 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.

10. Fit energy saving light bulbs

11. Install thermostatic valves on your radiators

 12. Replace your old fridge / freezer (if it is over 15 years old), with a new one with energy efficiency rating of "A"

Travel less and travel more carbon footprint friendly.

1. Car share to work, or for the kids school run

2. Use the bus or a train rather than your car

3. For short journeys either walk or cycle

4. Try to reduce the number of flights you take

5. See if your employer will allow you to work from home one day a week

6 Next time you replace your car - check out diesel engines. With one of these you can even make your own Biodiesel fuel.

7. 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 primary carbon footprint, there is also a secondary footprint that cause through our buying habits. 

1. Don't buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink 

2. Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own 

3. Buy foods that are in season locally 

3. Don't buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season, they may have been flown in 

3. Reduce your consumption of meat 

4. Try to only buy products made close to home (look out and avoid items that are made in the distant lands) 

5. Buy organic produce 

6. Don't buy over packaged products 

7. Recycle as much as possible 

8. 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...