A carbon footprint is described as the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced on an annual basis through our daily social and domestic activities, either directly or indirectly. These mentioned greenhouse gases are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). A carbon footprint can be measured for an entire country or state, a group of people such as a company, a household, or an individual person.
Different Types of Carbon Footprint
Two types of carbon footprint exist. These are:
• Primary Carbon Footprint
A primary carbon footprint refers to those activities which directly burn fossil fuels; the activities which has an immediate impact on the natural resources of the planet. Some examples of a primary carbon footprint include plugging in any electronic device, heating our homes, taking a flight in an airplane, driving a car, or simply using water.
• Secondary Carbon Footprint
A secondary carbon footprint refers to those products purchased, such as clothing, food, or similar products to be used in our homes. A secondary carbon footprint is made through a process which begins with the manufacturing of items, through the transportation of products to its locations, and eventually ends with the amount of time it takes the materials to degrade and subsequently break down after we have finished using the items.
Ways to reduce a Carbon Footprint
Important steps taken to reduce your carbon footprint include:
• Reduce the emissions from your vehicle by rather taking a bus or train to work; whenever possible, walk or ride a bike;
• Always turn off lights when they are not in use;
• Turn down the heat in your home and do not leave electronics plugged in;
• Consider sustainable energy practices, such as solar power or wind;
• When out shopping, make use of reusable shopping bags; and
• Recycle products whenever possible.
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