What Is My Carbon Footprint?

Each individual, business and household has a carbon footprint. It represents the amount of greenhouse gases emitted each year. Often stated in tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), it also accounts for other greenhouse emissions, including methane, nitrous oxide and fluorocarbons.

Lifestyle

• Choices you make in transportation, bathing, washing clothes, recycling, conserving energy at home and eating all impact the amount of greenhouse gases you release into the atmosphere.

Americans

• In 2006, most U.S. individuals released approximately 22 tons of carbon dioxide in one year, reports ABC News. This was nearly four times greater than the global average of 6 tons per individual.

Emissions

• A footprint includes both direct emissions from fossil fuel burning (from vehicles and electricity use) and indirect emissions through products used. Some manufacturing processes release large amounts of greenhouse gases---including those used in the paper, bottled water and meat industries.

Effects

• Greenhouse gases trap heat on Earth. Some believe that too much of this effect could eventually lead to dramatic temperature changes and worsening weather conditions worldwide.

Reduction

• Make changes to reduce your carbon footprint. Drive less or at lower speeds, donate unused items, recycle, avoid Styrofoam, use recycled paper, unplug electric items not in use, wash clothes in cold water, use energy-efficient appliances and eat local, organic foods.