Among all of our daily activities in this era, the majority appears to be threats to the planet, to the ecosystem, and to the surroundings. With the evolution of our consumption and livelihood, the concern regarding our ecology has been shaped. Nevertheless, a decade ago, the term Carbon Footprint was not so significant, just like it is now. Starting from reducing the use of Air Conditioners to banning plastic, Carbon Footprint is under the limelight these days.

But what is carbon Footprint actually? Also, what are some important facts related to it? Here are the answers. Stay tuned to us and keep reading.

What Is Carbon Footprint?

In simple words, a carbon footprint actually refers to the total emission of greenhouse gases from multiple sources. However, the biggest sources of these greenhouse gases are products, services, organizations, persons. Some examples of carbon footprint causing greenhouse gases are Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Fluorinated gases (Hydrofluorocarbons, Sulfur Hexafluoride, Perfluorocarbons), etc.

In short, the carbon footprint is just another way to analyze what impact your lifestyle has on the environment. For instance, if you use Air Conditioner, your contribution to the carbon footprint percentage will increase. This is how the entire measure works.

What Are The 5 Things You Need To Know About Carbon Footprint?

There are a lot of statistics and facts coming out every day about the Carbon Footprint. Since it is one of the current and troublesome issues in the world, the controversy regarding it is also quite high. Would you like to know 5 Important things about carbon Footprints? Take a look at the points below:

1. Calculating Carbon Footprint Is Now Quite Easy

Calculation of carbon footprint is not really challenging now. You can do it by yourself using online calculators developed by certain companies. So basically, a carbon footprint calculator works by considering all the emissions from your activities in a day. The measurement is conducted in CO2e, which means carbon dioxide equivalent.

There are some organizations that are helping people track down their contribution to the carbon footprint. One of them is SQM Club, a global establishment that is helping the earth to get rid of carbon emissions.

2. American Households Lead The Carbon Emission

It is too shocking that a single American household is emitting 8.1 metric tons of CO2e every year. This is simply through dietary habits such as poultry, meat, seafood, etc. The food production system is responsible for 83% of emissions, while transportation accounts for 11%.

3.  Transportation Is Also Significantly Responsible

The ways you move from one place to another also impacts the carbon emission considerably. Traditional vehicles that are run by fuel are the largest emitters of  CO2 and Methane. According to a study, transportation was the main reason behind 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019.

4. Multinational Corporations Are Hubs Of Carbon Emission

Companies, even the Information technology ones, have the largest carbon footprints in the world. As per a 2017’s sustainability report, 100 top companies are accounting for about 70% of the world’s emissions since 1988. Out of these top 100, the top 25 emit 50% of the greenhouse gases.

However, it would be fair that there has been greater awareness about the dangers of increasing carbon emissions in the world. This has made big corporations hire carbon footprint consultant. They are able to aid and advise on what should be done to bring down the carbon emissions. Legislations in this area are also being passed aggressively by national governments.

5. Food Products Like Meat Surprisingly Contribute A Lot

This may sound quite astonishing, but yes, food products like Meat and Dairy generate a large number of greenhouse gases. In comparison to vegetables or grains, animal products have more carbon footprints.

Do you know why? It is because animals like pigs, goats, and cows give rise to Methane gas. As found by the Center For Sustainable Development Systems, Michigan, these animals together produced 170 million tons in 2016. That’s huge!!

What Are Some Top Ways To Reduce Carbon Footprint?

Now that you are aware of the 5 crucial facts about carbon emission, here are some ways you can reduce your carbon footprint:

• Consuming more plant-based foods and fewer animal foods
• Using sustainable transportation modes like electric vehicles
• Reducing, reusing, and recycling to waste less 
• Changing fashion choices from fast fashion organic clothing
• Using energy-efficient appliances like LED bulbs, ceiling fans, cooler, etc
• Change to a low-carbon energy-providing system. For example, choose wind energy or solar energy over fossil fuel, like coal or petroleum.
• Start rejecting single-use plastics at shops. One small step like this initiated by you can bring change to an entire population.   

Wrapping It Up

To conclude, “ensuring environmental sustainability” should be the key principle of every single person on earth. Even business organizations must include “Reducing Environmental Impact” business models in their operations. Carbon footprint is a serious global issue that needs to be taken seriously. It’s time we should wake up and take a look at what we are doing to our mother earth and adopt the necessary measures.

Have any questions for us? Drop them in the comment area below!

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What Is Sustainable Development, And Why Is It So Important?