Increasing Awareness about Our Impacts Through Carbon Footprints

“the first step in reducing your greenhouse gas emissions is to identify how much your household emits.”

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) )

The problem is that for economic growth to happen in our current world we have to use up resources and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) believes that in order to move to a more sustainable world, "we have to learn how to develop in a way that decouples pollution from prosperity”. We must all take responsibility for our individual choices to make sure the Earth’s natural resources are protected for future generations.

A carbon footprint is one way of measuring our impact and it is designed to help us understand the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases we are emitting. The amount of emissions we produce does vary depending on where we live and the choices we make. For example whether you use electricity or natural gas to fuel your home or if you drive or catch public transport to work will have a major impact on your own personal carbon footprint.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says “the first step in reducing your greenhouse gas emissions is to identify how much your household emits.” This means calculating your carbon footprint. Whilst it is known as a carbon footprint, this tool will account for a range of greenhouse gas emissions but these are simplified by measuring in units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

There are heaps of calculators online that can be very complex so it can all get very confusing, therefore it is best to choose one that comes from a reputable source. The EPA has developed an online calculator which is easy to use and that will give you a rough estimate of your personal or household carbon footprint. Or you can find one at: Carbonfootprint.com/

"we have to learn how to develop in a way that decouples pollution from prosperity”

(Source: The World Wildlife Fund

To help protect dolphins there is plenty we can do:

Support the work of an organization such as WDCS and WSPA. You can follow their work on Facebook.

Make a donation to help fund the dolphin protection campaigns all over the world.

Adopt a dolphin to help save these wonderful creatures.

Volunteer with a not-for-profit organization on a dolphin project.

Please learn more about global warming, and the decline of the forests. Teach your children and others about the importance of reducing waste, pollution and greenhouse gases.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Carbon Footprint.

Lucy Brake: Writer & Editor

Sharon Haddox: Writer, Editor & Designer
SeaGreenNews.com
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