Carbon Footprint …

Footprints are what you see when you're walking on the sand, in the mud and when your feet are wet but there is also your Carbon Footprint which you can't see but is definitely there. It makes a big impact on the Earth and leaves a mark like your feet do in the sand and mud!

Your Carbon Footprint occurs when you use fossil fuels, like heating oil to keep your house warm or petrol for your family's car. These things create carbon dioxide, also called CO2. Carbon dioxide is called a greenhouse gas. Many scientists believe that greenhouse gases are making the earth too warm. Your carbon footprint is the total amount of CO2 you create. A big carbon footprint is bad for the planet.

There are a number of websites you can use too calculate your Carbon Footprint here is one example if you would like to try:  http://calc.zerofootprint.net/youth/

 

Energy Waste

Every time you use energy that comes from fossil fuels, you create CO2 and make your carbon footprint bigger. Think of CO2 as energy waste. It's what's leftover after you use fossil fuels. You create carbon dioxide every day.

Electricity

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, which is the part of the government that makes sure our environment is cared for, the electricity you use in your home creates the biggest part of your carbon footprint. Although electricity doesn't make greenhouse gases when you use it, the power plants that make the electricity do. Power plants that use coal to make electricity create the most CO2. Coal is another type of fossil fuel.

Heating Your Home

Keeping warm in the winter is the second biggest source of Carbon Dioxide, and it adds to your carbon footprint. Your house probably uses fossils fuels like oil, natural gas or electricity to keep you warm. The amount of Carbon Dioxide in your house may depend on the type of fuel you use and how high you set your thermostat. You also add to your carbon footprint when you run the air conditioner to stay cool in the summer time.

Making Your Carbon Footprint Smaller!

The best way to make your carbon footprint smaller is to use less electricity and less fossil fuels. Be sure to turn off your computer, television and lights when you're not using them. Lower the temperature in your house during the winter and raise it in the summer. Walk and bike whenever you can instead of using the car or bus. Reduce the amount of trash you create by recycling and reusing items.