What is a Carbon Footprint?

The Carbon Footprint is a big issue now a days and it should be. But how many of us truly know what a carbon footprint is? "A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service." Each of us has a carbon footprint, it is our impression in this world, its our clue of who we are and where we are headed. It measures, in terms of our contribution as an individual, our impact on the global climate. "Measured in carbon emissions, it's become an increasingly useful and popular tool to help contextualize global warming in our daily routines and lives." Once we understand what a carbon footprint is, the next question is, what can I do? It is important to realize your carbon footprint because from there you can start to reduce it; what goes up, must come down! and it is the same with the footprint you have created. You can reduce it in many ways, by simply being aware! It is in the food we eat the products we buy. Where has the food come from? Does it have chemicals in it? What is the furniture piece made of? What materials are used within it? Is is locally made? These are simple questions that we should be able to ask and get an answer for. If for some reason the company/retailer cannot give us an anwser a consumer should be very wary and second guess their purchase. A simple way to start lowering your carbon footprint is by thinking about things in terms of, how much gas was used to get a product to where it is today. If one product was flown in from China and the other product was made within your city, the product that was flown in has a way bigger footprint then the locally made product. Sounds damn simple eh! Well it is and it can be; if we start to think this way it will become easier and easier to lower our carbon footprint! What can be more important then making a difference in our life and in our environment! Remember it is only Kermit the Frog that can say "it isn't easy being green."

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!