Learn more about your Carbon Footprint
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on
the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases
produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.
Carbon Footprint Calculator
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator
Carbon Footprint Flight Calculator
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/flight
We all know that planes contribute large amounts of CO2 into the
atmosphere. We should all try not to fly if possible, but if you
have to, then you should be aware of the impact on the planet. This
calculator will show you how much you are responsible for, for your
individual flight.
Minimize your carbon footprint Today it is more important than ever
before. Not only are the developed western countries producing more
and more carbon emissions, but there is a growing problem as the
population in Africa and Asia start living improved lifestyles which
consume more energy.
We need to lead the way...
Did you know... Electricity is one of the biggest producers of
carbon emissions, so every time you make a coffee or turn the
television on you are adding to global warming. switch to green
energy
Here's a list of simple things you can do immediately, which will
start to reduce your contribution to global warming. The items in
this list will cost you no money at all and will in fact save you
money.
1. Sign up to a green energy supplier, who
will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind and
hydroelectric power) - this will reduce your carbon footprint
contribution from electricity to zero
2.Turn it off when not in use (lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, computer etc. etc. ...) Click here to find out which electrical items in your household are contribute the most to your Carbon Footprint
3. Turn down the central heating
slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees C)
Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a
significant saving)
4. Check the central heating timer setting - remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work
5. Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load - this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder
6. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need
7. Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging
8. Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly
9. Do your weekly shopping in a single trip
10. Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it
11. Go for a run rather than drive to the gym
The following is a list of items that may take an initial investment, but should pay for themselves over the course of 1-4 years through savings on your energy bills.
1. Fit energy saving light bulbs
2. Install thermostatic valves on your radiators
3. Insulate your hot water tank, your
loft and your walls
35% of heat generated in the house is lost through the walls.
Installing cavity wall installation to a medium size house could
reduce your heating bills by up to £100 per year
By installing 180mm thick loft insulation you could stop about 25%
of your heating escaping through the roof
4. Recycle your grey water
5. Replace your old fridge / freezer (if it is over 15 years old), with a new one with energy efficiency rating of "A"
6. Replace your old boiler with a new energy efficient condensing boiler
7. Travel less and travel more carbon footprint friendly.
8. Car share to work, or for the kids school run
9. Use the bus or a train rather than your car
10. Don't use domestic flights (e.g. from London to Edinburgh), use a train or a coach.
11. Take the ferry or channel tunnel instead of flying to France
12. See if your employer will allow you to work from home one day a week
13. Next time you replace your car - check out diesel engines. With one of these you can even make your own Biodiesel fuel. Find out more about Biodiesel.
14. When on holiday - hire a bicycle to explore locally rather than a car
15. When staying in a hotel turn the lights and air-conditioning off when you leave your hotel room
16. Ask for you room towels to be washed every other day, rather than every day
As well as your primary carbon footprint, there is also a secondary footprint that you cause through your buying habits. If you buy foods out of season at the super market, then these will have either been flown or shipped in from far away - all adding to your carbon footprint.
1. Reduce your consumption of meat
2. Don't buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink (especially if it has been shipped from far away)
3. Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own
4. Don't buy fresh fruit and vegetables which are out of season, they may have been flown in
5. Try to buy products made closer to home (look out and avoid items that are made in the distant lands such as China and India)
6. Buy organic produce
7. Don't buy over packaged products
8. Recycle as much as possible
Think carefully about the type of activities you do in your
spare time. Do any of these cause an increase in carbon emissions?
e.g. Saunas, Health clubs, restaurants and pubs, go-karting etc.
etc...
In addition there is your footprint at work. Do you leave your
computer and monitor on when you are away from your desk? Do you
leave the lights on when you leave the office? Do you print
documents unnecessarily - and could you print two pages to a side
and double sided?