What is a carbon footprint and how do you calculate it?
Carbon footprint, also known as 'ecological footprint' or 'carbon footprint', is a concept that has become one of the key indicators in the context of climate change and sustainable development. It represents the amount of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO₂), emitted into the atmosphere as a result of human activities or production processes. The carbon footprint is a measure of the human impact on global warming and is an indicator of the impact of our activities on the planet. How do you calculate it and reduce it? Check out our guide!
Why is the carbon footprint environmentally important?
Understanding and monitoring the carbon footprint is crucial because atmospheric emissions of the greenhouse gases methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide are a major cause of global warming and climate change. Increasing the Earth's temperature has serious consequences such as melting glaciers, extreme weather events, sea level rise and agricultural losses. Therefore, reducing CO₂ emissions is essential to stop these processes and ensure stable living conditions for future generations.
Calculating your carbon footprint - how do you do it?
Calculating your carbon footprint can be a complex task, but there are tools and calculators available online to help with the process. The basic elements that affect your carbon footprint are:
- Transport: the number of kilometres driven by car, how often you travel by air, the public transport you use or your bicycle.
- Energy: where does the energy you use come from? Energy from renewable sources has less impact on your carbon footprint.
- Food: the composition of your diet, the amount of food scraps you throw away, animal products have a greater impact on your carbon footprint than plant products.
- Water consumption: the production processes of food and everyday items can require significant amounts of water, which affects greenhouse gas emissions.
- Consumption and waste: what is your lifestyle? Buying and throwing away new things generates a larger carbon footprint than recycling and collecting used things.
How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
There are many ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint. Below are some practical tips:
- Save energy - use energy efficient appliances, insulate your home, use LED lighting and reduce your use of air conditioning.
- Renewable energy - if possible, install solar panels on your roof or choose an energy supplier that uses renewable sources. Take a look at our offer for Business Groups, or register on the REO Platform, where you can buy or sell your green energy to other consumers.
- Choose public transport, cycle or walk - avoid excessive car and plane use.
- Eco-diet - eat less meat and more vegetables, fruit and plant-based products. Animal products generate a much larger carbon footprint.
- Recycling and waste reduction - try to recycle and avoid excessive waste.
- Support sustainable brands - choose products and services from companies that actively care about the environment.
- Limit consumption - consider your needs before you buy anything. Always go shopping prepared with a shopping list - this will limit your consumption.
Reducing the carbon footprint - summary
The carbon footprint is an important tool in the fight against climate change. It is not just the task of individuals, but also of companies, governmental and international institutions. Cooperation on many levels is key to reducing CO₂ emissions and protecting our planet from the catastrophic effects of global warming. It is therefore worth striving to reduce your carbon footprint and encourage others to do the same.