Reducing your carbon footprint Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reducing your carbon footprint - Research Paper Example The term itself, Carbon Footprint, has very little to do with drawings or the footsteps we make in the sand. In this case, the term is a metaphor for the way that our activities impact the resources of the planet. Carbon Footprints relate to the way we use the natural resources of the planet and how fast we use it. Therefore, a Carbon Footprint: â€Å"... is a shorthand to describe the best estimate that we can get of the full climate change impact of something. That something could be anything – an activity, an item, a lifestyle, a company, a country or even the whole world.† (Berners - Lee, Mike â€Å"What is a Carbon Footprint?†). Using this definition, it is easy to understand that we all participate in releasing carbon emissions and leaving our carbon footprints on the planet. Everything we do, from breathing to throwing away a piece of chewed up gum, has a direct effect on the health of the planet and our environment overall. That is why it is of the utmost importance that we learn to reduce our carbon footprints as we live our lifetime. Global warming is the method by which our planet is letting us know that it is ill. Since the signs of illness exist, it is up to us to cure it of the illness. Unlike human beings who can go to doctors for medication, our planet works differently. We are all its doctor. Our actions can either cure the illnes of make everything worse. According to Hayley Morris, founder and director of Impact Sustainability: Effective carbon management strategies along with corporate social responsibility provide us, as individuals and as businesses, with the foundation to ease that pressure and reduce the size of our carbon footprint that is stamping down on the tail of our beloved environment. Until recently as a society we have been coasting along the same old road, consuming every part of the environment we can possibly get our hands on without any regard for or awareness of the damage we may be doing to it (Morris , Hayley â€Å"reducing Carbon Footprint Benefits You and the Environment†). In other words, we are the cause of what is ailing the planet. By actively pursuing activities that increase carbon emissions into the air and decrease the planet's ability to reproduce our needed natural supplies such as food and chemicals for exygen creation, we are stifling the planet's ability to grow and nurture our existence on it. Climate change is a serious problem that is directly affected by the carbon footprint emissions that we make. In order to slow down or cure the problem, we must strive towards reducing these carbon footprint emissions as best as we can. For starters, we can do simple things such as unplugging appliances when not in use, using public transport or biking once or twice a week to reduce carbon monoxide in the air, buying energy efficient appliances, and properly insulating our homes for the cold months. By implementing these changes, we will find that reducing our carbon footprints also has positive outcomes for us as individuals. For example, opting to walk or take a bike ride rather than taking the car of public transport during short trips will increase our physical activity. This will lead to â€Å"reduced obesity and heart disease among the population while also providing our environment with reduced global CO2 emissions, small particle pollution, noise, and injuries. Another health related benefit of reduced carbon footprints is that by making better dietary choices, such as