Your carbon footprint is affecting our environment, one small action can make all the difference.
Your carbon footprint increases on a daily basis due to certain ‘normal’ activities within your routine. A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, released into the atmosphere as a result of human activity. The larger the footprint, the more severe and damaging its effect is on our environment, such as thinning the ozone layer and impacting the climate. The preservation of our environment is essential to ensure the longevity of the planet as well as guaranteeing access and opportunity to appreciate the natural physical phenomena’s, which are present today. Refusing to make conscious and active changes to benefit the environment will prevent future generations from observing and admiring such beauty.
The world’s average for an individual’s carbon footprint is at around 4000 kg each (annually) however, this figure is much higher when looking at the UK specifically. In the UK, an individual would have a footprint of about 10000kg. As time has progressed, the carbon footprints have increased massively and significantly due to the advancements in technology and westernization, such as modes of transport, different energy based products and machines and lifestyle choices. Despite offering luxury and assistance, these technologies do have negative impacts on the environment that are usually ignored or disregarded.
Unfortunately, there are certain things that go beyond our control and capabilities however, reducing our carbon footprint is something we can do. We can easily measure and calculate ways to reduce the amount of energy wasted and therefore, there is no reason as to why we shouldn’t. Contributing and gaining control of our surroundings is not only a source of power but it also acts as reassurance and comfort. Our actions and daily activities will be benefiting the environment.
The carbon footprint and its effect on climate and weather has an impact on the natural habitats of numerous species. Animals and organisms have a right to their own natural and suitable area however, our own actions, which are sometimes as a result of human greed, are affecting their lives and their chances of survival. According to the Nature Conservancy, one quarter of the Earth's species will be headed for extinction in 40 years if climate change increases at its current rate. Our carbon footprints are endangering innocent and unbelievable creatures, decreasing their life expectancy. Each individual has an impact on the life of another living organism and possibly another species.
Domestic properties, from households, account for 30% of the carbon dioxide emissions annually and therefore, making alterations to household lifestyle would have a great impact on the environment. A way in which you can reduce energy is to ensure that your light bulbs are energy efficient. When the weather is acceptable and warm, rather than placing the clothes in the dryer you could place it outside and let it dry. These are simple and easy ways to reduce the energy wasted by limiting the use of household appliances. Moreover, try and ensure that when you are not using an appliance, turn it off. The reality is really that simple!
We need to create a sustainable world whereby, our immediate response is to reuse rather than remove. Try to conserve and improve what is already there. Our society should be promoting recyclability and conservation, this is the place to start.
Preserve the beauty and protect the planet!
