Our Footprints on Earth

A carbon footprint is a way to evaluate one’s impact on the environment by measuring the total amount of greenhouse gases that are produced to maintain one’s lifestyle. It is these gases that are changing the earth’s climate.

1. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels in our everyday life, such as when we drive a car or turn on a light. We have direct control of these.

2. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the life cycle of products we use. To put it very simply – the more we buy the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.

    We can make many positive changes in our lifestyle that lower our carbon footprint. One way to is to buy carbon offsets. By supporting projects that lower carbon emissions you compensate for the carbon your lifestyle produces. For example, the average family of 4 produces 25 tons of carbon a year. By donating to a project such as a small windmillfor a family farm that takes out 3 tons carbon you are offsetting some of your carbon footprint. There are two important things to keep in mind for carbon offsetting to have a real positive impact. Each of us must continue to make changes in our own lifestyles. A carbon offset is not an excuse to increase our carbon output. Also be sure the project you are funding would not have happened without your support. Two good organizations for purchasing a carbon offset are

Native Energy http://www.nativeenergy.com/

The Nature Conservancy http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/activities/art23932.html