Oxford Languages¹ defines carbon footprint: “the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fuels by a particular person, group, etc.” Despite the term’s prevalent presence in today’s woke society, I’ve found that the conversation on what it means doesn’t get much further than just that. As Betty Williams once said, “There’s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution.” So, this is my best attempt to openly discuss what it means– to me– and the small solutions I feel can make a big impact on curbing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, as a people. 

Defining the Problem

Recalling the knowledge learned in 5th grade science class, you may remember learning about the layers of earth’s atmosphere. Above the troposphere, where our airplanes fly, is the stratosphere. This is the portion of the sky where the ozone layer resides. It serves as a protective coat from the characteristics of the sun that are harmful to life on earth by absorbing the powerful radiation emitted from the sun before it reaches us. To highlight its importance, the National Environment Education Foundation states, “Life couldn’t exist without this protective ozone.” ² The emissions from certain human activities, such as transportation and electricity, result in the thinning of this protective coat. This raises concerns for DNA-mutating radiation levels, an alarming increase in skin cancer among the population, and more.³

The emitted compounds relative to Oxford’s definition of the carbon footprint are also referred to as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is because they contribute to the “greenhouse effect,” which accelerates the increase of global warming. Global warming is a major problem, because it contributes to the intensity and quantity of natural disasters (droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, etc.); rise in sea levels that disrupt the ecological equilibrium of oceans and contribute to flooding; and more. 

The outlined consequences of our carbon footprint are merely a prelude to the effects that it induces, and there are many factors absent from my description. In conclusion, the impact of our behaviors on the earth are not sustainable for the future of life on earth. Change is needed.

Small Solutions for a Big Impact

Taking personal accountability for the reduction of our carbon footprint is an important step to make a difference. There are carbon footprint calculators, like this one, that show alarming statistics of how we’re currently living. If your results aren’t alarming, thank you & kudos. However, for the majority, they will be a bit frightening. By understanding our personal day-to-day behavior’s effect on our carbon footprint, the path is paved for defining some ways to change certain habits. 

A detailed guide to some potential choices for reducing our carbon footprint is provided here. However, the list here provides some more general approaches to changing our habits. 

• Limit driving to only when necessary. For shorter trips, opt for a bike ride or walk.

• Eat locally. By sourcing your groceries near the purchasing site, the extra emissions that result from transporting and preserving the goods are minimized.

• Minimize food waste. The food production process contributes to GHG emissions.

• Practice conscious consumerism. Donate clothes rather than disposing of them, shop used at thrift stores, and look for sustainable brands. 

• Lower household energy usage. Turn off the lights, landscape with trees and shrubbery for insulation, and practice mindfulness when operating thermostats.

• Reuse. Before trashing items, think of potential repurposing services they can provide.

SOURCES

[1] https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/ 

[2] https://www.neefusa.org/scoop-stratospheric-ozone 

[3] https://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/world_avoided.html