Carbon Footprint

The amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the air by our activities is what constitutes our carbon footprint. Most of it comes from the burning of fossil fuels. You may think you don't burn much in the way of fossil fuels, but when you think about it, nearly everything we do releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere; not just burning fuel to keep warm.

Driving the car, flying, cooking meals and doing the washing all contribute to our carbon footprint because fuel of some kind is always used in the process. Driving and flying burns fuel, but fuel has also been used in bringing it to the point of access. Fuel is used to pump it into our vehicles. Fuel is used to run our washing machines, air-conditioners, dishwashers and lighting to name just a few. But fuel is also used in making these products we use every day.

The best part of reducing our carbon footprint is the fact that doing so will also reduce our cost of living. It can often make us healthier, too. When we choose to walk or cycle instead of driving we get fitter. If we don another jumper rather than turning up the heat, or wait for a full load of washing rather than washing just one or two garments, we save costs. While if we choose to eat more salads we save on cooking fuel and become healthier.

Mel writes about various topics about reducing your carbon footprint to sustainable living.