#### Carbon footprint for an average person may range from 4 to 25 Tons of CO2 emissions.

1. Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint is the physical measure of impact inflicted on the environment caused by an individual or organization. Footprints are left behind in form of carbon derivatives or carbon compounds due to consumption of energy or while utilizing power.

-By definition, a carbon footprint is the total measure of products and by-products contributing to greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly to support human activities. It is usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon $(C)$ over a period of one year or tons of carbon-dioxide $(CO_2)$ over a period of one year.

2. Estimating Carbon Footprint?

Carbon Footprints are estimated based on cumulative or independent consumption of energy and power. As mentioned above, Carbon Footprints are estimated in terms of $(kg (CO_2)e/year)$(weight of carbon dioxide emissions per one year).  We have developed a simple estimator to approximate annual emissions for individuals or their families. Better ways to reduce individual carbon footprints are formulated by referencing this data.

3. Reduction of carbon footprint

Carbon Footprints are readily affected by how things are carried out in respective disciplines. Some of the changes that an individual can adopt are listed below:

(i) Car :

- Driving habits alone improve 25% to 30% in mileage, reducing approximately 1 ton of $(CO_2)/year$

- Accelerate slowly.

- Maintaining optimum tire pressure regularly.

- Regularly maintaining the car and keep it tuned up.

(ii) Home :

- Using CFL (compact fluorescent light) or LED lighting. They save around 10% to 30% energy at the minimum.

- Keeping the windows open whenever possible for light and air circulation.

- Cooling systems should be tuned and checked for energy star ratings during replacement or upgradations.

- Insulation work helps saves energy which in turn saves money while improving comfort.

- For home appliances and electronics, bigger isn't always better. Consider the total lifetime cost and the energy star rating.

- Unplug electronics to avoid 'vampire' energy loss.

(iii) Office :

- Enable power management so computers and monitors shut down.

- Print on both sides, it saves a lot of paper.

- Open windows to save on lights during the day and turn the lights off when not in use.

- Carpool to office or use the local transit.

4. Carbon credits

Carbon credit is an instrument that represents a ton of $(CO)_2$ or $(CO_2)_e$ removed or reduced from the atmosphere. Damage caused by carbon emissions generated directly or indirectly can be offset with the help of these credits.

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Carbon Footprint - Know, Learn and Understand at GreenSutra
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What is a Carbon Footprint? Understand what are its impacts and estimate your personal carbon footprint. Learn a few quick tips about how to reduce it.
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GreenSutra
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